About St. Albert the Great Newman Catholic Center (New Mexico State University) · Las Cruces, New Mexico
St. Albert the Great Newman Catholic Center is the Roman Catholic parish serving New Mexico State University (NMSU) in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Founded in 1946, it functions as a parish for both permanent community members and the university student population, offering daily and Sunday Mass, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Eucharistic Adoration, retreats, and an active campus ministry. The community is in the Diocese of Las Cruces and welcomes students, families, and visitors to encounter Jesus Christ through Word, Worship, Community, and Service.
- Established
- 1946
- Patron
- St. Albert the Great (Albertus Magnus, Doctor of the Church)
- Rector
- Fr. Kevin Waymel
- Diocese
- Diocese of Las Cruces
Why belong here
St. Albert's is a faith-filled parish where students, permanent parishioners, and visitors share vibrant liturgies and a strong sacramental life. There are many ways to get involved: liturgical ministries (music, readers, EMHCs, altar servers, sacristans, ushers), Bible studies, small groups, retreats like Aggie Awakening and Newman @ Nite, and outreach opportunities. Whether you are an NMSU student looking for community or a longtime resident of Las Cruces, you can find a home here grounded in the Mass, the Sacraments, and service to others.
Mass times at St. Albert the Great Newman Catholic Center (New Mexico State University)
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturdays: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Or by appointment
Adoration times
- Monday – Friday: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
- After 5:30 PM Mass for students
About St. Albert the Great Newman Center
St. Albert the Great Newman Center is the Catholic parish and Newman Center serving New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Founded in 1946 and rooted in the Diocese of Las Cruces, it provides a sacramental home for students, permanent parishioners, faculty, staff, and visitors. The parish's mission is to make lifelong disciples transformed through a personal encounter with Christ and committed to a life founded on the Sacraments.
- Parish for NMSU and the greater Las Cruces community
- Diocese of Las Cruces
- Founded 1946
- Located at 2615 S Solano Dr.
Parish Staff and Clergy
The parish is led by Pastor Fr. Kevin Waymel, with Fr. Mauricio (Mau) Bermudez serving as Priest in Residence and Deacon David McNeill serving as Liturgist and OCIA Director. The broader team includes the Director of Campus Ministry, a Religious Education Coordinator, a Director of Development, a Business Manager, and reception staff.
- Pastor: Fr. Kevin Waymel
- Priest in Residence: Fr. Mauricio (Mau) Bermudez
- Deacon David McNeill — Liturgist, OCIA Director
- Clara Roberts — Director of Campus Ministry
- Savannah Bustamante
- Anna Price — UIM (University Internship in Ministry)
- Dean Gontis — Director of Development
- Religious Education Coordinator
- Business Manager
Liturgical Ministries
St. Albert's invites fully initiated Catholic students and permanent parishioners to serve in liturgical roles at Mass. Training sessions are offered regularly for each ministry.
- Music Ministry (choir, band, orchestra, piano, guitars, percussion)
- Reader Ministry (Lectors)
- Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHCs)
- Altar Servers (also trained as thurifers)
- Sacristans
- Ushers & Hospitality Ministry
Campus Ministry and Student Life
As a Newman Center, ministry to NMSU students is at the heart of parish life. The Campus Ministry team coordinates small groups, Bible studies, retreats, service opportunities, and the University Internship in Ministry (UIM). The Neocatechumenal Way community also gathers weekly for the Eucharist on campus.
- Director of Campus Ministry and support team
- Small groups and weekly Bible studies
- Thursday morning Rosary
- Neocatechumenal Way community and weekly Eucharist
- University Internship in Ministry (UIM)
- Student-led liturgical and hospitality roles
Retreats
The parish offers a robust retreat program for students throughout the year, from a quick overnight experience to deeper formation weekends and outdoor formation. Special retreats are also offered with visiting religious orders.
- Aggie Awakening — student-led retreat for new college students
- Newman @ Nite — overnight weekend retreat at the parish
- 18-Hour Retreat — fast and furious overnight
- Annual Camping Trip
- Retreats with religious orders
Faith Formation and Sacraments
Beyond Mass and Confession, the parish coordinates ongoing faith formation for adults and children. The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is directed by Deacon David McNeill, and a Religious Education Coordinator oversees programs for children and youth.
- OCIA (formerly RCIA) — adult initiation
- Religious Education program
- Confirmation preparation (typical parish offering)
- Baptism, Marriage, and other sacramental preparation through the parish office
Accessibility and Visiting
The parish is committed to welcoming every visitor. The church building is wheelchair accessible with ramps and accessible seating, and assistive listening devices are available for those who are hearing impaired. Visitors are encouraged to contact the office ahead of time with any special needs.
- Wheelchair ramps and accessible seating
- Assistive listening available
- Office: (575) 522-6202
- Tuesday noon Mass held at the Spiritual Center on the NMSU campus
Support and Operations
Day-to-day operations and the financial life of the parish are supported by a small operations team, including a Business Manager and a Director of Development who stewards the parish's outreach and fundraising.
- Director of Development — Dean Gontis
- Business Manager
- Reception — [email protected]