About Newman Center Sonoma State University · Penngrove, California
The Newman Center Marian Chapel at Sonoma State University (SSU) is a Catholic campus ministry serving the students, faculty, and staff of SSU along with members of the wider Penngrove/Rohnert Park community in Northern California. Located directly across East Cotati Avenue from the main entrance of the university, it falls under the Diocese of Santa Rosa and offers daily Mass, faith formation, Bible studies, a student-written magazine called The Torch, and an annual Marian Conference. Under the chaplaincy of Fr. Jeffery Keyes since June 2019, the chapel is known for its traditional, reverent liturgical style — including celebration ad orientem and both the Ordinary and Extraordinary Forms of the Roman Rite — and has undergone renovations to restore a more classical Catholic worship environment.
- Rector
- Fr. Jeffery Keyes (Chaplain)
- Diocese
- Diocese of Santa Rosa
Why belong here
The SSU Newman Center is a true home for Catholic students seeking to keep the faith during the formative college years — daily Mass is offered, followed by a shared Sunday dinner and fellowship, and a robust 'Education Corner' offers classes in theology, catechesis, Church history, philosophy, ethics, and Catholic social teaching. The community also gathers for Bible study, worship nights, prayer walks, a Marian theological conference, and devotions. Under a chaplain who is a Gregorian-chant scholar and musician celebrating both forms of the Latin Rite ad orientem, students and local Catholics find a reverent, traditional, and warmly communal spiritual home just steps from campus.
Mass times at Newman Center Sonoma State University
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- By appointment
About the Newman Center
The Newman Center Marian Chapel at Sonoma State University is a Catholic campus ministry serving undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff of SSU, as well as members of the surrounding Penngrove and Rohnert Park community. Its mission, as stated by the Catholic Club, is 'to help Sonoma State University students stay rooted in their Catholic faith during the pivotal college years. Through community, prayer, service, and fellowship, we empower students to grow spiritually, live out their Catholic values, and build a lasting relationship with Christ.' The chapel falls under the Diocese of Santa Rosa and sits directly across East Cotati Avenue from the main entrance of the university.
Chaplain and Clergy
The chaplain of the Newman Center is Fr. Jeffery Keyes, who has served in this role since June 2019. Fr. Keyes is an orthodox, traditionally-minded priest — he was formerly a member of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood (C.PP.S.) and has been incardinated in the Diocese of Santa Rosa since 2019. He resides at St. Eugene's Cathedral in Santa Rosa and also serves as chaplain for the Marian Sisters of Santa Rosa, a traditional community of nuns. A musician and long-time student of Gregorian chant, he celebrates Mass ad orientem in both the Ordinary (Novus Ordo) and Extraordinary (Traditional Latin) Forms of the Roman Rite.
Chapel Renovations and Architecture
Since becoming chaplain in 2019, Fr. Keyes has overseen ongoing renovations of the Marian Chapel to make the worship space more appropriate for traditional Catholic liturgy. Work has included the installation of a more traditional altar and new pews.
Ministries and Programs
The Newman Center Catholic Club is the umbrella student organization, with a regular rhythm of fellowship, prayer, service, and study. Sunday Mass is followed by a community dinner and fellowship, and ongoing programs include Bible study classes, an 'Education Corner' of structured adult-faith courses, a student-produced magazine, worship nights, prayer walks, and youth-group style gatherings.
Education Corner — Faith Formation Classes
Listed on the Newman Connection campus ministry profile for SSU, the Education Corner offers a rotating curriculum of classes for students and community members who want to build 'a foundation for healthy lives through the study of Scripture and Catholic theology.'
- Theology and Spirituality
- Catechesis
- Church History
- Philosophy and Religion
- The Church and Science
- Ethics and Morals for Young Adults
- Social Teaching of the Church
The Torch — Student Magazine
The Torch is the student-written and student-produced magazine of the SSU Newman Center. It features inspiring stories, devotional messages, and practical tips for living out the Catholic faith in everyday college life.
Marian International Theological Conference
The Newman Center Catholic Club launched its inaugural Marian International Theological Conference in September 2025, held at Sonoma State University. The conference gathers speakers and students around Marian devotion and Catholic theology, and is part of the chapel's broader identity under the Marian title.
Events and Fellowship
Beyond the regular Sunday Mass and dinner, the community gathers for occasional worship nights, prayer walks, and youth-group-style meetings. All are welcome — students, faculty, and local residents alike.
- Sunday Mass & Dinner
- Worship nights
- Prayer walks
- Youth-group gatherings