ABOUT US

Chaplain Message

To be a Catholic is to be hospitable. Whether you are Catholic or not, it is my hope that you will find the Newman Center (and especially our Chapel) to be a place of hospitality.

My name is Fr. James Glasgow and I serve as the Catholic Chaplain on the Council of Chaplains at the George Washington University.

I grew up in Maryland just north of DC and received undergraduate degrees in philosophy and mathematics from The Catholic University of America in 2016. Afterwards, and as a continuation of my preparatory studies for the priesthood, I was sent to Rome, Italy and obtained two graduate degrees in theology at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, while in residence and formation at the Pontifical North American College. I was ordained a priest of Jesus Christ in 2020. I love Our Lord. And I am grateful to Him for the stupendous gift of life, particularly as incarnated in activities such as conversing and eating and reading, as well as spending time outdoors in a variety of manners, usually with a predilection for activities affording an increase of adrenaline. Naps are also great, but they pale in comparison to the torpor of prayer.

You can find me at the Newman Center, our little blue townhouse on F street, or when the weather is good, playing spike ball.

Hope to see you soon!

-Fr. James

OUR TEAM

Rae Grabowski is a cradle Catholic and the oldest of 5 kids. She was born in Wisconsin (and is a proud owner of the Green Bay Packers!) but spent most of her life in the DC suburbs. She holds a BA in Medieval Studies from The Catholic University of America, an MA in Medieval Studies from Cornell University, and has completed most of a dissertation (titled You Are Who You Eat: Eucharistic Ecclesiology in Early Medieval England). Ending up in ministry was an unexpected but happy bit of God's providence, most of her prior experience was teaching in a variety of contexts: at universities (Cornell, CUA, and Georgetown), in New York State correctional facilities, in adult and teen RCIA programs, and 2nd-grade religious education. Before becoming the campus minister at GW Catholics right before the 2022-2023 school year began, she taught high school history at an all-girls Catholic school in Virginia.
When not at Newman, she enjoys either reading stories or telling them through role-playing games, cooking for people, and trying to knit through the yarn that has accumulated in her apartment. Come visit her on the 3rd floor for a cup of tea or to learn about obscure saints!

Salutations everyone and God Bless! I’m Peter, a current Junior at GWU who, while being raised in the Catholic faith all my life, is still new to truly following God and worshipping Him as my Savior. While I initially came to GWU with the intention of pursuing a career in the United States Marine Corps and then the Foreign Service, Christ drew me to also consider service at our Newman Catholic Center.
At Newman I met my community, young men and women who offered me a chance to grow with them closer to God. After being elected as Grand Knight of our College Knights of Columbus Chapter, I had the honor of leading our men’s community in a year of drastic change and expansion. And now I am privileged to lead our community this year.
I love participating in prayer through Adoration and the celebration of the Mass, particularly as an altar server. Hobbies I enjoy that are not necessarily strictly Catholic but still helpful to my growth as a man living for Christ include working out, eating, watching combat sports, listening to Red Hot Chili Peppers, inducing adrenaline rushes, shooting, eating even more, and incurring preventable injuries to myself. Aside from Newman, USMC ROTC, interning at the National Security Studies Program, and serving as District Deputy of the Knights of Columbus College Councils occupy the rest of my increasingly limited time. Thanks for reading all of this, and know that you are in my prayers!

Hi everyone! My name is Maggie Rhoads. I am so happy to serve as Vice President of GW Catholics for the second year!
Originally from Chicago, I have lived in Washington, D.C. full-time since my freshman year. I have also been a proud member of GW Catholics since my first year when I went through the OCIA program. I found God in high school when I was going through a difficult time with my friends and health. Through attending daily mass and praying the Rosary everyday, God gave me hope for the future and has pushed me to become my best self.
I am also president of our Thomistic Institute Chapter. We hold monthly lectures discovering the intersection of secular thought and Catholic truth. We also go on an intellectual retreat once a year to the Dominican House of Studies up near Catholic University of America.
Outside of the Newman Center, I am very professionally involved in the Washington journalism industry. I have chased senators and representatives around the halls of Congress and watched the president answer questions on the White House South Lawn before boarding Marine One. Before that, I have covered campaigns and elections during the 2024 election cycle.
As I look to the future beyond GW, I am currently planning on attending graduate school in Europe or the United States for journalism, international affairs, or public policy. This is in an effort to become a foreign correspondent covering transatlantic affairs.
I look forward to seeing you around the Newman Center! God bless!

FOCUS MISSIONARIES

Hey y’all! My name’s Gabriel and I’m a first-year missionary with FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students). I grew up in Northern Virginia in a big homeschooling family as the 7th of 9 kids. I’m super close with my siblings and love to spend time with them and my seven nieces and nephews (and two more on the way!!). Ask me to show you pictures of the little ones and I’ll be all too happy to oblige.
I recently graduated from the Catholic University of America, where I earned my Bachelors of Music in Musical Theatre. Performing and technical theatre were a big part of my college experience, as were intramural and pickup sports (especially volleyball and soccer-definitely let me know if you ever wanna pass around either one).
I was raised Catholic but really only fell in love with Christ my senior year of college. The summer before my senior year, some lifelong struggles with church teaching had culminated in me seriously considering leaving my Catholic faith behind.
And that’s when I encountered the Lord in Eucharistic Adoration. He mercifully allowed me to see that relationship with Him was what my soul was truly longing for. I’ll never have the words to fully describe all the ways He has transformed my life, but from that day on, I knew I wanted to share with others the joy and peace and adventure that comes through relationship with Christ, especially through Adoration.
I’m super excited to have the opportunity to share this truth with all the students here at GW and I can’t wait to meet you all, so please don’t hesitate to introduce yourself! Know of my prayers, and God bless!

What’s Up! My name is Matthew, and I am a first-year FOCUS missionary. I was born and raised in a small town called Winnemucca, Nevada (If you can guess where that is without help, I will personally cook you a steak dinner). I later attended the University of Nevada, Reno, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a minor in photography. Go Pack!
I have one older brother who is a seminarian for the Diocese of Reno and will be studying at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. I love the outdoors, movies, anything sports-related, ice cream, and most importantly, The Eucharist!
I am super excited to be at GW this upcoming year, and I can not wait to meet you!
What’s your story?

Hey guys! I’m Felicity, a first year FOCUS missionary who is originally from Queens, New York.
Before joining FOCUS I was studying Clinical Lab Sciences at Hunter College. Biological
sciences and ecology were always a passion of mine, but as I continued my studies it became
clear that my desire wasn’t just to save lives but to save souls. So, I made the hard decision to
leave behind my previous career pursuits. But that decision gave me the freedom to say yes to
God and to do what God has made me for - to be a missionary disciple!
Back in college, I was heavily involved with the Newman Club and I owe a lot of my prayer life
and spirituality to the missionaries that walked with me. Now that I am a missionary myself, it
would be my greatest pleasure to meet and walk with the student leaders at GW, to give back
the same life of Christ that was given to me by the witness of the missionaries in my life. My
greatest hope as a missionary is to show that our hope is in Christ alone and hope does not
disappoint. Whatever plan God has for you as you study at GW will certainly be a life where the
joy of Christ is in you, and for your joy may be complete.
I can’t wait to meet you at the Newman Center!
Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us!

Hello! My name is Tessa Gatewood, and I’m in my second year as a missionary with FOCUS. This year, I’m thrilled to serve alongside my teammates at GW!
I’m originally from a small town of 5,000 in Nebraska (it has a fun name—ask me about it!) and I’m the youngest of three. I love being outdoors, playing sports, and going on spontaneous adventures. I also enjoy cooking and taking care of plants/flowers. Two of my favorite saints are Saint Clare of Assisi and Servant of God Sister Clare Crockett.
During college, the witness of FOCUS missionaries on my campus opened my eyes to the truth that we’re made for a personal relationship with the Lord. Through their simple invitations, I began living a life filled with a joy I had never experienced before—a joy that comes from walking with Christ. My college years were full of adventures that continually drew me deeper into the heart of Jesus. By others saying “yes” to God’s call, I was led to where I am today. Now, in my own “yes,” my hope is to be a vessel of the Lord’s truth and mercy to others. I’d love to share more of my story with you!
I’m looking forward to meeting you soon!

Board Directors

Hi everyone! My name is Rihanna Pinos, and I’m an accounting and finance major at GW. I’m excited to be part of the Finance Committee for GW Catholics this year! I’ve always enjoyed working with numbers and staying organized so joining the Finance Committee felt like a great way to use those interests while supporting the community.
I first found out about GW Catholics during my second semester at GW and after going to the Spring Retreat where I met some of the most amazing people I really got a sense of how welcoming and genuine the community is. I would also definitely recommend the retreat to anyone who hasn’t gone yet it was such a great experience.
Since then, I’ve really enjoyed getting to know people and being involved, and I’m looking forward to continuing to grow in faith and as a person with everyone in this community!

Hi everyone! My name is Sophia McCoy, and I’m currently majoring in International Affairs at GW. I’m so excited to be serving on the Media and Design Committee for GW Catholics this year!
I’ve always loved creative projects, whether it’s making graphics, editing videos, or just helping bring a vision to life. I’m really looking forward to using those passions to support this amazing community.
I found out about GW Catholics not long after starting at GW, and I immediately felt drawn in by the welcoming spirit and genuine faith of everyone involved. It’s been such a blessing to meet people who not only share the same beliefs but also support and uplift one another.
This community has already made a big impact on me, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to give back in any way I can. I can’t wait to grow in faith together and meet all of you soon!

Hi friends!
I’m originally from Miami, Florida, and came to GW to study Political Science (plus I’m also minoring in Religious Studies)!
Admittedly, I was raised a non-denominational Christian and wasn’t even Catholic until I came to GW and met the wonderful Newman community that I am ever-increasingly grateful for. By the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, I found my home in Catholicism and was confirmed into the Holy and Apostolic Church on Easter of 2025.
As such, as someone who was recently welcomed into the Church, I too welcome you! I invite you to our Newman Center, to come to Jesus and see what He is calling you to in your college career, to learn how to follow Him!
Though I am not yet where I wish I was on the wonderful adventure that is following Christ– on this increasingly narrow road, with this increasingly weightier cross, and this increasingly stumbling self– it is the only adventure I find worth embracing, for the narrow road is the path to Heaven, for the heavy cross is a light burden, for the sinful self is made new each day in God’s goodness.
I pray and hope we can take this journey together, following our Christ and His Church, in His eternal doctrine of love, loving as He has loved us, even unto death. For it is this unbridled and awesome love that triumphs over death, that sets free the hearts of men, that manifests the sweetest of sweetest of messages– that no matter where one may be, broken or hurt or astray, they must be worth something, something rather grand– for God, Who is Love, gave up everything, out of love for them.
May we follow Him and glorify Him with our lives.

Hello everyone!
My name is Maria Khattar, and I am a junior majoring in International Affairs. I am originally from Lebanon and immigrated to the United States almost seven years ago! I previously served as a member of the Events committee, and I am very excited to serve as the Director of Events for the upcoming year!
I grew up Catholic, but it was not until I found the Newman community that I grew deeper in my faith. As a Maronite Catholic, I was searching for a Catholic community on campus when I came across the Newman Center through Engage. I became more involved after attending the Rome pilgrimage, where I found this great community that helped me grow in my faith. I am still in contact with the friends I made on that trip.
I hope to plan events that bring people together and grow in their faith. I am looking forward to meeting you all!

Hello everyone! My name is Angeleudys Miranda Odreman, but you can call me Angie, it is easier to remember and what most people use. Originally from Venezuela, I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences with the track in Forensic Science at Florida International University in Miami before moving to Washington, D.C. I am now entering my second year of the Master’s program in Forensic Molecular Biology at GW.

Growing up in the Catholic faith shaped my values, but it was not until moving to D.C. that my faith became something deeply personal. During my first semester, attending student Mass at St. Stephen Martyr led me to discover GW Catholics. Events like Spanish Mass and Tuesday Night Dinner introduced me to a community that welcomed me with open arms, supported me and helped me grow spiritually in ways I never expected. That sense of belonging has been one of the greatest blessings of my time in the United States, especially while living far from home.

My goal as the Outreach Director this year is to help other students; especially those who may feel lost, new or unsure where they belong, to find the same warmth, support and sense of purpose that I found here. Whether through tabling, service projects, or simple moments of connection, I hope to help others grow closer to God just as I have, and to share the blessings I have received with those who may need them most.

Hello everyone!!! My name is Gabriel Rivera, but I go by Gabo, and am beyond excited to be this year’s director of Liturgy & Prayer.
I was born and raised in Puerto Rico until the age of 18 when I moved to D.C. for college. Living in this city, although a huge adjustment, has provided me with wild opportunities like working on Capitol Hill and several major non-profit advocacy groups. Most importantly however, moving to DC gave me the opportunity of exploring my views on faith on my own and receiving confirmation this past Easter after “finding” the Newman Center has drastically changed my life for the better.
I am currently pursuing a Bachelors of Arts in Philosophy with a concentration in public policy and a Minor in Vocal Performance. So, if you want to have deep conversations about the faith or jam out to good music please let me know. In my free time I also like to ride my bike and go dancing on Thursday nights.
Lastly, it is a pleasure to be serving the beautiful Newman community and if you have an interest in learning more about: altar serving, lectoring during weekly masses, or already know how and wish to contribute in service of our Lord, make sure to ask, I am at your service.

Partner Orgs

GW Knights of Columbus

My name is Nathaniel Simonton and I’m a sophomore here at GW studying Geography and GIS. This year I will be serving as the Grand Knight of our college council of the Knights of Columbus and I couldn’t be more excited!
Originally from a small town in rural West Virginia, I grew up playing baseball, raising animals, and traveling (all with my twin brother with whom I am very close). Here at GWU, I’m a Midshipman in NROTC and a member of the club baseball team. In my free time I’m probably running, reading, in the gym, or at the Newman Center!
Before I came to college, I worried about how I would continue to live out my faith in a time where I was completely new to everyone and everything around me. Then I found the Newman Center. Immediately, I felt that I had found a home. Since then, I’ve grown immensely in my spiritual life, made incredible friendships, served (almost) every Sunday mass, and even brought Christ to others on a mission trip to Mexico. When I was presented with the opportunity to lead the men’s ministry on campus I knew it would allow me to have the same early impact on others the same way it was had on me.
I’m so excited to help lead our Catholic community here at GW this year! God Bless you all and see you soon!
@GWU_KofC

Thomistic Institute

Hi everyone! My name is Maggie Rhoads. I am so happy to serve as President of the Thomistic Institute for the second year!
Originally from Chicago, I have lived in Washington, D.C. full-time since my freshman year. I have also been a proud member of GW Catholics since my first year when I went through the OCIA program. I found God in high school when I was going through a difficult time with my friends and health. Through attending daily mass and praying the Rosary everyday, God gave me hope for the future and has pushed me to become my best self.
I am also president of our Thomistic Institute Chapter. We hold monthly lectures discovering the intersection of secular thought and Catholic truth. We also go on an intellectual retreat once a year to the Dominican House of Studies up near Catholic University of America.
Outside of the Newman Center, I am very professionally involved in the Washington journalism industry. I have chased senators and representatives around the halls of Congress and watched the president answer questions on the White House South Lawn before boarding Marine One. Before that, I have covered campaigns and elections during the 2024 election cycle.
As I look to the future beyond GW, I am currently planning on attending graduate school in Europe or the United States for journalism, international affairs, or public policy. This is in an effort to become a foreign correspondent covering transatlantic affairs.
I look forward to seeing you around the Newman Center! God bless!

NEWMAN HISTORY

Coming Soon!

THE CHALLENGE

Most college students don’t know God. So, their lives are disordered, leaving many of them disenchanted, drifting, and disappointed with the world and themselves.

The students at George Washington University are among the most intelligent, capable, and ambitious students in the nation (and in the world). Sadly, only a fraction of these students know Jesus. And of those raised Catholic, many will further distance themselves from the Faith before graduating.

OUR VISION

Students to Saints in the Nation’s Capital

What this looks like:

An Individual: Cultivate a relationship with Jesus Christ through the encounter of His mercy and meaning, to order each student’s life to the communion of Heaven.

GW Catholic Community: Create a culture of festivity rooted in charity that fosters virtue, self-gift, and friendships, laying the foundation for a mature Christian life.
GW Campus: Order the drive and global influence of our campus towards the common good and human flourishing by being icons of Christ’s love and truth.

OUR MISSION

To form life-long disciples of Jesus Christ by encouraging a commitment to prayer, the sacraments, service, stewardship, and evangelization.

OUR CORE VALUES

[S]peaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ —Ephesians 4:15.

“Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth; and God has placed in the human heart a desire to know the truth—in a word, to know himself—so that, by knowing and loving God, men and women may also come to the fullness of truth about themselves” —Encyclical Letter Fides et Ratio, Pope Saint John Paul II.

SERVANT LEADERSHIP

SEEKING TRUTH

“For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” — Mark 10:45.

To serve is to reign - Gelasian Sacramentary, 8th c.

INCARNATE JOY

“because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.’ Then the party began.” Luke 15: 24

Cor ad cor loquitur (Heart speaks to heart) - St. John Henry Newman

“Christ, because he remains forever, has a priesthood that does not pass away. Therefore, he is always able to save those who approach God through him, since he lives forever to make intercession for them.” — Hebrews 7:24-25

“Out of the darkness of my life, so much frustrated, I put before you the one great thing to love on earth: the Blessed Sacrament. . . . There you will find romance, glory, honour, fidelity, and the true way of all your loves on earth… “Letter to his son Michael” ( Letter 43), J. R. R. Tolkien

“For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” —Jeremiah 29:11
“[Through the Gospel] the dark door of time, of the future, has been thrown open. The one who has hope lives differently; the one who hopes has been granted the gift of a new life.” —Spe Salvi, Pope Benedict XVI, 2.

"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy,” Mathew 5:7

“Jesus Christ is the face of the Father’s mercy” - Pope Francis