Newsletter

As the academic year draws to a close, we take a moment to reflect with gratitude on the incredible gift of priestly presence at St. John’s Catholic Newman Center. This summer brings with it both heartfelt farewells and joyful homecomings—transitions that remind us of the lasting impact chaplains make in the lives of Catholic Illini. We give thanks for the ministry of Fr. Hoelscher and Fr. Millar, whose faithful witness has deeply shaped our community, and we joyfully welcome back a familiar face, Fr. Daniel McShane, who returns to the Newman center as assistant chaplain.

We are blessed to have been able to enjoy the guiding wisdom, good humor, and faithful witness of both Fr. Hoelscher and Fr. Millar as assistant chaplains since 2022. And we are blessed that their ministry on campus has not only contributed to the spiritual growth of so many individual Catholic Illini, but also contributed to the growth in the ministry programs they helped to lead.  

Fr. Hoelscher with the 2023-2024 RA team

As Newman Hall Chaplain, Fr. Hoelscher offered spiritual and human formation as well as ongoing support to the Resident Advisors and all Newman Hall residents. His encouragement to students to find their identity in God’s love rather than in their success has left a profound impact on the resident community. Fr. Hoelscher’s work with the Catholic Illini Koinonia Retreats over the last three years has also touched the lives of nearly 600 students who encountered Christ during a weekend away on retreat.

Fr. Millar as the Master of Ceremonies for a Eucharistic Procession on Campus during Feast Week 2024

We also thank Fr. Millar for his dedication to continuing and elevating the beautiful liturgical tradition at St. John’s. Under his care, the Sacristan program has thrived, providing opportunities for students to serve the entire Catholic Illini community through liturgical ministry. As chaplain for the Knights of Columbus chapter on campus, Fr. Millar mentored dozens of young men who have led in faith and charity at the University of Illinois.

Their spiritual mentorship and leadership invited a great many Catholic Illini into a joyful community of faith. We know that each will do the same in their new assignments. Fr. Hoelscher will serve as administrator of Our Lady of the Lake parish in Mahomet, IL and Fr. Millar will study for a Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.) in Moral Theology at Boston College.

Please join us in continued prayers of thanksgiving for Fr. Hoelscher and Fr. Millar, and in praying for them as they prepare for their next assignments.

We are excited to announce that Bishop Louis Tylka has assigned Fr. Daniel McShane to serve as Assistant Chaplain at St. John’s Catholic Newman Center, beginning July 1.  

Fr. McShane grew up in South Bend, Indiana, and attended college at the University of Illinois, graduating in 2013 with degrees in History and Philosophy. While at the University of Illinois, Fr. McShane was a resident of Newman Hall for 3 years, serving as a Resident Advisor for 2 years. As a Catholic Illini student, Fr. McShane was also involved in FOCUS Small Groups and discipleship and Koinonia retreats.  

Fr. McShane was ordained on May 25, 2019, and served in Monmouth, IL for 2 years, before being moved to Peoria where he has served the last 4 years as chaplain at Peoria Notre Dame High School and the parochial vicar at St. Jude's parish.