Catholic School CompassTrue north for Catholic families.
Merrimack College: Palmisano Hall at Merrimack College
Photo: Kenneth C. Zirkel, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Catholic college

Merrimack College

  • LocationNorth Andover, MA
  • Type and sizePrivate nonprofit · 4-year · 5,688 students
  • SponsorOrder of St. Augustine (Augustinians)
  • TraditionAugustinian

Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts, was founded in 1947 by the Order of St. Augustine. Campus ministry lists Mass every weekday at 12:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Our Mother of Good Counsel and one Sunday Mass at 5 p.m. in the Collegiate Church of Christ the Teacher during the academic year, with confession by appointment with an Augustinian friar.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 12

  • Monday–Friday12:30 PMChapel of Our Mother of Good Counsel (Austin Hall, 2nd floor) · During the academic year.
  • Sunday5:00 PMCollegiate Church of Christ the Teacher · During the academic year.
  • Saturday4:00 PMSt. Michael Church, 196 Main St., North Andover (off campus) · Listed on Merrimack's off-campus worship page.
  • Sunday7:30 AMSt. Michael Church, 196 Main St., North Andover (off campus) · Listed on Merrimack's off-campus worship page.
  • Sunday9:00 AMSt. Michael Church, 196 Main St., North Andover (off campus) · Listed on Merrimack's off-campus worship page.
  • Sunday10:30 AMSt. Michael Church, 196 Main St., North Andover (off campus) · Listed on Merrimack's off-campus worship page.
Show 6 more mass times
  • Sunday12:00 PMSt. Michael Church, 196 Main St., North Andover (off campus) · Listed on Merrimack's off-campus worship page; the page marks the noon and 6:00 p.m. Masses (Sept.-June).
  • Sunday6:00 PMSt. Michael Church, 196 Main St., North Andover (off campus) · September-June; listed on Merrimack's off-campus worship page.
  • Saturday4:00 PMSt. Augustine Parish, 43 Essex St., Andover (off campus) · Listed on Merrimack's off-campus worship page.
  • Sunday8:00 AMSt. Augustine Parish, 43 Essex St., Andover (off campus) · Listed on Merrimack's off-campus worship page.
  • Sunday9:30 AMSt. Augustine Parish, 43 Essex St., Andover (off campus) · Listed on Merrimack's off-campus worship page.
  • Sunday11:30 AMSt. Augustine Parish, 43 Essex St., Andover (off campus) · Listed on Merrimack's off-campus worship page.

Times come only from official parish, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 7, 2026.

Sources for these times (2)
  1. Liturgy and Worship | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/about/offices_services/campus_ministry/liturgy · verified Oct. 7, 2026
    “Mass Schedule During Academic Year Monday - Friday 12:30 p.m. – The Chapel of Our Mother of Good Counsel (Austin Hall, 2nd floor) Sunday 5 p.m. – Collegiate Church of the Christ the Teacher”
    During the academic year Mass is celebrated Monday through Friday at 12:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Our Mother of Good Counsel and on Sunday at 5 p.m. in the Collegiate Church of Christ the Teacher.
    “Mass Schedule During Academic Year Monday - Friday 12:30 p.m. – The Chapel of Our Mother of Good Counsel (Austin Hall, 2nd floor) Sunday 5 p.m. – Collegiate Church of the Christ the Teacher”
    During the academic year Mass is celebrated Monday through Friday at 12:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Our Mother of Good Counsel and on Sunday at 5 p.m. in the Collegiate Church of Christ the Teacher.
  2. Worship Opportunities Off Campus | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/about/offices_services/campus_ministry/off-campus-worship-sites · verified Oct. 7, 2026
    “St. Michael Church 196 Main St., North Andover Saturday, 4:00 p.m. Sunday, 7:30, 9:00 and 10:30 a.m., and Noon and 6:00 p.m. (Sept.-June)”
    Campus ministry lists St. Michael Church in North Andover with Saturday 4:00 p.m. and Sunday 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 a.m., noon and 6:00 p.m. Masses.
    “St. Michael Church 196 Main St., North Andover Saturday, 4:00 p.m. Sunday, 7:30, 9:00 and 10:30 a.m., and Noon and 6:00 p.m. (Sept.-June)”
    Campus ministry lists St. Michael Church in North Andover with Saturday 4:00 p.m. and Sunday 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 a.m., noon and 6:00 p.m. Masses.
    “St. Michael Church 196 Main St., North Andover Saturday, 4:00 p.m. Sunday, 7:30, 9:00 and 10:30 a.m., and Noon and 6:00 p.m. (Sept.-June)”
    Campus ministry lists St. Michael Church in North Andover with Saturday 4:00 p.m. and Sunday 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 a.m., noon and 6:00 p.m. Masses.
    “St. Michael Church 196 Main St., North Andover Saturday, 4:00 p.m. Sunday, 7:30, 9:00 and 10:30 a.m., and Noon and 6:00 p.m. (Sept.-June)”
    Campus ministry lists St. Michael Church in North Andover with Saturday 4:00 p.m. and Sunday 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 a.m., noon and 6:00 p.m. Masses.
    “St. Michael Church 196 Main St., North Andover Saturday, 4:00 p.m. Sunday, 7:30, 9:00 and 10:30 a.m., and Noon and 6:00 p.m. (Sept.-June)”
    Campus ministry lists St. Michael Church in North Andover with Saturday 4:00 p.m. and Sunday 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 a.m., noon and 6:00 p.m. Masses.
    “St. Michael Church 196 Main St., North Andover Saturday, 4:00 p.m. Sunday, 7:30, 9:00 and 10:30 a.m., and Noon and 6:00 p.m. (Sept.-June)”
    Campus ministry lists St. Michael Church in North Andover with Saturday 4:00 p.m. and Sunday 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 a.m., noon and 6:00 p.m. Masses.
    “St. Augustine Parish 43 Essex St., Andover Saturday, 4:00 p.m. Sunday, 8:00, 9:30 and 11:30 a.m.”
    Campus ministry lists St. Augustine Parish in Andover with Saturday 4:00 p.m. and Sunday 8:00, 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Masses.
    “St. Augustine Parish 43 Essex St., Andover Saturday, 4:00 p.m. Sunday, 8:00, 9:30 and 11:30 a.m.”
    Campus ministry lists St. Augustine Parish in Andover with Saturday 4:00 p.m. and Sunday 8:00, 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Masses.
    “St. Augustine Parish 43 Essex St., Andover Saturday, 4:00 p.m. Sunday, 8:00, 9:30 and 11:30 a.m.”
    Campus ministry lists St. Augustine Parish in Andover with Saturday 4:00 p.m. and Sunday 8:00, 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Masses.
    “St. Augustine Parish 43 Essex St., Andover Saturday, 4:00 p.m. Sunday, 8:00, 9:30 and 11:30 a.m.”
    Campus ministry lists St. Augustine Parish in Andover with Saturday 4:00 p.m. and Sunday 8:00, 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Masses.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Merrimack College, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miCollegiate Church of Christ the Teacher: 0.2 mi1Saint Augustine Church: 1.3 mi2Saint Michael Church: 2.3 mi3Grace J. Palmisano Center for Campus Ministry: 0.2 miMerrimack College (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Collegiate Church of Christ the Teacher — 0.2 mi · 100 Aherne Avenue
  2. Saint Augustine Church — 1.3 mi · 43 Essex Street
  3. Saint Michael Church — 2.3 mi · 196 Main Street, North Andover

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.

BSacramental life: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Sacramental life

72 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Weekday Mass on campus during the academic yearEvery weekday (5 or more weekdays) (Monday-Friday 12:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Our Mother of Good Counsel during the academic year.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Liturgy and Worship | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/about/offices_services/campus_ministry/liturgy · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Mass Schedule During Academic Year Monday - Friday 12:30 p.m. – The Chapel of Our Mother of Good Counsel (Austin Hall, 2nd floor) Sunday 5 p.m. – Collegiate Church of the Christ the Teacher”
      During the academic year Mass is celebrated Monday through Friday at 12:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Our Mother of Good Counsel and on Sunday at 5 p.m. in the Collegiate Church of Christ the Teacher.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Sunday Mass on campus (including Saturday vigil)One weekend Mass (Sunday 5 p.m. in the Collegiate Church of Christ the Teacher.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Liturgy and Worship | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/about/offices_services/campus_ministry/liturgy · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Mass Schedule During Academic Year Monday - Friday 12:30 p.m. – The Chapel of Our Mother of Good Counsel (Austin Hall, 2nd floor) Sunday 5 p.m. – Collegiate Church of the Christ the Teacher”
      During the academic year Mass is celebrated Monday through Friday at 12:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Our Mother of Good Counsel and on Sunday at 5 p.m. in the Collegiate Church of Christ the Teacher.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Scheduled confession on campusLess than weekly, or by appointment only (Confession by appointment with an Augustinian friar.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Liturgy and Worship | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/about/offices_services/campus_ministry/liturgy · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Confessions are heard at any time by appointment with an Augustinian friar on campus.”
      Confession is available by appointment with an Augustinian friar; no scheduled times are listed.
  • 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) (The Augustinian Friars page names three friar-priests on campus (Revs. Raymond Dlugos, Bryan Kerns and Daniel Madden) who preside at Mass and hear confessions. Fr. Dan Madden is the contact for sacramental preparation and liturgical ministry. Treated as a priest community serving students.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Augustinian Friars | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/about/offices_services/mission_and_ministry/about-the-augustinians/augustinian-friars · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “The Augustinian Friars on Campus assist with the liturgical and spiritual life of the campus by presiding at Eucharist, Preaching, Celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation on request”
      Augustinian friars on campus preside at Mass, preach and hear confessions.
      “Rev. Daniel Madden, OSA”
      Rev. Daniel Madden, OSA, is one of the Augustinian friars listed as serving on campus (with Revs. Raymond Dlugos and Bryan Kerns).
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel open for prayer on campusYes (Weekday Mass is celebrated in the Chapel of Our Mother of Good Counsel; the Marian E. Taylor Chapel of St. Augustine is also listed among campus prayer spaces.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Liturgy and Worship | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/about/offices_services/campus_ministry/liturgy · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Mass Schedule During Academic Year Monday - Friday 12:30 p.m. – The Chapel of Our Mother of Good Counsel (Austin Hall, 2nd floor) Sunday 5 p.m. – Collegiate Church of the Christ the Teacher”
      During the academic year Mass is celebrated Monday through Friday at 12:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Our Mother of Good Counsel and on Sunday at 5 p.m. in the Collegiate Church of Christ the Teacher.
    2. Campus Prayer Spaces | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/about/offices_services/campus_ministry/campus-prayer-spaces · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Appropriately situated in Austin Hall, which originally housed Augustinian members of the Merrimack faculty, the Chapel of Our Mother of Good Counsel serves as one of Merrimack's worship spaces.”
      The Chapel of Our Mother of Good Counsel in Austin Hall is one of the campus worship spaces.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of Mass, confession, and adoration12 to 19 times a week (16 weekly times documented: 16 Mass, 0 confession, 0 adoration.)Computed from the verified Mass, confession, and adoration times listed on this page (each day a time is offered counts once).
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.
  • 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.
    Core curriculum explicitly draws on the Catholic intellectual traditionNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Theology or religious studies major offeredYes (Religious and Theological Studies is offered as a concentration within the B.A. in Humanities and as a minor; no stand-alone theology major appears in the program finder.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Department of Humanities | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/academics/arts-and-sciences/humanities · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Religious and Theological Studies (Concentration) Religious and Theological Studies (Minor)”
      Religious and Theological Studies is offered as a concentration and as a minor in the Department of Humanities.
      “Merrimack’s new B.A. in Humanities allows students to combine a concentration in a traditional humanities discipline with transferrable job skills”
      Concentrations are taken within the B.A. in Humanities.
  • 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

94 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 (6 counted: three campus ministry staff (Associate Director, Spiritual Director and Wellness Advisor, Campus Minister for Faith Formation & Spiritual Development) and three Augustinian friar-priests, one of whom is Vice President for Mission and Ministry.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry Staff | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/about/offices_services/campus_ministry/faculty · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Rileigh Armstrong Associate Director, Campus Ministry”
      Rileigh Armstrong is Associate Director of Campus Ministry.
      “Marissa Myers Spiritual Director and Wellness Advisor”
      Marissa Myers is campus ministry's Spiritual Director and Wellness Advisor.
      “Elsi Ojanen Campus Minister for Faith Formation & Spiritual Development”
      Elsi Ojanen is Campus Minister for Faith Formation and Spiritual Development.
    2. Augustinian Friars | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/about/offices_services/mission_and_ministry/about-the-augustinians/augustinian-friars · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “The Augustinian Friars on Campus assist with the liturgical and spiritual life of the campus by presiding at Eucharist, Preaching, Celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation on request”
      Augustinian friars on campus preside at Mass, preach and hear confessions.
      “Rev. Daniel Madden, OSA”
      Rev. Daniel Madden, OSA, is one of the Augustinian friars listed as serving on campus (with Revs. Raymond Dlugos and Bryan Kerns).
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Retreats offered to students each yearFour or more distinct retreats (Six retreats listed: LAUNCH first-year retreat, Advent retreat, Senior Retreat, Lent retreat, Weekend Among Men, and Engage Hearts women's retreat.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Retreats at Merrimack | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/about/offices_services/campus_ministry/retreats · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Offered within the first couple weeks of classes, this first year retreat is focused on building connections with fellow classmates at Toah Nipi Retreat Center.”
      LAUNCH, an overnight first-year retreat, is held at Toah Nipi Retreat Center early in the fall.
      “Held at St. Ambrose Friary, this evening of reflection during the Advent Season helps prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ at Christmas and in our hearts.”
      An Advent evening of reflection (Welcoming the Word) is held at St. Ambrose Friary.
      “This evening of reflection during the Lent Season helps us enter into the experience of the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ.”
      A Lent evening of reflection (Welcoming the Light) is offered; a spring Senior Retreat is also listed.
      “During a weekend in the Spring, this women’s retreat dives into what it means to be a woman in today’s society and on a college campus. Held at Rolling Ridge Retreat Center in North Andover.”
      Engage Hearts, a spring weekend women's retreat, is held at Rolling Ridge Retreat Center; a fall men's retreat (Weekend Among Men) is also listed.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic student organizations and faith-formation groupsThree or more (Rosary Group, Kingdom Builders Bible Study, Shared Prayer, Emmaus, Explore (sacramental preparation), Cor Unum, and Merrimack Schola.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Faith Formation | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/about/offices_services/campus_ministry/faith-formation · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Rosary Group: Join us weekly to learn and pray the Rosary, one of the special prayer traditions of the Catholic Church.”
      A weekly Rosary Group meets; the page also lists Kingdom Builders Bible Study, Shared Prayer and Emmaus as weekly faith groups.
      “All who are interested in becoming Catholic or completing their Sacraments of Initiation into the Catholic Church (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation) are invited to join Explore, our faith formation process for receiving the sacraments.”
      Explore is campus ministry's sacramental preparation program for Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.
    2. Cor Unum | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/about/offices_services/mission_and_ministry/cor-unum · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “The activities of Cor Unum include individual spiritual practice, weekly prayer and meals together, semesterly gatherings throughout the semester for workshops and retreats, and spiritual direction.”
      Cor Unum, a spiritual formation community for juniors and seniors, meets weekly for prayer and a meal and includes retreats and spiritual direction.
  • 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.
    Single-sex residence optionsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • 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 (Overnight guests must be registered three days in advance with roommate consent.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Residential Guest Policy | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/campus-life/residence-life/campus-housing/residential-guest-policy · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Students who would like to register an overnight guest must have consent from their roommate(s) and fill out the overnight guest registration form 3 days in advance of the visit.”
      Overnight guests are permitted with roommate consent and registration three days in advance.
  • 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 (The Austin Scholars living-learning community is run by the Office of Mission and Ministry; first-year members live together in Monican Centre and the program is framed by the college's Augustinian roots and spirituality. Borderline.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Living-Learning Communities | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/campus-life/residence-life/living-learning-communities · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “As an Austin Scholar, you’ll celebrate Merrimack’s Augustinian roots by serving those in need in the surrounding communities of Lawrence and Lowell. Through service to others, study and learning, and living together in a community, you’ll explore your own personal values, ideals and spirituality.”
      The Austin Scholars living-learning community combines service, study and shared housing framed by the college's Augustinian roots and spirituality.
    2. Austin Scholars Living-Learning Community | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/about/offices_services/mission_and_ministry/austin-scholars · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “If you choose to live on campus, freshmen Austin Scholars live together in Monican Centre, either in doubles or suites.”
      First-year Austin Scholars, a program of the Office of Mission and Ministry, live together in Monican Centre.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Office or senior officer for mission and Catholic identityYes (Vice President, Mission and Ministry (Rev. Raymond Dlugos, O.S.A.).)
    Sources (2)
    1. Mission & Ministry Staff | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/about/offices_services/mission_and_ministry/staff · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Raymond Dlugos, O.S.A. Vice President, Mission and Ministry”
      Rev. Raymond Dlugos, O.S.A., is Vice President for Mission and Ministry.
    2. About Mission and Ministry | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/about/offices_services/mission_and_ministry/about-the-office · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “The Office of Mission and Ministry is composed of four departments and programs:”
      An Office of Mission and Ministry, led by a vice president, oversees campus ministry, community service and outreach, and service learning.
BService and Catholic social teaching: Good (grade B): 70 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

85 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service or volunteer centerYes (Stevens Service Learning Center and campus ministry's service programs, both within the Office of Mission and Ministry.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Stevens Service Learning Center | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/academics/academic-centers-and-services/stevens · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Established in 1998 through a grant from the Stevens Foundation, the Stevens Service Learning Center anchors Merrimack’s service learning program.”
      The Stevens Service Learning Center runs the college's service-learning program, connecting course credit with community service.
    2. Service Opportunities | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/about/offices_services/campus_ministry/service_opportunities · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “During this event, students and staff from different clubs, departments, and athletic teams package over 150,000 meals that go directly to food pantries and shelters in Lawrence and Lowell.”
      Mack Gives Back days of service package meals for food pantries and shelters in Lawrence and Lowell.
  • 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. Stevens Service Learning Center | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/academics/academic-centers-and-services/stevens · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Established in 1998 through a grant from the Stevens Foundation, the Stevens Service Learning Center anchors Merrimack’s service learning program.”
      The Stevens Service Learning Center runs the college's service-learning program, connecting course credit with community service.
  • 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.
    Catholic social teaching in the curriculum (course, minor, center, or core requirement)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.
    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 (SEND alternative-break immersion trips. Mack Gives Back meal packaging for food pantries and shelters. Thanksgiving Basket Drive.)
    Sources (2)
    1. SEND Program - Alternative Break Service Trips | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/about/offices_services/campus_ministry/alternative-breaks · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “SEND trips are student-led opportunities where Merrimack students, faculty and staff volunteer during their winter, spring or summer break to serve and immerse themselves in communities in other states or countries.”
      Campus ministry's SEND program runs domestic and international service-immersion trips during breaks.
    2. Service Opportunities | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/about/offices_services/campus_ministry/service_opportunities · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “During this event, students and staff from different clubs, departments, and athletic teams package over 150,000 meals that go directly to food pantries and shelters in Lawrence and Lowell.”
      Mack Gives Back days of service package meals for food pantries and shelters in Lawrence and Lowell.
  • 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 (2)
    1. SEND Program - Alternative Break Service Trips | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/about/offices_services/campus_ministry/alternative-breaks · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “reflection helps us engage with our service experiences on a deeper level by utilizing concepts in Catholic social teachings, such as the inherent dignity of the human person”
      SEND trip reflection draws on Catholic social teaching.
    2. Service Opportunities | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/about/offices_services/campus_ministry/service_opportunities · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “The goal of Merrimack’s service programs is to draw you closer to God while helping others.”
      Campus ministry presents its service programs as a way of drawing closer to God.

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

Strengths

  • Mass is celebrated on campus every weekday at 12:30 p.m. during the academic year.
    Sources (1)
    1. Liturgy and Worship | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/about/offices_services/campus_ministry/liturgy · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Mass Schedule During Academic Year Monday - Friday 12:30 p.m. – The Chapel of Our Mother of Good Counsel (Austin Hall, 2nd floor) Sunday 5 p.m. – Collegiate Church of the Christ the Teacher”
      During the academic year Mass is celebrated Monday through Friday at 12:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Our Mother of Good Counsel and on Sunday at 5 p.m. in the Collegiate Church of Christ the Teacher.
  • Campus ministry lists six retreats, weekly faith groups including a Rosary Group and Bible study, and annual pilgrimages.
    Sources (3)
    1. Spiritual Retreats at Merrimack | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/about/offices_services/campus_ministry/retreats · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Offered within the first couple weeks of classes, this first year retreat is focused on building connections with fellow classmates at Toah Nipi Retreat Center.”
      LAUNCH, an overnight first-year retreat, is held at Toah Nipi Retreat Center early in the fall.
      “During a weekend in the Spring, this women’s retreat dives into what it means to be a woman in today’s society and on a college campus. Held at Rolling Ridge Retreat Center in North Andover.”
      Engage Hearts, a spring weekend women's retreat, is held at Rolling Ridge Retreat Center; a fall men's retreat (Weekend Among Men) is also listed.
    2. Faith Formation | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/about/offices_services/campus_ministry/faith-formation · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Rosary Group: Join us weekly to learn and pray the Rosary, one of the special prayer traditions of the Catholic Church.”
      A weekly Rosary Group meets; the page also lists Kingdom Builders Bible Study, Shared Prayer and Emmaus as weekly faith groups.
    3. Pilgrimages | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/about/offices_services/campus_ministry/pilgrimages · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Every November, students travel to Villanova University and Philadelphia to immerse themselves in the Augustinian tradition.”
      The Walking with Augustine pilgrimage goes to Villanova University and Philadelphia each November.
  • Campus ministry's SEND service-immersion trips use Catholic social teaching in their reflection, and a vice president leads the Office of Mission and Ministry.
    Sources (2)
    1. SEND Program - Alternative Break Service Trips | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/about/offices_services/campus_ministry/alternative-breaks · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “SEND trips are student-led opportunities where Merrimack students, faculty and staff volunteer during their winter, spring or summer break to serve and immerse themselves in communities in other states or countries.”
      Campus ministry's SEND program runs domestic and international service-immersion trips during breaks.
      “reflection helps us engage with our service experiences on a deeper level by utilizing concepts in Catholic social teachings, such as the inherent dignity of the human person”
      SEND trip reflection draws on Catholic social teaching.
    2. Mission & Ministry Staff | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/about/offices_services/mission_and_ministry/staff · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Raymond Dlugos, O.S.A. Vice President, Mission and Ministry”
      Rev. Raymond Dlugos, O.S.A., is Vice President for Mission and Ministry.

Concerns

  • One weekend Mass is listed on campus (Sunday at 5 p.m.).
    Sources (1)
    1. Liturgy and Worship | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/about/offices_services/campus_ministry/liturgy · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Mass Schedule During Academic Year Monday - Friday 12:30 p.m. – The Chapel of Our Mother of Good Counsel (Austin Hall, 2nd floor) Sunday 5 p.m. – Collegiate Church of the Christ the Teacher”
      During the academic year Mass is celebrated Monday through Friday at 12:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Our Mother of Good Counsel and on Sunday at 5 p.m. in the Collegiate Church of Christ the Teacher.
  • Confession is available by appointment only.
    Sources (1)
    1. Liturgy and Worship | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/about/offices_services/campus_ministry/liturgy · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Confessions are heard at any time by appointment with an Augustinian friar on campus.”
      Confession is available by appointment with an Augustinian friar; no scheduled times are listed.
  • Religious and Theological Studies is offered as a concentration within the B.A. in Humanities and as a minor rather than as a separate major.
    Sources (1)
    1. Department of Humanities | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/academics/arts-and-sciences/humanities · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Religious and Theological Studies (Concentration) Religious and Theological Studies (Minor)”
      Religious and Theological Studies is offered as a concentration and as a minor in the Department of Humanities.
      “Merrimack’s new B.A. in Humanities allows students to combine a concentration in a traditional humanities discipline with transferrable job skills”
      Concentrations are taken within the B.A. in Humanities.

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Campus ministry home

Grace J. Palmisano Center for Campus Ministry

  • Address: North Residential Village, House 6, 315 Turnpike Street, North Andover, MA 01845
  • Location: On campus

View on map ↗

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

Catholic clubs and student life

17 groups and regular activities · 11 on campus, 6 off campus

Retreats 6

  • LAUNCH: First Year RetreatOff campus
    First weeks of the fall semester
    Overnight weekend retreat for first-year students at Toah Nipi Retreat Center, led by upperclass students.
  • Welcoming the Word: Advent RetreatOff campus
    Advent
    Evening of reflection at St. Ambrose Friary.
  • Engage Hearts Retreat (women's retreat)Off campus
    Spring weekend
    Weekend women's retreat at Rolling Ridge Retreat Center in North Andover.
  • Walking with Augustine pilgrimageOff campus
    November, usually the weekend before Thanksgiving
    Trip to Villanova University, the Shrine of St. Rita and Old St. Augustine's in Philadelphia.
  • Summer PilgrimageOff campus
    Summer
    Annual pilgrimage to a sacred site, often with a long walking route.
  • Welcoming the Light: Lent RetreatOn campus
    Lent
    Evening of reflection on the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ.

Service 4

  • SEND ProgramOff campus
    Winter, spring and summer breaks
    Student-led domestic and international service-immersion trips with reflection drawing on Catholic social teaching.
  • Mack Gives Back DayOn campus
    Community-wide days of service packaging meals for food pantries and shelters in Lawrence and Lowell.
  • Thanksgiving Basket DriveOn campus
    November
    Collection and delivery of Thanksgiving meals for families through a church in Lawrence.
  • Austin ScholarsOn campus
    Living-learning community run by Mission and Ministry combining shared housing, common courses and weekly community service.

Faith formation 2

  • ExploreOn campus
    Sacramental preparation for Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation, also open to Catholics who want to deepen their faith.
  • Cor UnumOn campus
    Weekly prayer and meal
    Application-based spiritual formation community for juniors and seniors with weekly prayer and meals, retreats and monthly spiritual direction.

Clubs and groups 4

  • Rosary GroupOn campus
    Weekly
    Weekly group that learns and prays the Rosary; prayer guides are provided.
  • Kingdom Builders Bible StudyOn campus
    Weekly
    Weekly Bible study with fellowship.
  • Shared PrayerOn campus
    Faith-sharing prayer group listed among campus ministry's weekly groups.
  • EmmausOn campus
    Group that discusses ways to live out the faith on campus and invite others to practice it.

Liturgy and prayer 1

  • Merrimack ScholaOn campus
    Sunday Masses
    Liturgical music ensemble that sings and plays at Sunday Mass and special liturgies.

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 (4)
  1. Grace J. Palmisano Center for Campus Ministry | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/about/offices_services/campus_ministry · verified Oct. 7, 2026
    “Campus ministry offers opportunities for faith formation, liturgy and worship, retreats and spiritual development, pilgrimages and service immersion.”
    The Grace J. Palmisano Center for Campus Ministry offers faith formation, liturgy, retreats, pilgrimages and service immersion.
  2. Campus Ministry Staff | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/about/offices_services/campus_ministry/faculty · verified Oct. 7, 2026
    “Campus Ministry is located in North Residential Village, House 6. All are welcome to visit.”
    The campus ministry office is in North Residential Village, House 6, on campus.
    “Campus Ministry is located in North Residential Village, House 6. All are welcome to visit.”
    The campus ministry office is in North Residential Village, House 6, on campus.
    “Merrimack College 315 Turnpike Street North Andover, MA 01845”
    The college's street address is 315 Turnpike Street, North Andover, MA 01845.
  3. Augustinian Friars | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/about/offices_services/mission_and_ministry/about-the-augustinians/augustinian-friars · verified Oct. 7, 2026
    “The Augustinian Friars on Campus assist with the liturgical and spiritual life of the campus by presiding at Eucharist, Preaching, Celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation on request”
    Augustinian friars on campus preside at Mass, preach and hear confessions.
  4. About Mission and Ministry | Merrimack Collegemerrimack.edu/about/offices_services/mission_and_ministry/about-the-office · verified Oct. 7, 2026
    “The Office of Mission and Ministry is composed of four departments and programs:”
    An Office of Mission and Ministry, led by a vice president, oversees campus ministry, community service and outreach, and service learning.

Reach out

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Academic Excellence

BAcademic Excellence: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
73 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.70%
  • 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.Not reported
  • 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.$8,809

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)
4,199
Total students5,688
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$37,927
Cost of attendance (per year)$70,038
Median federal debt at graduation$27,000
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
70%
First-year retention79%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$75,584
Admission rate70%
Students receiving Pell grants16%

Value index: 50 / 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

Archdiocese of Boston

The Most Reverend Richard G. Henning, Archbishop of Boston

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

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

Diocese determined from the county using NCES Catholic school records. Confirm with the diocese.

About this school’s data

  • IPEDS unit ID 166850
  • Carnegie classification: Master's university (larger programs)
  • Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
  • Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Roman Catholic
  • Report an error or a newer source
  • Respond as this school

Questions families ask

Is Merrimack College a Catholic college?
Yes. Merrimack College is a Catholic college in the Archdiocese of Boston. Its sponsor is Order of St. Augustine (Augustinians).
What is Merrimack College’s Compass Score?
81 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is Mass celebrated at Merrimack College?
Mass is listed at Chapel of Our Mother of Good Counsel (Austin Hall, 2nd floor), Collegiate Church of Christ the Teacher, St. Michael Church, 196 Main St., and North Andover (off campus). Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.
Is Merrimack College Compass Recommended?
Yes. Merrimack College meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic identity and academics.

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