Greetings, fellow Newmanites! The following are the announcements from the Newman Centre and the Newman Catholic Students’ Society for the week of October 25th-31st.
Highlights this week:
- Theology Thursday: Synod on the Family
- Q&A on Euthanasia
- YOUCAT on Tap
- Sandwiches for the Homeless
- Saturday Night Supper
- Soup and Bagel Lunch Program
— Michael
Events and Activities This Week
Theology Thursday: Synod on the Family
Thursday, October 29th (6:00pm)
Theology Thursday is a monthly question and answer series on Catholic doctrinal and ethical issues with Dr. Douglas Farrow, Professor of Christian Thought and Kennedy Smith Chair in Catholic Studies.
This month’s Theology Thursday is a panel discussion on the Synod on the Family, which is concluding on October 25th and will produce one of the most significant documents to affect the ordinary life of Catholics since Humanae Vitae was promulgated in 1968. Prof. Farrow will be joined by two other expert panelists: Prof. Solange Lefebvre (from the Université de Montréal) and Fr. Eric Nicolai (from the Riverview Study Centre). The event is open to everyone – Catholic or non-Catholic – and refreshments will be provided. See you there!
IMPORTANT NOTE: The time of Theology Thursday has changed from 7:00pm to 6:00pm.
“What does dying with dignity really mean?”: Q&A Seminar with Dr. Hazel Markwell
Friday, October 30th (10:00am)
Dr. Hazel Markwell is the Director of the Centre for Clinical Ethics and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anesthesia at the University of Toronto. In a special seminar at Newman Centre, she will offer students an opportunity to discuss the recent euthanasia ruling and where we go from here — particularly important for anyone aspiring to work in the healthcare. Coffee/tea & pastries will be served. For more information, please visit the Newman Centre’s website .
YOUCAT on Tap: How Do We Know God Exists?
Friday, October 30th (5:00-7:00pm)
Many young Christians are often uncomfortable having conversations with their atheist friends about the existence of God. Within the cozy confines of the Church, we take it for granted that God exists; we spend most of our time talking instead about who He is and what this implies for our lives. But outside, our atheist friends remind us that from their perspective it is far from evident that God exists; in fact, to many of them, belief in God seems irrational or superstitious.
Does God exist or not? Can His existence be explained rationally without necessarily appealing to revelation? How do we approach Christian apologetics to atheists and agnostics? We’ll be tackling each of the questions at this week’s YOUCAT on Tap. As usual, beer and pizza service starts at 5:00pm followed by the topic discussion at 5:30pm. All are welcome!
Sandwiches for the Homeless
Saturday, October 31st (11:00am-2:00pm)
Have you ever passed by a Montrealer experiencing homelessness, and wondered how to serve and love these people as Christ calls us to do? This year, the McGill Anglican-United Chaplaincy/Aumônerie Anglicane-Unie à McGill, Newman Catholic Students’ Society of McGill University, the Orthodox Christian Fellowship of McGill University, and ICON are teaming up to provide students an opportunity to learn more about Christian street ministry with an ecumenical service project: making and distributing sandwiches to Montrealers living without a home.
- 11:00am — Sandwich making at the Newman Centre. If you are able, please bring a sandwich-making item (most needed are lunch meat, tuna, cheese).
- 12:00pm — Sandwich distribution (various locations). Teams will be sent into the city (metro passes provided if traveling further than walking distance) to interact with the homeless population in Montreal and give them some of the sandwiches we made.
You are welcome to come for both sandwich making and distribution, or just one portion of the event. Everyone is welcome!
Saturday Night Supper
Saturday, October 31st (6:00pm)
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. Please come join us and share a great meal and great conversation!
If you’re interested in signing up to help prepare a meal in the future, please contact our VP Saturday Night Suppers, .
Soup and Bagel Lunch Program
Weekdays (12:30-2:00pm)
Every weekday, from 12:30-2:00pm, enjoy all-you-can-eat hot soup and Montreal bagels in the Newman Centre’s Bagelounge for the low price of $3.50, courtesy of our administrative coordinator, Linda Diez.
Events and Activities Later This Month
Newman Bible Study on Mercy
Wednesday, November 4th (7:00pm)
Join us for the fourth session of our Newman Bible Study, exploring God’s mercy throughout the Bible. The study is led by Samuel Farrugia and Julian Paparella and takes place every two weeks. See you there!
Council Meeting
Thursday, November 5th (7:00pm)
Make your voice heard! Did you know that every member of the NCSS is also a member of Council, the Society’s legislative body? Tell the executive about your new event idea at our next biweekly Council meeting.
Fall Coffeehouse
Saturday, November 7th (7:30pm)
On November 7th, please join us for our semesterly coffeehouse, a vibrant celebration of the Newman community’s diverse talents. You’ll be sure to enjoy the wonderful acts as well as some tasty treats! As always, please bring a few dollars to make a donation to Saint Padre Pio, our partner parish in the Philippines.
Have a hidden talent you’d like to share, or perhaps a performance you’d been working on? Here’s your chance to show us what you can do! Please contact our VP Social Activities, . Otherwise, please help us out by signing up to donate some desserts!
Uncover McGill
Saturday, November 7th (2:00-5:00pm)
“You are the salt of the earth…” [Matthew 5:13a] But what does that really mean? On the afternoon of November 7th, all are invited to a seminar that dedicates its first two hours (2-4pm) on providing information about mission, and offers its last hour (4-5pm) to teaching on evangelism. Led by Alycia Wood (from the Ravi Zacharias International Ministries), it is a great opportunity for all students to further explore and learn how to share their faith! Location TBD.
NCSS Advent Retreat: Real Connections – Relationships and Prayer
Saturday, November 14th (1:00-6:00pm)
The NCSS advent retreat is an opportunity to reflect, pray for, and work on the relationships in your life. We’ll be exploring how to make meaningful relationships matter and how prayer offers ways to make them even more. The afternoon will feature guided reflections, quiet prayer time, Eucharistic Adoration and opportunity for Confession, and a service activity (decorating cards for families in the community). Gayle, the new spiritual director at the Centre, will be present to share her insights and be available for those interested in learning more about spiritual direction or in a brief consult.
Following the retreat, participants are invited and encouraged to celebrate the fruits of the retreat together at SNS which is happening right after. The cost of the retreat is $5.
Other Announcements
Become a Newman Catholic Students’ Society Member!
Membership in the Society is open to everyone and comes with the following benefits:
- one free Saturday Night Supper (normally $5),
- right to attend Council meetings,
- right to vote in Society elections (if you are a SSMU or PGSS member), and
- a snazzy red membership card!
Memberships cost $2 and can be purchased from our VP Finance, .
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 are held from Tuesday to Friday at 4:00pm, with Eucharistic Adoration from 4:30-5:30pm. Confessions are heard before all Masses.
Centre Hours
The Newman Centre is open weekdays from 10:00am-5:00pm (extended hours on some days) and on weekends during scheduled events such as Mass
