What was originally a doctor's clinic office owned by Porter Memorial Hospital has become a busy Catholic community formed by Catholic undergraduates attending Valparaiso University. The idea was formulated in 1973 by the pastor of St. Paul Parish, Monsignor John Charlebois and his assistant, Fr. Joseph Murphy. The parish church was not close to the campus and students, particularly those without transportation found it difficult to attend Mass on Sunday. The hospital had announced their plans for expansion, and as the clinic was in the way it was to be razed and bids for the project were solicited.

As Monsignor's bid was the only one offered, the building was his for $100. Knowing that the building would have to be close to the campus for the program to be a success, parishioners and friends of the project got together to raise the necessary funds to move the building to its present site down the street from the hospital and across from the campus; a mere walking distance from the dormitories. The resituated and remodeled building would include a lounge, study rooms, a counseling area, priest's quarters, kitchen facilities, and chapel.

The Catholic Student Center was originally named Thunderhouse after the Apostles James and John, "The Sons of Thunder." It was dedicated on April 25, 1974 by Bishop Grutka. Fr. Murphy was the first chaplain. He was succeeded by Fr. Michael Ruggaber (1975-1977), Fr. Timothy Benante (1977), Fr. John Savio (1978-1982), Fr. Roy Beeching (1982-1984), Fr. Thomas Mischler (1984-1986), Fr. Terrence Chase (1986-1988), Fr. Douglas Mayer (1988-1996), Fr. Kevin McCarthy (1996-2016), Fr. Christopher Stanish (2016-2022), and our current chaplain Fr. Jacob McDaniel since July 2022.

The campus outreach has been a great success, and even though Bishop Gaughan had considered terminating the program in 1987, he instead initiated a change of name: St. Teresa of Avila. This change was inititiated in order to give the center a more recognizable Catholic identity. It had been argued that Catholic students, not knowing what Thunderhouse meant, did not realize that it was a Catholic student center.

Realizing more space was needed, in 2000 the student center was able to acquire the building next door, a former pharmacy. This building has become the worship space for the students and for many local families and friends of the center. Since that time, an entire addition has been added to the site which includes a hall, a new student lounge and study area, and a large gathering space. As the center has continued to grow, it has unofficially developed into a University Parish with over 600 families and has been quite successful in its outreach. The sanctuary space in the church was renovated in 2022.

Stained Glass Windows 

Our stained glass windows were created by Terese Maletta in memory of her nephew Adam Maletta and her sister Cynthia King, who was a parishioner here at St. Teresa's.  Just as the doves in the two tessellation windows appear to be “birthed” from the waters, St Teresa's is committed to transformation in the lives of our members – especially in our VU students as they transform into young adults birthed into their vocations. Learn more...

Joseph the Worker 

The Holy Spirit guided the artist, Terese Maletta, to the creation of St. Joseph, patron of handymen and carpenters, in memory of Terry Malmquist, our handyman here at St. Teresa's, who passed away too young. Terry was the perfect example of living out stewardship. Our hope is that this piece of art will remind you of the spirit of stewardship in your own life, whatever that may mean for you. God is calling, and through the intercession of Terry and the power of the Holy Spirit, may we build a house of stewardship where all are welcome and all come to know Jesus as friend.