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College · Catholic life on campus

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

  • LocationNew Brunswick, NJ
  • Type and sizePublic · 4-year · 50,617 students
Official website
Campus Ministry Honor Roll badge

Rutgers University-New Brunswick is not a Catholic college. This rating measures Catholic life on campus: campus ministry, priests, Mass and confession, student groups, and nearby parishes.

Rutgers Catholic, the Catholic campus ministry at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, is based at the Catholic Center at 84 Somerset Street, which has its own chapel, beside St. Peter's Church, where its Masses are celebrated. Fr. Gilbert Starcher is chaplain, with a pastor, an OCIA director, a director and campus minister from the Brotherhood of Hope, a Sister of Jesus Our Hope, and Saint Paul's Outreach missionaries. Mass is offered twice each weekday, on Saturday morning, and four times each weekend; confession is heard Monday through Saturday. Weekly men's and women's nights, a monthly Knightfire gathering, a Sunday student dinner, retreats, OCIA, and service programs are also offered.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 7

  • Monday–Friday7:30 AMSt. Peter's Church, 94 Somerset Street
  • Monday–Friday12:15 PMSt. Peter's Church, 94 Somerset Street
  • Saturday9:00 AMSt. Peter's Church, 94 Somerset Street
  • Saturday5:00 PMSt. Peter's Church, 94 Somerset Street · Vigil Mass.
  • Sunday9:00 AMSt. Peter's Church, 94 Somerset Street
  • Sunday11:30 AMSt. Peter's Church, 94 Somerset Street
Show 1 more mass times
  • Sunday6:00 PMSt. Peter's Church, 94 Somerset Street · Student Mass, followed by student dinner at the Catholic Center during the semester.

Confession 1

  • Monday–Saturday11:30 AM–12:00 PMSt. Peter's Church, 94 Somerset Street

Adoration 2

  • Thursday1:00 PM–7:00 PMCatholic Center Chapel, 84 Somerset Street · Fall and spring semesters only.
  • Saturday8:00 AM–9:00 AMSt. Peter's Church, 94 Somerset Street · Rosary begins at 8:30 AM.

Times come only from official parish, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 8, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)
  1. Mass & Reconciliation Times | Join Mass & Reconciliation Now — Rutgers Catholicrutgerscatholic.org/mass-reconciliation-times · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. 12:15 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. All Masses take place in St. Peter’s Church”
    Weekday Masses are Monday-Friday at 7:30 AM and 12:15 PM and Saturday at 9:00 AM; all Masses are in St. Peter's Church.
    “Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. 12:15 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. All Masses take place in St. Peter’s Church”
    Weekday Masses are Monday-Friday at 7:30 AM and 12:15 PM and Saturday at 9:00 AM; all Masses are in St. Peter's Church.
    “Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. 12:15 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. All Masses take place in St. Peter’s Church”
    Weekday Masses are Monday-Friday at 7:30 AM and 12:15 PM and Saturday at 9:00 AM; all Masses are in St. Peter's Church.
    “Sunday Saturday 5:00 p.m. (Vigil Mass) 9:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 6:00 p.m. (Student Mass)”
    Weekend Masses are Saturday 5:00 PM (vigil) and Sunday 9:00 AM, 11:30 AM, and 6:00 PM (Student Mass).
    “Sunday Saturday 5:00 p.m. (Vigil Mass) 9:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 6:00 p.m. (Student Mass)”
    Weekend Masses are Saturday 5:00 PM (vigil) and Sunday 9:00 AM, 11:30 AM, and 6:00 PM (Student Mass).
    “Sunday Saturday 5:00 p.m. (Vigil Mass) 9:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 6:00 p.m. (Student Mass)”
    Weekend Masses are Saturday 5:00 PM (vigil) and Sunday 9:00 AM, 11:30 AM, and 6:00 PM (Student Mass).
    “Sunday Saturday 5:00 p.m. (Vigil Mass) 9:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 6:00 p.m. (Student Mass)”
    Weekend Masses are Saturday 5:00 PM (vigil) and Sunday 9:00 AM, 11:30 AM, and 6:00 PM (Student Mass).
    “Confession Monday - Saturday 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (St. Peter’s Church)”
    Confession is heard Monday through Saturday, 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM, in St. Peter's Church.
    “Adoration Thursday 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. (CC Chapel) Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. (St. Peter’s Church) Rosary begins at 8:30 a.m.”
    Adoration is Thursday 1:00-7:00 PM in the Catholic Center chapel and Saturday 8:00-9:00 AM in St. Peter's Church, with the rosary at 8:30 AM.
    “Adoration Thursday 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. (CC Chapel) Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. (St. Peter’s Church) Rosary begins at 8:30 a.m.”
    Adoration is Thursday 1:00-7:00 PM in the Catholic Center chapel and Saturday 8:00-9:00 AM in St. Peter's Church, with the rosary at 8:30 AM.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Rutgers University-New Brunswick, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.25 mi0.5 mi1 miSt. Peter the Apostle: 0.1 mi1Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church: 0.4 mi2Saint Ladislaus Church: 0.4 mi3Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church: 0.6 mi4Saint Joseph's Roman Catholic Church: 0.7 mi5Saint Joseph's Roman Catholic Church: 0.7 mi6The Catholic Center at Rutgers (Rutgers Catholic): 0.1 miRutgers University-New Brunswick (campus)N0.25 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. St. Peter the Apostle — 0.1 mi · 94 somerset street, New Brunswick
  2. Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church — 0.4 mi
  3. Saint Ladislaus Church — 0.4 mi · 40 Plum Street
  4. Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church — 0.6 mi
  5. Saint Joseph's Roman Catholic Church — 0.7 mi
  6. Saint Joseph's Roman Catholic Church — 0.7 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.

ACatholic life on campus: 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.

Catholic life on campus

98 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic campus ministry serving this campus (Catholic center, campus ministry, or chaplaincy)Yes (Rutgers Catholic describes itself as the Catholic Campus Ministry at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Rutgers' Faith & Spirituality page lists the Catholic Center among its recognized chaplaincies.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Rutgers Catholic | Join Our Faith Community Todayrutgerscatholic.org · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Rutgers Catholic is the Catholic Campus Ministry at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.”
      Rutgers Catholic is the Catholic campus ministry serving Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
    2. Faith & Spirituality at Rutgers | Off-Campus Living & Community Initiatives - Division of Student Affairs | Rutgers University-New Brunswickruoffcampus.rutgers.edu/basic-needs/mental-physical-and-spiritual-wellness/faith-and-spirituality-at-rutgers · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Catholic Center Catholic Center Website: https://rutgerscatholic.org”
      Rutgers lists the Catholic Center (rutgerscatholic.org) among its recognized chaplaincies.
      “Recognized chaplaincies have staff on campus serving in a chaplain role along with student representatives appointed to enhance representation of the religious diversity on campus.”
      Rutgers' recognized chaplaincies have staff on campus serving in a chaplain role.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Dedicated Catholic center or chapel on or next to campusYes (The Catholic Center at 84 Somerset Street, a renovated convent adjacent to St. Peter's Parish, has its own chapel (used for Thursday adoration).)
    Sources (3)
    1. Adoration | Join Eucharistic Adoration Today — Rutgers Catholicrutgerscatholic.org/adoration · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Thursdays: 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the Catholic Center Chapel (84 Somerset St. New Brunswick NJ, 08901).”
      The Catholic Center at 84 Somerset St. has a chapel, where adoration is held on Thursdays from 1:00 to 7:00 PM.
    2. History — Rutgers Catholicrutgerscatholic.org/history · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “the Diocese of Metuchen undertook a capital campaign to renovate the convent adjacent to St. Peter’s Parish to better support the mission of the Catholic Center.”
      The Catholic Center occupies a renovated convent adjacent to St. Peter's Parish.
    3. Mass & Reconciliation Times | Join Mass & Reconciliation Now — Rutgers Catholicrutgerscatholic.org/parking · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Parking is available next to the Catholic Center at Rutgers (84 Somerset Street).”
      The Catholic Center has a parking lot next to it.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priest chaplain assigned to campus ministryFull-time priest chaplain (Fr. Gilbert Starcher is listed as Chaplain on the Catholic Center team page, with Fr. Mike Tabernero (Pastor) and Fr. Matt Marinelli (OCIA Director).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Who We Are — Rutgers Catholicrutgerscatholic.org/who-we-are · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Br. Jeffrey Crock, BH | Campus Minister Fr. Gilbert Starcher | Chaplain Fr. Mike Tabernero | Pastor Br. Parker Jordan, BH | Director Fr. Matt Marinelli | OCIA Director Micaela Lang | Operations and Engagement Manager Sr. Anna Palka, SJH | Campus Minister”
      The Catholic Center pastoral staff includes Fr. Gilbert Starcher (Chaplain), Fr. Mike Tabernero (Pastor), Fr. Matt Marinelli (OCIA Director), Br. Parker Jordan, BH (Director), two campus ministers, and an operations manager.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Weekday Mass at the campus ministryEvery weekday (5 or more weekdays) (Monday-Friday at 7:30 AM and 12:15 PM, all in St. Peter's Church next to the Catholic Center; also Saturday 9:00 AM.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass & Reconciliation Times | Join Mass & Reconciliation Now — Rutgers Catholicrutgerscatholic.org/mass-reconciliation-times · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. 12:15 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. All Masses take place in St. Peter’s Church”
      Weekday Masses are Monday-Friday at 7:30 AM and 12:15 PM and Saturday at 9:00 AM; all Masses are in St. Peter's Church.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Sunday Mass at the campus ministry or a campus chapelTwo or more weekend Masses (Saturday 5:00 PM vigil and Sunday 9:00 AM, 11:30 AM, and 6:00 PM (Student Mass) in St. Peter's Church.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass & Reconciliation Times | Join Mass & Reconciliation Now — Rutgers Catholicrutgerscatholic.org/mass-reconciliation-times · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Sunday Saturday 5:00 p.m. (Vigil Mass) 9:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 6:00 p.m. (Student Mass)”
      Weekend Masses are Saturday 5:00 PM (vigil) and Sunday 9:00 AM, 11:30 AM, and 6:00 PM (Student Mass).
      “Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. 12:15 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. All Masses take place in St. Peter’s Church”
      Weekday Masses are Monday-Friday at 7:30 AM and 12:15 PM and Saturday at 9:00 AM; all Masses are in St. Peter's Church.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Scheduled confession at the campus ministryWeekly or more often (Monday-Saturday, 11:30 AM-12:00 PM, St. Peter's Church.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass & Reconciliation Times | Join Mass & Reconciliation Now — Rutgers Catholicrutgerscatholic.org/mass-reconciliation-times · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Confession Monday - Saturday 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (St. Peter’s Church)”
      Confession is heard Monday through Saturday, 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM, in St. Peter's Church.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic student groups and missionary outreach (e.g., FOCUS, Saint Paul's Outreach, Knights of Columbus, Bible studies)Two or more (Saint Paul's Outreach missionaries and chapter leaders (household communities and discipleship), weekly men's and women's communities, and a student lead team. No FOCUS (not on focus.org's campus list), Knights of Columbus council, or pro-life club was found on the ministry's pages.)
    Sources (3)
    1. Who We Are — Rutgers Catholicrutgerscatholic.org/who-we-are · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Br. Jeffrey Crock, BH | Campus Minister Fr. Gilbert Starcher | Chaplain Fr. Mike Tabernero | Pastor Br. Parker Jordan, BH | Director Fr. Matt Marinelli | OCIA Director Micaela Lang | Operations and Engagement Manager Sr. Anna Palka, SJH | Campus Minister”
      The Catholic Center pastoral staff includes Fr. Gilbert Starcher (Chaplain), Fr. Mike Tabernero (Pastor), Fr. Matt Marinelli (OCIA Director), Br. Parker Jordan, BH (Director), two campus ministers, and an operations manager.
    2. History — Rutgers Catholicrutgerscatholic.org/history · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Rutgers Catholic is currently served by the missionaries of Saint Paul’s Outreach, the Brotherhood of Hope, the Sisters of Jesus our Hope, and priests of the Diocese of Metuchen.”
      Rutgers Catholic is served by Saint Paul's Outreach missionaries, the Brotherhood of Hope, the Sisters of Jesus Our Hope, and priests of the Diocese of Metuchen.
      “Through retreats, household communities, and one-on-one discipleship, SPO helps students live their Catholic faith boldly and joyfully.”
      Saint Paul's Outreach offers retreats, household communities, and one-on-one discipleship for Rutgers students.
    3. Get Involved — Rutgers Catholicrutgerscatholic.org/get-involved · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Join a community striving for virtue as men of God. 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays at the Catholic Center (84 Somerset Street).”
      The men's community meets Thursdays at 7:30 PM at the Catholic Center.
      “Welcome! Deep friendship and true sisterhood are found here. We are excited to meet you! 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays.”
      The women's community meets Thursdays at 7:30 PM.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Formation programs (retreats, OCIA/RCIA, service, small groups)Two or more kinds (Annual fall retreat at Camp Tecumseh, OCIA classes, service (serving the hungry and homeless, a spring break service trip), and the monthly Knightfire formation gathering.)
    Sources (3)
    1. OCIA (Becoming Catholic) | Join the Catholic Community Today — Rutgers Catholicrutgerscatholic.org/ocia-becoming-catholic · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “OCIA is held on Wednesdays from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. or Sundays from 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. in the Dining Room of the Catholic Center (84 Somerset St).”
      OCIA classes meet Wednesdays 7:30-9:00 PM or Sundays 10:15-11:15 AM in the Catholic Center dining room.
    2. Retreats — Rutgers Catholicrutgerscatholic.org/retreats · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Retreat takes place about 45 minutes from New Brunswick at the beautiful Camp Tecumseh in Pittstown, New Jersey.”
      Rutgers Catholic retreats are held at Camp Tecumseh in Pittstown, New Jersey.
    3. Get Involved — Rutgers Catholicrutgerscatholic.org/get-involved · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Be Christ’s hands and feet in the world by serving the hungry, ministering to the homeless, or going on a week-long spring break service trip.”
      Service opportunities include serving the hungry, ministering to the homeless, and a week-long spring break service trip.
      “7:30p.m. on the first Thursday of every month (St. Peter’s Parish Hall, 94 Somerset Street)”
      Knightfire, the monthly campus ministry gathering, meets at 7:30 PM on the first Thursday of each month in St. Peter's Parish Hall.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic church within walking distance (computed from OpenStreetMap)Within 1 mile of campusComputed from OpenStreetMap church locations.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of Mass, confession, and adoration20 to 29 times a week (23 weekly times documented: 15 Mass, 6 confession, 2 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 twice every weekday, on Saturday morning, and four times each weekend, with confession Monday through Saturday, all in St. Peter's Church next to the Catholic Center.
    Sources (2)
    1. Mass & Reconciliation Times | Join Mass & Reconciliation Now — Rutgers Catholicrutgerscatholic.org/mass-reconciliation-times · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Sunday Saturday 5:00 p.m. (Vigil Mass) 9:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 6:00 p.m. (Student Mass)”
      Weekend Masses are Saturday 5:00 PM (vigil) and Sunday 9:00 AM, 11:30 AM, and 6:00 PM (Student Mass).
      “Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. 12:15 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. All Masses take place in St. Peter’s Church”
      Weekday Masses are Monday-Friday at 7:30 AM and 12:15 PM and Saturday at 9:00 AM; all Masses are in St. Peter's Church.
      “Confession Monday - Saturday 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (St. Peter’s Church)”
      Confession is heard Monday through Saturday, 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM, in St. Peter's Church.
    2. History — Rutgers Catholicrutgerscatholic.org/history · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “the Diocese of Metuchen undertook a capital campaign to renovate the convent adjacent to St. Peter’s Parish to better support the mission of the Catholic Center.”
      The Catholic Center occupies a renovated convent adjacent to St. Peter's Parish.
  • The Catholic Center has its own chapel with six hours of adoration each Thursday during the semester, plus Saturday morning adoration at St. Peter's.
    Sources (2)
    1. Mass & Reconciliation Times | Join Mass & Reconciliation Now — Rutgers Catholicrutgerscatholic.org/mass-reconciliation-times · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Adoration Thursday 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. (CC Chapel) Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. (St. Peter’s Church) Rosary begins at 8:30 a.m.”
      Adoration is Thursday 1:00-7:00 PM in the Catholic Center chapel and Saturday 8:00-9:00 AM in St. Peter's Church, with the rosary at 8:30 AM.
    2. Adoration | Join Eucharistic Adoration Today — Rutgers Catholicrutgerscatholic.org/adoration · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Adoration occurs only during the Fall and Spring Semesters. There is no Adoration when Rutgers is not in regular session.”
      Thursday adoration is held only during the fall and spring semesters.
      “Thursdays: 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the Catholic Center Chapel (84 Somerset St. New Brunswick NJ, 08901).”
      The Catholic Center at 84 Somerset St. has a chapel, where adoration is held on Thursdays from 1:00 to 7:00 PM.
  • A priest chaplain, a pastor, an OCIA director, Brotherhood of Hope brothers, a Sister of Jesus Our Hope, and six Saint Paul's Outreach missionaries serve the ministry.
    Sources (2)
    1. Who We Are — Rutgers Catholicrutgerscatholic.org/who-we-are · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Br. Jeffrey Crock, BH | Campus Minister Fr. Gilbert Starcher | Chaplain Fr. Mike Tabernero | Pastor Br. Parker Jordan, BH | Director Fr. Matt Marinelli | OCIA Director Micaela Lang | Operations and Engagement Manager Sr. Anna Palka, SJH | Campus Minister”
      The Catholic Center pastoral staff includes Fr. Gilbert Starcher (Chaplain), Fr. Mike Tabernero (Pastor), Fr. Matt Marinelli (OCIA Director), Br. Parker Jordan, BH (Director), two campus ministers, and an operations manager.
    2. History — Rutgers Catholicrutgerscatholic.org/history · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Rutgers Catholic is currently served by the missionaries of Saint Paul’s Outreach, the Brotherhood of Hope, the Sisters of Jesus our Hope, and priests of the Diocese of Metuchen.”
      Rutgers Catholic is served by Saint Paul's Outreach missionaries, the Brotherhood of Hope, the Sisters of Jesus Our Hope, and priests of the Diocese of Metuchen.
  • Regular programs include weekly men's and women's communities, a monthly Knightfire gathering, a Sunday student dinner, an annual fall retreat, OCIA, and service opportunities.
    Sources (3)
    1. OCIA (Becoming Catholic) | Join the Catholic Community Today — Rutgers Catholicrutgerscatholic.org/ocia-becoming-catholic · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “OCIA is held on Wednesdays from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. or Sundays from 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. in the Dining Room of the Catholic Center (84 Somerset St).”
      OCIA classes meet Wednesdays 7:30-9:00 PM or Sundays 10:15-11:15 AM in the Catholic Center dining room.
    2. Retreats — Rutgers Catholicrutgerscatholic.org/retreats · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Retreat takes place about 45 minutes from New Brunswick at the beautiful Camp Tecumseh in Pittstown, New Jersey.”
      Rutgers Catholic retreats are held at Camp Tecumseh in Pittstown, New Jersey.
    3. Get Involved — Rutgers Catholicrutgerscatholic.org/get-involved · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Attend Sunday Mass with us! Plus, stay for our student dinner after Mass. 6.p.m. on Sundays at St. Peter’s Parish (94 Somerset Street)”
      A student dinner follows the 6:00 PM Sunday Mass at St. Peter's Parish, 94 Somerset Street.
      “Join a community striving for virtue as men of God. 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays at the Catholic Center (84 Somerset Street).”
      The men's community meets Thursdays at 7:30 PM at the Catholic Center.
      “Welcome! Deep friendship and true sisterhood are found here. We are excited to meet you! 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays.”
      The women's community meets Thursdays at 7:30 PM.
      “Be Christ’s hands and feet in the world by serving the hungry, ministering to the homeless, or going on a week-long spring break service trip.”
      Service opportunities include serving the hungry, ministering to the homeless, and a week-long spring break service trip.
      “7:30p.m. on the first Thursday of every month (St. Peter’s Parish Hall, 94 Somerset Street)”
      Knightfire, the monthly campus ministry gathering, meets at 7:30 PM on the first Thursday of each month in St. Peter's Parish Hall.

Concerns

  • The Catholic Center building is closed on Saturdays and Sundays and closes at 5 PM on Fridays during the semester.
    Sources (1)
    1. Contact Us | Connect with Rutgers Catholic Today — Rutgers Catholicrutgerscatholic.org/home-1 · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “During the Rutgers Fall & Spring semesters: Monday to Thursday - 10AM - 10PM Friday - 10AM - 5PM Saturday & Sunday - Closed”
      During the semesters the Catholic Center is open Monday-Thursday 10 AM-10 PM and Friday 10 AM-5 PM, and closed Saturday and Sunday.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

The Catholic center

The Catholic Center at Rutgers (Rutgers Catholic)

  • Address: 84 Somerset Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
  • Distance from campus: less than 0.1 mi (straight line from the campus point in federal IPEDS data)
  • Facilities: chapel, dining room, parking lot

View on map ↗

Source: rutgerscatholic.org, verified Oct. 8, 2026, rutgerscatholic.org, verified Oct. 8, 2026, rutgerscatholic.org, verified Oct. 8, 2026, rutgerscatholic.org, verified Oct. 8, 2026, rutgerscatholic.org, verified Oct. 8, 2026, rutgerscatholic.org, verified Oct. 8, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

10 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 10 off campus

Faith formation 2

  • KnightfireOff campus
    First Thursday of each month, 7:30 PM
    Monthly campus ministry gathering with worship, a speaker, share groups, and community, in St. Peter's Parish Hall.
    rutgerscatholic.org
  • OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults)Off campus
    Wednesdays 7:30-9:00 PM or Sundays 10:15-11:15 AM
    Classes for students who wish to become Catholic or receive sacraments, in the Catholic Center dining room.
    rutgerscatholic.org

Clubs and groups 3

  • Men's Community (Men's Night)Off campus
    Thursdays 7:30 PM
    Weekly men's group at the Catholic Center.
    rutgerscatholic.org
  • Women's Community (Women's Night)Off campus
    Thursdays 7:30 PM
    Weekly women's group for friendship and sisterhood.
    rutgerscatholic.org
  • Saint Paul's Outreach (SPO)Off campus
    SPO missionaries and chapter leaders serve the ministry through retreats, household communities, and one-on-one discipleship.
    rutgerscatholic.org, rutgerscatholic.org

Liturgy and prayer 2

  • Music MinistryOff campus
    Choir for weekend Masses and a praise and worship team for special events and prayer nights.
    rutgerscatholic.org
  • Serve at MassOff campus
    Students serve as altar servers, lectors, Eucharistic ministers, or greeters, and help with the Sunday student dinner.
    rutgerscatholic.org

Retreats 1

  • Fall RetreatOff campus
    Annually in the fall (October 9-11, 2026)
    Weekend retreat at Camp Tecumseh in Pittstown, NJ, with Mass, prayer, talks, and small groups; open to college students from Rutgers and other Central Jersey colleges.
    rutgerscatholic.org, rutgerscatholic.org

Service 1

  • ServiceOff campus
    Serving the hungry, ministering to the homeless, and a week-long spring break service trip.
    rutgerscatholic.org

Social life 1

  • Sunday Student Mass and DinnerOff campus
    Sundays 6:00 PM
    Student Mass at St. Peter's Church followed by a student dinner at the Catholic Center during the semester.
    rutgerscatholic.org, rutgerscatholic.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 (9)
  1. Rutgers Catholic | Join Our Faith Community Todayrutgerscatholic.org · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Rutgers Catholic is the Catholic Campus Ministry at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.”
    Rutgers Catholic is the Catholic campus ministry serving Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
    “Rutgers Catholic is the Catholic Campus Ministry at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.”
    Rutgers Catholic is the Catholic campus ministry serving Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
  2. Contact Us | Connect with Rutgers Catholic Today — Rutgers Catholicrutgerscatholic.org/home-1 · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Contact info@rutgerscatholic.org 732-545-6663 Address The Catholic Center at Rutgers 84 Somerset Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901”
    The Catholic Center at Rutgers is at 84 Somerset Street, New Brunswick; email info@rutgerscatholic.org, phone 732-545-6663.
    “Contact info@rutgerscatholic.org 732-545-6663 Address The Catholic Center at Rutgers 84 Somerset Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901”
    The Catholic Center at Rutgers is at 84 Somerset Street, New Brunswick; email info@rutgerscatholic.org, phone 732-545-6663.
    “During the Rutgers Fall & Spring semesters: Monday to Thursday - 10AM - 10PM Friday - 10AM - 5PM Saturday & Sunday - Closed”
    During the semesters the Catholic Center is open Monday-Thursday 10 AM-10 PM and Friday 10 AM-5 PM, and closed Saturday and Sunday.
  3. Faith & Spirituality at Rutgers | Off-Campus Living & Community Initiatives - Division of Student Affairs | Rutgers University-New Brunswickruoffcampus.rutgers.edu/basic-needs/mental-physical-and-spiritual-wellness/faith-and-spirituality-at-rutgers · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Catholic Center Catholic Center Website: https://rutgerscatholic.org”
    Rutgers lists the Catholic Center (rutgerscatholic.org) among its recognized chaplaincies.
  4. Mass & Reconciliation Times | Join Mass & Reconciliation Now — Rutgers Catholicrutgerscatholic.org/mass-reconciliation-times · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. 12:15 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. All Masses take place in St. Peter’s Church”
    Weekday Masses are Monday-Friday at 7:30 AM and 12:15 PM and Saturday at 9:00 AM; all Masses are in St. Peter's Church.
  5. Get Involved — Rutgers Catholicrutgerscatholic.org/get-involved · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Attend Sunday Mass with us! Plus, stay for our student dinner after Mass. 6.p.m. on Sundays at St. Peter’s Parish (94 Somerset Street)”
    A student dinner follows the 6:00 PM Sunday Mass at St. Peter's Parish, 94 Somerset Street.
  6. Who We Are — Rutgers Catholicrutgerscatholic.org/who-we-are · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Br. Jeffrey Crock, BH | Campus Minister Fr. Gilbert Starcher | Chaplain Fr. Mike Tabernero | Pastor Br. Parker Jordan, BH | Director Fr. Matt Marinelli | OCIA Director Micaela Lang | Operations and Engagement Manager Sr. Anna Palka, SJH | Campus Minister”
    The Catholic Center pastoral staff includes Fr. Gilbert Starcher (Chaplain), Fr. Mike Tabernero (Pastor), Fr. Matt Marinelli (OCIA Director), Br. Parker Jordan, BH (Director), two campus ministers, and an operations manager.
    “Br. Jeffrey Crock, BH | Campus Minister Fr. Gilbert Starcher | Chaplain Fr. Mike Tabernero | Pastor Br. Parker Jordan, BH | Director Fr. Matt Marinelli | OCIA Director Micaela Lang | Operations and Engagement Manager Sr. Anna Palka, SJH | Campus Minister”
    The Catholic Center pastoral staff includes Fr. Gilbert Starcher (Chaplain), Fr. Mike Tabernero (Pastor), Fr. Matt Marinelli (OCIA Director), Br. Parker Jordan, BH (Director), two campus ministers, and an operations manager.
    “Br. Jeffrey Crock, BH | Campus Minister Fr. Gilbert Starcher | Chaplain Fr. Mike Tabernero | Pastor Br. Parker Jordan, BH | Director Fr. Matt Marinelli | OCIA Director Micaela Lang | Operations and Engagement Manager Sr. Anna Palka, SJH | Campus Minister”
    The Catholic Center pastoral staff includes Fr. Gilbert Starcher (Chaplain), Fr. Mike Tabernero (Pastor), Fr. Matt Marinelli (OCIA Director), Br. Parker Jordan, BH (Director), two campus ministers, and an operations manager.
  7. History — Rutgers Catholicrutgerscatholic.org/history · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Through retreats, household communities, and one-on-one discipleship, SPO helps students live their Catholic faith boldly and joyfully.”
    Saint Paul's Outreach offers retreats, household communities, and one-on-one discipleship for Rutgers students.
    “Rutgers Catholic is currently served by the missionaries of Saint Paul’s Outreach, the Brotherhood of Hope, the Sisters of Jesus our Hope, and priests of the Diocese of Metuchen.”
    Rutgers Catholic is served by Saint Paul's Outreach missionaries, the Brotherhood of Hope, the Sisters of Jesus Our Hope, and priests of the Diocese of Metuchen.
    “Rutgers Catholic is currently served by the missionaries of Saint Paul’s Outreach, the Brotherhood of Hope, the Sisters of Jesus our Hope, and priests of the Diocese of Metuchen.”
    Rutgers Catholic is served by Saint Paul's Outreach missionaries, the Brotherhood of Hope, the Sisters of Jesus Our Hope, and priests of the Diocese of Metuchen.
    “the Diocese of Metuchen undertook a capital campaign to renovate the convent adjacent to St. Peter’s Parish to better support the mission of the Catholic Center.”
    The Catholic Center occupies a renovated convent adjacent to St. Peter's Parish.
  8. Adoration | Join Eucharistic Adoration Today — Rutgers Catholicrutgerscatholic.org/adoration · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Thursdays: 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the Catholic Center Chapel (84 Somerset St. New Brunswick NJ, 08901).”
    The Catholic Center at 84 Somerset St. has a chapel, where adoration is held on Thursdays from 1:00 to 7:00 PM.
  9. Mass & Reconciliation Times | Join Mass & Reconciliation Now — Rutgers Catholicrutgerscatholic.org/parking · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Parking is available next to the Catholic Center at Rutgers (84 Somerset Street).”
    The Catholic Center has a parking lot next to it.

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Academic Excellence

AAcademic Excellence: 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.
90 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.84%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.93%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,410 · ACT 30.5
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.16 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$20,585

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.

Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
36,588
Total students50,617
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$24,406
Cost of attendance (per year)$36,993
Median federal debt at graduation$21,500
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
84%
First-year retention93%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$74,479
Admission rate58%
Students receiving Pell grants28%
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT1410
SAT reading & writing650–730
SAT math660–770
ACT composite28–33
Test policyConsidered but not required

Value index: 68 / 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 Metuchen

The see is currently vacant. The Very Reverend Jonathan Toborowsky, Diocesan Administrator.

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

Questions families ask

Is Rutgers University-New Brunswick a Catholic college?
No. Rutgers University-New Brunswick is not a Catholic college. Catholic School Compass rates the Catholic life on its campus instead. Catholic students are served by Rutgers Catholic (The Catholic Center at Rutgers).
What is Rutgers University-New Brunswick’s Catholic Life Score?
96 out of 100 (grade A). 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 Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
Mass is listed at St. Peter's Church and 94 Somerset Street. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.
Is Rutgers University-New Brunswick Compass Recommended?
Yes. Rutgers University-New Brunswick meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic life on campus.

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