A: Yes! There are two Sunday Masses during the academic year. Every Sunday we have a 10:30 am Mass, or if you would like to sleep in, you can catch the 7 pm Mass.  Both are well attended by undergraduate and graduate students, some 300 in all!

Q: Dear Abbey, why is the Roman Catholic parish called the “Catholic Newman Community?

 

A: The Catholic Newman Community, or simply “Newman” for short, is named after a great 19th century intellect, Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman. Newman was a great proponent of the Catholic tradition of faith and reason. For this reason, many Catholic campus ministry programs across the world have adopted Newman as their patron. The Catholic Newman Community at the University of Rochester has been around for over 80 years, and we have a proud tradition of strengthening Catholic life on campus!

Q: Dear Abbey, why is the Church called the Interfaith Chapel? Are the chaplains interfaith?

A: Long and short of it, the Interfaith Chapel is where all the religious communities are located and where we share space and programs.  While many Catholics are accustomed to a Church building being called “St. Mary’s,” “St. Andrew’s,” etc., the Interfaith Chapel does house the offices of Fr. Cool and the other staff of the Catholic Newman Community.  Each Sunday, we celebrate Mass on the River Level of the Interfaith Chapel.
There are many religious organizations represented in the Interfaith Chapel, and University chaplains are open to helping any student. However, the Newman Community is proud to have a dedicated staff that is devoted to strengthening Catholic life on campus.

Q: Dear Abbey, why is Catholic Mass celebrated on the River Level?

 

A: Great question.  Honestly, I am not totally certain.  Yet, I know it has been this way for over 40 years!  For some it takes a bit of getting used to.  Others wish it was different.  Undeniably, there is a quiet and profound beauty in this setting.  It connects us with God’s creation as we overlook the park and the Genesee River, lending itself to a location that removes the tensions of a challenging academic environment.  Practically speaking, it is convenient, because all of our Catholic “stuff” for Mass is stored on the River Level, making it a lot easier to set up and take down each Sunday!

Q: Dear Abbey, I have a real fear my daughter will stop practicing her Catholic faith when she goes to college.  Is there anything her father or I can do to ensure this doesn’t happen?

 

A: Know you did a great job in giving her the values and direction to grow in her faith.  Now it is up to your child to deepen it.  Always begin with prayer.  Bring her to prayer each day, perhaps without even letting her know of this.  Second, let her make her own decisions but don’t be afraid to ask on occasion if she is attending Mass.  No need to lecture – actually avoid it – but the inquiry speaks volumes to your expectations and hope.  Share why your faith is important to you!  Next, learn about the activities of the Newman Community (we offer more than 100 different programs each year) and encourage her to get involved in other ways. Let the Newman staff reach out the best it can.  Challenge her to “connect to and keep her faith” through the Newman Community by encouraging her to attend the many programs and opportunities we offer over the course of the year.  Finally, remember that everyone walks a different journey of faith. There is no one “correct” way, and no matter what, Christ will always be walking by her side.

Q: Dear Abbey, is the priest’s name really Fr. Cool?

 

A: Yes, it is! Fr. Cool was ordained in 1993 and has been at the U of R since 1999. He loves campus ministry and is always happy to take a student out to lunch – on his own dime. Seriously, just ask!

Q: Dear Abbey, how is the Newman Community funded?

 

A: The Newman Community’s annual operating expenses are about $162,000. Donations from generous parents, alumni, and friends of Newman compromise over 50% of our budget! Additionally, Newman receives a small amount of funding from the University and a small subsidy from the Diocese, less than 5% and 15% of the budget, respectively. Other sources of income can be found in the chart below.