
College · Catholic life on campus
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- LocationChampaign, IL
- Type and sizePublic · 4-year · 56,563 students
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is not a Catholic college. This rating measures Catholic life on campus: campus ministry, priests, Mass and confession, student groups, and nearby parishes.
St. John's Catholic Newman Center, at 604 East Armory Avenue in Champaign, is the Diocese of Peoria's Newman Center for University of Illinois students; it includes St. John's Catholic Chapel and Newman Hall, a university-certified residence for 586 students. Fr. Lee Brokaw is director and head chaplain, with an assistant chaplain, a visiting Opus Dei priest, lay staff, and FOCUS missionaries. In fall 2026, Mass is celebrated twice each weekday and five times each weekend, with confession and adoration twice each weekday, alongside small groups, retreats, OCIA, choirs, and a food pantry.
Mass, confession, and adoration
Confirm with the parish
Mass 7
- Monday–Friday12:05 PMSt. John's Catholic Chapel · Fall 2026 schedule (from August 17).
- Monday–Friday5:00 PMSt. John's Catholic Chapel · Fall 2026 schedule (from August 17).
- Saturday5:00 PMSt. John's Catholic Chapel · Vigil. Fall 2026 schedule.
- Sunday9:00 AMSt. John's Catholic Chapel · Fall 2026 schedule.
- Sunday10:30 AMSt. John's Catholic Chapel · Traditional. Fall 2026 schedule.
- Sunday5:00 PMSt. John's Catholic Chapel · Fall 2026 schedule.
Show 1 more mass times
- Sunday9:00 PMSt. John's Catholic Chapel · Candlelight. Fall 2026 schedule.
Confession 4
- Monday–Friday11:00 AMSt. John's Catholic Chapel · Fall 2026 schedule.
- Monday–Friday4:00 PMSt. John's Catholic Chapel · Fall 2026 schedule.
- Sunday4:00 PMSt. John's Catholic Chapel · Fall 2026 schedule.
- Sunday8:00 PMSt. John's Catholic Chapel · Fall 2026 schedule.
Adoration 2
- Monday–Friday11:00 AMSt. John's Catholic Chapel · Fall 2026 schedule.
- Monday–Friday4:00 PMSt. John's Catholic Chapel · Fall 2026 schedule.
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)
- Mass, Adoration & Reconciliation | St. John's Newman Centersjcnc.org/worship/mass-adoration-and-reconciliation · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Daily Mass is celebrated at: 12:05 PM & 5:00 PM Weekdays”
“Daily Mass is celebrated at: 12:05 PM & 5:00 PM Weekdays”
“Weekend Mass is celebrated at: 5:00 PM Saturday Vigil 9:00 AM Sunday 10:30 AM Sunday Traditional 5:00 PM Sunday 9:00 PM Sunday Candlelight”
“Weekend Mass is celebrated at: 5:00 PM Saturday Vigil 9:00 AM Sunday 10:30 AM Sunday Traditional 5:00 PM Sunday 9:00 PM Sunday Candlelight”
“Weekend Mass is celebrated at: 5:00 PM Saturday Vigil 9:00 AM Sunday 10:30 AM Sunday Traditional 5:00 PM Sunday 9:00 PM Sunday Candlelight”
“Weekend Mass is celebrated at: 5:00 PM Saturday Vigil 9:00 AM Sunday 10:30 AM Sunday Traditional 5:00 PM Sunday 9:00 PM Sunday Candlelight”
“Weekend Mass is celebrated at: 5:00 PM Saturday Vigil 9:00 AM Sunday 10:30 AM Sunday Traditional 5:00 PM Sunday 9:00 PM Sunday Candlelight”
“Reconciliation is offered: 11:00 AM & 4:00 PM Weekdays 4:00 PM & 8:00 PM Sundays”
“Reconciliation is offered: 11:00 AM & 4:00 PM Weekdays 4:00 PM & 8:00 PM Sundays”
“Reconciliation is offered: 11:00 AM & 4:00 PM Weekdays 4:00 PM & 8:00 PM Sundays”
“Reconciliation is offered: 11:00 AM & 4:00 PM Weekdays 4:00 PM & 8:00 PM Sundays”
“Adoration is offered: 11:00 AM & 4:00 PM Weekdays”
“Adoration is offered: 11:00 AM & 4:00 PM Weekdays”
Catholic churches nearby
- St. John's Chapel — 0.1 mi · 604 East Armory Avenue, Champaign
- St. Mary Catholic Church — 0.9 mi · 612 East Park Street, Champaign
- St. Patrick Catholic Church — 0.9 mi · 708 West Main Street, Urbana
- Holy Cross Church — 1.3 mi
- St. Matthew Catholic Church — 2.1 mi · 1303 Lincolnshire Drive, Champaign
Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.
Catholic life scorecard
Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.
Catholic life on campus
100 of 100 points on what we could document.
- Yes: 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 Diocese of Peoria lists St. John Newman Center as the Newman Center for students at the University of Illinois and Parkland College; the university's Office of the Dean of Students directory also lists it.)
Sources (2)
- St. John Newman Center - U of I Champaign — Catholic Diocese of Peoriacdop.org/parishes/st-john-newman-center · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“For students at the University of Illinois and Parkland College Address: 604 E. Armory Avenue, Champaign, IL 61820”
“Champaign - St. John Newman Center - U of I, .Priest Assignment: Chaplain, .Priest Title: Priest Father Lee Brokaw”
- St. John's Catholic Newman Center | Office of the Dean of Students | Illinoisodos.illinois.edu/resources/rwa/directory/saint-johns-catholic-newman-center · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“St. John's Catholic Newman Center Faith Tradition/Denomination: Roman Catholic Email: office@sjcnc.org Website: www.sjcnc.org”
- St. John Newman Center - U of I Champaign — Catholic Diocese of Peoriacdop.org/parishes/st-john-newman-center · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Dedicated Catholic center or chapel on or next to campusYes (St. John's Catholic Chapel (renovated 2023) and Newman Hall, at 604 East Armory Avenue, steps from the Main Quad.)
Sources (2)
- Our Story | St. John's Catholic Newman Centersjcnc.org/our-story · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Comprised of St. John's Catholic Chapel and Newman Hall, a co-ed private certified student housing facility, SJCNC is also a physical home to 586 students, located just steps from the University of Illinois Main Quad.”
- Newman Hall Private Certified UIUC Student Housing Residence Hallsjcnc.org/live/about-newman-hall-at-uiuc · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“As the premier private UIUC student residence hall, Newman Hall offers Illini freshmen and upperclassmen a supportive, welcoming, and dynamic student community, right at the heart of the Urbana-Champaign campus, steps from the UIUC Main Quad.”
“Best of all, you'll have 24-hour access to the beautiful St. John's Catholic Chapel, plus access to dozens of student-focused Catholic Illini ministries.”
- Our Story | St. John's Catholic Newman Centersjcnc.org/our-story · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Priest chaplain assigned to campus ministryFull-time priest chaplain (Fr. Lee Brokaw is Director and Head Chaplain and Fr. Daniel McShane is Assistant Chaplain; the diocese lists both as assigned to the Newman Center. Fr. Pete Arriagada (Opus Dei) visits on Fridays.)
Sources (4)
- Fr. Lee Brokawsjcnc.org/team-directory/category/pastoral-team/profile/fr-lee-brokaw · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Fr. Lee Brokaw serves as the Director and Head Chaplain of St. John's Catholic Newman Center.”
- Fr. Daniel McShanesjcnc.org/team-directory/category/pastoral-team/profile/fr-daniel-mcshane · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Fr. McShane also provides spiritual leadership and formation as the chaplain for the Newman Hall Resident Advisor team and Illini Knights of Columbus.”
- St. John Newman Center - U of I Champaign — Catholic Diocese of Peoriacdop.org/parishes/st-john-newman-center · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Champaign - St. John Newman Center - U of I, .Priest Assignment: Chaplain, .Priest Title: Priest Father Lee Brokaw”
- Pastoral Teamsjcnc.org/team-directory/category/pastoral-team · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Fr. Pete Arriagada is a priest of the Prelature of Opus Dei. He visits St. John's Catholic Newman Center on Fridays for Mass and Confessions and is available to meet with students.”
- Fr. Lee Brokawsjcnc.org/team-directory/category/pastoral-team/profile/fr-lee-brokaw · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Weekday Mass at the campus ministryEvery weekday (5 or more weekdays) (Fall 2026: 12:05 PM and 5:00 PM on weekdays; the center also describes 'twice-daily Mass'.)
Sources (1)
- Mass, Adoration & Reconciliation | St. John's Newman Centersjcnc.org/worship/mass-adoration-and-reconciliation · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Daily Mass is celebrated at: 12:05 PM & 5:00 PM Weekdays”
“Weekend Mass is celebrated at: 5:00 PM Saturday Vigil 9:00 AM Sunday 10:30 AM Sunday Traditional 5:00 PM Sunday 9:00 PM Sunday Candlelight”
“Fall 2026 Mass & Sacrament Schedule beginning Monday, August 17”
- Mass, Adoration & Reconciliation | St. John's Newman Centersjcnc.org/worship/mass-adoration-and-reconciliation · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Yes: 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. Sunday 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM (Traditional), 5:00 PM, and 9:00 PM (Candlelight).)
Sources (1)
- Mass, Adoration & Reconciliation | St. John's Newman Centersjcnc.org/worship/mass-adoration-and-reconciliation · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Weekend Mass is celebrated at: 5:00 PM Saturday Vigil 9:00 AM Sunday 10:30 AM Sunday Traditional 5:00 PM Sunday 9:00 PM Sunday Candlelight”
- Mass, Adoration & Reconciliation | St. John's Newman Centersjcnc.org/worship/mass-adoration-and-reconciliation · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Scheduled confession at the campus ministryWeekly or more often (Weekdays at 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Sundays at 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM.)
Sources (1)
- Mass, Adoration & Reconciliation | St. John's Newman Centersjcnc.org/worship/mass-adoration-and-reconciliation · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Reconciliation is offered: 11:00 AM & 4:00 PM Weekdays 4:00 PM & 8:00 PM Sundays”
- Mass, Adoration & Reconciliation | St. John's Newman Centersjcnc.org/worship/mass-adoration-and-reconciliation · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Yes: 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 missionary team (focus.org lists the University of Illinois) overseeing dozens of small-group Bible studies, Illini Knights of Columbus (chaplain named on the center's staff page), Outreach to Chinese Students, and SPARK, the Newman Hall student organization. The center describes 'dozens of student-led ministry and social groups'.)
Sources (5)
- Catholic Illini FOCUS Missionariessjcnc.org/team-directory/category/pastoral-team/profile/catholic-illini-focus-missionaries · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Led by Team Directors Beth Knipp and Ryan Schiltz, the Catholic Illini FOCUS Missionary team provides peer mentorship and discipleship, oversees dozens of small group Bible Studies, and helps evangelize the campus through their Catholic witness.”
- Campuses - FOCUSfocus.org/about/campuses · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Southern Illinois University Edwardsville University of Illinois Chicago University of Illinois Indiana”
- Pastoral Teamsjcnc.org/team-directory/category/pastoral-team · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“They provide regular events, small group opportunities and friendship for Mandarin-speaking students.”
“Fr. Pete Arriagada is a priest of the Prelature of Opus Dei. He visits St. John's Catholic Newman Center on Fridays for Mass and Confessions and is available to meet with students.”
- Fr. Daniel McShanesjcnc.org/team-directory/category/pastoral-team/profile/fr-daniel-mcshane · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Fr. McShane also provides spiritual leadership and formation as the chaplain for the Newman Hall Resident Advisor team and Illini Knights of Columbus.”
- Life at Newman Hall | St. John's Catholic Newman Centersjcnc.org/live/life-at-newman-hall/student-life-and-activities · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“SPARK is a student-led organization that creates social activities and sparks joy, community, and fun for residents at Newman Hall.”
- Catholic Illini FOCUS Missionariessjcnc.org/team-directory/category/pastoral-team/profile/catholic-illini-focus-missionaries · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Formation programs (retreats, OCIA/RCIA, service, small groups)Two or more kinds (Three Koinonia retreats a year, a silent retreat, the Freshman Kickoff/Overnight, weekly OCIA, weekly small groups, and the Newman Shares food pantry.)
Sources (5)
- Small Groups | St. John's Catholic Newman Centersjcnc.org/worship/small-groups · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Small Groups are student-led, student-focused explorations of Scripture as it applies to your life now, and beyond. Small Groups meet weekly in a community of authentic friendship”
- Elizabeth Cassidysjcnc.org/team-directory/category/pastoral-team/profile/elizabeth-cassidy · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Liz oversees teams of student leaders to facilitate 3 Koinonia retreats each year for college students.”
“Liz also leads Catholic Illini sophomores in hosting the annual Catholic Illini Freshman Overnight each August”
- Retreats | St. John's Catholic Newman Centersjcnc.org/worship/retreats · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“This retreat is for students who are ready to take the next step in their spiritual life and go deeper into prayer and relationship with God.”
- Becoming Catholic (OCIA)sjcnc.org/worship/becoming-catholic-ocia · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“The St. John’s Catholic Newman Center OCIA program meets weekly beginning each September to explore the beauty of the Catholic faith through brief interactive talks and friendship.”
- Food Resources for Illini Students – Managed by Student Affairs | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaignpublish.illinois.edu/foodresources · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Newman Shares Food Pantry St. John’s Catholic Newman Center 604 East Armory Avenue, Champaign, IL 61820 hours: Biweekly on Wednesdays – 5:00PM-7:00PM”
- Small Groups | St. John's Catholic Newman Centersjcnc.org/worship/small-groups · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Yes: 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.
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Published weekly schedule of Mass, confession, and adoration30 or more times a week (37 weekly times documented: 15 Mass, 12 confession, 10 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 celebrated twice every weekday and five times each weekend in St. John's Catholic Chapel, with confession and adoration twice each weekday and confession twice on Sundays (fall 2026).
Sources (1)
- Mass, Adoration & Reconciliation | St. John's Newman Centersjcnc.org/worship/mass-adoration-and-reconciliation · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Weekend Mass is celebrated at: 5:00 PM Saturday Vigil 9:00 AM Sunday 10:30 AM Sunday Traditional 5:00 PM Sunday 9:00 PM Sunday Candlelight”
“Daily Mass is celebrated at: 12:05 PM & 5:00 PM Weekdays”
“Reconciliation is offered: 11:00 AM & 4:00 PM Weekdays 4:00 PM & 8:00 PM Sundays”
“Adoration is offered: 11:00 AM & 4:00 PM Weekdays”
“Fall 2026 Mass & Sacrament Schedule beginning Monday, August 17”
- Mass, Adoration & Reconciliation | St. John's Newman Centersjcnc.org/worship/mass-adoration-and-reconciliation · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- The Newman Center includes a renovated chapel open daily for prayer and Newman Hall, a university-certified residence for 586 students steps from the Main Quad.
Sources (3)
- Our Story | St. John's Catholic Newman Centersjcnc.org/our-story · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Comprised of St. John's Catholic Chapel and Newman Hall, a co-ed private certified student housing facility, SJCNC is also a physical home to 586 students, located just steps from the University of Illinois Main Quad.”
- Diocesan 150th Pilgrimagesjcnc.org/worship/diocesan-150th-pilgrimage · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“St. John's Catholic Chapel is open for prayer and pilgrimage visits from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily.”
- Newman Hall | Private Certified Housing | Illinoiscertified.housing.illinois.edu/property/newman-hall · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Special Living Options: Coed, Religious Affiliation”
- Our Story | St. John's Catholic Newman Centersjcnc.org/our-story · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Two priests serve as director/head chaplain and assistant chaplain, with a visiting Opus Dei priest, a formation director, a retreat coordinator, and a FOCUS missionary team.
Sources (6)
- Fr. Lee Brokawsjcnc.org/team-directory/category/pastoral-team/profile/fr-lee-brokaw · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Fr. Lee Brokaw serves as the Director and Head Chaplain of St. John's Catholic Newman Center.”
- Fr. Daniel McShanesjcnc.org/team-directory/category/pastoral-team/profile/fr-daniel-mcshane · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Fr. McShane also provides spiritual leadership and formation as the chaplain for the Newman Hall Resident Advisor team and Illini Knights of Columbus.”
- St. John Newman Center - U of I Champaign — Catholic Diocese of Peoriacdop.org/parishes/st-john-newman-center · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Champaign - St. John Newman Center - U of I, .Priest Assignment: Chaplain, .Priest Title: Priest Father Lee Brokaw”
- Pastoral Teamsjcnc.org/team-directory/category/pastoral-team · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Fr. Pete Arriagada is a priest of the Prelature of Opus Dei. He visits St. John's Catholic Newman Center on Fridays for Mass and Confessions and is available to meet with students.”
- Shawn Reevessjcnc.org/team-directory/category/pastoral-team/profile/shawn-reeves · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Shawn Reeves directs religious formation at St. John's Catholic Newman Center, including leading the OCIA program”
- Catholic Illini FOCUS Missionariessjcnc.org/team-directory/category/pastoral-team/profile/catholic-illini-focus-missionaries · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Led by Team Directors Beth Knipp and Ryan Schiltz, the Catholic Illini FOCUS Missionary team provides peer mentorship and discipleship, oversees dozens of small group Bible Studies, and helps evangelize the campus through their Catholic witness.”
- Fr. Lee Brokawsjcnc.org/team-directory/category/pastoral-team/profile/fr-lee-brokaw · verified Oct. 8, 2026
- Programs include weekly small-group Bible studies, three Koinonia retreats and a silent retreat each year, weekly OCIA, four choirs, a Knights of Columbus group, and a food pantry.
Sources (7)
- Fr. Daniel McShanesjcnc.org/team-directory/category/pastoral-team/profile/fr-daniel-mcshane · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Fr. McShane also provides spiritual leadership and formation as the chaplain for the Newman Hall Resident Advisor team and Illini Knights of Columbus.”
- Small Groups | St. John's Catholic Newman Centersjcnc.org/worship/small-groups · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Small Groups are student-led, student-focused explorations of Scripture as it applies to your life now, and beyond. Small Groups meet weekly in a community of authentic friendship”
- Elizabeth Cassidysjcnc.org/team-directory/category/pastoral-team/profile/elizabeth-cassidy · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Liz oversees teams of student leaders to facilitate 3 Koinonia retreats each year for college students.”
- Retreats | St. John's Catholic Newman Centersjcnc.org/worship/retreats · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“This retreat is for students who are ready to take the next step in their spiritual life and go deeper into prayer and relationship with God.”
- Becoming Catholic (OCIA)sjcnc.org/worship/becoming-catholic-ocia · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“The St. John’s Catholic Newman Center OCIA program meets weekly beginning each September to explore the beauty of the Catholic faith through brief interactive talks and friendship.”
- Music Ministry | St. John's Catholic Newman Centersjcnc.org/worship/music-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“With 4 different choirs featuring 4 different liturgical music styles, there are countless ways to lend your voice to the unique beauty of Mass at St. John’s Chapel.”
- Food Resources for Illini Students – Managed by Student Affairs | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaignpublish.illinois.edu/foodresources · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Newman Shares Food Pantry St. John’s Catholic Newman Center 604 East Armory Avenue, Champaign, IL 61820 hours: Biweekly on Wednesdays – 5:00PM-7:00PM”
- Fr. Daniel McShanesjcnc.org/team-directory/category/pastoral-team/profile/fr-daniel-mcshane · verified Oct. 8, 2026
Concerns
- Outside Mass times, the chapel's published visiting hours for prayer are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM; 24-hour chapel access is described for Newman Hall residents.
Sources (2)
- Newman Hall Private Certified UIUC Student Housing Residence Hallsjcnc.org/live/about-newman-hall-at-uiuc · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Best of all, you'll have 24-hour access to the beautiful St. John's Catholic Chapel, plus access to dozens of student-focused Catholic Illini ministries.”
- Diocesan 150th Pilgrimagesjcnc.org/worship/diocesan-150th-pilgrimage · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“St. John's Catholic Chapel is open for prayer and pilgrimage visits from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily.”
- Newman Hall Private Certified UIUC Student Housing Residence Hallsjcnc.org/live/about-newman-hall-at-uiuc · verified Oct. 8, 2026
Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.
The Catholic center
St. John's Catholic Newman Center (St. John's Catholic Chapel and Newman Hall)
- Address: 604 East Armory Avenue, Champaign, IL 61820
- Location: On campus
- Facilities: chapel (St. John's Catholic Chapel), residence hall (Newman Hall, 586 students), dining hall, library, fitness center, study and meeting rooms, music practice facilities, game lounges
Source: cdop.org, verified Oct. 8, 2026, sjcnc.org, verified Oct. 8, 2026, sjcnc.org, verified Oct. 8, 2026, sjcnc.org, verified Oct. 8, 2026, sjcnc.org, verified Oct. 8, 2026, sjcnc.org, verified Oct. 8, 2026
Catholic clubs and student life
13 groups and regular activities · 11 on campus, 2 off campus
Retreats 3
- Koinonia WeekendsOff campusFall and spring (three a year)Student-run two-night retreat weekends.
- Catholic Illini Silent RetreatOff campusSilent retreat for students seeking deeper prayer.
- Catholic Illini Freshman Kickoff / Freshman OvernightOn campusEach AugustWelcome event for incoming freshmen, hosted by Catholic Illini sophomores.
Faith formation 1
- OCIA (Becoming Catholic)On campusWeekly from SeptemberWeekly program for those preparing to receive the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil.
Clubs and groups 4
- Catholic Illini Small Groups (FOCUS Bible studies)On campusWeeklyStudent-led weekly Scripture studies; the FOCUS missionary team oversees dozens of small groups.
- FOCUS (Catholic Illini FOCUS Missionaries)On campusFOCUS missionary team providing peer mentorship, discipleship, and evangelization on campus.
- Illini Knights of ColumbusOn campusKnights of Columbus group for which the Newman Center's assistant chaplain serves as chaplain.
- Outreach to Chinese StudentsOn campusRegular events, small groups, and friendship for Mandarin-speaking students, led by the Stovall family.
Liturgy and prayer 2
- Music Ministry (four choirs, including the Schola Cantorum)On campusTraditional, contemporary, and candlelight Sunday choirs and a chant schola.
- Liturgical MinistryOn campusStudents serve as sacristans, lectors, ushers, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, and altar servers.
Service 1
- Newman Shares Food PantryOn campusBiweekly on Wednesdays, 5:00-7:00 PMFood pantry for students at St. John's Catholic Newman Center.
Social life 1
- SPARK at Newman HallOn campusStudent-led organization that runs social events for Newman Hall residents and organizes Newman Hall intramural teams; hall events include a barn dance, a formal, Cinema Saturdays, and Game Night Fridays.
Sports and recreation 1
- Intramural athleticsOn campusNewman Center and Newman Hall intramural teams.
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
- St. John's Catholic Newman Center (Catholic Illini)
- FOCUS
- Illini Knights of Columbus
- Opus Dei (visiting priest)
Sources (9)
- St. John Newman Center - U of I Champaign — Catholic Diocese of Peoriacdop.org/parishes/st-john-newman-center · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“For students at the University of Illinois and Parkland College Address: 604 E. Armory Avenue, Champaign, IL 61820”
“For students at the University of Illinois and Parkland College Address: 604 E. Armory Avenue, Champaign, IL 61820”
- St. John's Catholic Newman Center | Office of the Dean of Students | Illinoisodos.illinois.edu/resources/rwa/directory/saint-johns-catholic-newman-center · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“St. John's Catholic Newman Center Faith Tradition/Denomination: Roman Catholic Email: office@sjcnc.org Website: www.sjcnc.org”
- Our Story | St. John's Catholic Newman Centersjcnc.org/our-story · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Comprised of St. John's Catholic Chapel and Newman Hall, a co-ed private certified student housing facility, SJCNC is also a physical home to 586 students, located just steps from the University of Illinois Main Quad.”
“Comprised of St. John's Catholic Chapel and Newman Hall, a co-ed private certified student housing facility, SJCNC is also a physical home to 586 students, located just steps from the University of Illinois Main Quad.”
- Catholic Illini FOCUS Missionariessjcnc.org/team-directory/category/pastoral-team/profile/catholic-illini-focus-missionaries · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Led by Team Directors Beth Knipp and Ryan Schiltz, the Catholic Illini FOCUS Missionary team provides peer mentorship and discipleship, oversees dozens of small group Bible Studies, and helps evangelize the campus through their Catholic witness.”
- Campuses - FOCUSfocus.org/about/campuses · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Southern Illinois University Edwardsville University of Illinois Chicago University of Illinois Indiana”
- Fr. Daniel McShanesjcnc.org/team-directory/category/pastoral-team/profile/fr-daniel-mcshane · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Fr. McShane also provides spiritual leadership and formation as the chaplain for the Newman Hall Resident Advisor team and Illini Knights of Columbus.”
- Pastoral Teamsjcnc.org/team-directory/category/pastoral-team · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Fr. Pete Arriagada is a priest of the Prelature of Opus Dei. He visits St. John's Catholic Newman Center on Fridays for Mass and Confessions and is available to meet with students.”
- Welcome | St. John's Catholic Newman Center @ UIUCsjcnc.org · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“604 East Armory Avenue Champaign, IL 61820”
- Newman Hall Private Certified UIUC Student Housing Residence Hallsjcnc.org/live/about-newman-hall-at-uiuc · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“As the premier private UIUC student residence hall, Newman Hall offers Illini freshmen and upperclassmen a supportive, welcoming, and dynamic student community, right at the heart of the Urbana-Champaign campus, steps from the UIUC Main Quad.”
“like weekly housekeeping, an on-site Fitness Center and library, game lounges, private study and meeting rooms, music practice facilities, free laundry”
“Best of all, you'll have 24-hour access to the beautiful St. John's Catholic Chapel, plus access to dozens of student-focused Catholic Illini ministries.”
Reach out
Contact details for Fr. Lee Brokaw (Director & Head Chaplain) and 8 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.
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Academic Excellence
Each measure counts for the share shown.
- Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.85%
- First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.95%
- Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,440 · ACT 32
- 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.$14,929
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) | 35,564 |
|---|---|
| Total students | 56,563 |
| Average net price (per year) After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid | $14,355 |
| Cost of attendance (per year) | $33,642 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,500 |
| Graduation rate First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time | 85% |
| First-year retention | 95% |
| Median earnings 10 years after entry | $81,054 |
| Admission rate | 42% |
| Students receiving Pell grants | 23% |
| Average SAT | 1440 |
|---|---|
| SAT reading & writing | 650–740 |
| SAT math | 660–780 |
| ACT composite | 30–34 |
| Test policy | Considered but not required |
Value index: 83 / 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
The Most Reverend Louis Tylka, Bishop of Peoria
Formal address: “Your Excellency”
Source: cdop.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 145637
- Carnegie classification: Doctoral university (very high research)
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
- Report an error or a newer source
Questions families ask
- Is University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign a Catholic college?
- No. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is not a Catholic college. Catholic School Compass rates the Catholic life on its campus instead. Catholic students are served by St. John's Catholic Newman Center (Catholic Illini).
- What is University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Catholic Life Score?
- 97 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 Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
- Mass is listed at St. John's Catholic Chapel. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.
- Is University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Compass Recommended?
- Yes. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic life on campus.
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