Newman House celebrates 50 years

The sound of chatter and cups clattering filled the room. Laughter echoed across dining tables at the Newman House as students introduced each other and ate. Mass just ended, and students were treated to dinner afterwards, as they are every week. 

As of this year, the Newman House, which sits just a block away from campus on Main Street, has served as a religious haven for Chadron State College students for 50 years. Before the house became the center of the CSC Newman Ministries Club in fall of 1969, students either met for weekly mass at St. Patrick’s Parish, the local catholic church associated with the club, or at any open spot on campus, according to third-year Newman House Director Amy Graham.

“Coming to college, and having to make your own life choices for the first time, you don’t have mom and dad there saying you need to be home at this time, you can’t do these things, you’re off on your own for the first time. It can be really intimidating and really challenging,” Graham said.

 In order to be constantly available and reliable for students, Graham lives in the Newman House, as have the past directors. Senior Aaron Wood of Ogallala, is a member of Newman House, and was the club’s president last year.

“Newman House is meant to be a home-away-from-home for a lot of new college students, and transfer students as well. There’s a lot of community events that get students interactive with their community and meet new people,” he said, “it sets up a new friend group for new people around here and let’s them open up to the college life while still practicing their faith. And it’s open to anybody and everybody, they don’t have to be Catholic.”

In honor of their 50-year anniversary, the Newman House is hosting an all-day open house Sept. 28 during homecoming. Graham explained that all are welcome at the event, including parents of club members; and past directors, sisters, and pastors associated with Newman House. The open house will include coffee and donuts, along with a brunch in the late morning. 

“The biggest thing I’ve seen in Newman Ministries is just giving students that home away from home feel. Even if they don’t want to be active in church, it’s still a safe place to just hang out and be around safe people,” Graham said.