Greetings, fellow Newmanites! I hope you’ve all enjoyed your summers thus far. There’s still two or three weeks before the academic year begins, but I thought I’d get a jump on things and give you a glimpse of what’ll be happening at Newman over the next month or so.
Looking forward to seeing you all again come September!
— Michael, your VP Communications for this year
August Night Fever
August 29th (7:30-9:30pm) at Notre Dame de la Salette Parish
On Saturday, August 29th from 7:30-9:30pm, join us at Notre Dame de la Salette Parish (3535 avenue du Parc) as we welcome passers-by into the church to light a candle and spend a few moments of prayer in Christ’s presence. We need some volunteers to welcome visitors, be part of the street ministry, and serve refreshments, among other things; if you would like to help out, please sign up here.
Top three reasons you should come:
- There will be loads of new students (and their parents) moving in that weekend. Help welcome them to Montreal and remind them that the Catholic Church is alive and present!
- Jesus will be exposed for adoration and priests will be available for confession!
- It won’t be -30 degrees. 😉
RSVP on our Facebook event!
First Mass of the Semester
August 30th (5:00pm)
The first Mass of the fall semester is Sunday, August 30th at 5:00pm. Weekday Masses (from Tuesdays to Fridays) resume on Tuesday, September 8th at 4:00pm, with Eucharistic Adoration from 4:30-5:30pm. Confessions are heard before all Masses.
Newman Open House Weekend
August 28th-30th
During the weekend of August 28th-30th, the Newman Centre will be holding an open house for new McGill students and their families. We would greatly appreciate volunteers who are willing to be present at the Newman Centre to greet these students and introduce them to the Centre. Please contact our campus minister Terrel Joseph at if you are interested.
Orientation Week Activities
Each year, McGill University holds an orientation week right before classes start to allow first-year students to become familiar with university life. We’re happy to be participating in two orientation week activities:
Discover McGill
September 1st (9:00am) at Molson Stadium
A key component of Discover McGill, the main orientation day for new students, is the University Fair, which showcases the different clubs, services, and groups at McGill. This year, the Fair is on Tuesday, September 1st at 9:00am.
This is our primary opportunity to introduce ourselves and the Newman Centre to new students. We could really use your help in manning our table, introducing yourselves to the new students and inviting them to become part of the Newman community. We’ll be creating a spreadsheet soon for people to sign up for individual time slots; for now, please contact our VP Outreach Ajoy Paul at if you are interested.
À La Carte Panel Discussion: “Why Catholic?”
September 4th (12:00pm) at the Newman Centre
Another part of Orientation Week is the À La Carte orientation events held by individual clubs, services, and groups at McGill. Last year, the Newman Centre hosted a panel discussion with students and professors on “Is Religion Irrelevant?”
This year, on Friday, September 4th at 12:00pm (tentative), we’re continuing that tradition with a panel discussion on “Why Catholic?” at the Newman Centre. The event is open to everyone, old and new. We will have great speakers, good food, and an amazing time. See you then!
Fish Frosh
September 3rd-7th (starting at 2:00pm at Roddick Gates)
Welcome to all freshmen and transfer students! With the intention of introducing you to our city, our campus, and our community here at McGill, the University’s various Christian clubs are coming together from September 3rd-7th to host Fish Frosh, a weeklong series of activities and events open to any and all incoming students, regardless of their age or belief. Activities include a treasure hunt around downtown, an interdenominational worship night, field trips around the island, and more!
For more information or to register as a leader, volunteer or participant, please visit the official Fish Frosh website. Hope to see you there!
Academic Mass and Welcome Back BBQ
September 11th (4:00pm, with BBQ at 5:30pm)
Join us as we pull out all the stops for our annual Academic Mass (Solemn Mass of the Holy Spirit) on Friday, September 11th at 4:00pm followed at 5:30 pm by our traditional garden BBQ with fresh, homemade burgers. Invite a friend!
New Team Members at the Newman Centre
The Newman Association are proud to welcome aboard two new members of staff in 2015-16: an Associate Campus Minister, Julian Paparella (McGill ’15), who will head up this year’s Bible Study (as well as ecumenical relations and faith-based programs, among other things), and a Spiritual Director, Mrs. Gayle Girard, who is available to mentor students upon request at . (Fr. Gregory is also available for spiritual direction.)
New Course in Catholic Studies This Semester
This fall, the Catholic Studies Program is offering a brand new special topics course (CATH 370) on “Catholicism and Quebec”. It includes local trips, is taught by our Director, and has no prerequisite! Dr. Di Pede is happy to respond to inquiries at .
A New Roof, Finally!
The badly needed refurbishment of our century-old slate roof is nearly complete and it is looking fantastic. We raised over $130,000 before the summer break, thanks to Pillars Trust ($50,000), St. Patrick’s Foundation ($75,000), students, alumni and their families. Our goal over the next three years, with your help, is to raise an additional $270,000 to pay down the debt.
Fall Clean-up
We are looking for volunteers to help us freshen up the Centre in late August by gardening, window washing, and painting. If you are interested, please contact our campus minister Terrel Joseph at .
Parking at Newman
Parking spaces are reserved for staff, all others by permission only. Fees apply. See a member of staff before parking. Unidentified vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense.
