DARTMOUTH ─ Newman Catholic Ministry serves colleges and universities in the Fall River Diocese by providing pastoral services, programs of faith enrichment and instruction, and opportunities for college students to gather for prayer and camaraderie.

Also referred to as campus ministry, its formal mission on its website reads in part: “to help students, faculty and staff of institutions of higher education within the diocese to form a Catholic community on campus, to live and learn the Catholic faith and put faith into action through service to others.”

The Newman Catholic Ministry team is led by Father David Frederici, who is director of campus ministry for the Fall River Diocese, and Deacon Frank Lucca, who is a campus minister.

Newman Catholic Ministry has announced its schedule of programs for college students for the fall. Given the ongoing pandemic, the need for social distancing and capacity limits within indoor spaces, most of the programs will be offered online via Zoom.

Sundays at 7 p.m., September 20-October 18: The Jesus Retreat-Who Do You Say That I Am

This is a five-part retreat to take place over Zoom offering college students to listen to their peers talk about faith, relationships, and where Jesus fits in as friend, healer, and role model.

Mondays at 7 p.m., beginning September 14: Why Believe?

This is an online apologetics course from the Augustine Institute to be offered via Zoom to prepare participants to respond to inquiries and challenges from others who are curious about their faith or who do not believe.

Tuesdays at 7 p.m., beginning September 15: Alpha

Alpha offers the opportunity for students to gather online to explore the Catholic faith in a safe, nonjudging atmosphere. The Alpha program is a series of sessions exploring the Christian faith, typically run over eight weeks. Each talk looks at a different question around faith and is designed to create conversation.

Thursdays at 5:30 p.m., beginning September 3: Newman Night

Come, participate in Mass, enjoy a pasta dinner, and be informed and/or inspired by a different program that follows each week. Newman Night will take place at St. Mary’s Parish Center in South Dartmouth, where sufficient space is available to allow for social distancing.

These programs are open to students attending any of the colleges/universities located in the Fall River Diocese either in-person or remotely as well as to any college-age student who is taking the semester off in light of the pandemic and remaining at home.

In addition, Father Frederici and Deacon Lucca remind any student, faculty member or staff person from an area college that each of them is available for anyone seeking spiritual direction or guidance.

For more information on these programs or other resources for college students or to reach either Father Frederici or Deacon Lucca, please visit www.newmancatholicministry.org for contact information.

O Reverendíssimo Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D.
O Reverendíssimo Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D.
The Bishop of Fall River