1/13/2010: The Great God Debate comes to Univ. of Illinois

 

Authors Dinesh D’Souza and John W. Loftus to Tackle Questions of Faith and Reason
 
CHAMPAIGN,IL—On February 9, 2010 at 7:00pm on the University of Illinois campus, authors Dinesh D’Souza and John W. Loftus will debate the question “Does the Christian God exist?” The event will be held in Foellinger Auditorium on the south end of the main Quad and is open to the public. After the formal portion of the debate, D’Souza and Loftus will field questions from the audience.
 
Mr. D’Souza will be responding in the affirmative. He is the author of What’s So Great About Christianity? and has appeared on a number of popular news programs. He has previously debated Christopher Hitchens, Daniel Dennett, Peter Singer, and a number of others.
 
Mr. Loftus will be responding in the negative. He is a former Christian minister and the author of the recently published Why I Became an Atheist, which has been acclaimed as one of the most effective defenses of atheism in recent times. Mr. Loftus is also a contributing author of the forthcoming The Christian Delusion: Why Faith Fails.
 
Moderating the debate will be Kenneth J. Howell, the director of the Institute of Catholic Thought at St. John’s Catholic Newman Center on the Illinois campus. “This debate should be a great opportunity for different worldviews to have a healthy exchange of ideas, which is the essence of what a university is about,” said Prof. Howell. “D’Souza and Loftus are both articulate spokespersons for their worldviews and their presence promises an enlightening evening.”
 
The event is being co-sponsored by the Champaign-Urbana Freethinkers, the Atheists, Agnostics, and Freethinkers student organization, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students, and the St. John Institute of Catholic Thought. 
 
For more information, contact:
 
David Hazen
Director of Communications,
St. John’s Catholic Newman Center
(217) 255.6659
 

12/11/2009: FOCUS team prepares to lead over 100 students to Orlando

The six FOCUS missionaries serving our campus have been hard at work preparing for the national 'Made for More' conference, with a little help from some SJCNC staff:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqDjE1nxQm4

Several thousand college students from around the country will gather in Orlando for prayer, fellowship, and instruction in Christian leadership, morality, and more.  More than 100 U of I students have registered thus far.  Details may be found at www.focusconference.org.

 

 

12/7/2009: December 8, Holy Day of Obligation

The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a Holy Day of Obligation.  A Catholic is obliged to attend the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in honor of Our Lady under penalty of grave sin if one misses without a serious reason.  Our Mass schedule will be:

- Vigil Mass, Monday, December 7th at 5:00 PM 
 
- Tuesday, December 8th at 8:00 AM, 12:05 PM, 5:00 PM, and 9:00 PM
 

12/2/2009: Advent Reflections

SJCNC's Director of Religious Education, Shawn Reeves, has begun offering reflections on his blog as we prepare for Christmas. Periodically each week of Advent new mediations will be added and linked at the bottom of the preceding meditation post

Follow the link to Within the Garden:

http://withinthegarden.blogspot.com/

 

 

11/12/2009: Illini Market to close

We regret to announce that, effective December 19,2009, the Illini Market will close without plans to reopen. With the input of students, staff, loyal customers, and friends, we are working to develop a plan for this space that will best suit the needs of our community.
 
To offer your comments and suggestions, please complete this brief survey.
 
We apologize for any inconvenience this closing may cause to our customers. Gift cards will remain valid until the closing, and all coupons will be void after that time. Thank you for your patronage. 
 

11/4/2009: 5K Run for Justice this Saturday!

Sign up for SJO’s 5K Run/Walk for Justice in lovely Crystal Lake Park in Urbana this Saturday, November 7 at 9:00 a.m.
 
All proceeds support the service trips and projects SJO offers to help the needy.
 
Registration forms are now available around the Newman Center, in the Newman Hall Office, and in various businesses around campus. To register by email, contact:
 
serviceandjustice@yahoo.com
 
Cost:
$15 October 1-November 6
$20 on Race Day
 

10/28/2009: "The Real Exorcist" draws crowd of nearly 1700

On Monday, October 26, 2009, Fr. Vince Lampert returned to campus to share the unique experiences and insights afforded him by virtue of his being one of only 12 exorcist priests in the US. Nearly 1700 students and community members turned out for "The Real Exorcist," and the question-and-answer portion of the program lasted for more than 90 minutes.

The Daily Illini's story may be found here.

Local TV station WICD also covered the event--watch here.

You can watch the formal portion of the presentation (in three parts) on our Youtube channel here.

You can listen to an mp3 of the full presentation here.

 

10/22/2009: Return of "The Real Exorcist"

Fr. Vince Lampert, official exorcist for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, will return to campus on October 26, 2009.  At 7pm that evening in Foellinger Auditorium, he will expound on the Church's understanding of exorcism, demonic activity, and the like.  The event, "The Real Exorcist," is open to the public and a Q&A session will follow the formal portion of Father's presentation.

Fr. Lampert is one of only 12 officially trained and recognized exorcist priests in the US, and has been serving in this capacity for four years.  He is also a full-time pastor of a large parish in Indianapolis.

Last year, Fr. Lampert spoke at SJCNC to an overflow crowd of nearly 300 students for two-and-a-half hours. A much larger crowd is expected for this year's event.

 

 

10/7/2009: New movie on Fatima miracle to be screened at SJCNC

Next Friday, October 16th, SJCNC will host a special pre-screening of a new film called The 13th Day, a dramatic retelling of the experiences of three shepherd children involved in the apparitions of Mary in Fatima, Portugal in 1917.  Come and enjoy this showing of a story of the supernatural in the life of three ordinary people and discover the impact of the message Our Lady of Fatima on three unsuspecting children. There is no cost to join in.  The 13th Day will be shown in the Msgr. Swetland Room at 8pm on October 16th. For more info about the film, go to http://www.ignatius.com/the-13th-day/.
 
 

9/30/2009: Fr. Wade Menezes to speak during 24 Hours of Grace

Fr. Wade Menezes of the Fathers of Mercy--often seen on EWTN--will visit SJCNC this weekend during our '24 Hours of Grace' event. On Friday, October 2nd, Fr. Wade will give a talk on the power to overcome sin that is found particularly in the sacrament of reconciliation. 

The talk will begin at 7pm in the Chapel and will be followed by a reception with light refreshments at 8pm in Lewis Lounge.  All are encouraged to attend.

 

 

9/30/2009: Newman RAs featured in Daily Illini

See the full story in the DI Housing Guide here:

http://www.dailyillini.com/special/housing-guide-2009/2009/09/28/students-build-leadership-skills-by-taking-on-positions-as-ras

 

9/22/2009: '40 Days for Life' Begins Today

 

Champaign, IL – “On September 22, Champaign area pro-life advocates will hold a kick-off event at the Newman Center’s Lewis Lounge at 604 E. Armory Ave. at 8pm to once again join together with people of faith and conscience from many other communities for the area’s third 40 Days for Life campaign starting on September 23,” said Ross Johnson, spokesman for the Champaign effort.  
 

“We know 40 Days for Life has made a difference in the Champaign area,” said Johnson. “Here are just a few of the positive results of our previous campaigns: At least six lives that we know of have been saved from abortion, hundreds of students and community members participated in this peaceful vigil for the first time, and thousands of hours were spent in prayer for the unborn and their mothers."

40 Days for Life is an intensive pro-life initiative that focuses on 40 days of prayer and fasting, 40 days of peaceful vigil at abortion facilities, and 40 days of grassroots educational outreach. The 40-day time frame is drawn from examples throughout Biblical history where God brought about world-changing transformation in 40-day periods.  
 

“40 Days for Life has generated proven lifesaving results since its beginning in 2004 in Bryan/College Station, Texas,” said David Bereit, national director of 40 Days for Life. “During four previous coordinated campaigns, more than 240 communities have participated in this effort. More than 200,000 people – representing some 5,000 churches – have committed to pray and fast. And we know of at least 1,561 unborn children whose lives were spared from abortion during 40 Days for Life campaigns.” 
 

To learn more about the 40 Days for Life campaign, visit: www.40daysforlife.com. For information about the Champaign campaign, visit: www.40daysforlife.com/champaign.  

 

9/18/2009: Need forgiveness?

24 Hours of Grace

Join us for 24 Hours of Grace, October 2-3.  Confessions will be heard in the Chapel beginning at 11:00 a.m. on October 2 and will continue until 11:00 am on October 3.  Also, Confessions will be heard on the Quad on October 2 from 1-3:00 p.m.  Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will also occur during these 24 hours.  The regular Mass schedule will be in place for the weekend.  Materials for perparing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation can be found in the Chapel or by calling 217-344-1184.

 

8/30/2009: Flood Situation Update

We have received approval from the Fire Dept. to allow students to return to their rooms in the north wing of Newman Hall.

The following were accomplished today:

- The temporary back-up generator has been installed and tested.

- The fire alarm system has been tested and is in service.

- The sprinkler system was approved by the Fire Dept.

- Hot water has been restored to both wings of the Hall.

On Monday we will re-stock the kitchen.  The first meal available that day will be dinner.  Newman residents may still go to Illini Tower for breakfast and lunch.

A/C will not be available in the Dining Room or offices as the air handling equipment was damaged.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

With questions, call 217.344.1266.

 

 

8/28/2009: Flooding at SJCNC

On the night of Thursday, August 27, a severe thunderstorm dropped several inches of rain over Champaign-Urbana in a very short period of time. The volume of precipitation caused flooding over large portions of the University of Illinois campus.

Due to a lack of drainage on the Sixth St. side of the building, excess rainwater filled portions of the sub-basement under the north wing of St. John’s Catholic Newman Center. Several electrical systems were affected, and our backup generator was submerged in several feet of water.
Because of the extent of the damage, SJCNC administration have deemed it necessary to temporarily relocate residents of the north wing of Newman Hall until we can restore the necessary safety and security systems, as mandated by City of Champaign building code. Some residents will remain on SJCNC premises in improvised sleeping quarters, while others will stay in certified housing units elsewhere on campus. 
While we cannot be certain how long it will take to conduct the necessary repairs and receive the needed authorizations from the City of Champaign, we have engaged all necessary contractors and city officials to expedite the restoration of occupancy to the maximum extent possible.  At this time, the Dining Room is closed to the public and will remain so until power is restored. Other than a lack of hot water, the south wing of the building remains largely unaffected. St. John’s Chapel will offer its regular liturgical schedule.
SJCNC staff will keep residents and parents abreast of developments in this unfortunate situation. We will continue to work to provide necessary services, and are developing a plan to address the drainage issues and prevent any recurrence of this problem.
For more information, please call the Newman Hall office at (217) 344-1266 or email halloffice@sjcnc.org.
 

8/21/2009: Welcome Home!

Newman Guides swarmed the vehicles of new residents from 8am to 5pm on Thursday, the official Move-In Day for the 2009-10 academic year.  As usual, the Newman Guides proved the adage "many hands make light work" as these returning students helped new Newmanites find their rooms, move their belongings, and navigate the check-in process.  In the meantime, parents were generally left with little to do but take a well-deserved break in the Dining Room.

Newman Guides: "We can do it!"

 

6/2/2009: Listen to Cardinal George's Grad Mass Homily

On May 16, 2009, Francis Cardinal George delivered an excellent homily on friendship at our Graduation Mass. Click here to listen.

You may also listen to the following remarks from the SJCNC Graduation reception:

Brock Perkes, Head RA, Class of '09

Ned Zerwic, father Megan Zerwic ('09)

 

 

5/27/2009: Cardinal George to Newman grads: Friendship is more than Facebook

(The following article was published in The Catholic Post of the Diocese of Peoria.) 

 By Tom Dermody

CHAMPAIGN — Popular online social networks such as Facebook and MySpace can be useful and enjoyable ways of contacting people and staying in touch, but Cardinal Francis E. George of Chicago challenged college graduates to embrace a much deeper definition of friendship, especially with God through prayer.

“Friendship takes time and patience,” said Cardinal George, principal celebrant and homilist at a Graduation Mass for University of Illinois students and their families that drew an overflow crowd [May 16] to St. John’s Catholic Chapel on campus.

Click here to read the entire article:    http://cdop.org/post/PostArticle.aspx?ID=1022

 

4/14/2009: Dr. Howell on EWTN Radio

 

 

Shortly before Easter, SJCNC's own Dr. Kenneth Howell appeared on EWTN Radio's "Open Line" to share his conversion story and talk about his recent book on St. Ignatius of Antioch.  To listen to a recording of the show, click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3/30/2009: 'Legacy Liturgy' planned for May 16

On Saturday, May 16 at 5:00pm, His Eminence Francis Cardinal George of Chicago will celebrate the annual Graduation Mass at SJCNC with Bishop Daniel Jenky of Peoria. A special reception in honor of our graduating seniors and marking the end of our 80th year of ministry will immediately follow the Mass, and will be attended by both of our honored guests.  Friends and students of SJCNC are invited to attend and heavy hors d'oeuvres will be served.

Those seniors wishing to be recognized at the Graduation Mass should contact Vickie Hart in the Chapel Office at 217-255-6641 or by emailing vickie.hart@sjcnc.org.

 

3/24/2009: Two students spend Spring Break 'Biking for Babies'

SJCNC students Mike Schaefer ('11) and Jimmy Becker ('09) are in the middle of a six-day, 600-mile bicycle trek across Illinois.  Instead of lying on a beach or basking in the glow of the TV, the two have chosen to sacrifice Spring Break in order to raise money and awareness for mothers and their unborn children.

Schaefer, Becker, and a number of fellow students have spent the last several weeks planning and promoting Biking for Babies in the hopes of raising funds for the Living Alternatives Preganancy Center and for Students for Life of Illinois (run by SJCNC alumnus John-Paul Deddens). 

See local news coverage here and follow Mike and Jimmy on their journey at bikingforbabies.com. 

 

 

3/13/2009: Author Joseph Pearce to speak at SJCNC

 

On Wednesday, March 18 at 7pm in the Swetland Assembly Room, author Joseph Pearce will present "Dangerous Words: From the Hell of Hatred to the Freedom of Faith". 
"Twenty-five years ago he was a radical activist, a skinhead, and the editor of two hate-filled, extremist magazines. Today, Joseph Pearce is the author of several critically acclaimed, best-selling biographies of great nineteenth- and twentieth-century Christian authors."  [from his Ignatius Press page] 
 
Right-click here to download pictures. To help protect your privacy, Outlook prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Mr. Pearce will share the story of how several 'dead white men' (like G.K. Chesterton and Cardinal Newman) led him on his journey from East London racist rebelrouser--and convicted criminal--to devoted professor of literature.  For part of his conversion story, see this clip from a recent Chilean TV appearance [fear not, Mr. Pearce's portion is in English].  The author will also allow time after his presentation to sign copies of his books.
 

2/20/2009: Schedule for Divine Mercy Weekend

SJCNC is very pleased to welcome Fr. Tony Stephens of the Fathers of Mercy for a special weekend of preparation for Lent. The purpose of this weekend is to introduce students and staff to the Divine Mercy devotion and deepen their understanding of the power of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  All are welcome!

Beginning Friday, Feb 20, at 7:00pm in the Main Chapel: 
  • Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
  • Homily entitled “Fundamentals of the Divine Mercy”
  • Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
  • Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
  • Reception to follow
Saturday (Feb. 21) in the Main Chapel: 
  • 9:00am - Conference for Staff and Student Leaders:  “Leadership in Evangelizing The Divine Mercy”
  • 10:30am - Conference on “Church, Vessel of Mercy”
  • 12:05pm - Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
  • Confessions to Follow Mass
  • 4:00pm - More Confessions
  • 5:00pm - Fr. Stephens celebrates Mass and gives Homily 
Sunday (Feb. 22) at 10:30am, 12:05pm, 5:00pm, and 9:00pm Masses, Fr. Stephens will preach.
A reception will be held at 6:15pm in the Social Hall beneath the Chapel.
 

2/20/2009: Catholics at the Capitol

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Springfield, Illinois

 

Join Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I. and the Illinois Bishops on March 4th for Catholics at the Capitol, a unique opportunity to come to Springfield to discuss key issues that promote the common good by defending human life and working for social justice.

 

Faithful Citizenship calls each one of us to live our faith every day, not  just on Election Day.

YOUR PRESENCE MAKES A DIFFERENCE!!

For further information, contact the Catholic Conference of Illinois at 312-368-1066, go to www.catholicconferenceofillinois.org or contact Dave Hazen at 217-255-6659 or at david.hazen@sjcnc.org

 

2/3/2009: Missionaries Plan for Illinois Summer

 

Denver, CO - The Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) announced today they will hold their annual staff training for over 200 missionaries at St. John's Catholic Newman Center (SJCNC), on the campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. 

The training--which begins May 30--consists of five weeks of prayer, hands-on training in evangelization and team building. This cooperative effort, between one of the largest Catholic centers of its kind and the most expansive Catholic campus outreach in the United States, builds on an eight-year history of collaboration. 

"The University of Illinois was one of the first major campuses to have a FOCUS team," said Curtis Martin, FOCUS President and Founder. "We were enthusiastic, even back in 2000, because of the Newman Center's reputation and the need for outreach at a school of 40,000 students." 

SJCNC was dedicated in 1928 and has the only Catholic residence hall on a secular campus in the US, which currently houses almost 600 students. For 80 years the Newman Center has provided students at U of I with spiritual, social, and intellectual formation, as well as valuable Catholic fellowship with their peers. 

Angela Telthorst, a 2003 graduate of the University of Illinois and current FOCUS Midwest Regional Director, was very excited about the news. She cites that the witness of young Catholics at SJCNC "propelled" her to serve as a missionary with FOCUS beginning in 2004. 

"My two and a half years at the University of Illinois were some of the most significant of my life. Upon my arrival at SJCNC, I encountered a vibrant Catholic community where I found the support, encouragement and formation I needed to develop my faith… Uniting in such a beautiful facility on a Big Ten University will be an excellent environment for our staff to pray and prepare for their work on campus," stated Telthorst. 

Fr. Gregory Ketcham, SJCNC Chaplain and Director, also shared in the excitement. "Our mission really coincides with that of FOCUS. The partnership just makes sense. Personally, I'm very enthusiastic about their decision to spend the summer here, as the missionaries have a joy and a zeal for Christ that is contagious." 

Over the past eight years, 30 University of Illinois graduates have joined FOCUS as missionaries. For the upcoming 2009-2010 academic year FOCUS projects adding several new campuses to their current 39, and hiring dozens of new missionaries, bringing their missionary numbers to more than 250.  See www.focusonline.org for more information.
 

12/18/2008: Dr. Howell publishes new book on Ignatius of Antioch

 We are happy to announce the release of Dr. Kenneth J. Howell's most recent book, Ignatius of Antioch: A New Translation and Theological Commentary.

Ignatius of Antioch succeeded St. Peter as bishop of Antioch and was the spiritual son of St. John the Apostle. Martyred in Rome, Ignatius stopped to visit seveal bishops of the churches in Asia Minor as he traveled under Roman guard from his home in Antioch of Syria. Along the way, he penned seven letters which give us snapshots of the faith and life of the churches of Asia Minor in a way equaled only by the Acts of the Apostles and the Book of Revelation. Understanding Ignatius of Antioch is the key to truly knowing the Christians of the first two centuries and what they believed.

Dr. Howell's book provides new translations of Ignatius's seven letters from the original Greek. His commentary and accompanying notes on each letter draw out the connections between Ignatius and the New Testament, especially Paul. The introductory essays explain the teachings of this church father who is still celebrated by eastern and western Christians alike and show his relevance to the modern world.

Ignatius of Antioch: A New Translation and Theological Commentary is available for purchase at the Illini Market.

 

1/13/2010: The Great God Debate comes to Univ. of Illinois More

12/11/2009: FOCUS team prepares to lead over 100 students to Orlando More

12/7/2009: December 8, Holy Day of Obligation More

12/2/2009: Advent Reflections More

11/12/2009: Illini Market to close More

11/4/2009: 5K Run for Justice this Saturday! More

10/28/2009: "The Real Exorcist" draws crowd of nearly 1700 More

10/22/2009: Return of "The Real Exorcist" More

10/7/2009: New movie on Fatima miracle to be screened at SJCNC More

9/30/2009: Fr. Wade Menezes to speak during 24 Hours of Grace More

9/30/2009: Newman RAs featured in Daily Illini More

9/22/2009: '40 Days for Life' Begins Today More

9/18/2009: Need forgiveness? More

8/30/2009: Flood Situation Update More

8/28/2009: Flooding at SJCNC More

8/21/2009: Welcome Home! More

6/2/2009: Listen to Cardinal George's Grad Mass Homily More

5/27/2009: Cardinal George to Newman grads: Friendship is more than Facebook More

4/14/2009: Dr. Howell on EWTN Radio More

3/30/2009: 'Legacy Liturgy' planned for May 16 More

3/24/2009: Two students spend Spring Break 'Biking for Babies' More

3/13/2009: Author Joseph Pearce to speak at SJCNC More

2/20/2009: Schedule for Divine Mercy Weekend More

2/20/2009: Catholics at the Capitol More

2/3/2009: Missionaries Plan for Illinois Summer More

12/18/2008: Dr. Howell publishes new book on Ignatius of Antioch More