University Parish Newman Center

University Parish Newman Center at Kent State University

The University Parish Newman Center is the Catholic campus parish serving Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. As a university parish entrusted by the Church with a specific mission, it embraces its ministry of being a strong Catholic presence at Kent State. By focusing on worship, learning, and service to the local and global community, it accompanies students toward lifelong commitment to faith and to the Catholic Tradition. Enriched by many persons from within and beyond the university, the community commits itself to the hospitality, generosity, and prayerfulness that mark those gathered at the table of the Risen Lord. It is currently part of a collaborative grouping with St. Patrick Parish in Kent and Immaculate Conception Parish in Ravenna, slated to merge into Saint Katharine Drexel Parish on July 1, 2026.

Our History

Catholic campus ministry at Kent State dates to October 1, 1936, when the Newman Club of Kent State University held its first organizational meeting under Father F. A. Hartmann, associate pastor of St. Patrick's, Kent. As Catholic enrollment grew to a quarter of the student body by 1953, Bishop Emmett Walsh named Father John Daum as the first full-time chaplain. Father Daum spearheaded the construction of a chapel and Newman Center complex, raising two-thirds of the $275,000–$300,000 cost. The Immaculate Heart of Mary Mission of St. Patrick Parish was dedicated May 13, 1962, and in 1996 it was established as a diocesan parish, with the Newman Club rebranded as the Catholic Student Association and the parish taking its current name. Renovated facilities were dedicated on March 19, 2017.

• 1936 — Newman Club of Kent State University founded (Oct 1)
• 1953 — Father John Daum named first full-time chaplain
• 1955 — Property purchased for a campus chapel and center
• 1961 — Construction of Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel begins
• 1962 — First Mass celebrated Jan 3; chapel dedicated May 13
• 1996 — Established as a diocesan parish; renamed University Parish Newman Center
• 1998 — Sister-parish relationship with El Salvador begins
• 2007 — First 'container project' shipment to El Salvador (2,200 cu ft)
• 2010 — Second 'container project' shipment (two containers)
• 2017 — Renovated facilities dedicated (March 19)
• 2026 — Scheduled merger into Saint Katharine Drexel Parish (July 1)

Parish Staff

The parish is currently administered by Very Rev. William B. Kraynak, VF (also Pastor of Immaculate Conception, Ravenna, and Dean of the Portage Deanery) with Father Will Wainio serving as Parochial Vicar, CSA Chaplain, and Co-Director of the Office of Church Vocations. Four permanent deacons assist, and lay staff lead music, campus ministry, and religious education.

• Very Rev. William B. Kraynak, VF — Administrator
• Rev. William 'Will' Wainio — Parochial Vicar; CSA Chaplain; Co-Director, Office of Church Vocations
• Deacon Timothy DeFrange — Permanent Deacon
• Deacon Christopher Germak — Permanent Deacon
• Deacon Eric Ruehr — Permanent Deacon
• Deacon Michael Stabilla — Permanent Deacon
• Dr. John Roebke — Director of Music
• Dr. David Simms — Director of Campus Ministry
• Mrs. Jamie Schall — Director of Religious Education & Office Manager
• Rev. Richard J. Pentello — Pastor Emeritus

Catholic Student Association (CSA)

The Catholic Student Association is the university-sponsored student group dedicated to worship, social justice, faith development, and community for Kent State students—Catholic and non-Catholic alike. Its office is housed at the University Parish Newman Center, and every Catholic student is automatically a member. Active members enjoy leadership opportunities, programming input, and community perks (including food!). CSA officers and the Campus Minister welcome new involvement throughout the year.

Faith Formation & Religious Education

Faith formation at the Newman Center spans children, students, and adult learners. The Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) / Parish School of Religion serves parish children preschool through grade 8 and is staffed by a combination of student and adult parishioners, all in compliance with Diocese of Youngstown child-protection policies. Catholicism 101, introduced in the 2000s, is a fall-and-spring college-style series on faith, history, the liturgy, and other religions, with credit available for diocesan religious-education catechists. 'Why Do Catholics Believe That?' is an on-campus discussion series held in the Eastway Lounge, open to all students seeking a deeper understanding of Catholic tradition.

• CCD / Parish School of Religion (preschool–grade 8)
• Catholicism 101 series (fall & spring)
• 'Why Do Catholics Believe That?' discussions (Eastway Lounge)
• Diocesan catechist credit available

Outreach & Social Action

Service and social action have been hallmarks of the Newman Center since its earliest decades. The El Salvador sister-parish relationship, begun in 1998, has raised some $30,000 through monthly breakfasts and specialty dinners, helped rebuild Our Lady of Remedy Church in Tremedal, and shipped two container-loads of supplies. Closer to home, the parish celebrates monthly Mass at the Hattie Larlham Center in Mantua, Ohio; participates in an Advent 'Giving Tree' for local social-service agencies; contributes to Catholic Charities of Portage County; and supports Vacation Bible School, open to all Portage County parishes.

• El Salvador sister-parish ministry & PNARDS school support
• Container Project (2007 and 2010) — medical, clothing, computer, school, and household goods
• Hattie Larlham Center monthly Mass (Mantua, OH)
• Advent Giving Tree for local agencies
• Catholic Charities of Portage County support
• Vacation Bible School (all Portage County parishes welcome)

Sacraments

The parish celebrates the Sacraments of the Eucharist (daily and Sunday Mass), Reconciliation (Thursdays 5:00–5:45 PM), Baptism, Confirmation, and Marriage. Inquiries about weddings, baptisms, and other sacramental preparations are handled through the parish office.

• Eucharist — daily and Sunday Mass
• Reconciliation — Thursday 5:00–5:45 PM
• Baptism — by arrangement with parish office
• Confirmation preparation
• Marriage / Weddings — chapel available