Is Virginia Commonwealth University a Catholic college?

No. Virginia Commonwealth University is not a Catholic college. Catholic School Compass rates the Catholic life on its campus instead. Catholic students are served by Catholic Campus Ministry at VCU.

Where is Mass celebrated at Virginia Commonwealth University?

Mass is listed at Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.

College · Catholic life on campus

Virginia Commonwealth University

LocationRichmond, VA
Type and sizePublic · 4-year · 28,238 students

Official website

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

Catholic Campus Ministry at VCU, based in the CCM House at 20 N. Laurel Street on the VCU campus, serves undergraduate and graduate students. Masses are held at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond, including weekday Mass Tuesday through Friday at noon, Saturday 5 PM and Sunday Masses. Confession and adoration are scheduled weekly on Wednesday, and confession is also offered Saturday afternoon.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 4

Tuesday–Friday12:00 PMCathedral of the Sacred Heart
Saturday5:00 PMCathedral of the Sacred Heart
Sunday5:00 PMCathedral of the Sacred Heart · Student Mass.
Sunday11:00 AMCathedral of the Sacred Heart

Confession 2

Wednesday6:00 PMCathedral of the Sacred Heart · 6:00 to 7:00 PM, during adoration.
Saturday4:00 PMCathedral of the Sacred Heart · 4:00 to 4:45 PM.

Adoration 1

Wednesday6:00 PMCathedral of the Sacred Heart · 6:00 to 7:00 PM, with confession.

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 (3)

Mass Schedule | VCU CCM Websiteccmvcu.org/mass-schedule · verified Oct. 12, 2026
“Weekday Masses Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday at 12 PM All Masses Take Place at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart”
Weekday Mass is listed Tuesday through Friday at 12 PM at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.
“Weekend Masses Sunday 5 PM (Student Mass) Saturday 5 PM Sunday 9 AM Sunday 11 AM”
Weekend Masses are listed Saturday 5 PM and Sunday 5 PM, 9 AM and 11 AM.
“Weekend Masses Sunday 5 PM (Student Mass) Saturday 5 PM Sunday 9 AM Sunday 11 AM”
Weekend Masses are listed Saturday 5 PM and Sunday 5 PM, 9 AM and 11 AM.
“Weekend Masses Sunday 5 PM (Student Mass) Saturday 5 PM Sunday 9 AM Sunday 11 AM”
Weekend Masses are listed Saturday 5 PM and Sunday 5 PM, 9 AM and 11 AM.
Confession Schedule | VCU CCM Websiteccmvcu.org/mass-schedule-1 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
“Confession Schedule Wednesdays: 6 pm-7 pm (During Adoration) Saturdays: 4 pm-4:45 pm”
Confession is scheduled Wednesdays 6 to 7 pm and Saturdays 4 to 4:45 pm.
“Confession Schedule Wednesdays: 6 pm-7 pm (During Adoration) Saturdays: 4 pm-4:45 pm”
Confession is scheduled Wednesdays 6 to 7 pm and Saturdays 4 to 4:45 pm.
Adoration Schedule | VCU CCM Websiteccmvcu.org/mass-schedule-1-1 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
“Adoration Schedule Wednesdays: 6 pm - 7 pm (With Confession)”
Adoration is scheduled Wednesdays 6 to 7 pm.

Catholic churches nearby

CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›

Cathedral of the Sacred Heart — 0.1 mi · 800 South Cathedral Place, Richmond
Saint Peters Catholic Church — 1.1 mi · 800 East Grace Street, Richmond
Saint Benedict Catholic Church — 1.4 mi
Saint Pauls Catholic Church — 1.8 mi · 909 Rennie Avenue, Richmond
Sacred Heart Catholic Church — 1.9 mi · 1401 Perry Street, Richmond
Saint Elizabeths Church — 2.1 mi · 2712 2nd Avenue, Richmond

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

81 of 100 points on what we could document.

Yes:
Catholic campus ministry serving this campus (Catholic center, campus ministry, or chaplaincy)Yes (Listed by the Diocese of Richmond campus ministry directory; the ministry's own site names VCU.)
Sources (2)
1. Find a Campus | Evangelize Richmondevangelizerichmond.org/campus-ministry/find-a-campus · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Colleges and Universities Campus Ministry Websites Select the college or university’s picture below to visit their campus ministry page Christopher Newport University Hampden-Sydney College James Madison University Liberty University Longwood University Old Dominion University Radford University Roanoke College University of Lynchburg University of Richmond University of Virginia Virginia Commonwealth University”
  The Diocese of Richmond's campus ministry directory lists Virginia Commonwealth University with its own campus ministry website.
2. VCU CCM Websiteccmvcu.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Catholic Campus Ministry at VCU seeks to faithfully proclaim the Gospel on the campuses of Virginia Commonwealth University.”
  Catholic Campus Ministry at VCU serves students on the VCU campus.
Yes:
Dedicated Catholic center or chapel on or next to campusYes (CCM House on the VCU campus with an adoration chapel.)
Sources (1)
1. CCM House | VCU CCM Websiteccmvcu.org/ccm-house · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “The CCM House is located at the heart of the VCU Campus and is open to all who are seeking a place of refuge where they are loved and accepted.”
  The CCM House is located on the VCU campus.
  “We have an adoration chapel that is available for students to experience the Lord in the midst of a grueling school day.”
  The CCM House has an adoration chapel and a kitchen, dining room, living room, study rooms and conference room.
Partly:
Priest chaplain assigned to campus ministryPart-time or shared priest (Fr. Anthony Marques is listed as rector of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on the ministry's staff page; no page presents a full-time campus chaplain. Ministry director Chris Spilka is a lay director.)
Sources (1)
1. Staff | VCU CCM Websiteccmvcu.org/staff · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Fr. Anthony Marques Rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral”
  The campus ministry staff page lists Fr. Anthony Marques as rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral.
Partly:
Weekday Mass at the campus ministry1–4 weekdays (Weekday Mass Tuesday to Friday at 12 PM (4 weekdays) at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, the parish that hosts the ministry's Masses.)
Sources (2)
1. Mass Schedule | VCU CCM Websiteccmvcu.org/mass-schedule · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Weekday Masses Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday at 12 PM All Masses Take Place at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart”
  Weekday Mass is listed Tuesday through Friday at 12 PM at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.
2. Cathedral of the Sacred Heartrichmondcathedral.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Tuesday–Friday: 12:00 N Saturday: 5:00 pm Sunday: 9:00 am (livestream), 11:00 am, 5:00 pm”
  The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart lists weekday Mass Tuesday to Friday at noon, Saturday 5 pm, and Sunday Masses.
Yes:
Sunday Mass at the campus ministry or a campus chapelTwo or more weekend Masses (Saturday 5 PM and Sunday 5 PM and 11 AM at the Cathedral. The Sunday 9 AM Mass is listed by the ministry but the Cathedral lists it as livestream; it is excluded from schedules as a conflict.)
Sources (2)
1. Mass Schedule | VCU CCM Websiteccmvcu.org/mass-schedule · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Weekend Masses Sunday 5 PM (Student Mass) Saturday 5 PM Sunday 9 AM Sunday 11 AM”
  Weekend Masses are listed Saturday 5 PM and Sunday 5 PM, 9 AM and 11 AM.
2. Cathedral of the Sacred Heartrichmondcathedral.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Tuesday–Friday: 12:00 N Saturday: 5:00 pm Sunday: 9:00 am (livestream), 11:00 am, 5:00 pm”
  The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart lists weekday Mass Tuesday to Friday at noon, Saturday 5 pm, and Sunday Masses.
Yes:
Scheduled confession at the campus ministryWeekly or more often (Confession Wednesday 6 to 7 PM and Saturday 4 to 4:45 PM at the Cathedral.)
Sources (2)
1. Confession Schedule | VCU CCM Websiteccmvcu.org/mass-schedule-1 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Confession Schedule Wednesdays: 6 pm-7 pm (During Adoration) Saturdays: 4 pm-4:45 pm”
  Confession is scheduled Wednesdays 6 to 7 pm and Saturdays 4 to 4:45 pm.
2. Cathedral of the Sacred Heartrichmondcathedral.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Confessions Wednesday: 6:00–7:00 pm Saturday: 4:00–4:45 pm”
  The Cathedral lists confessions Wednesday 6 to 7 pm and Saturday 4 to 4:45 pm.
Yes:
Catholic student groups and missionary outreach (e.g., FOCUS, Saint Paul's Outreach, Knights of Columbus, Bible studies)Two or more (Counted: weekly small groups that study a scripture passage, and Rosary and Divine Mercy prayer groups run through the ministry.)
Sources (1)
1. Ministries | VCU CCM Websiteccmvcu.org/ministries · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Groups are typically 3-10 people, and these students meet to discuss faith, go deeper into a weekly scripture passage”
  Small groups of students meet weekly to discuss faith and a scripture passage.
  “Take some time out of your week to slow down, pray, and grow closer to Christ with our Rosary and Divine Mercy prayer groups.”
  Rosary and Divine Mercy prayer groups are offered.
Yes:
Formation programs (retreats, OCIA/RCIA, service, small groups)Two or more kinds (Three kinds: formation (small groups and Catecheeses), retreats and conferences, and community service.)
Sources (1)
1. Ministries | VCU CCM Websiteccmvcu.org/ministries · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Groups are typically 3-10 people, and these students meet to discuss faith, go deeper into a weekly scripture passage”
  Small groups of students meet weekly to discuss faith and a scripture passage.
  “Students always need opportunities to break away from campus and experience Christ in a more intentional and relaxing setting.”
  Retreats and conferences are offered away from campus.
  “CCM truly values the importance of serving the members of our community. Our social justice chair faithfully sets our students up for a variety of service opportunities throughout the semester in the city of Richmond.”
  Community service opportunities in the city of Richmond are offered throughout the semester.
Yes:
Catholic church within walking distance (computed from OpenStreetMap)Within 1 mile of campusComputed from OpenStreetMap church locations.
Partly:
Published weekly schedule of Mass, confession, and adoration6 to 11 times a week (10 weekly times documented: 7 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

Weekday Mass is listed Tuesday through Friday at noon, and Saturday and Sunday Masses are listed at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.
Sources (1)
1. Mass Schedule | VCU CCM Websiteccmvcu.org/mass-schedule · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Weekday Masses Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday at 12 PM All Masses Take Place at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart”
  Weekday Mass is listed Tuesday through Friday at 12 PM at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.
  “Weekend Masses Sunday 5 PM (Student Mass) Saturday 5 PM Sunday 9 AM Sunday 11 AM”
  Weekend Masses are listed Saturday 5 PM and Sunday 5 PM, 9 AM and 11 AM.
The CCM House on campus has an adoration chapel and is open to undergraduates on weekdays during the academic year.
Sources (1)
1. CCM House | VCU CCM Websiteccmvcu.org/ccm-house · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “We have an adoration chapel that is available for students to experience the Lord in the midst of a grueling school day.”
  The CCM House has an adoration chapel and a kitchen, dining room, living room, study rooms and conference room.
  “The house is open to all undergraduate students during the academic year Monday-Thursday, 10am-6pm.”
  The CCM House is open to undergraduates Monday to Thursday, 10am to 6pm, during the academic year.
Confession and adoration are scheduled weekly on Wednesdays, and confession is also offered on Saturdays.
Sources (2)
1. Confession Schedule | VCU CCM Websiteccmvcu.org/mass-schedule-1 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Confession Schedule Wednesdays: 6 pm-7 pm (During Adoration) Saturdays: 4 pm-4:45 pm”
  Confession is scheduled Wednesdays 6 to 7 pm and Saturdays 4 to 4:45 pm.
2. Adoration Schedule | VCU CCM Websiteccmvcu.org/mass-schedule-1-1 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Adoration Schedule Wednesdays: 6 pm - 7 pm (With Confession)”
  Adoration is scheduled Wednesdays 6 to 7 pm.
Programs include weekly small groups, retreats and conferences, and community service in Richmond.
Sources (1)
1. Ministries | VCU CCM Websiteccmvcu.org/ministries · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Groups are typically 3-10 people, and these students meet to discuss faith, go deeper into a weekly scripture passage”
  Small groups of students meet weekly to discuss faith and a scripture passage.
  “Students always need opportunities to break away from campus and experience Christ in a more intentional and relaxing setting.”
  Retreats and conferences are offered away from campus.
  “CCM truly values the importance of serving the members of our community. Our social justice chair faithfully sets our students up for a variety of service opportunities throughout the semester in the city of Richmond.”
  Community service opportunities in the city of Richmond are offered throughout the semester.

Concerns

Weekday Mass is listed on four days.
Sources (1)
1. Mass Schedule | VCU CCM Websiteccmvcu.org/mass-schedule · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Weekday Masses Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday at 12 PM All Masses Take Place at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart”
  Weekday Mass is listed Tuesday through Friday at 12 PM at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.
The campus ministry's website names a cathedral rector as the priest associated with the ministry; no page presents a full-time campus chaplain.
Sources (1)
1. Staff | VCU CCM Websiteccmvcu.org/staff · verified Oct. 12, 2026
  “Fr. Anthony Marques Rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral”
  The campus ministry staff page lists Fr. Anthony Marques as rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

The Catholic center

Catholic Campus Ministry at VCU (CCM House)

Address: 20 N. Laurel Street, Richmond, VA 23220
Location: On campus
Facilities: adoration chapel, kitchen, dining room, living room, study rooms, conference room

View on map ↗

Source: ccmvcu.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026, ccmvcu.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026, ccmvcu.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

10 groups and regular activities · 2 on campus, 2 off campus, 6 location not published

Retreats 1

Retreats and conferencesOff campus
unknown
Retreats and conferences away from campus, listed on the ministry calendar.
ccmvcu.org, ccmvcu.org

Service 1

Community service in RichmondOff campus
throughout the semester
Service opportunities in the city of Richmond organized by the social justice chair.
ccmvcu.org

Clubs and groups 2

Small groupsOn campus
weekly (times not stated)
Groups of about 3 to 10 students meet weekly to discuss faith and a scripture passage; the ministry says small groups operate out of the CCM House.
ccmvcu.org, ccmvcu.org
Men's and women's groups
monthly
Same-gender groups for fellowship events and faith discussion.
ccmvcu.org

Other 1

CCM House open hoursOn campus
Monday to Thursday 10 am to 6 pm during the academic year
Undergraduates may use the CCM House for prayer, study, and fellowship, including the adoration chapel.
ccmvcu.org, ccmvcu.org

Faith formation 2

Catecheeses
Wednesdays 4:30 PM
A weekly discussion of a teaching of the Catholic Church, with a cheese board.
ccmvcu.org
Emmaus Project
unknown
A ministry offering named on the ministry home page.
ccmvcu.org

Liturgy and prayer 1

Rosary and Divine Mercy prayer groups
unknown
Prayer groups for the Rosary and the Divine Mercy devotion.
ccmvcu.org, ccmvcu.org

Social life 2

Sunday Supper
every other Sunday after the 5:00 PM Student Mass
Free dinner for students provided by the campus ministry.
ccmvcu.org
Fellowship nights
fourth Thursday of each month
Social nights with bonfires and karaoke.
ccmvcu.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 (5)

VCU CCM Websiteccmvcu.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
“Catholic Campus Ministry at VCU seeks to faithfully proclaim the Gospel on the campuses of Virginia Commonwealth University.”
Catholic Campus Ministry at VCU serves students on the VCU campus.
Find a Campus | Evangelize Richmondevangelizerichmond.org/campus-ministry/find-a-campus · verified Oct. 12, 2026
“Colleges and Universities Campus Ministry Websites Select the college or university’s picture below to visit their campus ministry page Christopher Newport University Hampden-Sydney College James Madison University Liberty University Longwood University Old Dominion University Radford University Roanoke College University of Lynchburg University of Richmond University of Virginia Virginia Commonwealth University”
The Diocese of Richmond's campus ministry directory lists Virginia Commonwealth University with its own campus ministry website.
VCU Catholic Campus Ministry | Cathedral of the Sacred Heartrichmondcathedral.org/get-involved-vcu-catholic-campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
“At VCU, students involved in Catholic Campus Ministry (CCM) form a community that worships together, learns about the faith, and serves others.”
The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart's own page describes the VCU Catholic Campus Ministry as part of its ministry.
Cathedral of the Sacred Heartrichmondcathedral.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
“Tuesday–Friday: 12:00 N Saturday: 5:00 pm Sunday: 9:00 am (livestream), 11:00 am, 5:00 pm”
The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart lists weekday Mass Tuesday to Friday at noon, Saturday 5 pm, and Sunday Masses.
CCM House | VCU CCM Websiteccmvcu.org/ccm-house · verified Oct. 12, 2026
“The CCM House is located at the heart of the VCU Campus and is open to all who are seeking a place of refuge where they are loved and accepted.”
The CCM House is located on the VCU campus.
“20 N. Laurel Street Richmond, VA 23220”
The CCM House address is 20 N. Laurel Street, Richmond, VA 23220.
“We have an adoration chapel that is available for students to experience the Lord in the midst of a grueling school day.”
The CCM House has an adoration chapel and a kitchen, dining room, living room, study rooms and conference room.

Reach out

Contact details for Chris Spilka (Director of Campus Ministry) and 2 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.

We keep campus ministers’ emails behind sign-in to protect them from spam.

My rating and notes

Academic Excellence

72 of 100

From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

Graduation rate 35% of score63%
First-year retention 20% of score85%
Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreSAT 1,137 · ACT 26
Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of score17 to 1
Instructional spending per student 15% of score$16,705

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))

Campus facts

Sports	NCAA Division I · Atlantic 10 Conference
Setting	City
ROTC	Army
Study abroad	Offered
Students per faculty member	17 to 1

Federal data (IPEDS). None of this changes the faith grades.

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Value and outcomes
Undergraduate students Fall enrollment (IPEDS)	21,205
Total students	28,238
Average net price (per year) After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid	$23,433
Cost of attendance (per year)	$38,954
Median federal debt at graduation	$21,500
Graduation rate First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time	63%
First-year retention	85%
Median earnings 10 years after entry	$58,128
Admission rate	93%
Students receiving Pell grants	31%

Admitted students’ middle range:SAT 1010–1270ACT 22–30

Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT	1137
SAT reading & writing	520–650
SAT math	490–620
ACT composite	22–30
Test policy	Considered but not required

Value index: 56 / 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 Richmond

The Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout, Bishop of Richmond

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Source: richmonddiocese.org, richmonddiocese.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

IPEDS unit ID 234030
Carnegie classification: Doctoral university (very high research)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges d.b.a. Commission on Colleges and Universities (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
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Questions families ask

Is Virginia Commonwealth University a Catholic college?: No. Virginia Commonwealth University is not a Catholic college. Catholic School Compass rates the Catholic life on its campus instead. Catholic students are served by Catholic Campus Ministry at VCU.
What is Virginia Commonwealth University’s Catholic Life Score?: 79 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 Virginia Commonwealth University?: Mass is listed at Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.

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