History

Catholic Campus Ministry at Tulane began many years before the old Audubon Tea Room building on the corner of Audubon and Zimple Streets was purchased. Informal efforts to bring Catholic students together beginning in the late 1930's gradually developed into the formation of a Newman Club, which received official university and archdiocesan recognition in 1943. Fr. Robert E. Tracy (the future bishop of Baton Rouge) was appointed by Archbishop Rummel as the first chaplain. He was followed by Fr. Gerald Frey (another future bishop) and Fr. Malcolm Strassel. In 1950, Fr. James Benedict was appointed as chaplain, and it was under his leadership that the Audubon Tea Room was purchased and converted to use as the Catholic Student Center in 1954.

When [Fr. R.B. Williams] arrived as an undergraduate at Tulane in the Fall of 1960, the Catholic Student Center had an active "Newman Club" and Fr. Benedict was still the Director untill [Fr. Williams] graduated in 1964. He was also pastor of St. Augustine Parish and for that reason he was given a couple of other priests at different times to help him, Frs. Cleve Dowling and John Thomann. When Fr. Benedict was appointed pastor of another parish in 1964, he was replaced by Fr. Bernard Dauenhauer who served untill the Center was entrusted to the Dominicans in the Fall of 1966

The Dominican presence has continued to the present day. The following is a list of those who have served as Director or Associate Director in that time: Frs. Val McInnes OP, Gilbert Roxburgh OP, Brian Donovan OP, R.B. Williams (as assistant), Robert Barry OP, Matthew Powell OP, Patrick Reid OP, Terence Davis OP, Daniel Morriessey OP, Matt O'Connor OP, Jerry Malizia OP, Chris Dunphy OP, Tom Condon OP, Scott O'Brien OP, Armando Ibanez OP, Marcelo Solorzano OP, John Boll OP, Therese Leckert OP and Faye Cavalier OP, Fr. R.B. Williams OP reurned as Director/Pastor in 1998. In addition, Jody Blanchard SJ, Sr. Mary Mertzluff SLW, and Fr. Dan Dwyer OFM have served at the Center.

By Fr. R.B. Williams, O.P., Pastor/Director

Scheduled Activities

Social - Picnics, potlucks, receptions, hay ride, canoeing, bake sales, Student Dinner after the Sunday 5:00 P.M. Liturgy, and Adopt-A-Student/Family Program.

Spiritual - Bible study, spiritual direction, evenings of reflection, retreats, Advent and Lenten programs, inquiry into the Catholic faith (R.C.I.A.), Confirmation, marriage, preparation, full Mass Schedule.

Peace and Justice - Tutoring disadvantaged children, visiting the elderly, collecting food and clothes for the poor, and Habitat for Humanity.

Educational - Lectures, teaching in the religious education program, and Confirmation program.

Bimonthly Undergraduate Student Meetings - A group that meets monthly to plan student events. We also participate in Louisiana Catholic College Students and National Catholic Student Coalition activities.