Is Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania a Catholic college?

No. Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania is not a Catholic college. Catholic School Compass rates the Catholic life on its campus instead. Catholic students are served by Bloomsburg University Catholic Campus Ministry (Newman House).

Where is Mass celebrated at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania?

Mass is listed at Newman House Chapel, 353 E. 2nd Street and St. Columba Parish (3rd & Iron Streets). Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.

College · Catholic life on campus

Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania

LocationBloomsburg, PA
Type and sizePublic · 4-year · 11,088 students

Official website

Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania is not a Catholic college. This rating measures Catholic life on campus: campus ministry, priests, Mass and confession, student groups, and nearby parishes.

Bloomsburg University's Catholic Campus Ministry is based in the Newman House at 353 East Second Street, a short walk down the hill from Carver Hall, which has a chapel for Mass and prayer. Its director, Fr. Aaron Lynch, also serves a parish; the fall 2026 schedule lists Mass on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:45 AM and Sundays at 4:00 PM at the Newman House, and confession on several days each week.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 3

Tuesday, Thursday8:45 AMNewman House Chapel, 353 E. 2nd Street · Fall 2026 schedule.
Sunday4:00 PMNewman House Chapel, 353 E. 2nd Street · Fall 2026 schedule.
Wednesday7:30 AMSt. Columba Parish (3rd & Iron Streets) · Listed on the ministry's Pray page; a parish Mass, not at the Newman House.

Confession 3

Sunday3:00 PMNot stated on the Pray page · Fall 2026 schedule; also by appointment.
Monday8:00 PMNot stated on the Pray page · Fall 2026 schedule; also by appointment.
Tuesday, Thursday8:30 AMNot stated on the Pray page · Fall 2026 schedule; also by appointment.

Times come only from official parish, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 12, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)

Pray | Bloomsburg University Catholic Campus Ministrybloomucatholic.org/pray · verified Oct. 12, 2026
“Tuesdays & Thursdays Mass at 8:45 am”
Mass is celebrated at 8:45 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays (fall 2026).
“Sunday Mass at 4:00 pm Newman House Chapel (2nd floor - 353 E 2nd Street)”
Mass is celebrated at 4:00 PM on Sundays in the Newman House chapel (fall 2026).
“Wednesdays Mass at 7:30 am”
Mass is celebrated at 7:30 AM on Wednesdays at St. Columba Parish (fall 2026).
“Sundays @ 3:00 pm Mondays @ 8:00 pm Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 8:30 am”
Confession is scheduled on Sundays at 3:00 PM, Mondays at 8:00 PM, and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:30 AM (fall 2026).
“Sundays @ 3:00 pm Mondays @ 8:00 pm Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 8:30 am”
Confession is scheduled on Sundays at 3:00 PM, Mondays at 8:00 PM, and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:30 AM (fall 2026).
“Sundays @ 3:00 pm Mondays @ 8:00 pm Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 8:30 am”
Confession is scheduled on Sundays at 3:00 PM, Mondays at 8:00 PM, and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:30 AM (fall 2026).

Catholic churches nearby

CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›

Newman House Catholic Campus Ministry — 0.3 mi

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.

Catholic life scorecard

Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.

Catholic life on campus

73 of 100 points on what we could document.

Yes:
Catholic campus ministry serving this campus (Catholic center, campus ministry, or chaplaincy)Yes (The diocesan campus ministry page lists a Catholic Campus Minister for Bloomsburg University, and the ministry's own site serves the campus.)
Sources (2)
1. Bloomsburg CCMbloomucatholic.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “This is the home of the Caritas Student Fellowship at Bloomsburg University.”
  The Newman House is the home of the Caritas Student Fellowship at Bloomsburg University.
2. Campus Ministry | Diocese of Harrisburghbgdiocese.org/clev/youth-and-young-adult/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Bloomsburg University, Bloomsburg Rev Aaron Lynch Catholic Campus Minister”
  The Diocese of Harrisburg lists a Catholic Campus Minister for Bloomsburg University.
Yes:
Dedicated Catholic center or chapel on or next to campusYes (Chapel for Mass and prayer in the Newman House, which is just down the hill from Carver Hall.)
Sources (1)
1. Bloomsburg CCMbloomucatholic.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “We have a chapel for Mass and prayer, a fully-equipped kitchen, a dining room, a living room with a TV, and space for study groups.”
  The Newman House has a chapel for Mass and prayer, a kitchen, dining and living rooms, and study space.
  “We are located at 353 East Second Street—the brick house (and the 4th house on the right) down the hill from Carver Hall.”
  The Newman House is down the hill from Carver Hall, a short distance from campus.
Partly:
Priest chaplain assigned to campus ministryPart-time or shared priest (Fr. Aaron Lynch is director and is also parochial vicar at Saint Columba Parish and Christ the King Mission, Benton.)
Sources (1)
1. Meet Us | Bloomsburg University Catholic Campus Ministrybloomucatholic.org/meet-us · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “He has served as Chaplain at Bloomsburg University and Parochial Vicar at Saint Columba Parish, Bloomsburg and Christ the King Mission, Benton, since June, 2025.”
  Fr. Aaron Lynch serves as chaplain at Bloomsburg University and as parochial vicar at two parishes.
  “Fr. Aaron Lynch [Director]”
  Fr. Aaron Lynch is the Director of the Catholic Campus Ministry.
Partly:
Weekday Mass at the campus ministry1–4 weekdays (Two weekdays (Tuesday and Thursday) at 8:45 AM in the Newman House chapel. The Wednesday Mass at St. Columba Parish is not counted.)
Sources (1)
1. Pray | Bloomsburg University Catholic Campus Ministrybloomucatholic.org/pray · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Tuesdays & Thursdays Mass at 8:45 am”
  Mass is celebrated at 8:45 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays (fall 2026).
  “Tues. & Thurs. Mass @ Newman House Chapel”
  The Tuesday and Thursday Masses are held in the Newman House chapel.
Partly:
Sunday Mass at the campus ministry or a campus chapelOne weekend Mass (One weekend Mass: Sunday at 4:00 PM in the Newman House chapel.)
Sources (1)
1. Pray | Bloomsburg University Catholic Campus Ministrybloomucatholic.org/pray · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Sunday Mass at 4:00 pm Newman House Chapel (2nd floor - 353 E 2nd Street)”
  Mass is celebrated at 4:00 PM on Sundays in the Newman House chapel (fall 2026).
Yes:
Scheduled confession at the campus ministryWeekly or more often (Scheduled confession on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, as listed on the fall 2026 Pray page; also by appointment.)
Sources (1)
1. Pray | Bloomsburg University Catholic Campus Ministrybloomucatholic.org/pray · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Sundays @ 3:00 pm Mondays @ 8:00 pm Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 8:30 am”
  Confession is scheduled on Sundays at 3:00 PM, Mondays at 8:00 PM, and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:30 AM (fall 2026).
Partly:
Catholic student groups and missionary outreach (e.g., FOCUS, Saint Paul's Outreach, Knights of Columbus, Bible studies)One (Caritas Student Fellowship is the student group based at the Newman House. Men's and women's small groups are ministry programs, not counted.)
Sources (1)
1. Bloomsburg CCMbloomucatholic.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “This is the home of the Caritas Student Fellowship at Bloomsburg University.”
  The Newman House is the home of the Caritas Student Fellowship at Bloomsburg University.
Yes:
Formation programs (retreats, OCIA/RCIA, service, small groups)Two or more kinds (Kinds listed: OCIA (formation), small groups and faith formation, retreats (Cor ad Cor and a fall leadership retreat), and service.)
Sources (5)
1. Pray | Bloomsburg University Catholic Campus Ministrybloomucatholic.org/pray · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Monday 6pm-7:30p Emmaus Group (women and men)”
  The ministry lists a weekly Emmaus Group on Mondays from 6:00 to 7:30 PM for fall 2026.
2. Small Groups | Bloomsburg University Catholic Campus Ministrybloomucatholic.org/small-groups · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “We invite you to text us at 570-940-9248 to learn about the small group opportunities this semester!”
  The ministry offers small groups each semester and invites students to inquire by text.
3. Become Catholic | Bloomsburg University Catholic Campus Ministrybloomucatholic.org/become-catholic · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “and it is the process by which adults enter the Catholic Church.”
  The ministry describes an OCIA process for adults entering the Catholic Church.
4. Connect | Bloomsburg University Catholic Campus Ministrybloomucatholic.org/community · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “In the spring, there is Cor-ad-Cor, an intimate, uplifting CCM diocesan retreat held out of state.”
  The ministry offers a spring diocesan retreat, Cor-ad-Cor, held out of state.
  “In the fall, the Caritas Leadership Team takes time away for a mini-weekend retreat to plan exciting faith-enlivening events for your academic year.”
  The Caritas Leadership Team holds a fall mini-weekend retreat.
5. Service | Bloomsburg University Catholic Campus Ministrybloomucatholic.org/service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “we serve others through acts of mercy: joining the Big Event, sorting clothes for Bloomsburg Fair workers, visitng the elderly”
  The ministry runs service activities including the Big Event and visits to the elderly.
Yes:
Catholic church within walking distance (computed from OpenStreetMap)Within 1 mile of campusComputed from OpenStreetMap church locations.
Partly:
Published weekly schedule of Mass, confession, and adoration6 to 11 times a week (8 weekly times documented: 4 Mass, 4 confession, 0 adoration.)Computed from the verified Mass, confession, and adoration times listed on this page (each day a time is offered counts once).

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Strengths

Mass is offered at the Newman House chapel on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and confession is scheduled several days each week.
Sources (1)
1. Pray | Bloomsburg University Catholic Campus Ministrybloomucatholic.org/pray · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Sunday Mass at 4:00 pm Newman House Chapel (2nd floor - 353 E 2nd Street)”
  Mass is celebrated at 4:00 PM on Sundays in the Newman House chapel (fall 2026).
  “Tuesdays & Thursdays Mass at 8:45 am”
  Mass is celebrated at 8:45 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays (fall 2026).
  “Sundays @ 3:00 pm Mondays @ 8:00 pm Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 8:30 am”
  Confession is scheduled on Sundays at 3:00 PM, Mondays at 8:00 PM, and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:30 AM (fall 2026).
The ministry lists OCIA, small groups, retreats, and service projects.
Sources (4)
1. Small Groups | Bloomsburg University Catholic Campus Ministrybloomucatholic.org/small-groups · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “We invite you to text us at 570-940-9248 to learn about the small group opportunities this semester!”
  The ministry offers small groups each semester and invites students to inquire by text.
2. Become Catholic | Bloomsburg University Catholic Campus Ministrybloomucatholic.org/become-catholic · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “and it is the process by which adults enter the Catholic Church.”
  The ministry describes an OCIA process for adults entering the Catholic Church.
3. Connect | Bloomsburg University Catholic Campus Ministrybloomucatholic.org/community · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “In the spring, there is Cor-ad-Cor, an intimate, uplifting CCM diocesan retreat held out of state.”
  The ministry offers a spring diocesan retreat, Cor-ad-Cor, held out of state.
4. Service | Bloomsburg University Catholic Campus Ministrybloomucatholic.org/service · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “we serve others through acts of mercy: joining the Big Event, sorting clothes for Bloomsburg Fair workers, visitng the elderly”
  The ministry runs service activities including the Big Event and visits to the elderly.

Concerns

Weekday Mass is listed on two days, and the Wednesday Mass is at St. Columba Parish rather than the Newman House.
Sources (1)
1. Pray | Bloomsburg University Catholic Campus Ministrybloomucatholic.org/pray · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Tuesdays & Thursdays Mass at 8:45 am”
  Mass is celebrated at 8:45 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays (fall 2026).
  “Wednesdays Mass at 7:30 am”
  Mass is celebrated at 7:30 AM on Wednesdays at St. Columba Parish (fall 2026).
The Newman House is listed as open to university students, and visitors who are not students are asked to arrange a visit in advance.
Sources (1)
1. Bloomsburg CCMbloomucatholic.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “This house is open for university students”
  The Newman House is open to university students.
  “If you are not a university student and need to visit the Newman House for any reason, please contact Fr. Aaron Lynch or the Associate Director in advance to arrange your visit.”
  Visitors who are not university students are asked to contact the ministry in advance.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

The Catholic center

Newman House (Bloomsburg University Catholic Campus Ministry)

Address: 353 E. 2nd Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815
Location: Next to campus
Distance from campus: 0.3 mi (straight line from the campus point in federal IPEDS data)
Facilities: chapel, kitchen, dining room, living room, study space

View on map ↗

Source: bloomucatholic.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026, bloomucatholic.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026, bloomucatholic.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

9 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 1 off campus, 8 location not published

Retreats 2

Cor ad Cor retreatOff campus
Spring semester
Intimate diocesan campus ministry retreat held out of state.
bloomucatholic.org
Caritas Leadership Team fall retreat
Fall semester
Mini-weekend retreat for the Caritas Leadership Team to plan the year's events.
bloomucatholic.org

Faith formation 3

Emmaus Group
Mondays, 6:00 to 7:30 PM (fall 2026)
Weekly faith formation group for women and men.
bloomucatholic.org
Men's and women's small groups
To be determined; students are asked to text for details
Small Christian community groups for men and for women, offered each semester.
bloomucatholic.org, bloomucatholic.org
OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults)
Process for adults interested in becoming Catholic, with inquiry, catechumenate, and mystagogy phases.
bloomucatholic.org

Clubs and groups 1

Caritas Student Fellowship
Student fellowship based at the Newman House, the home of the Catholic Campus Ministry at Bloomsburg University.
bloomucatholic.org

Liturgy and prayer 1

Evening Prayer and Bite Nite
Wednesdays at 5:15 PM
Evening Prayer at the Newman House, with an open dinner (Bite Nite) to follow.
bloomucatholic.org, bloomucatholic.org

Service 1

Service projects
Acts of mercy such as the Big Event, sorting clothes for Bloomsburg Fair workers, visiting the elderly, writing to the lonely, and preparing meals for the local community.
bloomucatholic.org

Social life 1

Themed parties and gatherings
Themed celebrations through the year at the Newman House, such as Oktoberfest, the Super Bowl, Christmas, and Cinco de Mayo.
bloomucatholic.org

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the parish. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Catholic campus ministry

Sources (2)

Bloomsburg CCMbloomucatholic.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
“This is the home of the Caritas Student Fellowship at Bloomsburg University.”
The Newman House is the home of the Caritas Student Fellowship at Bloomsburg University.
“This is the home of the Caritas Student Fellowship at Bloomsburg University.”
The Newman House is the home of the Caritas Student Fellowship at Bloomsburg University.
“353 E. 2nd Street Bloomsburg, PA, 17815”
The Newman House address is 353 E. 2nd Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815.
“We are located at 353 East Second Street—the brick house (and the 4th house on the right) down the hill from Carver Hall.”
The Newman House is down the hill from Carver Hall, a short distance from campus.
“We have a chapel for Mass and prayer, a fully-equipped kitchen, a dining room, a living room with a TV, and space for study groups.”
The Newman House has a chapel for Mass and prayer, a kitchen, dining and living rooms, and study space.
Campus Ministry | Diocese of Harrisburghbgdiocese.org/clev/youth-and-young-adult/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
“Bloomsburg University, Bloomsburg Rev Aaron Lynch Catholic Campus Minister”
The Diocese of Harrisburg lists a Catholic Campus Minister for Bloomsburg University.

Reach out

Contact details for Rev. Aaron Lynch (Director, Catholic Campus Ministry) and the campus ministry are available to signed-in users.

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My rating and notes

Academic Excellence

58 of 100

From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

Graduation rate 35% of score54%
First-year retention 20% of score78%
Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreSAT 1,090
Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of score19 to 1
Instructional spending per student 15% of score$10,722

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Value and outcomes
Undergraduate students Fall enrollment (IPEDS)	9,967
Total students	11,088
Average net price (per year) After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid	$15,699
Cost of attendance (per year)	$25,161
Median federal debt at graduation	$26,000
Graduation rate First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time	54%
First-year retention	78%
Median earnings 10 years after entry	$52,416
Admission rate	93%
Students receiving Pell grants	32%

Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT	1090
SAT reading & writing	500–600
SAT math	490–590
ACT composite	—
Test policy	Considered but not required

Value index: 52 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Local Church

Diocese of Harrisburg

The Most Reverend Timothy C. Senior, Bishop of Harrisburg

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Source: usccb.org, verified Oct. 7, 2026.

Diocese determined from the county, using the diocese’s county list (Wikipedia). Confirm with the diocese.

About this school’s data

IPEDS unit ID 498562
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
Report an error or a newer source
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Questions families ask

Is Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania a Catholic college?: No. Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania is not a Catholic college. Catholic School Compass rates the Catholic life on its campus instead. Catholic students are served by Bloomsburg University Catholic Campus Ministry (Newman House).
What is Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania’s Catholic Life Score?: 69 out of 100 (grade B). It measures Catholic life on campus: campus ministry, priests, Mass and confession, student groups, and nearby parishes, together with academics.
Where is Mass celebrated at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania?: Mass is listed at Newman House Chapel, 353 E. 2nd Street and St. Columba Parish (3rd & Iron Streets). Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.

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