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About Us
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What is the Newman Catholic Student Center?
The Catholic Church provides spaces at or near secular universities for encountering Jesus Christ and forming discipleship outreach to their student communities. Often known as Newman Centers, these are faith-based community centers open to Catholics and non-Catholics that foster intellectual, moral, and spiritual growth, thus promoting the ideal of educating the individual as a whole while attending college.
The Diocese of Brownsville has established the Newman Catholic Student Center in Edinburg to serve the student community attending the University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley. The diocese employs staff to coordinate Newman Center outreach and discipleship activities, and has priests assigned as chaplains for liturgical and sacramental services.
By being engaged at the Newman Center while in college, you will find opportunities for Holy Mass, Bible study groups, prayer groups, movie nights, lunch and fellowship, sports, community service, retreats, and much more. Be sure to swing by the Newman Center in Edinburg, TX...we will be glad to welcome you! -
Meet Our Team
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Rev. Rene GaytanChaplain Edinburg -
jprunedacdob.orgUniversity Ministry Coordinator -
Rev. Joel FloresChaplain Brownsville
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Who is St. John Henry Newman?
John Henry Newman, a significant 19th-century English-speaking Catholic theologian, spent his early life as an Anglican and later converted to Roman Catholicism. He was a priest and theologian in both churches. Born in London, he studied at Oxford and was vicar at St. Mary the Virgin. He published sermons and novels and was a key figure in the Oxford Movement, which respected Church Fathers and opposed subjective truth views.
Newman became a Catholic in 1845, later ordained a priest, and joined the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri. He established Oratory houses in England and was rector at the Catholic University of Ireland. His theology recognized the importance of believers' lived experiences.
He wrote extensively, including works like "Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine." Newman was made a cardinal in 1879, with the motto "Cor ad cor loquitur" - "Heart speaks to Heart." He died in 1890 and was later beatified and canonized by Popes Benedict XVI and Francis. Newman Clubs in U.S. universities and his feast day on October 9 reflect his legacy.
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