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!

 

 

 

A: The Catholic Newman Community, or simply “Newman” for short, is named after a great 19^th 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!

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

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!

 

 

 

A: We cannot know for certain, but we estimate that over 30% of undergraduates are Catholic, or about 1400 students. If you’re worried about being the only person at a program, don’t be! Newman engages literally hundreds of students each week and there are plenty of ways to get involved. In fact, we have over 100 programs each year! If you’re still worried about being the only person, always feel free to bring a friend. All of our activities are open to all students, Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

 

 

 

A: Definitely! We have a very dynamic music ministry at the Newman Community. Vocalists and instrumentalists are all welcome. Contact our student director of music ministry, David Heid ’13 for more information.

 

 

 

A: Newman always has a lot going on. Check out the Events page on this site!

 

 

 

A: Of course! All Newman events are open to any student, regardless of religious affiliation.

 

 

 

A: The St. Sebastian Society is a nationally recognized group which is designed around the unique schedules of athletes. Members are dedicated to providing service to the vulnerable, developing leadership skills, and embracing Christian values. The St. Sebastian Society is a proud partner with the Yes Pa Character Development Program (www.yespa.org). Together, this partnership provides an opportunity for athletes to act as mentors for incarcerated youth.  In 2007, the St. Sebastian Society was honored with the National Catholic Campus Ministry Association’s Developing Leaders for the Future Award.

 

 

 

A: Here at the Newman Community, we encourage all students to get involved.  And there are plenty of opportunities to do so! At Mass, you can serve as a lector, altar server, or Eucharistic Minister or get involved with music ministry. Outside of Mass, we offer over 100 different programs, including retreats, service trips, RCIA, intramural sports, leadership positions, social events, lectures, and more. Contact Nathan for more information and to get involved!