Campus ministries gear up for 26-27 academic year
In a few weeks, college students will return to campuses across the Archdiocese of Newark to begin fall classes. First-year and transfer students will be arriving, too, learning to navigate unfamiliar spaces and new relationships. According to Father Jim Chern, archdiocesan director of campus ministry, no matter what their backgrounds, experiences, and interests, these young people will share a common desire.
“No matter what academic program or field of study a student is pursuing, there’s one universal truth found on college campuses across the country — and right here in the Archdiocese of Newark. Young men and women are searching for purpose, authentic friendship, and a place where they truly belong,” Father Chern said. “Those of us who serve in the Office of Campus Ministry – chaplains, campus ministers, missionaries, and staff – know those desires ultimately point to something far deeper: a relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church. That’s why we exist, and why we eagerly look forward to welcoming students as a new academic year begins.”
The Archdiocese of Newark has campus ministries at several area colleges and universities, including Montclair State University, Ramapo College, Kean University, Stevens Institute of Technology, NJCU, and NJIT/Rutgers Newark whose campuses are adjacent to each other
Opportunities to grow in faith and friendship
Each campus ministry provides opportunities for students to deepen their faith, form friendships with other young believers, and grow in charity. Through weekly Masses, Bible study, service opportunities, Newman talks, and other activities, students can discover how their academic pursuits and their Catholic faith can enrich each other.
The Office of Campus Ministry also provides opportunities for the students from different campuses to meet, socialize, and worship as a larger community during the school year.
Here are a few of the upcoming events:
September 22
Kean University will host their 1st Thomistic Institute talk of the semester. Fr. Adrian McCaffrey will speak about “Thomism in Dialogue with Literature.” All campuses are invited to attend.
October 16 – 18
Campus ministries will offer an Intercollegiate Fall Retreat at Sacred Heart Retreat Center in Newton, NJ. The retreat is open to all campuses.
November 7
Kean University and Ramapo College host the annual Hike & Mass on the Mountain at Ramapo Reservation. The event is open to all campuses.
Jan 1 – 5, 2027
Students are invited to attend SEEK2027, the yearly conference for the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS). The conference will be held in Columbus, Ohio.
Spring 2027
Campus ministries are collaborating to offer the first ever Intercollegiate Newman Speed Dating event on Feb. 5, 2027. They will also sponsor the second annual Spring Formal, to be held on April 23, 2027, at Kean University. Last year’s formal was so popular that organizers secured a larger space for the 2027 event.
Changing lives through events big and small
In a recent meeting with leaders of Jesuit colleges and universities, Pope Leo XIV laid out a vision of higher education that addresses the whole human person, helping young people to foster a “sense of hope” during their college years “through opportunities for dialogue, service, and prayer, remembering always that the resurrection of Christ is the ultimate source of hope and that with him all things are possible.”
Father Chern said that is precisely the work that campus ministries engage in on a daily basis.
“People often speak of college students as ‘the future’ of the Church,” he explained. “The truth is that they are the Church right now. Their faith doesn’t wait until after graduation; it’s being formed on our campuses every single day. Every Mass celebrated, Bible study shared, retreat attended, conversation over coffee, or moment spent simply listening has the potential to change the course of a life. It’s a privilege to accompany students during such a pivotal season, trusting that the seeds planted today will bear fruit for the Church, our communities, and the world for generations to come.”
For more information about Campus Ministry in the Archdiocese of Newark CLICK HERE, or visit the individual campus ministries below:
Montclair State University
Campus Minister: Sebastian Perez
Sebastian.Perez@rcan.org
Instagram: @montclair_redhawkcatholic
www.redhawkcatholic.com
Ramapo College of NJ
Campus Minister: David Donohoe
David.Donohoe@rcan.org
Instagram: @ramapo_newman
www.ramaponewman.com
Kean University
Campus Minister: Lucia Pasternak
Lucia.Pasternak@rcan.org
Instagram: @keancatholics
www.keancatholics.com
NJIT & Rutgers-Newark
Campus Minister: Deacon Carl Lordi
Carl.Lordi@rcan.org
Instagram: @newmanclubnwk
www.newarknewmancatholic.com
Stevens Institute of Tech
Campus Minister: Brooke Pasker
Brooke.Pasker@rcan.org
Instagram: @stevensnewman
www.stevensnewmancatholic.com
Featured image: Collage of photos from Archdiocese of Newark Office of Campus Ministry.
