Greetings, fellow Newmanites! The following are the announcements from the Newman Centre and the Newman Catholic Students’ Society for the upcoming week.
Please note the following new announcements: our first Saturday Night Supper on September 5th at 5:00pm, and a World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation at the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel tomorrow at 7:00pm.
— Michael
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 or our campus minister Terrel Joseph 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!
Saturday Night Supper
September 5th (5:00pm)
The Newman Catholic Students’ Society has a longstanding tradition of hosting a supper every Saturday night, prepared by members of the Newman community. For only $5, you get a full meal, including dessert.
Our first Saturday night supper this year is on September 5th at 5:00pm (though it’ll be held at 6:00pm thereafter). Please come join us and share a great meal and great conversation!
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. You can also sign up directly if you’re interested in tabling. 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 Bible Study on Mercy
September 16th (7:00pm)
Join us for a brand-new Newman Bible Study, exploring God’s mercy throughout the Bible. Come to our first session Wednesday, September 16th at 7:00pm—led by Samuel Farrugia and Julian Paparella, and continuing biweekly! See you there!
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.
Mass Schedule
The Newman Centre has Mass every Sunday 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.
World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation
September 1st (7:00pm)
On June 18, 2015 Pope Francis published the first encyclical on ecology in which he speaks of environmental issues and stresses the need for all Christians to be actively involved in the Care of Creation and in finding solutions to reduce the current ecological crisis. It is within this context, that the Pope instituted a World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, to be held on September 1, the date on which the Orthodox churches have been praying for this intention for several years.
To respond to this invitation, the Marguerite-Bourgeoys Museum and the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel invite you to attend a bilingual ecumenical evening of prayer at the Chapel on Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at 7.00pm.
