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University of Arizona: First Look Watch Party at University of Arizona (DSC 001-Jose-Pinto-CC)
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College · Catholic life on campus

University of Arizona

  • LocationTucson, AZ
  • Type and sizePublic · 4-year · 53,001 students
Official website
Campus Ministry Honor Roll badge

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

The St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center, on the University of Arizona campus at 2nd Street and Cherry Avenue, is the Catholic campus ministry for the university and has been served by Dominican friars since 1968. Fr. John Paul Forté, O.P., is pastor, with a Dominican associate pastor and a Dominican sister as pastoral associate. The center lists four weekend Masses, Mass Tuesday through Friday, Saturday confession, a weekday morning holy hour, and student groups including a student ministry team, Torch small-group Bible studies, Knights of Columbus Council 16061, and FOCUS, which lists four missionaries at the university.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 5

  • Tuesday–Friday5:15 PMSt. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center
  • Saturday5:15 PMSt. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center · Vigil Mass.
  • Sunday9:00 AMSt. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center
  • Sunday11:00 AMSt. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center · Also livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube.
  • Sunday5:00 PMSt. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center

Confession 1

  • Saturday4:00 PMSt. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center church

Adoration 2

  • Tuesday–Friday8:45 AMSt. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center · Holy Hour (parish bulletin, October 4, 2026).
  • Thursday7:30 PMSt. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center church · First Thursday of each month only.

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 (3)
  1. St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Centeruacatholic.org · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Weekend Masses Sunday – 9 AM, 11 AM, and 5 PM Saturday Vigil – 5:15 PM Sunday Live-Streamed Mass: 11 AM MST through Facebook Live or our YouTube Channel Weekday Masses Tuesday through Friday – 5:15 PM”
    Weekend Masses are Saturday at 5:15 PM (vigil) and Sunday at 9 AM, 11 AM, and 5 PM; weekday Mass is Tuesday through Friday at 5:15 PM.
    “Weekend Masses Sunday – 9 AM, 11 AM, and 5 PM Saturday Vigil – 5:15 PM Sunday Live-Streamed Mass: 11 AM MST through Facebook Live or our YouTube Channel Weekday Masses Tuesday through Friday – 5:15 PM”
    Weekend Masses are Saturday at 5:15 PM (vigil) and Sunday at 9 AM, 11 AM, and 5 PM; weekday Mass is Tuesday through Friday at 5:15 PM.
    “Weekend Masses Sunday – 9 AM, 11 AM, and 5 PM Saturday Vigil – 5:15 PM Sunday Live-Streamed Mass: 11 AM MST through Facebook Live or our YouTube Channel Weekday Masses Tuesday through Friday – 5:15 PM”
    Weekend Masses are Saturday at 5:15 PM (vigil) and Sunday at 9 AM, 11 AM, and 5 PM; weekday Mass is Tuesday through Friday at 5:15 PM.
    “Weekend Masses Sunday – 9 AM, 11 AM, and 5 PM Saturday Vigil – 5:15 PM Sunday Live-Streamed Mass: 11 AM MST through Facebook Live or our YouTube Channel Weekday Masses Tuesday through Friday – 5:15 PM”
    Weekend Masses are Saturday at 5:15 PM (vigil) and Sunday at 9 AM, 11 AM, and 5 PM; weekday Mass is Tuesday through Friday at 5:15 PM.
    “Weekend Masses Sunday – 9 AM, 11 AM, and 5 PM Saturday Vigil – 5:15 PM Sunday Live-Streamed Mass: 11 AM MST through Facebook Live or our YouTube Channel Weekday Masses Tuesday through Friday – 5:15 PM”
    Weekend Masses are Saturday at 5:15 PM (vigil) and Sunday at 9 AM, 11 AM, and 5 PM; weekday Mass is Tuesday through Friday at 5:15 PM.
    “Saturdays at 4 PM in the church Or by appointment: Priest email addresses are listed on the Staff Page”
    Confession is scheduled Saturdays at 4 PM in the church, or by appointment with a priest.
  2. St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center bulletin, October 4, 2026uacatholic.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/October-4-2026-1.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Tues-Fri 8:45AM Holy Hour”
    The October 4, 2026 bulletin's schedule lists adoration of the Blessed Sacrament as a holy hour Tuesday through Friday at 8:45 AM, with the next monthly evening adoration on November 5 at 7:30 PM.
  3. Get Involved – Student Life – St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Centeruacatholic.org/undergrads · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 1st Thursday of the Month at 7:30 PM, the Church”
    Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is held on the first Thursday of each month at 7:30 PM in the church, hosted by the student Liturgy Committee.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of University of Arizona, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miSaints-Peter-and-Paul Church: 0.7 mi1Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration: 1.5 mi2Saint Augustine Cathedral: 1.5 mi3Santa Cruz Catholic Church: 2.1 mi4Saint Frances Cabrini Catholic Church: 2.6 mi5St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center: 0.2 miUniversity of Arizona (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saints-Peter-and-Paul Church — 0.7 mi · North Campbell Avenue, Tucson
  2. Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration — 1.5 mi · 800 North Country Club Road, Tucson
  3. Saint Augustine Cathedral — 1.5 mi · 192 South Stone Avenue, Tucson
  4. Santa Cruz Catholic Church — 2.1 mi
  5. Saint Frances Cabrini Catholic Church — 2.6 mi · 3201 East Presidio Road, Tucson

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

90 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 (The St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center serves the University of Arizona Catholic community and is listed by the Western Dominican Province among its ministries.)
    Sources (3)
    1. About Us – St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Centeruacatholic.org/aboutus · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Welcome to the St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center, serving the University of Arizona Catholic community and surrounding Tucson area.”
      The St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center serves the University of Arizona Catholic community.
      “In 1968, Bishop Green extended an invitation to the Dominicans of the Central Province to serve as Chaplains.”
      Dominican friars have served as chaplains of the University of Arizona Newman Center since 1968, at the invitation of the Bishop of Tucson.
    2. Find a Ministry — Dominican Friars | Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesusopwest.org/find-a-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center 1615 East 2nd Street Tucson, AZ 85719”
      The Western Dominican Province lists the St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center at 1615 East 2nd Street, Tucson, among its ministries.
    3. Location & Parking – St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Centeruacatholic.org/aboutus/location · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The Newman Center is located on the campus of the University of Arizona at the Northeast corner of 2nd Street and Cherry Avenue.”
      The Newman Center is on the University of Arizona campus at 2nd Street and Cherry Avenue.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Dedicated Catholic center or chapel on or next to campusYes (The Newman Center, with its church, is on the University of Arizona campus at the northeast corner of 2nd Street and Cherry Avenue; it is open for prayer, community, and study 8 AM-9 PM on weekdays.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Location & Parking – St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Centeruacatholic.org/aboutus/location · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The Newman Center is located on the campus of the University of Arizona at the Northeast corner of 2nd Street and Cherry Avenue.”
      The Newman Center is on the University of Arizona campus at 2nd Street and Cherry Avenue.
    2. St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Centeruacatholic.org · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The Center is open for Prayer, Community & Study from 8AM to 9PM, Monday to Friday”
      The Newman Center is open for prayer, community, and study 8 AM-9 PM Monday through Friday.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priest chaplain assigned to campus ministryFull-time priest chaplain (Fr. John Paul Forté, O.P., is pastor and directs the student ministry team. Fr. Emmanuel Taylor, O.P., is associate pastor.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Staff – St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Centeruacatholic.org/aboutus/staff · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “This Community is served by the Friars of the Western Dominican Province, Dominican Sisters of Oakford, Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill, and the St. Martin de Porres Chapter of the Dominican Laity Fr. John Paul Forté, O.P. Pastor frjpforteop@UACatholic.org”
      The Newman Center is served by the Western Dominican friars; Fr. John Paul Forté, O.P., is pastor (frjpforteop@uacatholic.org).
      “Fr. Emmanuel Taylor, O.P. Associate Pastor fremmanuel@UACatholic.org”
      Fr. Emmanuel Taylor, O.P., is associate pastor (fremmanuel@uacatholic.org).
    2. Student Ministry Team – St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Centeruacatholic.org/smt · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “SMT is a team of 14 students, under the direction of our pastor, Fr. John Paul Forté, O.P.”
      The Student Ministry Team of 14 students works under the direction of the pastor, Fr. John Paul Forté, O.P.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Weekday Mass at the campus ministry1–4 weekdays (Tuesday through Friday at 5:15 PM (four weekdays).)
    Sources (1)
    1. St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Centeruacatholic.org · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Weekend Masses Sunday – 9 AM, 11 AM, and 5 PM Saturday Vigil – 5:15 PM Sunday Live-Streamed Mass: 11 AM MST through Facebook Live or our YouTube Channel Weekday Masses Tuesday through Friday – 5:15 PM”
      Weekend Masses are Saturday at 5:15 PM (vigil) and Sunday at 9 AM, 11 AM, and 5 PM; weekday Mass is Tuesday through Friday at 5:15 PM.
  • 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 5:15 PM vigil and Sunday 9 AM, 11 AM, and 5 PM.)
    Sources (1)
    1. St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Centeruacatholic.org · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Weekend Masses Sunday – 9 AM, 11 AM, and 5 PM Saturday Vigil – 5:15 PM Sunday Live-Streamed Mass: 11 AM MST through Facebook Live or our YouTube Channel Weekday Masses Tuesday through Friday – 5:15 PM”
      Weekend Masses are Saturday at 5:15 PM (vigil) and Sunday at 9 AM, 11 AM, and 5 PM; weekday Mass is Tuesday through Friday at 5:15 PM.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Scheduled confession at the campus ministryWeekly or more often (Saturdays at 4 PM in the church, or by appointment.)
    Sources (1)
    1. St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Centeruacatholic.org · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Saturdays at 4 PM in the church Or by appointment: Priest email addresses are listed on the Staff Page”
      Confession is scheduled Saturdays at 4 PM in the church, or by appointment with a priest.
  • 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 (FOCUS (four missionaries listed on focus.org), Knights of Columbus University of Arizona Council 16061, a 14-member Student Ministry Team, and Torch small-group Bible studies for undergraduates.)
    Sources (5)
    1. Student Ministry Team – St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Centeruacatholic.org/smt · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “SMT is a team of 14 students, under the direction of our pastor, Fr. John Paul Forté, O.P.”
      The Student Ministry Team of 14 students works under the direction of the pastor, Fr. John Paul Forté, O.P.
    2. University of Arizona - FOCUSfocus.org/campus/university-of-arizona · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Herrera Jason Herrera Burbach Sara Burbach Dalton Reisa Dalton Diaz Gabriel Diaz”
      FOCUS's University of Arizona campus page lists four missionaries: Jason Herrera, Sara Burbach, Reisa Dalton, and Gabriel Diaz.
    3. Campuses - FOCUSfocus.org/about/campuses · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Arizona State University University of Arizona Northern Arizona University”
      FOCUS lists the University of Arizona among the campuses where it serves.
    4. Ministries – St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Centeruacatholic.org/ministries · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “At the Newman Center, University of Arizona Council 16061 participates in various ministerial activities, such as serving as liturgical ministers at Mass, organizing parking for Newman events as well as Arizona Athletic events, organizing Lenten fish frys and Christmas food drives.”
      Knights of Columbus University of Arizona Council 16061 is based at the Newman Center and serves at Mass, events, Lenten fish fries, and Christmas food drives.
    5. Torch Small Groups – St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Centeruacatholic.org/ministries/smallgroups · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Torch Small Groups are intended for undergraduate students ages 17-23.”
      Torch small-group Bible studies, led by trained student leaders, meet weekly for undergraduates; groups meet Monday through Friday evenings.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Formation programs (retreats, OCIA/RCIA, service, small groups)Two or more kinds (Weekly small-group Bible studies, OCIA, a confirmation preparation program for college students, and monthly service with migrants (Kino Border Initiative, Casa Alitas).)
    Sources (4)
    1. Torch Small Groups – St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Centeruacatholic.org/ministries/smallgroups · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Torch Small Groups are intended for undergraduate students ages 17-23.”
      Torch small-group Bible studies, led by trained student leaders, meet weekly for undergraduates; groups meet Monday through Friday evenings.
    2. RCIA – Becoming Catholic – St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Centeruacatholic.org/sacraments/rcia · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “sessions are held during the “academic year”, early September through the first week of May. Participants attend: Sessions on Thursday evenings 7:00-8:30pm”
      OCIA sessions are held Thursday evenings 7:00-8:30 PM from early September through the first week of May.
    3. Confirmation – St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Centeruacatholic.org/confirmation · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Most Sessions are held on Tuesdays 7:30 – 9 PM. Fall 2026 classes will start on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026 and run through Dec. 1”
      Confirmation sessions meet Tuesdays 7:30-9 PM; fall 2026 classes run September 15 to December 1.
    4. Ministries – St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Centeruacatholic.org/ministries · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Newman provides breakfast to migrants on the first and third Saturday of the month.”
      Newman volunteers serve breakfast to migrants in Nogales, Sonora, with the Kino Border Initiative on the first and third Saturdays of each month.
      “Visits are planned on the 1st Thursdays and the 3rd Saturdays monthly when it fits into your schedule.”
      Volunteers serve migrant families at Casa Alitas on the first Thursday and third Saturday of each month.
  • 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 adoration12 to 19 times a week (14 weekly times documented: 8 Mass, 1 confession, 5 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

  • The Newman Center is on the University of Arizona campus at 2nd Street and Cherry Avenue and is open for prayer and study 8 AM-9 PM on weekdays.
    Sources (2)
    1. Location & Parking – St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Centeruacatholic.org/aboutus/location · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The Newman Center is located on the campus of the University of Arizona at the Northeast corner of 2nd Street and Cherry Avenue.”
      The Newman Center is on the University of Arizona campus at 2nd Street and Cherry Avenue.
    2. St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Centeruacatholic.org · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The Center is open for Prayer, Community & Study from 8AM to 9PM, Monday to Friday”
      The Newman Center is open for prayer, community, and study 8 AM-9 PM Monday through Friday.
  • Four weekend Masses are offered, plus Mass and a morning holy hour Tuesday through Friday.
    Sources (2)
    1. St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Centeruacatholic.org · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Weekend Masses Sunday – 9 AM, 11 AM, and 5 PM Saturday Vigil – 5:15 PM Sunday Live-Streamed Mass: 11 AM MST through Facebook Live or our YouTube Channel Weekday Masses Tuesday through Friday – 5:15 PM”
      Weekend Masses are Saturday at 5:15 PM (vigil) and Sunday at 9 AM, 11 AM, and 5 PM; weekday Mass is Tuesday through Friday at 5:15 PM.
    2. St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center bulletin, October 4, 2026uacatholic.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/October-4-2026-1.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Tues-Fri 8:45AM Holy Hour”
      The October 4, 2026 bulletin's schedule lists adoration of the Blessed Sacrament as a holy hour Tuesday through Friday at 8:45 AM, with the next monthly evening adoration on November 5 at 7:30 PM.
  • Dominican friars serve the center: a pastor who directs the student ministry team and an associate pastor, with a Dominican sister as pastoral associate.
    Sources (2)
    1. Staff – St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Centeruacatholic.org/aboutus/staff · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “This Community is served by the Friars of the Western Dominican Province, Dominican Sisters of Oakford, Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill, and the St. Martin de Porres Chapter of the Dominican Laity Fr. John Paul Forté, O.P. Pastor frjpforteop@UACatholic.org”
      The Newman Center is served by the Western Dominican friars; Fr. John Paul Forté, O.P., is pastor (frjpforteop@uacatholic.org).
      “Fr. Emmanuel Taylor, O.P. Associate Pastor fremmanuel@UACatholic.org”
      Fr. Emmanuel Taylor, O.P., is associate pastor (fremmanuel@uacatholic.org).
      “Sr. Lynn Allvin, O.P. Pastoral Associate srlynn@UACatholic.org”
      Sr. Lynn Allvin, O.P., is pastoral associate (srlynn@uacatholic.org).
    2. Student Ministry Team – St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Centeruacatholic.org/smt · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “SMT is a team of 14 students, under the direction of our pastor, Fr. John Paul Forté, O.P.”
      The Student Ministry Team of 14 students works under the direction of the pastor, Fr. John Paul Forté, O.P.
  • Student groups include FOCUS (four missionaries), Knights of Columbus Council 16061, a 14-member student ministry team, and weekly Torch small-group Bible studies.
    Sources (4)
    1. Student Ministry Team – St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Centeruacatholic.org/smt · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “SMT is a team of 14 students, under the direction of our pastor, Fr. John Paul Forté, O.P.”
      The Student Ministry Team of 14 students works under the direction of the pastor, Fr. John Paul Forté, O.P.
    2. University of Arizona - FOCUSfocus.org/campus/university-of-arizona · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Herrera Jason Herrera Burbach Sara Burbach Dalton Reisa Dalton Diaz Gabriel Diaz”
      FOCUS's University of Arizona campus page lists four missionaries: Jason Herrera, Sara Burbach, Reisa Dalton, and Gabriel Diaz.
    3. Ministries – St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Centeruacatholic.org/ministries · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “At the Newman Center, University of Arizona Council 16061 participates in various ministerial activities, such as serving as liturgical ministers at Mass, organizing parking for Newman events as well as Arizona Athletic events, organizing Lenten fish frys and Christmas food drives.”
      Knights of Columbus University of Arizona Council 16061 is based at the Newman Center and serves at Mass, events, Lenten fish fries, and Christmas food drives.
    4. Torch Small Groups – St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Centeruacatholic.org/ministries/smallgroups · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Torch Small Groups are intended for undergraduate students ages 17-23.”
      Torch small-group Bible studies, led by trained student leaders, meet weekly for undergraduates; groups meet Monday through Friday evenings.

Concerns

  • Weekday Mass is offered Tuesday through Friday.
    Sources (1)
    1. St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Centeruacatholic.org · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Weekend Masses Sunday – 9 AM, 11 AM, and 5 PM Saturday Vigil – 5:15 PM Sunday Live-Streamed Mass: 11 AM MST through Facebook Live or our YouTube Channel Weekday Masses Tuesday through Friday – 5:15 PM”
      Weekend Masses are Saturday at 5:15 PM (vigil) and Sunday at 9 AM, 11 AM, and 5 PM; weekday Mass is Tuesday through Friday at 5:15 PM.
  • Confession is scheduled once a week (Saturday at 4 PM); other times are by appointment.
    Sources (1)
    1. St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Centeruacatholic.org · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Saturdays at 4 PM in the church Or by appointment: Priest email addresses are listed on the Staff Page”
      Confession is scheduled Saturdays at 4 PM in the church, or by appointment with a priest.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

The Catholic center

St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center

  • Address: 1615 East 2nd Street, Tucson, AZ 85719
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: church, student lounge, Bishop Green Hall, study space

View on map ↗

Source: uacatholic.org, verified Oct. 8, 2026, opwest.org, verified Oct. 8, 2026, uacatholic.org, verified Oct. 8, 2026, uacatholic.org, verified Oct. 8, 2026, uacatholic.org, verified Oct. 8, 2026, uacatholic.org, verified Oct. 8, 2026, uacatholic.org, verified Oct. 8, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

14 groups and regular activities · 12 on campus, 2 off campus

Service 3

  • Kino Border Initiative breakfastOff campus
    First and third Saturdays of the month
    Volunteers prepare and serve breakfast to migrants in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico.
    uacatholic.org
  • Casa AlitasOff campus
    First Thursday and third Saturday of the month
    Hospitality for migrant families at Casa Alitas in Tucson.
    uacatholic.org
  • Reachout Women's Center driveOn campus
    Diaper and baby clothing drive for a pregnancy center serving women in unplanned pregnancies.
    uacatholic.org

Faith formation 3

  • Torch Small Group Bible StudiesOn campus
    Weekly, Monday-Friday evenings
    Student-led weekly Bible studies for undergraduates (men's, women's, freshman, athletes, STEM, Spanish-language, and co-ed groups).
    uacatholic.org, uacatholic.org
  • OCIA (Becoming Catholic)On campus
    Thursdays 7:00-8:30 PM, September-May
    Order of Christian Initiation of Adults sessions plus Sunday 11 AM Mass with a reflection on the readings.
    uacatholic.org
  • Confirmation preparation for college studentsOn campus
    Tuesdays 7:30-9 PM
    Preparation for university and college students who need to receive confirmation; fall 2026 classes run September 15 to December 1.
    uacatholic.org, uacatholic.org

Clubs and groups 4

  • Student Ministry TeamOn campus
    Fourteen students on liturgy, community life, outreach, social justice, and faith formation committees, directed by the pastor.
    uacatholic.org
  • FOCUS missionary teamOn campus
    FOCUS lists four missionaries serving at the University of Arizona.
    focus.org, focus.org
  • Knights of Columbus Council 16061On campus
    University of Arizona council based at the Newman Center; serves at Mass, events, Lenten fish fries, and Christmas food drives.
    uacatholic.org
  • Young Adult CommunityOn campus
    Tuesdays 7 PM
    Fellowship and faith formation for graduate students and young adults ages 22-35.
    uacatholic.org

Liturgy and prayer 2

  • Rosary Under the StarsOn campus
    Thursdays 6:30 PM
    Rosary prayed on campus near Steward Observatory, hosted by the Liturgy Committee.
    uacatholic.org
  • Liturgy of the HoursOn campus
    Tuesday-Friday, 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM
    Morning and Evening Prayer at the Newman Center.
    uacatholic.org

Social life 2

  • Newman Night for UndergradsOn campus
    Wednesdays 7 PM
    Weekly undergraduate gathering with a light meal and program in Bishop Green Hall, led by the Student Ministry Team.
    uacatholic.org
  • Game Night FridaysOn campus
    Fridays 7 PM
    Games and fellowship in the Newman student lounge, hosted by the Outreach Committee.
    uacatholic.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 (11)
  1. About Us – St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Centeruacatholic.org/aboutus · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Welcome to the St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center, serving the University of Arizona Catholic community and surrounding Tucson area.”
    The St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center serves the University of Arizona Catholic community.
    “In 1968, Bishop Green extended an invitation to the Dominicans of the Central Province to serve as Chaplains.”
    Dominican friars have served as chaplains of the University of Arizona Newman Center since 1968, at the invitation of the Bishop of Tucson.
    “Welcome to the St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center, serving the University of Arizona Catholic community and surrounding Tucson area.”
    The St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center serves the University of Arizona Catholic community.
  2. Find a Ministry — Dominican Friars | Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesusopwest.org/find-a-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center 1615 East 2nd Street Tucson, AZ 85719”
    The Western Dominican Province lists the St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center at 1615 East 2nd Street, Tucson, among its ministries.
    “St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center 1615 East 2nd Street Tucson, AZ 85719”
    The Western Dominican Province lists the St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center at 1615 East 2nd Street, Tucson, among its ministries.
    “St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center 1615 East 2nd Street Tucson, AZ 85719”
    The Western Dominican Province lists the St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center at 1615 East 2nd Street, Tucson, among its ministries.
  3. Location & Parking – St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Centeruacatholic.org/aboutus/location · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “The Newman Center is located on the campus of the University of Arizona at the Northeast corner of 2nd Street and Cherry Avenue.”
    The Newman Center is on the University of Arizona campus at 2nd Street and Cherry Avenue.
    “The Newman Center is located on the campus of the University of Arizona at the Northeast corner of 2nd Street and Cherry Avenue.”
    The Newman Center is on the University of Arizona campus at 2nd Street and Cherry Avenue.
  4. Staff – St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Centeruacatholic.org/aboutus/staff · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “This Community is served by the Friars of the Western Dominican Province, Dominican Sisters of Oakford, Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill, and the St. Martin de Porres Chapter of the Dominican Laity Fr. John Paul Forté, O.P. Pastor frjpforteop@UACatholic.org”
    The Newman Center is served by the Western Dominican friars; Fr. John Paul Forté, O.P., is pastor (frjpforteop@uacatholic.org).
  5. University of Arizona - FOCUSfocus.org/campus/university-of-arizona · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Herrera Jason Herrera Burbach Sara Burbach Dalton Reisa Dalton Diaz Gabriel Diaz”
    FOCUS's University of Arizona campus page lists four missionaries: Jason Herrera, Sara Burbach, Reisa Dalton, and Gabriel Diaz.
  6. Campuses - FOCUSfocus.org/about/campuses · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Arizona State University University of Arizona Northern Arizona University”
    FOCUS lists the University of Arizona among the campuses where it serves.
  7. Ministries – St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Centeruacatholic.org/ministries · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “At the Newman Center, University of Arizona Council 16061 participates in various ministerial activities, such as serving as liturgical ministers at Mass, organizing parking for Newman events as well as Arizona Athletic events, organizing Lenten fish frys and Christmas food drives.”
    Knights of Columbus University of Arizona Council 16061 is based at the Newman Center and serves at Mass, events, Lenten fish fries, and Christmas food drives.
    “Newman Night for Undergrads Wednesdays at 7PM downstairs in Bishop Green Hall led by our Student Ministry Team. Join other undergrads for fellowship and rotating themes. We will begin with a light meal and then the program.”
    Newman Night for undergraduates, led by the Student Ministry Team, meets Wednesdays at 7 PM in Bishop Green Hall with a light meal and program.
  8. Student Ministry Team – St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Centeruacatholic.org/smt · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “SMT is a team of 14 students, under the direction of our pastor, Fr. John Paul Forté, O.P.”
    The Student Ministry Team of 14 students works under the direction of the pastor, Fr. John Paul Forté, O.P.
  9. Contact – St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Centeruacatholic.org/aboutus/contact · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “1615 East 2nd Street Tucson, AZ 85719 Phone: (520) 327-4665 Fax: (520) 327-3963 Email: newman@uacatholic.org”
    The Newman Center's address is 1615 East 2nd Street, Tucson, AZ 85719; phone 327-4665; email newman@uacatholic.org.
  10. Get Involved – Student Life – St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Centeruacatholic.org/undergrads · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Game Night Fridays Fridays at 7PM, Newman Student lounge Join us for fellowship and games every Friday evening downstairs in the Student Lounge!”
    A student game night is held Fridays at 7 PM in the Newman student lounge.
  11. St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Centeruacatholic.org · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “The Center is open for Prayer, Community & Study from 8AM to 9PM, Monday to Friday”
    The Newman Center is open for prayer, community, and study 8 AM-9 PM Monday through Friday.

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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.
71 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.68%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.83%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,246 · ACT 25
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.20 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$15,271

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)
41,899
Total students53,001
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$16,674
Cost of attendance (per year)$29,423
Median federal debt at graduation$19,620
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
68%
First-year retention83%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$59,979
Admission rate86%
Students receiving Pell grants26%
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT1246
SAT reading & writing580–700
SAT math570–720
ACT composite21–29
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 Tucson

The Most Reverend James A. Misko, Bishop of Tucson

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

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

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

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is University of Arizona a Catholic college?
No. University of Arizona is not a Catholic college. Catholic School Compass rates the Catholic life on its campus instead. Catholic students are served by St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center.
What is University of Arizona’s Catholic Life Score?
85 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 University of Arizona?
Mass is listed at St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.
Is University of Arizona Compass Recommended?
Yes. University of Arizona meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic life on campus.

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