Catholic School CompassTrue north for Catholic families.
Aerial view of Lewis University
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic college

Lewis University

  • LocationRomeoville, IL
  • Type and sizePrivate nonprofit · 4-year · 6,636 students
  • SponsorDe La Salle Christian Brothers (Brothers of the Christian Schools), Midwest District
  • TraditionLasallian
Official website

Lewis University is a Catholic university in Romeoville, Illinois, sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers since 1960. University Ministry, based at the San Miguel Center for Mission and Ministry with the Sancta Alberta Chapel, lists a Servite priest as University Chaplain among five ministry staff and offers five retreats. The general education program includes a Foundation Core area in Catholic and Lasallian Values.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Lewis University, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.5 mi1 mi2 miSaint Joseph's Catholic Church: 1.7 mi1Saint Dennis Roman Catholic Church: 1.8 mi2San Miguel Center for Mission and Ministry (Sancta Alberta Chapel and LaGrippe Pastoral Center): 0.2 miLewis University (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Joseph's Catholic Church — 1.7 mi
  2. Saint Dennis Roman Catholic Church — 1.8 mi

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

Faith 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.

N/ASacramental life: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Sacramental life

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Weekday Mass on campus during the academic yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Sunday Mass on campus (including Saturday vigil)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Scheduled confession on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Eucharistic adorationNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priests serving studentsAt least one full-time priest chaplain (or a resident community of priests serving campus ministry) (Fr. Paul Novak, OSM, is listed on the University Ministry staff page as University Chaplain / Campus Minister.)
    Sources (1)
    1. University Ministry | Ministry Stafflewisu.edu/studentservices/ministry/staff.htm · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Fr. Paul Novak, OSM University Chaplain / Campus Minister pnovak@lewisu.edu”
      A Servite priest, Fr. Paul Novak, OSM, is the University Chaplain.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel open for prayer on campusYes
    Sources (1)
    1. University Ministry | Additional Faith Resourceslewisu.edu/studentservices/ministry/worship/faith-resources.htm · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “The Sancta Alberta Chapel and Victoria LaGrippe Meditation Garden are open daily for prayer 8am to 9pm.”
      The campus chapel is open daily for prayer from 8 am to 9 pm.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Published weekly schedule of Mass, confession, and adorationNot enough information: no verified Mass times are recorded.
N/ATheology and core curriculum: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Theology and core curriculum

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Theology or religious studies courses required of all bachelor's studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Required theology includes explicitly Catholic content (Scripture, Catholic tradition, sacraments)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Philosophy courses required of all bachelor's studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Core curriculum explicitly draws on the Catholic intellectual traditionYes, stated in the catalog or core description (The general education page presents 'Catholic and Lasallian Values' as one of the two areas of the Foundation Core, which it describes as specific courses that, with few exceptions, all students take.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Academics | General Education Curriculumlewisu.edu/gened · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Catholic and Lasallian Values, where students discover how to use their knowledge and talents to further social justice in conversation with our Lasallian heritage.”
      Catholic and Lasallian Values is an area of the general education Foundation Core focused on social justice.
      “With few exceptions, these are specific courses that all students take.”
      The Foundation Core consists of specific courses that, with few exceptions, all students take.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Theology or religious studies major offeredYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Theology Bachelor’s Degreelewisu.edu/academics/theology · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Pastoral Ministry – serves as a Pre-Seminary program or direct career path into a pastoral position, working with either youth or adults.”
      The Theology B.A. is offered, with concentrations including Pastoral Ministry (a pre-seminary path).
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Publicly affirms Ex Corde Ecclesiae in mission or governance documentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
ACampus culture and residence life: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Campus culture and residence life

91 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffing (chaplains, ministers, and professional staff)Five or more (5 professional staff listed: Director of Mission and Ministry, University Chaplain, Mission and Ministry Associate (Christian Brother), Associate Director, and Hispanic/Latine Campus Minister. A graduate assistant is not counted.)
    Sources (1)
    1. University Ministry | Ministry Stafflewisu.edu/studentservices/ministry/staff.htm · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Nia White Director of Mission and Ministry (815) 836-5617 nwhite1@lewisu.edu”
      Nia White is Director of Mission and Ministry; her phone and email are published.
      “Fr. Paul Novak, OSM University Chaplain / Campus Minister pnovak@lewisu.edu”
      A Servite priest, Fr. Paul Novak, OSM, is the University Chaplain.
      “Venus Wozniak Associate Director of Mission & Ministry (815) 836-5226 vwozniak1@lewisu.edu”
      Venus Wozniak is Associate Director of Mission & Ministry.
      “Br. Rob Veselsky, FSC Mission and Ministry Associate veselsro@lewisu.edu”
      Br. Rob Veselsky, FSC, is a Mission and Ministry Associate.
      “Senior Advisor for Mission Integration & Hispanic/Latine Campus Minister”
      Dr. Carmen Arellano serves as Senior Advisor for Mission Integration and Hispanic/Latine Campus Minister.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Retreats offered to students each yearFour or more distinct retreats (Five retreats listed for 2026-2027: LUK 2.0 Digging Deeper, Soar, Graduates Toolbox, Busy Person's Retreat, and Lewis University Koinonia.)
    Sources (1)
    1. University Ministry | Retreatslewisu.edu/studentservices/ministry/retreats · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “This is a wilderness retreat experience with hiking and camping. We set out to explore the natural environment of Starved Rock State Park.”
      LUK 2.0 Digging Deeper is a fall wilderness retreat at Starved Rock State Park.
      “Soar is a one-day retreat experience that answers the 300 year old question: what does it mean to be Lasallian?”
      Soar is a one-day fall retreat on Lasallian heritage.
      “This retreat is an evening of reflection for graduating seniors.”
      Graduates Toolbox is a fall evening retreat for seniors.
      “This is a week-long experience positioned at the start of Lent. We provide daily on-your-own reflections that take 10-15 minutes.”
      The Busy Person's Retreat is a week-long retreat at the start of Lent with a spiritual companion.
      “Koinonia is a weekend get-away retreat hosted at LaSalle Manor in Plano, IL.”
      Lewis University Koinonia is a spring weekend retreat at LaSalle Manor in Plano, Illinois.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic student organizations and faith-formation groupsThree or more (Peer-minister faith-sharing groups (COGs) in the residence halls, prayer groups and Bible studies, the Sancta Alberta Choir, and the Catholic Educators Club.)
    Sources (4)
    1. University Ministry | Community Gatheringslewisu.edu/studentservices/ministry/community-gatherings.htm · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “You can join the prayer groups, bible studies, and other groups by reaching out to the peers or the staff members.”
      University Ministry runs prayer groups and Bible studies.
    2. University Ministry | Peer Ministerslewisu.edu/studentservices/ministry/peer · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Providing regular social events, service opportunities, and faith-sharing groups, or COGs (Community Outreach Groups), each semester to nurture community within a respective residence hall”
      Peer ministers run social events, service opportunities, and faith-sharing groups in each residence hall.
      “As a Peer Minister, you will help foster the spiritual, emotional and social growth of resident students”
      Peer ministers serve resident students in the residence halls.
    3. University Ministry | Music Ministrylewisu.edu/studentservices/ministry/worship/music-ministry.htm · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “The Sancta Alberta Choir are singers and musicians that use their gifts to give praise and inspire our community members.”
      The Sancta Alberta Choir provides music for liturgy; practice is on Sundays at 6 pm.
    4. Theology | Clubs and Student Organizationslewisu.edu/academics/theology/organizations.htm · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Catholic Educators Club”
      A Catholic Educators Club is listed among on-campus student opportunities.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Single-sex residence optionsSingle-sex floors or wings only (Residence halls are listed as co-ed by floor or co-ed by section.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Residence Life | Upper-class & Graduate Residence Hallslewisu.edu/studentservices/housing/halls/residencehalls-upperclassmen.htm · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “De La Salle Hall South, referred to as “D-South” by students, is a co-ed residence hall, males and females separated by floor, which hosts 61 residents.”
      Upper-class halls are co-ed with men and women separated by floor or section.
    2. Residence Life | First-Year Residence Hallslewisu.edu/studentservices/housing/halls/residencehalls-freshman.htm · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Sheil Hall offers double occupancy rooms for 140 first-year residents. This residence hall is co-ed by floor.”
      First-year halls are co-ed by floor.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Overnight guest policy in residence hallsVisitation hours or guest limits apply (Visitation hours apply (Sunday-Thursday 9 am to midnight, Friday-Saturday 9 am to 2 am); overnight guests must be registered and are limited in number and frequency.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Lewis University Student Handbook 2026-2027lewisu.edu/studenthandbook/Student-Handbook-2026-2027.pdf · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Overnight guests are subject to specific Residence Life policies, including duration limits and registration requirements.”
      Overnight guests in the residence halls must be registered and are subject to duration limits.
      “Individuals are considered “Overnight” after visitation hours end.”
      Residence halls have set visitation hours, after which guests are treated as overnight guests.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall chaplains, hall Masses, or faith-based living communities)Yes (University Ministry peer ministers are assigned to residence halls and run faith-sharing groups there.)
    Sources (1)
    1. University Ministry | Peer Ministerslewisu.edu/studentservices/ministry/peer · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Providing regular social events, service opportunities, and faith-sharing groups, or COGs (Community Outreach Groups), each semester to nurture community within a respective residence hall”
      Peer ministers run social events, service opportunities, and faith-sharing groups in each residence hall.
      “As a Peer Minister, you will help foster the spiritual, emotional and social growth of resident students”
      Peer ministers serve resident students in the residence halls.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Office or senior officer for mission and Catholic identityYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Office of Mission & Identitylewisu.edu/welcome/offices/mission · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “The Office of Mission & Identity is responsible for programs and activities that engage, celebrate, and support the University community’s development in and understanding of our Mission, Catholic identity, and Lasallian heritage.”
      An Office of Mission & Identity is responsible for the university's mission and Catholic identity.
      “Dr. Kurt Schackmuth, Vice President for Student Life and Chief Mission Officer”
      A Vice President serves as Chief Mission Officer.
AService and Catholic social teaching: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Service and Catholic social teaching

88 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service or volunteer centerYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Office of Community Engagement and Experiential Learning (CEEL)lewisu.edu/ceel · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “The Office of Community Engagement and Experiential Learning (CEEL) serves as a connector of students, faculty, staff and community partners for community engagement at Lewis University.”
      Lewis has an Office of Community Engagement and Experiential Learning.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Service-learning or community engagement in the curriculumAvailable (courses or programs)
    Sources (1)
    1. Community Engaged Learning (CEL) Courseslewisu.edu/ceel/cel-courses.htm · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Community Engaged Learning (CEL) is a type of Experiential Learning that integrates academic coursework with meaningful engagement in the community.”
      Community Engaged Learning (service-learning) courses are offered.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic social teaching in the curriculum (course, minor, center, or core requirement)Part of the required core (The required Foundation Core includes 'Catholic and Lasallian Values', described as furthering social justice in conversation with the Lasallian heritage. The Peace and Justice Studies program also describes itself as rooted in Catholic social teaching.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Academics | General Education Curriculumlewisu.edu/gened · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Catholic and Lasallian Values, where students discover how to use their knowledge and talents to further social justice in conversation with our Lasallian heritage.”
      Catholic and Lasallian Values is an area of the general education Foundation Core focused on social justice.
      “With few exceptions, these are specific courses that all students take.”
      The Foundation Core consists of specific courses that, with few exceptions, all students take.
    2. Peace and Justice Studies, B.A. | Visionlewisu.edu/academics/peacejustice/vision.htm · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Rooted in Catholic social teaching and shaped by Lasallian praxis, the Peace and Justice Studies program is interdisciplinary.”
      The Peace and Justice Studies major and minor describe themselves as rooted in Catholic social teaching.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Pro-life engagement (student pro-life group, support for pregnant and parenting students, or institutional initiatives)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersion trips, poverty, migration, or care-for-creation initiatives)Two or more (Social Justice Pilgrimages through University Ministry, Catalyst Social Justice retreats in Chicago, the Catholic Relief Services Corps Ambassadors program, and the University Ministry food pantry.)
    Sources (3)
    1. University Ministry | In the Newslewisu.edu/studentservices/ministry/news.htm · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Fourteen Lewis University students are immersed in a unique travel study experience in Italy from January 1-11 as part of a Social Justice Pilgrimage offered through University Ministry.”
      University Ministry offers Social Justice Pilgrimages (Italy, January 2025; France, February 2026).
    2. De La Salle Christian Brothers at Lewis Universitylewisu.edu/welcome/brothers.htm · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “he is active in the University’s Catholic Relief Service Corps Ambassadors program which is committed to assisting the poor and vulnerable by promoting social justice and peace.”
      Lewis has a Catholic Relief Services Corps Ambassadors program.
      “Brother Thomas also volunteers annually through University Ministry to accompany the students and staff on the Catalyst Social Justice retreats in Chicago.”
      University Ministry runs annual Catalyst Social Justice retreats in Chicago.
    3. University Ministry | Food Pantrylewisu.edu/studentservices/ministry/pantry.htm · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “The Food Pantry was established in 2019 to help support students facing food insecurity.”
      University Ministry operates a student food pantry, open Tuesdays and Fridays 11 am-1 pm.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Catholic mission (run with campus ministry or the mission office, or framed by Catholic social teaching)Yes
    Sources (3)
    1. University Ministry | Peer Ministerslewisu.edu/studentservices/ministry/peer · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Providing regular social events, service opportunities, and faith-sharing groups, or COGs (Community Outreach Groups), each semester to nurture community within a respective residence hall”
      Peer ministers run social events, service opportunities, and faith-sharing groups in each residence hall.
    2. De La Salle Christian Brothers at Lewis Universitylewisu.edu/welcome/brothers.htm · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Brother Thomas also volunteers annually through University Ministry to accompany the students and staff on the Catalyst Social Justice retreats in Chicago.”
      University Ministry runs annual Catalyst Social Justice retreats in Chicago.
    3. About Us | Mission Statementlewisu.edu/welcome/mission.htm · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “The University is committed to enhancing a sensitivity to, and an understanding of, the causes of poverty, injustice and oppression, leading to service and social action within the local community and beyond.”
      The mission statement ties service and social action to the university's Catholic and Lasallian values.

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

Strengths

  • A priest, Fr. Paul Novak, OSM, is listed as University Chaplain, one of five professional staff in University Ministry.
    Sources (1)
    1. University Ministry | Ministry Stafflewisu.edu/studentservices/ministry/staff.htm · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Nia White Director of Mission and Ministry (815) 836-5617 nwhite1@lewisu.edu”
      Nia White is Director of Mission and Ministry; her phone and email are published.
      “Fr. Paul Novak, OSM University Chaplain / Campus Minister pnovak@lewisu.edu”
      A Servite priest, Fr. Paul Novak, OSM, is the University Chaplain.
      “Venus Wozniak Associate Director of Mission & Ministry (815) 836-5226 vwozniak1@lewisu.edu”
      Venus Wozniak is Associate Director of Mission & Ministry.
      “Br. Rob Veselsky, FSC Mission and Ministry Associate veselsro@lewisu.edu”
      Br. Rob Veselsky, FSC, is a Mission and Ministry Associate.
      “Senior Advisor for Mission Integration & Hispanic/Latine Campus Minister”
      Dr. Carmen Arellano serves as Senior Advisor for Mission Integration and Hispanic/Latine Campus Minister.
  • University Ministry lists five retreats for 2026-2027, including the weekend Koinonia retreat and a Lenten retreat with a spiritual companion.
    Sources (1)
    1. University Ministry | Retreatslewisu.edu/studentservices/ministry/retreats · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “This is a wilderness retreat experience with hiking and camping. We set out to explore the natural environment of Starved Rock State Park.”
      LUK 2.0 Digging Deeper is a fall wilderness retreat at Starved Rock State Park.
      “This is a week-long experience positioned at the start of Lent. We provide daily on-your-own reflections that take 10-15 minutes.”
      The Busy Person's Retreat is a week-long retreat at the start of Lent with a spiritual companion.
      “Koinonia is a weekend get-away retreat hosted at LaSalle Manor in Plano, IL.”
      Lewis University Koinonia is a spring weekend retreat at LaSalle Manor in Plano, Illinois.
  • The Sancta Alberta Chapel is open daily for prayer from 8 am to 9 pm.
    Sources (1)
    1. University Ministry | Additional Faith Resourceslewisu.edu/studentservices/ministry/worship/faith-resources.htm · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “The Sancta Alberta Chapel and Victoria LaGrippe Meditation Garden are open daily for prayer 8am to 9pm.”
      The campus chapel is open daily for prayer from 8 am to 9 pm.
  • An Office of Mission & Identity, led by a Chief Mission Officer, is responsible for the university's mission and Catholic identity.
    Sources (1)
    1. Office of Mission & Identitylewisu.edu/welcome/offices/mission · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “The Office of Mission & Identity is responsible for programs and activities that engage, celebrate, and support the University community’s development in and understanding of our Mission, Catholic identity, and Lasallian heritage.”
      An Office of Mission & Identity is responsible for the university's mission and Catholic identity.
      “Dr. Kurt Schackmuth, Vice President for Student Life and Chief Mission Officer”
      A Vice President serves as Chief Mission Officer.

Concerns

  • No regular Mass, confession, or adoration schedule could be read on University Ministry's pages; the Sacraments page lists confession without times.
    Sources (1)
    1. Lewis University | University Ministry | Sacramentslewisu.edu/studentservices/ministry/worship/sacraments.htm · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) Marriage Confession Annointing”
      The Sacraments page lists OCIA, marriage, confession, and anointing, with no times readable.
  • All listed residence halls are co-ed by floor or by section.
    Sources (2)
    1. Residence Life | Upper-class & Graduate Residence Hallslewisu.edu/studentservices/housing/halls/residencehalls-upperclassmen.htm · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “De La Salle Hall South, referred to as “D-South” by students, is a co-ed residence hall, males and females separated by floor, which hosts 61 residents.”
      Upper-class halls are co-ed with men and women separated by floor or section.
    2. Residence Life | First-Year Residence Hallslewisu.edu/studentservices/housing/halls/residencehalls-freshman.htm · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Sheil Hall offers double occupancy rooms for 140 first-year residents. This residence hall is co-ed by floor.”
      First-year halls are co-ed by floor.
  • Overnight guests are permitted with registration and limits.
    Sources (1)
    1. Lewis University Student Handbook 2026-2027lewisu.edu/studenthandbook/Student-Handbook-2026-2027.pdf · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Overnight guests are subject to specific Residence Life policies, including duration limits and registration requirements.”
      Overnight guests in the residence halls must be registered and are subject to duration limits.
      “Individuals are considered “Overnight” after visitation hours end.”
      Residence halls have set visitation hours, after which guests are treated as overnight guests.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

San Miguel Center for Mission and Ministry (Sancta Alberta Chapel and LaGrippe Pastoral Center)

  • Address: 1 University Parkway, Romeoville, IL 60446
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel, multifaith prayer and meditation room, student lounge, meditation garden, food pantry, staff offices

View on map ↗

Source: lewisu.edu, verified Oct. 7, 2026, lewisu.edu, verified Oct. 7, 2026, lewisu.edu, verified Oct. 7, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

15 groups and regular activities · 11 on campus, 4 off campus

Retreats 5

  • LUK 2.0 Digging DeeperOff campus
    Fall
    Wilderness retreat with hiking and camping at Starved Rock State Park, with scripture reflection, for those who have attended Koinonia.
  • Lewis University Koinonia (LUK)Off campus
    Spring
    Weekend retreat at LaSalle Manor in Plano, Illinois.
  • SoarOn campus
    Fall
    One-day retreat on Lasallian heritage.
  • Graduates ToolboxOn campus
    Fall
    Evening reflection retreat for graduating seniors.
  • Busy Person's RetreatOn campus
    Spring, start of Lent
    Week-long daily prayer retreat with a spiritual companion.

Service 4

  • Catalyst Social Justice retreatsOff campus
    Annual social justice retreats in Chicago run through University Ministry.
  • Social Justice PilgrimageOff campus
    Travel-study pilgrimages offered through University Ministry (Italy, January 2025. France, early 2026).
  • Catholic Relief Services Corps AmbassadorsOn campus
    Program that advocates for the poor and vulnerable, including letter-writing for peace and justice.
  • University Ministry Food PantryOn campus
    Tuesdays and Fridays 11 AM-1 PM
    Food pantry for Lewis students in the lower level of the San Miguel Center for Mission and Ministry.

Faith formation 2

  • Peer Ministry and Community Outreach Groups (COGs)On campus
    Student peer ministers assigned to residence halls, athletics, liturgy, retreats, and service lead faith-sharing groups, social events, and service opportunities each semester.
  • Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)On campus
    Sacramental preparation listed by University Ministry.

Clubs and groups 2

  • Prayer groups and Bible studiesOn campus
    Prayer groups and Bible studies open to students through peer ministers and ministry staff.
  • Catholic Educators ClubOn campus
    Student club listed by the Theology Department among on-campus opportunities.

Liturgy and prayer 2

  • Sancta Alberta Choir (Music Ministry)On campus
    Practice Sundays at 6 PM
    Singers and instrumentalists who provide music for Mass; no audition required.
  • Heritage MassesOn campus
    Wednesday, September 30, 2026 and Wednesday, February 24, 2027, 12:00 PM
    Campus-wide Latiné and Hispanic Heritage Mass and Black and African Heritage Mass in Sancta Alberta Chapel.

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

Campus ministry

Sources (5)
  1. Lewis University Ministry | Programs and Connectionslewisu.edu/studentservices/ministry · verified Oct. 7, 2026
    “Students, faculty, and staff participate in the wide variety of programs and connection opportunities offered through Mission and Ministry.”
    University Ministry offers programs for students through Mission and Ministry.
  2. University Ministry | Ministry Stafflewisu.edu/studentservices/ministry/staff.htm · verified Oct. 7, 2026
    “Nia White Director of Mission and Ministry (815) 836-5617 nwhite1@lewisu.edu”
    Nia White is Director of Mission and Ministry; her phone and email are published.
    “Fr. Paul Novak, OSM University Chaplain / Campus Minister pnovak@lewisu.edu”
    A Servite priest, Fr. Paul Novak, OSM, is the University Chaplain.
  3. De La Salle Christian Brothers at Lewis Universitylewisu.edu/welcome/brothers.htm · verified Oct. 7, 2026
    “The De La Salle Christian Brothers have sponsored Lewis University since 1960.”
    The De La Salle Christian Brothers sponsor Lewis University.
  4. University Ministry | Ministry Staff | Locationslewisu.edu/studentservices/ministry/theplace.htm · verified Oct. 7, 2026
    “Sancta Alberta Chapel and the LaGrippe Pastoral Center make up the San Miguel Center for Mission and Ministry.”
    University Ministry is based at the San Miguel Center, made up of Sancta Alberta Chapel and the LaGrippe Pastoral Center.
    “The LaGrippe Pastoral Center features the D’Arcy Great Room, the Lewis Family Room, the Multifaith Prayer and Meditation Room, Food Pantry, and Victoria LaGrippe Meditation Garden, the Living Room, student lounge, and staff offices.”
    The pastoral center includes a prayer room, food pantry, meditation garden, student lounge, and staff offices.
  5. University Ministry | Additional Faith Resourceslewisu.edu/studentservices/ministry/worship/faith-resources.htm · verified Oct. 7, 2026
    “Sancta Alberta Chapel 1 University Pkwy, Romeoville, IL (On Campus)”
    Sancta Alberta Chapel is on campus at 1 University Parkway, Romeoville.

Reach out

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Academic Excellence

CAcademic Excellence: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
69 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.67%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.79%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,096 · ACT 23.5
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.13 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$11,056

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)
3,948
Total students6,636
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$17,028
Cost of attendance (per year)$47,313
Median federal debt at graduation$21,500
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
67%
First-year retention79%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$66,099
Admission rate71%
Students receiving Pell grants33%
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT1096
SAT reading & writing490–600
SAT math470–610
ACT composite20–27
Test policyConsidered but not required

Value index: 70 / 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 Joliet

The see is currently vacant. The Most Reverend Dennis Edward Spies, Apostolic Administrator.

Source: diojoliet.org, 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

Questions families ask

Is Lewis University a Catholic college?
Yes. Lewis University is a Catholic college in the Diocese of Joliet. Its sponsor is De La Salle Christian Brothers (Brothers of the Christian Schools), Midwest District.

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