About Newman Center/Holy Spirit · Honolulu, Hawaii
Newman Center Holy Spirit Parish, located near the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, serves as both a Catholic campus ministry and a local parish, welcoming students, faculty, staff, and residents. It offers Mass, faith formation, and community-building activities for all ages, rooted in a spirit of justice, hospitality, and evangelism. The parish is part of the Diocese of Honolulu and operates under its oversight, having transitioned from Jesuit management in 2011. Its mission is to foster a living faith through liturgy, sacraments, outreach, and social action, inviting all to grow in their relationship with God and neighbor.
- Established
- 1960s
- Patron
- Holy Spirit
- Diocese
- Diocese of Honolulu
Why belong here
Join a community that offers faith formation for children and adults, sacramental services, campus ministry events, and social outreach. Experience liturgy, prayer, and fellowship in a welcoming environment that supports spiritual growth and justice. Whether you’re a student, faculty member, or local resident, you’re invited to participate in Mass, retreats, service projects, and community gatherings designed to nurture your faith and build lasting relationships.
About Us
We are the Catholic Center and Campus Ministry at the University of Hawaiʻi, and under the Catholic Diocese of Honolulu, serving parishioners, staff, faculty, and students alike. Also known as Holy Spirit Parish, the Newman Center is situated at the northeastern end of UH Mānoa’s Upper Campus.
History
Newman Center’s story is one of commitment and collaboration. The birth of Newman Center required the collaboration of many: the Jesuits, the Diocese of Honolulu, the Sisters of Saint Francis, the Maryknoll Fathers, and many dedicated lay women and men. Fr. Dan Dever initiated the campus ministry in the 1960s, and the Jesuits joined in the 1970s under Bishop John J. Scanlan’s vision. The chapel was dedicated as the 'Chapel of the Holy Spirit' in the 1980s. In 2011, the Diocese took over full management after the Jesuits left.
Ministries
Campus Ministry offers faith-building retreats, student dinners, and social activities. Ministries include Infant Baptism, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Matrimony, Christian Burial, Children’s Faith Formation, Adult Faith Formation, and more. Special ministries include Centering Prayer, Eucharist for Home-bound, Fr. Dan Dever Graduates’ Night, and Peace Affinity Group (Salt and Light).
Sacraments
The parish offers all sacraments: Infant Baptism, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Matrimony, and Christian Burial. Sacramental preparation includes Religious Education for children and the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA).
Campus Ministry
The student community is composed of students from all over the world. Activities include faith-sharing, social events, outreach, and service. The Student-led Mass is held on Sunday at 5pm. The center offers a student lounge, free WiFi, and a quiet study haven during finals week with snacks provided.