Catholic School CompassTrue north for Catholic families.
University of Maine: Route 25 westbound, Portland ME
Photo: John Phelan, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

College · Catholic life on campus

University of Maine

  • LocationOrono, ME
  • Type and sizePublic · 4-year · 11,760 students
Official website

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

The Newman Center at the University of Maine, at 83 College Avenue in Orono, is the campus Catholic center; it includes Our Lady of Wisdom Church and is part of the Parish of the Resurrection of the Lord. Its published schedule lists Sunday Masses at 11:00 am and 5:30 pm, a Tuesday Mass at 6:00 pm, a Saturday Mass at 8:00 am, and weekly confession and adoration. The student group Black Bear Catholic operates from the center, and FOCUS is listed as serving the campus. The renovated center reopened in October 2025.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 5

  • Sunday11:00 AMNewman Center / Our Lady of Wisdom Church
  • Sunday5:30 PMNewman Center / Our Lady of Wisdom Church
  • Tuesday6:00 PMNewman Center / Our Lady of Wisdom Church
  • Saturday8:00 AMNewman Center / Our Lady of Wisdom Church · Excluding first Saturdays of the month.
  • Saturday10:00 AMNewman Center / Our Lady of Wisdom Church · Monthly Traditional Latin Mass, first Saturday of each month.

Confession 2

  • Sunday4:30 PMNewman Center / Our Lady of Wisdom Church · Until 5:15 PM.
  • Tuesday5:00 PMNewman Center / Our Lady of Wisdom Church · Until 5:45 PM; also by appointment with a priest.

Adoration 1

  • Tuesday5:00 PMNewman Center / Our Lady of Wisdom Church · Until 5:45 PM.

Times come only from official parish, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 12, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)
  1. Mass Times and More | Newman Centerumaine.edu/newman/mass-times-and-more · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Sunday Mass at 11:00 am and 5:30 pm”
    The Newman Center lists Sunday Masses at 11:00 am and 5:30 pm.
    “Sunday Mass at 11:00 am and 5:30 pm”
    The Newman Center lists Sunday Masses at 11:00 am and 5:30 pm.
    “Tuesday Mass at 6:00 pm”
    The Newman Center lists a Tuesday Mass at 6:00 pm.
    “Saturday Mass at 8:00 am (excluding first Saturdays of the month)”
    The Newman Center lists a Saturday Mass at 8:00 am, except on first Saturdays.
    “Monthly Traditional Latin Mass at 10:00 am (on the first Saturday of each month)”
    The Newman Center lists a monthly Latin Mass at 10:00 am on the first Saturday.
    “Sundays – 4:30–5:15 pm”
    The Newman Center schedules confession on Sundays from 4:30 to 5:15 pm and on Tuesdays from 5:00 to 5:45 pm.
    “Sundays – 4:30–5:15 pm”
    The Newman Center schedules confession on Sundays from 4:30 to 5:15 pm and on Tuesdays from 5:00 to 5:45 pm.
    “Tuesdays – 5:00-5:45 pm”
    The Newman Center schedules Eucharistic adoration on Tuesdays from 5:00 to 5:45 pm.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of University of Maine, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miOur Lady of Wisdom Catholic Church: 0.4 mi1Saint Ann Catholic Church: 2.4 mi2Holy Family Catholic Church: 2.4 mi3Newman Center / Our Lady of Wisdom Church: 0.4 miUniversity of Maine (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic Church — 0.4 mi · 83 College Avenue, Orono
  2. Saint Ann Catholic Church — 2.4 mi · 84 Main Street, Bradley
  3. Holy Family Catholic Church — 2.4 mi · 425 Main Street, Old Town

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.

BCatholic life on campus: 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.

Catholic life on campus

79 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
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry | Diocese of Portlandportlanddiocese.org/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Campus Minister: Conlan Taylor”
      The diocese's campus ministry page lists Conlan Taylor as campus minister for the University of Maine, Orono.
    2. Our Lady of Wisdom Church & Newman Center | Diocese of Portlandportlanddiocese.org/our-lady-of-wisdom-church-newman-center · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “it is a home on campus where students are invited to deepen their relationship with Christ.”
      The diocese describes the Newman Center as a home on campus.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Dedicated Catholic center or chapel on or next to campusYes (The center's chapel and building at 83 College Avenue; the diocese describes it as a home on campus.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Newman Center / Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic Churchumaine.edu/newman/catholic/embed · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Address: 83 College Avenue Orono, ME 04473”
      The Newman Center's address is 83 College Avenue, Orono, ME 04473.
    2. Our Lady of Wisdom Church & Newman Center | Diocese of Portlandportlanddiocese.org/our-lady-of-wisdom-church-newman-center · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “it is a home on campus where students are invited to deepen their relationship with Christ.”
      The diocese describes the Newman Center as a home on campus.
      “providing a sacred space for Mass, Eucharistic adoration, and personal prayer”
      The renovated center provides a space for Mass, adoration and prayer, and includes Our Lady of Wisdom Chapel.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Priest chaplain assigned to campus ministryPart-time or shared priest (Fr. Brad Morin is named as chaplain. The parish he belongs to serves four church communities, and no page states that he serves the campus full time.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Diocese of Portlandportlanddiocese.org/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Chaplain: Fr. Brad Morin”
      The diocese's campus ministry page lists Fr. Brad Morin as chaplain for the University of Maine, Orono.
      “Chaplain: Fr. Brad Morin”
      Fr. Brad Morin is listed as chaplain; the parish he serves is described on the Newman Center's own page.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Weekday Mass at the campus ministry1–4 weekdays (Weekday Mass is listed only on Tuesdays (1 weekday).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass Times and More | Newman Centerumaine.edu/newman/mass-times-and-more · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Tuesday Mass at 6:00 pm”
      The Newman Center lists a Tuesday Mass at 6:00 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 (Sunday Masses at 11:00 am and 5:30 pm, plus a Saturday 8:00 am Mass.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass Times and More | Newman Centerumaine.edu/newman/mass-times-and-more · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sunday Mass at 11:00 am and 5:30 pm”
      The Newman Center lists Sunday Masses at 11:00 am and 5:30 pm.
      “Saturday Mass at 8:00 am (excluding first Saturdays of the month)”
      The Newman Center lists a Saturday Mass at 8:00 am, except on first Saturdays.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Scheduled confession at the campus ministryWeekly or more often (Scheduled confession on Sundays and Tuesdays, and by appointment.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass Times and More | Newman Centerumaine.edu/newman/mass-times-and-more · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sundays – 4:30–5:15 pm”
      The Newman Center schedules confession on Sundays from 4:30 to 5:15 pm and on Tuesdays from 5:00 to 5:45 pm.
  • 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 (Black Bear Catholic and FOCUS.)
    Sources (2)
    1. About Newman | Newman Centerumaine.edu/newman · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Black Bear Catholic is the recognized student government organization at the University of Maine that operates out of the Newman Center.”
      Black Bear Catholic is a recognized student organization that operates from the Newman Center.
    2. Campuses | FOCUSfocus.org/about/campuses · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “University of Maine”
      FOCUS lists the University of Maine among the campuses it serves.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Formation programs (retreats, OCIA/RCIA, service, small groups)One kind (Service opportunities are the only formation-type kind listed (no retreats, OCIA or small groups found).)
    Sources (1)
    1. About Newman | Newman Centerumaine.edu/newman · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “This organization creates a fun and loving student community that hosts events, dinners, service opportunities, celebrations, and more.”
      Black Bear Catholic hosts events, dinners and service opportunities.
  • 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 adoration6 to 11 times a week (8 weekly times documented: 5 Mass, 2 confession, 1 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

  • Sunday Masses are offered three times a week on campus, with confession and adoration listed each week.
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass Times and More | Newman Centerumaine.edu/newman/mass-times-and-more · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sunday Mass at 11:00 am and 5:30 pm”
      The Newman Center lists Sunday Masses at 11:00 am and 5:30 pm.
      “Sundays – 4:30–5:15 pm”
      The Newman Center schedules confession on Sundays from 4:30 to 5:15 pm and on Tuesdays from 5:00 to 5:45 pm.
      “Tuesdays – 5:00-5:45 pm”
      The Newman Center schedules Eucharistic adoration on Tuesdays from 5:00 to 5:45 pm.
  • The diocese's campus ministry page names a campus minister and a chaplain for the University of Maine.
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Diocese of Portlandportlanddiocese.org/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Campus Minister: Conlan Taylor”
      The diocese's campus ministry page lists Conlan Taylor as campus minister for the University of Maine, Orono.
      “Chaplain: Fr. Brad Morin”
      The diocese's campus ministry page lists Fr. Brad Morin as chaplain for the University of Maine, Orono.

Concerns

  • Weekday Mass is listed only on Tuesdays.
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass Times and More | Newman Centerumaine.edu/newman/mass-times-and-more · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Tuesday Mass at 6:00 pm”
      The Newman Center lists a Tuesday Mass at 6:00 pm.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

The Catholic center

Newman Center / Our Lady of Wisdom Church

  • Address: 83 College Avenue, Orono, ME 04473
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel (Our Lady of Wisdom Chapel), meeting and community areas

View on map ↗

Source: umaine.edu, verified Oct. 12, 2026, portlanddiocese.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026, portlanddiocese.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

4 groups and regular activities · 1 on campus, 0 off campus, 3 location not published

Clubs and groups 2

  • Black Bear CatholicOn campus
    Student organization that operates out of the Newman Center and hosts events, dinners, service opportunities and celebrations.
    umaine.edu, umaine.edu
  • FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students)
    FOCUS lists the University of Maine among the campuses it serves.
    focus.org

Liturgy and prayer 1

  • Monthly Traditional Latin Mass
    First Saturday of each month, 10:00 AM
    Monthly Latin Mass listed on the Newman Center's Mass times page.
    umaine.edu

Service 1

  • Service opportunities (Black Bear Catholic)
    Service opportunities hosted by Black Bear Catholic.
    umaine.edu

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 (3)
  1. About Newman | Newman Centerumaine.edu/newman · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “The Newman Center (or Our Lady of Wisdom Church) a church that is a part of the Parish of the Resurrection of the Lord.”
    The Newman Center is also Our Lady of Wisdom Church, part of the Parish of the Resurrection of the Lord.
  2. Our Lady of Wisdom Church & Newman Center | Diocese of Portlandportlanddiocese.org/our-lady-of-wisdom-church-newman-center · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “it is a home on campus where students are invited to deepen their relationship with Christ.”
    The diocese describes the Newman Center as a home on campus.
    “it is a home on campus where students are invited to deepen their relationship with Christ.”
    The diocese describes the Newman Center as a home on campus.
    “providing a sacred space for Mass, Eucharistic adoration, and personal prayer”
    The renovated center provides a space for Mass, adoration and prayer, and includes Our Lady of Wisdom Chapel.
  3. Newman Center / Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic Churchumaine.edu/newman/catholic/embed · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Address: 83 College Avenue Orono, ME 04473”
    The Newman Center's address is 83 College Avenue, Orono, ME 04473.

Reach out

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Academic Excellence

CAcademic Excellence: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
68 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.55%
  • 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.Not reported
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.15 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$12,786

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)
9,267
Total students11,760
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$17,510
Cost of attendance (per year)$27,328
Median federal debt at graduation$25,000
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
55%
First-year retention83%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$48,653
Admission rate97%
Students receiving Pell grants23%

Value index: 49 / 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 Portland in Maine

The Most Reverend James Ruggieri, Bishop of Portland in Maine

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 Maine a Catholic college?
No. University of Maine is not a Catholic college. Catholic School Compass rates the Catholic life on its campus instead. Catholic students are served by Newman Center / Our Lady of Wisdom Church.
What is University of Maine’s Catholic Life Score?
76 out of 100 (grade B). 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 Maine?
Mass is listed at Newman Center / Our Lady of Wisdom Church. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.

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