About Newman Catholic Center at UMass · Amherst, Massachusetts
The Newman Catholic Center at UMass Amherst, located at 111 Thatcher Rd., serves students, faculty, staff, and guests of the University and the Five College Consortium. Founded in 1963, it offers spiritual, recreational, and community support through Mass, Adoration, the Newman Cafe, study spaces, and student-led ministries. Staffed by clergy and lay leaders including Fr. Valentine Nworah and Deacon Tom Lynch, it functions as a welcoming 'Home away from home' for Catholics and those exploring faith.
- Established
- 1963
- Patron
- St. John Henry Newman
- Rector
- Fr. Valentine Nworah
- Diocese
- Diocese of Springfield
Why belong here
Join a community that welcomes all who share their journey with Christ, offering Mass, Adoration, study spaces, recreational activities, and peer-led ministries. Whether you’re a student, faculty, or guest, you’ll find spiritual support, fellowship, and a place to grow in faith through events, counseling, and sacramental life.
Mass times at Newman Catholic Center at UMass
Weekly Mass schedule
About Us
Located in the heart of the campus of UMass Amherst, the Newman Catholic Center shines on Thatcher Rd. - the site of our new Center constructed in 2023. Our Center and its staff are dedicated to the students of UMass Amherst & visiting students from the Five College Consortium (Smith, Mt. Holyoke, Amherst & Hampshire Colleges). Our service to these students includes spiritual, enrichment, community involvement, counseling and recreational.
Meet The Team
Our Executive Director is Fr. Valentine Nworah. Fr. Valentine also ministers to the parish community of St. Brigid's in Amherst as Administrator. Deacon Thomas Lynch is our resident Deacon and assists in all ministries of both Newman and St. Brigid's.
Ministries
Our ministry to the students of UMass Amherst Newman also serves the faculty, staff and guests of the University. We serve through a variety of events, liturgies and devotionals arranged by our student organizations: the Esselen Peer Ministers, the Newman Catholic Student Association and through the guidance and assistance of our FOCUS Missionaries.
Staff
Our team includes Fr. Valentine Nworah (Director), Deacon Tom Lynch (Deacon), Paulina Ortiz Orive (Administration and Development Coordinator), Michael McLaughlin (Music Director), Nancy Garcia (Director of Religious Education), Ralu Ibekwe (Building Manager), and Lary Grossman (Business Manager).