About Black Hills State University Newman Center · Spearfish, South Dakota
The Black Hills State University Newman Center (commonly known as "JacketCatholic") is the Catholic campus ministry serving the students, faculty, and staff of Black Hills State University in Spearfish, South Dakota. Located at 814 W King Street near campus, the Newman Center exists to bring the BHSU community to Jesus Christ through the Gospel and full participation in the life of the Church. Its mission emphasizes fellowship, prayer, spiritual growth, service, and a welcoming family atmosphere for college students navigating a busy campus life. The center operates as part of the Diocese of Rapid City alongside its sister parishes, St. Joseph in Spearfish and St. Paul in Belle Fourche.
- Patron
- Our Lady of Good Counsel
- Diocese
- Diocese of Rapid City
Why belong here
The BHSU Newman Center welcomes Catholic, non-Catholic, faculty, and staff into a vibrant community of faith during the college years. Members find a family atmosphere with weekly Mass, daily confession and adoration opportunities, FOCUS missionaries for one-on-one mentorship, Bible studies, fellowship meals, and active liturgical roles. Students can also grow through service projects, social events, and the JacketCatholic student organization that builds Catholic identity on a public university campus.
Mass times at Black Hills State University Newman Center
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Sunday @ 5:00 PM (before 6:00 PM Mass)
- Tuesday @ 8:00 AM (before 8:30 AM Mass)
- Thursday @ 5:00 PM (before 6:00 PM Mass)
- Saturday @ 4:00 PM (before 5:30 PM Mass at St. Joseph)
- Monday/Wednesday/Friday @ 6:30 AM (at St. Joseph before 7:00 AM Mass)
Adoration times
- Thursday 5:00 PM – 5:45 PM
- Wednesday 7:30 AM – 8:30 PM (at St. Joseph)
- Third Monday of the month 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM (at St. Joseph)
About the Newman Center
The Black Hills State University Newman Center serves the Catholic students, faculty, and staff of BHSU. Its stated mission is to bring the university community to Jesus Christ through the Gospel and full participation in the life of the Church, challenging them to be faithful disciples and preparing them for their Christian mission in the world. The Center offers a space for fellowship, prayer, spiritual growth, service, and fun activities, providing a family atmosphere during the college years.
JacketCatholic Student Organization
JacketCatholic is the official Catholic student organization on the campus of Black Hills State University. The club's purpose is to help strengthen and grow the Catholic faith during the college experience, providing spiritual and social growth opportunities for Catholic and non-Catholic students, as well as faculty and staff.
Mass and Liturgy
The Newman Center celebrates Mass on Sundays at 6:00 PM and on Tuesdays at 8:30 AM, Thursdays at 6:00 PM, and First Saturdays at 8:30 AM during June, July, and August. Students also have additional daily Mass options through the sponsoring parish, St. Joseph in Spearfish. The Center actively recruits student liturgical ministers to serve at Mass.
Liturgical Roles (Get Involved at Mass)
Students are invited to serve the parish through a variety of liturgical roles. Each role supports the celebration of the Mass and offers a way to grow in faith and community.
- Hospitality Minister — welcoming congregation members and visitors
- Eucharistic Minister (Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion)
- Altar Server — assisting priests and deacons at the altar
- Lector — proclaiming the Word of God
- Sacristan — preparing the altar and Eucharist for Mass
- Music — sharing musical talent during liturgy
Newman Staff
The Newman Center is served by a team of FOCUS missionaries and a campus ministry assistant who walk alongside students in discipleship. The site lists the following staff members:
- Andrew Noah — FOCUS Missionary
- Ryan VanVooren — FOCUS Missionary
- Ann Endres — FOCUS Missionary
- Tori Skiba — FOCUS Missionary
- Bryanna Tabbert — Campus Ministry Assistant
Fellowship and Community Life
Community life is centered around the weekly Newman Meal and ongoing social activities. Anyone can sign up to bring or share a meal. The Friend of Newman email list keeps alumni, parents, and friends up to date on news, retreats, and events at the Center.
- Newman Meal (weekly community dinner — sign up on the website)
- Friend of Newman sign-up form (newsletter/alumni updates)
Visit and Contact
The Newman Center is located at 814 W King Street, Spearfish, SD 57783, within walking distance of the BHSU campus. The Center can be reached by phone at (605) 214-5550 or by email at [email protected]. The Center is part of the Diocese of Rapid City and is listed on Newman Connection as Black Hills State University.