Make your First Year a Transformational Experience at Duke
College is a time of discovery, growth, and new opportunities. As you begin your journey at Duke, you don't have to navigate it alone. At the Duke Catholic Center, you'll find a community rooted in faith, friendship, and belonging—a place where you can grow spiritually while building meaningful relationships that will support you throughout your college years.
Faith flourishes in community. Through vibrant liturgies, retreats, small groups, service opportunities, and campus events, you'll encounter fellow students, mentors, and staff who are committed to helping you thrive. Whether you're looking to deepen your relationship with God, meet new friends, ask big questions, or simply find a place to call home, the Duke Catholic Center is here for you.
We can't wait to welcome you to Duke and help make the Catholic Center your home away from home!
O-Week Events
Let's kick the academic year off on the right foot! Join us for Feast Off East on Friday, August 14 from 6:00-8:00 pm (during move-in weekend) at our ministry hang-out, the Falcone-Arena House. New undergraduate students and their families are invited to join us for this welcome event to learn about what the Duke Catholic Center has to offer and enjoy some great food!
Students, families, faculty, and staff are also invited to join us for a Vigil Mass on the Solemnity of the Assumption, Saturday, August 15 at 4:00 pm in Goodson Chapel
Register for IGNITE!
Start your Duke experience by building friendships and growing in faith. Join us September 4–6, 2026, on the North Carolina coast for Ignite, our signature retreat for first-year students (and open to all students).
Through prayer, small-group discussions, worship, recreation, and time at the beach, you'll experience a welcoming community and get a glimpse of the many opportunities available through the Duke Catholic Center—from small groups and retreats to adoration, music ministry, service, and more. Whether you're new to Duke, new to your faith journey, or simply looking for community, Ignite offers a meaningful and fun weekend to begin the year.
Find your place here
"I was drawn to deeper engagement with the Catholic Center because of the notable sense of community and fellowship. Seeing other undergraduates live their faith has enriched my Duke experience, and being surrounded by friends with strong faith has been a valuable reminder of God’s presence during my day-to-day life on campus."
-Kara Bivens, ‘26
Save the Dates!
Watch for information on these other Fall Semester events:
- IGNITE RETREAT: September 4-6
- First-year students are invited to join us for this ministry-wide retreat at a steep discount - Register Today!
- FAH FEST: September 7-11
- Students are invited to a week of ministry-wide events at the Falcone-Arena House
- DUC IN ALTUM: October 3-4
- Deepen your relationship with Christ by joining us for a ministry-wide formational retreat off-campus
- FAMILY WEEKEND: October 16-18
- Families are invited to join us for Mass & Free Brunch on Sunday, October 18 at 9:00 am or 11:00 am in Goodson Chapel