What is Newman?
The Newman Club and Center are inspired by Saint John Henry Newman, a theologian, cardinal, and educator who shaped 19th-century religious and intellectual life. Originally an Anglican priest and leader in the Oxford Movement, Newman converted to Catholicism emphasizing the integration of faith and reason. Newman Centers, established in the late 19th century, support Catholic students at secular universities by providing spaces for spiritual growth, community, and intellectual engagement. The first Newman Club was founded in 1893 at the University of Pennsylvania, and today these centers worldwide offer Mass, sacraments, retreats, and social activities, continuing Newman’s vision of holistic education and spiritual development.
Our Community
Experience a community like no other, where genuine and authentic connections thrive. Explore ways that you can support this community, events that you can take part in every week, and alumni that you can connect with. These opportunities make the Catholic Newman Club at CMU truly special.
The Oratory
About The Pittsburgh Oratory
The Pittsburgh Oratory, home to the Oratorian Fathers, continues the joyful, spiritual tradition of St. Philip Neri, the 16th-century “Apostle of Rome.” Founded to foster prayer, sacraments, and fellowship, the Oratory serves as the Newman Center for the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and Chatham University. As the first U.S. Oratory invited into a diocese for campus ministry, it offers Daily Mass, frequent Confessions, and Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration, making the sacraments accessible to all. Rooted in St. Philip’s vision of holiness and joyful worship, the Oratory provides a spiritual haven for students and the community to encounter Christ.
Service
The Newman club offers several opportunities for service throughout the school year. Service opportunities range from making meals for the homeless and serving the poor and weak to helping out with the weekly Newman events that so many of us get to enjoy. You can find out more about service in the #service channel of our discord community, instagram, or our service sign up link!
Opportunities for Service
Check out some of our favorite ways to help out
Red Door
Students and missionaries head to Red Door every week to make and hand out meals for the homeless, help in the women’s shelter, and serve any other need at the St. Mary of Mercy Divine parish.
Mission Trips
There are opportunities to partake in week-long mission trips, both internationally and within the US, where you serve the particular community you are visiting in the needs that they have.
Little Sisters of the Poor
Serve the community at Little Sisters of the Poor by volunteering to participate in any of the events that they need help with. Opportunities often occur during the semester!
FOCUS
The Fellowship of Catholic University Students is a Catholic outreach organization dedicated to supporting college and university students in deepening their faith and relationship with Jesus Christ. Founded in 1998, FOCUS operates on campuses across the United States and beyond and Carnegie Mellon is one of the campuses lucky to have these missionaries serving at university.
Our Missionaries
Meet the 2024–2025 missionaries: Abbie Hedglen (Team Director), Morgan Gilis, Corinne Gorski, and Matthew Ayers. These recent college graduates live on campus, serving as mentors and spiritual guides. They lead Bible studies, support events and retreats, and offer one-on-one and group mentorship, helping students grow in faith and life. They're eager to connect—reach out to learn more!
See Our MissionariesWhat is SEEK?
The SEEK conference, hosted by FOCUS, is an annual event uniting thousands of young adults to deepen their faith and relationship with Christ. Featuring renowned Catholic speakers, dynamic talks, and powerful moments like Eucharistic adoration, confession, and Mass, SEEK emphasizes encounter, community, and transformation. It offers a vibrant atmosphere of fellowship, spiritual renewal, and inspiration, equipping attendees to live out the Gospel on campus and beyond.
SEEK 2025 Highlights
Take a look at some of the highlights from this year's SEEK!
Alumni
Take a look at the lasting impact of the Carnegie Mellon Newman community, showcasing the diverse vocations of alumni after graduation. From careers in ministry to leadership in various fields, their faith and values continue to shape their lives. The Newman community extends beyond college, with alumni staying connected and living out their vocations in service to the Church and the world.
Vocations
Take a look at our alumni vocations