About State University Geneseo Newman Center · Geneseo, New York
The Newman Catholic Campus Ministry of SUNY Geneseo (often listed as the State University Geneseo Newman Center) is the official Catholic campus ministry serving students at the State University of New York at Geneseo. A parish of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester, it operates out of the Interfaith Center at 11 Franklin Street and gathers most Sundays for the student Mass at nearby St. Mary's Church on Avon Road. The community is student-led and is best known for its Thursday-evening Mass followed by a free pasta dinner, a tradition that has run for roughly a quarter-century and routinely draws dozens of students.
- Rector
- Mike Sauter (Director of Campus Ministry / Catholic campus minister; also pastoral administrator of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish in Livingston County)
- Diocese
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester
Why belong here
SUNY Geneseo students looking for an active, student-led Catholic community will find a welcoming home here. The signature Thursday-night Mass at the Interfaith Center is followed by a free pasta dinner that has drawn students together for nearly 25 years, and the Sunday 10:15 AM student Mass at St. Mary's draws hundreds weekly. Beyond liturgy, students grow through Lectio Divina, pilgrimages to the March for Life, visits to the Abbey of the Genesee, and service at local pregnancy-outreach centers — building friendships that, as Director Mike Sauter has noted, sometimes lead to marriage.
Mass times at State University Geneseo Newman Center
Weekly Mass schedule
Welcome & Identity
Newman Catholic Campus Ministry of SUNY Geneseo is the Catholic student community at the State University of New York at Geneseo. The official site invites visitors to check its 'Who We Are' page to learn about its mission and vision, and points newcomers to its Facebook group for current events.
- Official name: Newman Catholic Campus Ministry of SUNY Geneseo
- Also listed as: State University Geneseo Newman Center / Newman Parish of SUNY Geneseo
- Part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester
- Student-led community
Locations & How to Find Us
Newman at Geneseo operates from two distinct Geneseo locations. The Interfaith Center on Franklin Street serves as the campus ministry office and the setting for the Thursday Mass and pasta dinner. St. Mary's Church, just down Route 39 (Main Street) past the Court Street stop sign, hosts the Sunday student Masses.
- Interfaith Center — 11 Franklin Street, Geneseo, NY 14454 (office & Thursday Mass)
- St. Mary's Church — 20 Avon Road (also listed as 4 Avon-Geneseo Rd.), Geneseo (Sunday Masses)
- Avon Road is Route 39 (Main Street) past the Court Street stop sign
- Phone: (585) 243-1460
Staff & Contacts
Day-to-day leadership is provided by the Catholic campus minister, who also serves in a pastoral role for nearby Livingston County parishes, supported by an additional staff contact and a student leader.
- Mike Sauter — Director of Campus Ministry / Catholic campus minister ([email protected]); also pastoral administrator of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish
- Ellen Piper — Newman staff ([email protected])
- Grace Hubbel — student leader ([email protected])
- General inbox: [email protected]
Spiritual Life & Prayer
Beyond Sunday and weekday Mass, students engage in formative prayer practices and pilgrimages that connect the campus community to the wider Church and to the local region.
- Weekly Lectio Divina gatherings
- Pilgrimages to the Abbey of the Genesee (a Trappist monastery in nearby Piffard, NY)
- Annual pilgrimage to the March for Life in Washington, D.C.
Service, Outreach & Community Life
The Newman Community is characterized by active participation, spiritual growth, stewardship of time and talents, and service to the surrounding community. Students carry their faith into practical outreach both on campus and beyond.
- Volunteer service at local and hometown pregnancy-outreach centers
- Thursday pasta dinner as a hub of fellowship — described as 'close to 25 years' running
- Friendly, lighthearted social climate — Director Sauter has noted that marriages have resulted from these gatherings
- Roughly 80 students regularly active, with about half attending any given week
Get Involved & Stay Connected
Newman welcomes all SUNY Geneseo students, regardless of year or background, and encourages newcomers to simply show up to a Mass or the Thursday dinner. The community's Facebook group is the main channel for current happenings.
- Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/25963822075/about/
- Newman Connection profile for SUNY Geneseo (connection.newmanministry.com)
- Office phone: (585) 243-1460
- Email: [email protected]