About Us
Mater Ecclesiae College

In 1991, Mater Ecclesiae was founded in Wakefield, Rhode Island, as a formation center for consecrated women of Regnum Christi, an apostolic movement within the Roman Catholic Church. Consecrated women of Regnum Christi dedicate themselves to working in the areas of Catholic education, mass media, youth ministry, family counseling and community service.

Offering an integral formation, Mater Ecclesiae has always sought to offer consecrated women a thorough preparation for leadership positions in these fields. In 1998 Mater Ecclesiae moved from Wakefield to Greenville, buying and renovating a former orphanage.

Mater Ecclesiae College has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. Candidacy is not accreditation nor does it assure eventual accreditation. Candidacy for Accreditation is a status of affiliation with the Commission which indicates that the institution has achieved initial recognition and is progressing toward accreditation. Inquiries regarding the status of this institution affiliated with the New England Association should be directed to the administrative staff of Mater Ecclesiae. Individuals may also contact: The Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, 209 Burlington Road, Bedford, MA 01730-1433, (781) 271-0022, cihe@neasc.org.

Student Body

The changing role of women in society is opening new doors and creating new needs, including new spiritual needs. The Consecrated Women of Regnum Christi are one way the Catholic Church is responding. Since our beginning in 1969, we, as the Consecrated Women have striven to respond to Christ’s love with a total gift of self, and have dedicated ourselves to serving humanity. We strive to become women who can make an impact among young and old, intellectuals and homemakers, business leaders and professionals. We work to establish a civilization of truth and love, a goal Pope John Paul II has said is especially entrusted to women.

The student body of Mater Ecclesiae College reflects its world-wide scope. About 45 percent of the student body is of international origin, coming from Canada, Mexico, Australia, Brazil, El Salvador, Germany, New Zealand, Italy, Poland, and South Africa. Students range in ages from seventeen to thirty-three, with an average age of twenty-one. Fourteen percent hold previous undergraduate or graduate degrees from other institutions. All students live on campus in the residence hall.

The College has consistently high retention and graduation rates. For the past five years an average of 92.5 percent of freshmen continue on to their sophomore year, and the four year retention rate in 89.5 percent. This high retention of students is an result of the select nature of the students and their unique fit to the program.

The mission of our graduates is to educate and form lay people to serve the Church and imbue society with Christian values in the following fields of action:
1. Teaching and administering educational institutions in several countries.
2. Integral development of women through the formation and education of girls and young women.
3. Mission work and service of the underprivileged.
4. Leadership positions at the service of public welfare.
5. Promotion of ethical and spiritual values through the mass media.

Accessibility of Programs and Services

In compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, Mater Ecclesiae is committed to making its programs and services accessible to all students. Students who need physical accommodations should contact the Academic Affairs Office and provide documentation of their needs, preferably in advance of their campus arrival, so that measures can be taken to ensure adequate accessibility and on-going support.

Location

Mater Ecclesiae is located on 45 acres in a quiet, residential neighborhood, at 60 Austin Avenue, Greenville, Rhode Island, 20 minutes west of Providence, New England’s second-largest city. An hour from Boston, Massachusetts, and less than three hours from New York City, students are able to enjoy cultural visits to nationally and internationally renowned museums, galleries, or special exhibitions.

Find out more: mission statement, letter from the president, board of directors, administrative officers, directions, contact us, and links.