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Western Illinois University: Shermanwide
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College · Catholic life on campus

Western Illinois University

  • LocationMacomb, IL
  • Type and sizePublic · 4-year · 7,073 students
Official website

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

Western Illinois University's Campus Ministries page lists the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Center at 1401 West University Drive in Macomb. The Center's own site lists Mass on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, a Bible study, a student council and a priest as Newman Chaplain.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 2

  • Sunday12:00 PMSt. Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Center · Per the Newman Center's own Mass times page. The university's Campus Ministries directory lists 5 p.m. (see gaps).
  • Tuesday, Thursday5:00 PMSt. Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Center

Adoration 1

  • Tuesday4:00 PMSt. Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Center · Per the Newman Center's home page. The university's directory lists Wednesday at 7 p.m. (see gaps).

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 (2)
  1. Mass | St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Centerwiucatholic.org/mass-times · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Sundays 12:00pm Confessions are available 30 minutes before Mass. Following Sunday Mass, a light brunch will be served. Tuesdays 5:00PM Confessions are available 30 minutes before Mass. Thursdays 5:00PM Confessions are available 30 minutes before Mass.”
    The Newman Center lists Mass at 12:00 PM on Sundays and at 5:00 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with confession 30 minutes before each Mass and a brunch after Sunday Mass.
    “Sundays 12:00pm Confessions are available 30 minutes before Mass. Following Sunday Mass, a light brunch will be served. Tuesdays 5:00PM Confessions are available 30 minutes before Mass. Thursdays 5:00PM Confessions are available 30 minutes before Mass.”
    The Newman Center lists Mass at 12:00 PM on Sundays and at 5:00 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with confession 30 minutes before each Mass and a brunch after Sunday Mass.
  2. St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Centerwiucatholic.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Tuesdays and Thursdays: Mass is at 5:00pm. Adoration at 4:00pm.”
    The Newman Center's home page lists adoration at 4:00 PM on Tuesdays.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Western Illinois University, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.25 mi0.5 mi1 miSt Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Center: 0.3 mi1Saint Paul Catholic Church: 0.9 mi2St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Center: 0.3 miWestern Illinois University (campus)N0.5 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. St Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Center — 0.3 mi
  2. Saint Paul Catholic Church — 0.9 mi

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.

Catholic life scorecard

Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.

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

76 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 university's Campus Ministries page lists the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Center.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministries | Western Illinois Universitywiu.edu/student_success/ministries · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Center Address: 1401 West University Drive Phone:309-837-3989 Mass: Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday at 5 p.m. Adoration: Wednesday at 7 p.m.”
      The university's Campus Ministries page lists the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Center at 1401 West University Drive, with Mass and adoration times.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Dedicated Catholic center or chapel on or next to campusYes (The Newman Center is a dedicated building at 1401 West University Drive, Macomb. Its distance from campus is computed from the address.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Donate | St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Centerwiucatholic.org/donate-to-our-church · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Find Us 1401 West University Drive Macomb, IL 61455 309-837-3989 wiucatholic@gmail.com”
      The Newman Center's published address, phone and general email are 1401 West University Drive, Macomb, IL 61455; 309-837-3989; wiucatholic@gmail.com.
  • 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. Marc Nakulu, SMA is listed as Newman Chaplain and also as parochial vicar for St. Paul (Macomb), St. Rose (Rushville) and St. Francis Newman Center. Fr. Jules Agossou is listed as assistant chaplain.)
    Sources (1)
    1. About | St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Centerwiucatholic.org/about · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Newman Chaplain Father Marc Nakulu, SMA I am Father Marc NKULU NGOMBANDA, a priest from the missionary order named SOCIETY OF AFRICAN MISSIONS (SMA).”
      Fr. Marc Nakulu, SMA is the Newman Chaplain.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Weekday Mass at the campus ministry1–4 weekdays (Mass is listed on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:00 PM.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass | St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Centerwiucatholic.org/mass-times · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sundays 12:00pm Confessions are available 30 minutes before Mass. Following Sunday Mass, a light brunch will be served. Tuesdays 5:00PM Confessions are available 30 minutes before Mass. Thursdays 5:00PM Confessions are available 30 minutes before Mass.”
      The Newman Center lists Mass at 12:00 PM on Sundays and at 5:00 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with confession 30 minutes before each Mass and a brunch after Sunday Mass.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Sunday Mass at the campus ministry or a campus chapelOne weekend Mass (One Sunday Mass is listed, at 12:00 PM.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass | St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Centerwiucatholic.org/mass-times · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sundays 12:00pm Confessions are available 30 minutes before Mass. Following Sunday Mass, a light brunch will be served. Tuesdays 5:00PM Confessions are available 30 minutes before Mass. Thursdays 5:00PM Confessions are available 30 minutes before Mass.”
      The Newman Center lists Mass at 12:00 PM on Sundays and at 5:00 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with confession 30 minutes before each Mass and a brunch after Sunday Mass.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Scheduled confession at the campus ministryWeekly or more often (Confession is available 30 minutes before the Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday Masses.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass | St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Centerwiucatholic.org/mass-times · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sundays 12:00pm Confessions are available 30 minutes before Mass. Following Sunday Mass, a light brunch will be served. Tuesdays 5:00PM Confessions are available 30 minutes before Mass. Thursdays 5:00PM Confessions are available 30 minutes before Mass.”
      The Newman Center lists Mass at 12:00 PM on Sundays and at 5:00 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with confession 30 minutes before each Mass and a brunch after Sunday Mass.
  • 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 (Two groups are listed: the Newman Center Bible Study and the Newman council.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Bible Study | St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Centerwiucatholic.org/biblestudy · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Newman Center Bible Study Fall 2025-Spring 2026”
      The Newman Center runs a Bible study; the most recent published year is 2025-2026.
    2. Get Involved | St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Centerwiucatholic.org/get-involved · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “If you are looking for some service projects the Newman council is the place for you. We are committed to engaging in service projects throughout our community and organizing fun activities.”
      The Newman council organizes community service projects and activities; the page also lists musicians, liturgical volunteers and a Spanish-language Mass lector need.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Formation programs (retreats, OCIA/RCIA, service, small groups)Two or more kinds (Two kinds are listed: small-group Bible study and community service projects.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Bible Study | St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Centerwiucatholic.org/biblestudy · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Newman Center Bible Study Fall 2025-Spring 2026”
      The Newman Center runs a Bible study; the most recent published year is 2025-2026.
    2. Get Involved | St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Centerwiucatholic.org/get-involved · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “If you are looking for some service projects the Newman council is the place for you. We are committed to engaging in service projects throughout our community and organizing fun activities.”
      The Newman council organizes community service projects and activities; the page also lists musicians, liturgical volunteers and a Spanish-language Mass lector need.
  • 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 adoration1 to 5 times a week (4 weekly times documented: 3 Mass, 0 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

  • The Newman Center publishes Mass on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, with confession before each Mass.
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass | St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Centerwiucatholic.org/mass-times · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sundays 12:00pm Confessions are available 30 minutes before Mass. Following Sunday Mass, a light brunch will be served. Tuesdays 5:00PM Confessions are available 30 minutes before Mass. Thursdays 5:00PM Confessions are available 30 minutes before Mass.”
      The Newman Center lists Mass at 12:00 PM on Sundays and at 5:00 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with confession 30 minutes before each Mass and a brunch after Sunday Mass.
  • The Newman Center lists a Bible study and a student council, and a priest is named as Newman Chaplain.
    Sources (3)
    1. Bible Study | St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Centerwiucatholic.org/biblestudy · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Newman Center Bible Study Fall 2025-Spring 2026”
      The Newman Center runs a Bible study; the most recent published year is 2025-2026.
    2. Get Involved | St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Centerwiucatholic.org/get-involved · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “If you are looking for some service projects the Newman council is the place for you. We are committed to engaging in service projects throughout our community and organizing fun activities.”
      The Newman council organizes community service projects and activities; the page also lists musicians, liturgical volunteers and a Spanish-language Mass lector need.
    3. About | St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Centerwiucatholic.org/about · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Newman Chaplain Father Marc Nakulu, SMA I am Father Marc NKULU NGOMBANDA, a priest from the missionary order named SOCIETY OF AFRICAN MISSIONS (SMA).”
      Fr. Marc Nakulu, SMA is the Newman Chaplain.

Concerns

  • The published schedule lists Mass on two weekdays and one Sunday.
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass | St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Centerwiucatholic.org/mass-times · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sundays 12:00pm Confessions are available 30 minutes before Mass. Following Sunday Mass, a light brunch will be served. Tuesdays 5:00PM Confessions are available 30 minutes before Mass. Thursdays 5:00PM Confessions are available 30 minutes before Mass.”
      The Newman Center lists Mass at 12:00 PM on Sundays and at 5:00 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with confession 30 minutes before each Mass and a brunch after Sunday Mass.
  • The chaplain is also listed as parochial vicar for three parishes; his time is shared.
    Sources (1)
    1. About | St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Centerwiucatholic.org/about · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Newman Chaplain Father Marc Nakulu, SMA I am Father Marc NKULU NGOMBANDA, a priest from the missionary order named SOCIETY OF AFRICAN MISSIONS (SMA).”
      Fr. Marc Nakulu, SMA is the Newman Chaplain.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

The Catholic center

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Center

  • Address: 1401 West University Drive, Macomb, IL 61455
  • Distance from campus: 0.3 mi (straight line from the campus point in federal IPEDS data)
  • Facilities: Newman Center building (Mass, Bible study, student center hours), international student closet

View on map ↗

Source: wiu.edu, verified Oct. 12, 2026, wiucatholic.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

7 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 0 off campus, 7 location not published

Faith formation 1

  • Newman Center Bible Study
    Newman Center Bible study on the Book of Acts, Fall 2025 to Spring 2026.
    wiucatholic.org

Liturgy and prayer 3

  • Newman Center Musicians
    Musicians who provide music for Masses at the Newman Center.
    wiucatholic.org
  • Liturgical volunteer ministries
    Lectors, altar servers, ushers and Eucharistic ministers serve at Mass.
    wiucatholic.org
  • Spanish-language Mass
    The Center is seeking lectors for its Spanish-language Mass.
    wiucatholic.org

Service 2

  • Newman council
    Student council that organizes community service projects and fun activities.
    wiucatholic.org
  • International student closet
    Mondays to Fridays until 4:30 PM; Saturdays 2 PM to 5 PM
    Items available to international students at the posted hours.
    wiucatholic.org

Social life 1

  • Brunch after Sunday Mass
    Following Sunday Mass
    Light brunch served after Sunday Mass.
    wiucatholic.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 (2)
  1. Campus Ministries | Western Illinois Universitywiu.edu/student_success/ministries · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Center Address: 1401 West University Drive Phone:309-837-3989 Mass: Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday at 5 p.m. Adoration: Wednesday at 7 p.m.”
    The university's Campus Ministries page lists the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Center at 1401 West University Drive, with Mass and adoration times.
    “St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Center Address: 1401 West University Drive Phone:309-837-3989 Mass: Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday at 5 p.m. Adoration: Wednesday at 7 p.m.”
    The university's Campus Ministries page lists the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Center at 1401 West University Drive, with Mass and adoration times.
  2. Donate | St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Centerwiucatholic.org/donate-to-our-church · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Find Us 1401 West University Drive Macomb, IL 61455 309-837-3989 wiucatholic@gmail.com”
    The Newman Center's published address, phone and general email are 1401 West University Drive, Macomb, IL 61455; 309-837-3989; wiucatholic@gmail.com.
    “Find Us 1401 West University Drive Macomb, IL 61455 309-837-3989 wiucatholic@gmail.com”
    The Newman Center's published address, phone and general email are 1401 West University Drive, Macomb, IL 61455; 309-837-3989; wiucatholic@gmail.com.

Reach out

Contact details for St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Center (Center office (Newman Chaplain: Fr. Marc Nakulu, SMA; no personal contact published)) and 3 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.

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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.
57 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.45%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.61%
  • 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.12 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$12,650

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)
5,025
Total students7,073
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$12,937
Cost of attendance (per year)$28,254
Median federal debt at graduation$25,251
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
45%
First-year retention61%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$54,163
Admission rate71%
Students receiving Pell grants28%

Value index: 52 / 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 Peoria

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

Questions families ask

Is Western Illinois University a Catholic college?
No. Western Illinois University is not a Catholic college. Catholic School Compass rates the Catholic life on its campus instead. Catholic students are served by St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Center.
What is Western Illinois University’s Catholic Life Score?
71 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 Western Illinois University?
Mass is listed at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Newman Center. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.

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