About Catholic Newman Center · Huntington, West Virginia
The Marshall Catholic Newman Center is the Catholic campus ministry serving Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Established by the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston in April 1981 and located at 1609 5th Avenue across from Corbly Hall, it has been the home of the greater Catholic community on campus for more than 40 years. Its mission is to bring students together in an intentionally Catholic environment so that they may come to know, love, and serve Jesus Christ and His Church. All Marshall students, faculty, and staff — Catholic or not — are welcome to participate in its Sunday Mass, weekday events, and student life programs.
- Established
- 1981
- Patron
- Blessed John Henry Newman (patron of Catholic campus ministry; the building is named for Father John Newman, a 19th-century Catholic priest)
- Rector
- Nick Chancey (Director and Catholic Campus Minister)
- Diocese
- Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
Why belong here
The Marshall Catholic Newman Center offers Marshall University students a true 'home away from home' — a Christ-centered community with a 40-year tradition on campus. Members gather for Sunday and weekday Mass in the Chapel or Sanctuary, Adoration in the tabernacle chapel, the famous Thursday 'Dinner for a Dollar' home-cooked meal in Carole's Kitchen, Wednesday morning 'Coffee with a Priest,' Bible study through the Newman Connect app, board games and Mario Kart in the Newman Lounge, and service projects such as the Adopt-a-Family program. Open to students of any faith, it is a place to build genuine friendships while growing closer to Jesus Christ and His Church.
Mass times at Catholic Newman Center
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Sunday before Mass
- By appointment
Adoration times
- Chapel is regularly open for personal prayer and Adoration
About the Marshall Catholic Newman Center
The Marshall Catholic Newman Center is the Catholic campus ministry at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Founded in April 1981 by the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, it has been the heart of Catholic life on campus for over 40 years. Its stated mission is 'to bring students together in an intentionally Catholic environment so that they may come to know, love, and serve Jesus Christ and His Church.' All Marshall University students, staff, and faculty are welcome, and the Center regularly opens its doors to anyone curious about the Catholic faith.
- Founded April 1981 by the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
- 40+ years of Catholic campus ministry at Marshall University
- Welcomes students, faculty, and staff of all faith backgrounds
History
The Newman Center was established in April 1981 by the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston as the official Catholic presence at Marshall University. It is named for Father John Newman, a 19th-century Catholic priest — the traditional namesake of Catholic campus ministry centers across the United States. Built in 1981 at 1609 5th Avenue, directly across from Corbly Hall, the Center has welcomed generations of Marshall students into Catholic life. Its most beloved tradition, 'Dinner for a Dollar,' has been running for decades, and its kitchen is affectionately named 'Carole's Kitchen' in honor of a late figure who was 'a mother to many students over the years.'
- Named for Father John Newman, a 19th-century Catholic priest
- Kitchen named 'Carole's Kitchen' after a beloved matriarch of the student community
- Dinner for a Dollar has been a weekly tradition for decades
Staff & Leadership
The Center is led by Nick Chancey, a Marshall University alumnus (BA in History, 2015) who first encountered the Newman Center as an undergraduate in 2012, was received into the Catholic Church through its RCIA program, and returned in 2019 as Director and Catholic Campus Minister. He is pursuing an online Master's in Catechesis through Catholic University of America. Daniel Long is listed as a contact on the national Newman Connection directory, and Mary Clare has served as assistant campus minister, helping cook the Thursday community meals.
- Nick Chancey — Director and Catholic Campus Minister (since 2019)
- Daniel Long — staff contact ([email protected])
- Mary Clare — assistant campus minister
Mass & Weekly Schedule
Per the Center's current website, Mass is celebrated every Sunday during the Fall and Spring semesters at 5:00 PM, alternating between the small Chapel and the larger Sanctuary, with Confessions heard before Mass. A Wednesday Mass is offered at 4:00 PM, and Wednesday mornings bring 'Coffee with a Priest' at 10:00 AM in the Student Center. Thursday evenings at 6:00 PM feature the famous 'Dinner for a Dollar' community meal. The Center is regularly open Monday through Friday, with hours that vary throughout the semester.
- Sunday Mass @ 5:00 PM (Chapel or Sanctuary) — Confessions before Mass
- Wednesday 10:00 AM — Coffee with a Priest (Student Center)
- Wednesday 4:00 PM — Weekday Mass
- Thursday 6:00 PM — Dinner for a Dollar
Facilities & Virtual Tour
The Center offers a virtual tour on its website highlighting its main spaces. The Chapel is a small, quiet space for one-on-one prayer with the Lord truly present in the tabernacle. The Sanctuary is the larger worship space where Sunday Mass is celebrated. Carole's Kitchen is where the Thursday community meals are prepared, and where students are welcome to cook their own meals. The Dining Hall hosts the shared meal each Thursday. The Newman Lounge features board games, Mario Kart nights, Bible study, and oversized bean bags — a place to kick off your shoes and make yourself at home.
- Chapel (tabernacle, quiet prayer)
- Sanctuary (Sunday Mass)
- Carole's Kitchen (Thursday meals)
- Dining Hall (community dinners)
- Newman Lounge (games, Bible study, bean bags)
Ministries & Programs
Beyond Mass and the sacraments, the Center runs a lively program of student ministries. Its RCIA program has been the entry point for many Marshall students into the Catholic faith, including its own director. Bible study is available through online small groups on the Newman Connect app. The weekly 'Dinner for a Dollar' combines fellowship and a home-cooked meal. The Center also sponsors an Adopt-a-Family outreach program and offers free counseling services to Marshall students. A Digital Ministry extends community life online through the Newman Connect app.
- RCIA
- Bible Study (Newman Connect app)
- Dinner for a Dollar
- Adopt-a-Family service program
- Free counseling for Marshall students
- Digital Ministry (online small groups)
Get Connected
Students are encouraged to follow the Center on Instagram at @mucatholic to keep up with events and service opportunities, and to join the digital ministry via the Newman Connect app by searching 'Marshall Catholic Newman Center.' The website is available in Spanish, and the staff can be contacted for other Spanish-language resources. The Center also welcomes prospective students and parents to schedule a tour.
- Instagram: @mucatholic
- Newman Connect app — 'Marshall Catholic Newman Center'
- Website available in Spanish
- Tours available for prospective students and parents
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father James E. O'Connor ('Father Jim')Earlier pastor of the Marshall Catholic Community
Wheeling native, ordained May 29, 1982; before later assignments at St. Augustine (Grafton) and St. Elizabeth/Philippi Newman Center, he served as pastor of the Marshall Catholic Community overseeing the Catholic Newman Center at Marshall University.