History

The journey to establishing the Didde Catholic Campus Center began in 1912 with the Emporia Newman Club, which served Catholic students in the community. As college enrollment increased in the 1950s and 60s, the need for a dedicated Mass for college-age Catholics became apparent. In 1963, the archdiocese purchased a house to serve as a Newman Center. In 1987, Carl and Teresa Didde commissioned the design of the current center, which was dedicated on April 1, 1990. Since then, it has continued to provide a spiritual home for Catholic students at Emporia State University.

Our Mission

The Didde Catholic Campus Center exists to find, form, and launch university students as missionary disciples of Jesus Christ, while providing a home for all Catholic members of the ESU community.

Our Vision

By fostering a welcoming atmosphere and aiding students in the pursuit of goodness and truth, we aim to cultivate a profound sense of communion and develop a culture of apostolic zeal. Through these efforts, our students will discover the beauty of the Catholic Faith and become missionary disciples, inspired and eager to spread the Word.