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We are the Catholic presence at the University of Minnesota.

Deep relationships. Authentic community. Joyful, Spirit-filled orthodoxy.
This is life at Gopher Catholic.

St. Lawrence Newman Center seeks to be your spiritual home during your time at the University of Minnesota. Know there is always a place for you here! Sign up for our weekly email, join our Slack channel, or keep scrolling to find ways to get involved.

We can’t wait to see you at the Newman Center!

Student Reg/Weekly Email

Gopher Catholic Night

Every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

Gopher Catholic Night is our weekly campus ministry gathering. Many nights we start with a candlelit Mass in the main sanctuary with a variety of social activities to follow. Other nights will include hearing speakers on the great joy offered to us in the Gospel and how to respond. Join us each Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at St. Lawrence Newman Center!

Flow of the night:
7:30 p.m.: Candlelit Mass (3x/month)
8:15 p.m.: Social with free food, drinks, and games.

Once a month, we switch things up—no Mass that night. Instead, it might be praise & worship night, a healing night, a guest speaker who will explore real-life topics through a Catholic lens, or just a bigger hangout.

Upcoming Events

Events
Northern Ireland Mission Trip
Aug 25
Northern Ireland Mission Trip

Belfast, Northern Ireland

March 6 - 14, 2026

Deadline to register is October 24, 2025

Alaska Mission Trip
Aug 28
Alaska Mission Trip

Gopher Catholic will spend its spring break in 2026 on our annual mission trip to the poor and underserved in Anchorage, Alaska! There’s no better way to have a fulfilling spring break than to serve those in need alongside other Catholics.

Women’s Fall Retreat
Oct 24
Women’s Fall Retreat

This will be located at Camp Victory! More details to come later, start and end times are also TBD.

True North Manventure Weekend
Oct 24
True North Manventure Weekend

Start and End times are TBD, but mark your calendar! This is the fall men’s retreat.

Thirsting for Prayer Series
Nov 16
Thirsting for Prayer Series

Learn how to deal with obstacles and struggles in prayer as well as how to have a fruitful and joyful prayer life.

SEEK
Dec 1
SEEK

Come experience the richness of the Catholic faith with other Catholics from across the country. You’ll hear from world-renowned Catholic speakers, receive opportunities to frequent the sacraments, and meet a ton of solid people along the way...

Recurring Events

Weekly Volleyball | Mondays
8 - 10 p.m. in the Newman Center Gym

Gopher Catholic Night | Tuesdays
7:30 p.m. in the Newman Center Church

Free Lunch | Fridays
1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. in the Newman Center Gathering Space

Get connected on Slack for the most up-to-date info

Full student calendar

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Get Involved!

  • Sports

    Each semester we create intramural sports teams, but we also host one-off events throughout the year, from Ultimate Disc to Dodgeball, culminating in our annual “Spam Jam”.

    Sports Contacts
    David Switala
    Katie Stambrosky

  • Catholic Housing

    We rent several houses near campus where students can live together. Learn More

    Residential Program Contacts
    Chris Medina
    Katie Stambrosky

  • Men's Group

    We are the men of Gopher Catholic! We're like a frat but better.

    Men’s Group Contacts
    David Switala

  • Women's Group

    Welcome! The women of Gopher Catholic believe in deep relationships and true sisterhood. We can't wait to meet you!

    Women’s Group Contacts
    Sophie Ricard

  • Service

    We prepare meals for the hungry, serve the homeless, and even do week-long spring break mission trips.

    Service Contacts
    Br. Brandt Haglund

  • Bible Study

    Check out our weekly bible study from 7 - 8 p.m. on Wednesday’s in the Gathering Space during the summer. To join a bible study in the fall, fill out the interest form.

  • Newman Scholars

    Gopher Catholic has partnered with Anselm House, to offer UMN students a 3-year program of comprehensive spiritual, intellectual, and moral formation, culminating in a certificate of Integral Catholic Leadership.

    Learn More

  • Slack

    Connect with campus ministry on Slack to stay up-to-date on all Gopher Catholic happenings!

    Join Slack here

Meet your campus ministry team

Student Leaders

Abby Dykstra, Olivia Eck, Cole Jaeger, Maddie Mautino, Lucas Priemueller, Andrew Sailstad, Shilpa Thomas

Student Event Calendar

Parents, stay connected

As your child begins this exciting new chapter at college, we want you to know that you're still a valued part of their journey. At St. Lawrence Newman Center, we’re here to support not only students but also the families who care for them. Stay in the loop with updates and follow us on social media to see how your student is growing in faith, friendship, and purpose.

Learn more

Understand what you believe and why.

Check out our Media page for Fr. Jake’s video series “Faith in Life,” weekly homilies, the Priest, Brother, and U podcast, and more!

Explore Media

Want to get involved as a graduate student?

Check out our active St. Lawrence Young Adult Group!

Graduate Students