Service and Volunteer Opportunities

At the Newman Center there are ample opportunities to be involved in service and making a difference in the world. Ways in which we serve include :

UMR Campus

• Monthly Socials -- Each month the Newman Center hosts a special social night -- dances, movies, games, bowling, camp outs and Mardi Gras celebrations. These socials are open to anyone on campus.
• Phi Kappa Theta -- The Newman Center enjoys a special connection with Phi Kappa Theta, the Catholic Fraternity at UMR. Fraternity members participate in Newman retreats and the Alternative Spring Break Trip, and assist the Newman Center with socials and fund raisers. A Mass each semester is celebrated at the Fraternity.
• Interfaith Programs -- Students participate with other UMR Campus Ministries in a 40-hour famine, REZ week celebrations, SPARC and in hosting speakers, programs and theme coffee houses on campus.
• Intramural Sports -- The Newman Center participates in all major intramural activities at UMR and boasts several trophies, especially in volleyball.
• Leadership -- Catholic students actively serve in leadership positions in Greek Life, Student Government, Professional Societies, and Student Organizations.

St. Patrick Parish and School

• Married Couples Dinner -- Each spring the Center sponsors a special Dinner and Evening for Married Couples. Intended to strengthen the marriage relationship the evening includes a speaker, an elegant dinner and an opportunity for sharing and prayer.
• Tutoring at St. Patrick School -- University students give their time and talents to help students at our local school who may be struggling or just need a little more attention in various subjects.
• Religious Education -- Newman students are active as teachers in the parish school of religion, are youth group leaders, confirmation mentors and members of the Knights of Columbus.
• Fund Raisers -- The Newman Center sponsors the annual Chicken and Dumpling Dinner and Auction in November and the Fabulous February Fluffy Flapjack Festival in February of course.
• Adopt a Student -- This program enables parish families to adopt a UMR student in order to provide a family experience for the student while at UMR.

Spring Break Mission Trip

• A Spring Break Mission Trip is an immersion trip, where participants work with poor and marginalized individuals. The trip is an experience of learning, growth, and sharing. The cost of the trip is met by the participants and through Newman fund raising. In the past, students have gone to the Glenmary Farm in the Appalachian area of Kentucky, to Project Lazarus (an AIDS hospice in New Orleans), and to Franciscan Outreach (a homeless shelter in Chicago). Future plans call for a mission trip to Mexico.

Local Outreach

• Students reach out into the local community providing leaf raking services in the Fall, assisting the elderly, sponsoring canned food drives for local food pantries and moving assistance for those in need.
• Newman students have been cutting, storing and providing firewood for those in need for over 30 years. This service tradition helps families to clear their land and provides great stress relief for students. The wood is made available to local families at no charge.
• Assist Knights of Columbus, Kiwanis and Rotary Club with projects.