Newsletter

New Ministry Initiatives

The Gospel is reaching further on campus than ever before! New ministry groups have emerged and are reaching students from a wide variety of backgrounds.

From the U of I to the Moon

NASA engineer Doug Litteken reflects on this misison to the moon, and the mission that shaped his life at St. John's.

A Record Number of Students Enter the Church

A record-breaking Easter Vigil took place at St. John’s Catholic Newman Center this April. 131 Catholic Illini students received one or more Sacraments of Initiation.

Homecoming Alumni & Friends Tailgate

We were thrilled to kick off Homecoming weekend with our Catholic Illini alumni & friends on Friday, September 26

Small Groups are Radiating God's Love on Campus

Six weeks into Fall semester, Father Brokaw received incredible news: This Newman Center leads the country in student engagement through Small Groups.

Feast Week at Sixth & Armory

A week of celebrations for our patrons St. John Henry Newman and St. John the Evangelist brought a spirit of true feasting to the Catholic Illini community.

Farewell to Fr. Millar & Fr. Hoelscher

This summer brings with it both heartfelt farewells and joyful homecomings...

Snapshots from Graduation

We celebrated the success of Catholic Illini Class of 2025 Graduates with two Graduation Masses.

Alumni & Friends Gather for Stories of Grace

Earlier this month, we had the joy of hosting two vibrant gatherings with alumni, supporters, and friends—one in Peoria and one on campus in Champaign...

Record Numbers at Ash Wednesday

I have been on campus now for nearly eight months and I have to say Ash Wednesday was one of the highlights not only of my time back on campus, but of my seven years as a priest...

Tuesdays Together is a Massive Ministry Success

For one Catholic Illini recently, accepting a free dinner invitation to a new weekly Catholic Illini event was the small beginning that led to a big impact in his life. When he accepted the invitation to a Tuesdays Together night...

Generous Stewards Who Pay It Forward

All of the ministries at St. John's would not be possible without the generous support from grateful Catholic Illini Alumni and friends. That’s why we are excited to highlight two stories of stewardship...

Catholic Illini on Mission with Fr. Lee Brokaw

Since returning to Champaign I hear the Illini drumline practicing across the street almost daily. It gets me hyped for our upcoming football games! As an Illini fan, I often think about how our teams, especially our coaches, prepare for the season and their games...

Catholic Illini Athletes Reflect on Sport and Faith

Catholic Illini have a long history of excellence in every field–in academics, the arts, service to others, and athletics. This excellence shines brightly in the field of athletic competition...

A Look at this Summer's Back To Cana Marriage Retreat Day

It was a great blessing to welcome back many couples whose vocations to marriage and family life had their beginnings in this special place.

End of the Year Message from Fr. Lampitt

When was the last time you blew out a dandelion? I recently tapped into my inner child and gave it a whirl.  Only this time I watched intently to see which way the seeds would be taken and how quickly or slowly.  Surprisingly...

From Student Leader to Parish Leader

Danny Dirienzo is one young alumnus who has invested in finding and fostering the prayer, service, and Christian friendship he found here as a student in his new parish homes.

Pictures from Graduation Mass

We celebrated the success of Catholic Illini 2024 Graduates with two Graduation Masses on May 11 & 12.

Lenten Encouragement from Fr. Robert Lampitt

I pray that this newsletter provides the consolation and inspiration you need as you begin your Lenten journey. It's common to feel the temptation to merely endure Lent, or...

Catholic Illini Alumni Making a Global Impact

Catholic Illini alumnus John-Paul Deddens (2008) has made a habit out of witnessing his faith in the world, and inspiring others to do the same. As a Catholic Illini student, John-Paul saw firsthand the need...

Pictures from St. John's

Thousands of students came to Sixth & Armory yesterday to begin their Lenten season with prayer.

A Letter from our Head Chaplain Fr. Robert Lampitt

Where is your happy place? For me, without a doubt, it’s St. John’s Catholic Chapel. For eleven years, first as an undergrad and now as a priest, that chapel has been my spiritual home. I could spend hours...

An Interview with junior Stephen White

We sat down with Stephen White, a Junior studying English, a Newman Hall Resident Advisor (RA), and an active member of the Catholic Illini community to hear his perspective on servant leadership at St. John's.

The Sunroom (formerly the Newman Club) received new hardwood flooring and modern seating arrangements this past summer. This inviting space has been popular among students for small group meetings, late-night study sessions, or grabbing a bite with a friend.     Residents and visitors…