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IUP Catholic Student Association

​​​As a recognized student organization at IUP, the Catholic Student Association (CSA) exists to deepen faith and commitment to Christian discipleship, and strengthen a sense of belonging to the communion of the church for all Catholic students of the university.​

While St. Thomas More University Parish enthusiastically collaborates with CSA, we welcome all IUP students to join us in prayer, faith formation and other parish activities.

Our Mission

  • ​​To learn more about faith
  • To nurture spirituality
  • To meet other students of faith
  • To form important and lasting friendships
  • To bring God’s love to the Indiana community through service

Our History

The IUP Catholic Student Association (CSA) was established as the Newman Club, October 2, 1927. The club was named in honor of Cardinal John Henry Newman, a “scholar, educator and friend of youth.”

That Sunday, nearly 100 students gathered at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church, Indiana, to form a student group committed to better acquaint Catholic students with the heritage of their religion and bind them together in friendship.

As the Indiana State Teacher’s College population flourished, so did the Newman Club.

In 1958, the Perfetti Noodle Company (the current site of Zink Hall) was purchased and converted into a meeting center for the Newman Club. Membership increased with the construction of the Newman Center on campus in 1968. The mission of this new facility was to also provide for an opportunity for fellowship among students.

What began as a student only parish, evolved into a university parish of the Dioc​ese of Greensburg in the late 1990s under the spiritual direction of Father Michael J. Crookston, pastor.

St. Thomas More University Parish continues to grow and offer more opportunities for worship and fellowship to the university and wider Indiana community.​

The Catholic Student Association, in its current form, has been in existence for nearly a decade, and continues to further the original goals of the Newman Club.​

Programs and Events

IUP students are invited to participate in the programs and events at St. Thomas More University Parish.  Listed below are a few of the opportunities we provide:​

​​​​Pancakes at Midnight 
Pancakes are served on two nights starting at midnight during both semesters’ final exam week.  It is a wonderful opportunity for food, fellowship and fun. 
Spring Break Alternative
We offer the opportunity through the Christian Appalachian Project for ten IUP students to travel to Kentucky during IUP’s spring break to help in home repair for low or no income families.  
Scripture Study
Gather in small groups to explore Scripture and what meaning it has for you as a parishioner and an IUP student and then strive to live this in your everyday life and activities.
Field Trips and Outings
Visits to local nursing homes, canoe and kayaking, community service and other social events.
Retreats
A retreat is a helpful way of finding God in the midst of college life.  It is also a great way to meet other Catholic students who share your desire for spiritual development.  There are opportunities for a variety of retreats.
Taizé Evening Prayer
Taizé prayer is a quiet simple way of prayer designed for people of all Christian traditions. These meditative candlelit services include simple chants sung repeatedly, rich silence and prayers of praise and intercession. We meet during Lent and Advent in the church. Check the bulletin for current dates and times.
​Stations of the Cross
During Lent St. Thomas More University Parish offers Stations of the Cross. Check the bulletin for current dates and times. CSA leads one of those during the 6 weeks of Lent.