The Henry J. Elmendorf Catholic Student Center at Lindenwood University is named for a man who left a legacy of service to Saint Charles and beyond.  He was a lifelong member of Saint Charles Borromeo Parish (right down the street from us), he was named a Knight of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem in 1964 by Pope Paul VI, and he was also named by Pope John Paul II as a Knight of Malta in 1981.  Henry was given the “Hand of Christ” award by Saint Charles Catholic Community Services in 2000, and is the only man to have ever won the “Man of the Year” award in Saint Charles not once, but twice. 

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When Mr. Elmendorf passed away in January of 2013, he left behind a rich legacy of service, compassion, and faithfulness to all he encountered.  We are honored to remember him, and look to his example as the kind of leadership we are seeking to instill in all who enter this space, which is dedicated to the service of Christ and His Church.

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The Henry J. Elmendorf Catholic Student Center became a reality in January of 2020.  In the preceding years, a number of temporary locations were used to support the students of Lindenwood University, but there was no permanent home until 2020.  Our home was purchased from Lindenwood University by the Archdiocese of Saint Louis in July of 2019, and renovations were made to update this historic location.  Now, thanks to the work of many in the Archdiocese, passionate student leaders, donors and affiliates of the University, the students of Lindenwood University have a place to meet Christ and grow in their Catholic faith.

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Our home on First Capitol Drive, right across from the Lindenwood campus, provides spaces to participate in bible study, a kitchen stocked with snacks, a front porch to watch the world go by and a backyard with a firepit to gather round on a crisp evening.  Our home also has a chapel for weekday Mass, Confession, and quiet reflection before the Blessed Sacrament.  The Catholic Student Center is a great place to learn and grow in our faith, or relax and get to know new friends.

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We are endlessly thankful to have a true home and to all of the people who have contributed over the years to make this home possible.  We are also thankful to those who helped in large and small ways to laying the foundation for the program we have now. May God bless you for your efforts, and may he continue to bless all of the students who have the opportunity to meet God in this sacred space during their college years!