The Cardinal Newman Catholic Campus Ministry Center is located at 1607 N. Rolla Street along the walkway from Thomas Jefferson Hall, near St. Patrick Parish Church and UMR's Emerson Electrical building. Many generous parishioners, alumni, parents, students and friends made this great work of the Lord a reality.

The Newman Program at the University of Missouri-Rolla was begun in 1953 by Msgr. Kaiser as a weekly discussion group for Catholic Students at the then School of Mines. From 1953-1967 the students and faculty members met at St. Patrick Church. In 1967 a home was purchased for a Center and a Director was appointed. In 1986 the Newman Center moved to closer to St. Patrick Parish on Vichy Road. Up to 1997 the associate pastor of St. Patrick Church served as the Newman Director. In 1997 Sr. Renita Brummer was hired as a full time Director of Catholic Campus Ministry and continued until 2006. In July, 2006, Sr. Denise Descoteaux began her term as Director.

The Newman Center at UMR is named after John Henry Newman (1801-1890). Newman, a scholar and ordained clergyman of the Church of England, converted to Catholicism, lectured and wrote extensively on the role and purpose of a university. His brilliance and deep faith was an inspiration to Catholics throughout the world. Newman’s respect for the life of learning was enhanced by his Christian faith. He believed learning was a catalyst for the spiritual journey. Catholic campus ministry centers at public universities are often named after Cardinal Newman.

Currently Catholic Campus Ministry serves over 1,000 Catholic students and faculty at UMR.