Welcome Students!

Greetings from the Rolla Catholic Newman Center!

The Newman Center holds an important place in the lives of its student members.  I would even say that most of its members, including myself, see it as a home away from home, and a place to find friendship, faith, and support while going through college life in Rolla.  A welcoming friend can always be at Newman, even very late into the night, and the friendships that develop as we work and play side by side are the kind that will last for a lifetime.

Newman offers a wide variety of activities to help our students grow; hardly a week goes by without something going on.  These events can be broken down into three major focuses:  spiritual life, social justice, and social events.  For those interested in developing their faith, Newman offers masses on Wednesday nights, as well as several retreats during the year, especially the popular Awakening Retreat in the spring.  Social justice events include our yearly, weeklong service trip, as well as discussions and seminars on justice and ethics issues affecting today’s young Catholics.  And, last but not least, our social events range from monthly spaghetti dinners to holiday socials and bonfires.  These events are just a small sampling of what Newman has to offer.

Newman also holds student masses on Wednesday nights.  These masses are very informal, with students sitting around on the floor or on couches in our gathering room.  They provide a relaxing environment for students to grow in and share their faith.  Afterwards, everyone rushes downstairs for cookies, lemonade, and some fun and games.

The center is also a place for its students to simply hang out and have a good time.  The refrigerators in the kitchen are always full of food (including cookies!), and students gather for lunch or in between classes to socialize.  Our facilities include a game room with air hockey, pool, and the always popular ping pong table; we also have a computer equipped study room, and a ton of comfortable couches for catching a quick nap when school-related exhaustion sets in.  Rock Band and Nerf gun wars are also common activities for students when they want to unwind and have a good time.

So, on behalf of the Newman Center and its students, I invite you to stop by and visit us at the Newman Center.  All are welcome, new and returning students alike.  I hope that Newman becomes a special place on the S&T campus for you, one where your faith, friendships, and character grow in the presence and love of God.  I hope to see you soon!

God Bless,

David Shahin

President, 2009-2010