Mission and Staff

The Catholic Center is the center of Catholic university life for students in New York City. The ministry supports Catholic students in their academic and career goals while also helping them grow in their Catholic faith and foster a relationship with Jesus Christ.

The Catholic Center at NYU serves more than 145,000 students at 10 colleges/universities in NYC: New York University, Baruch College, Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), Hunter College, Metropolitan College of New York, The New School, New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, Pace University (Manhattan), The Cooper Union, John Jay College of Criminal Justice. We work to connect students with Catholic professionals in their field of study through events for specific areas of professional interest, such as business or the arts. To do this, the center works with professionals in New York City who desire to share their wisdom and expertise to help college students in both their career and in their Catholic faith.

Our Space

The Catholic Center at NYU offers a physical space for events, meetings, recreation, and personal study. Come visit us and check out our space! Undergrad and Grad Students welcome!

Our Staff

Fr. Cassian Derbes, O.P.

Director and Chaplain

Fr. Vincent Bernhard, O.P.

Associate Director and Chaplain

Shannon Sullivan

Operations Manager

Zachary Kozma

Digital Communications Strategist

Joanna Jarvis

FOCUS Missionary

Landon McDermott

FOCUS Missionary

Natalia Ibarra

FOCUS Missionary

Spiritual direction & Support

The Dominican directors and chaplains of the center provide Mass and confession throughout the week, time for spiritual direction, and support for the various Catholic student clubs in New York City.