News

Bp. Banks to bless new UW-Oshkosh Newman Center

By Tony Staley
Compass Editor

Bp. Robert Banks will dedicate the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Newman Center at a 7 p.m. Mass Sunday, Nov. 16.

In June, the Newman Center moved to the former Elmwood Commons at 750 Elmwood St.

A year ago, the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Foundation agreed to buy the former Newman Center from the Green Bay Diocese to house its growing programs. The college offered the Newman Center its current site on campus for two years as temporary alternative while arrangements are made for a permanent location.

"Everything is in one building - office space on first floor, worship space on second floor," said Sr. Patrice Rog, the Newman Center's first full-time campus minister. She also works year-round rather than just the nine months of the school year.

Bp. Banks will bless the worship space after Mass, followed by a reception.

Then, Bp. Banks will briefly address participants in the student-organized and led Alpha and Omega program, which examines various faith-related topics that affect young adults.

The choir will introduce the program with a few songs and prayers. Bp. Banks will stay for part of the program, which will be on "Young Adults: Gifts to the Church."

Sr. Rog said the center invited Bp. Banks both so he could bless the site and so students could thank him for his support of the Newman Center over the years.

"Since I have come here in mid-August, I have been impressed and delighted with the students and their participation in activities," Sr. Rog said. "The center is truly a center where they come for spiritual strength and renewal. This past Friday, a student who had been active in our programs, died suddenly. That evening, students came to the center to cry, to pray, to find support and strength to try to handle this tragedy. The university had a counselor here to assist."

At the Sunday evening Mass, the congregation prayed for the deceased student and her family.

"The students planned a prayer service, and about 30 stayed after Mass to participate. We shared stories and cried and sang. I see how they find their faith alive in this center and the people here," Sr. Rog said.

Fr. Bob Kollath, pastor of St. Peter Parish, Oshkosh, is the Newman Center chaplain. Emily Reindardy is the student in charge of Alpha and Omega, Tina Koch is the center's office manager.

Campus ministry is supported, in part, by the annual Bishop's Appeal.