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On Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2004 some UM- St. Louis students gathered at the Catholic Newman Center (CNC) to enjoy a night of volleyball and ice cream.
This was just one of the many free activities that the CNC offers to students.
Bobby Wassel, CNC Campus Minister described what CNC is and who can participate in their activities.
"We are a Catholic organization, but we welcome all faiths," Wassel said. "We want to reach out to students, so all students can take place in any of our events."
Not only does CNC provide students with liturgy, prayer, community service events and social activities, they also are open to students looking for a place to get away from campus and relax.
CNC is located across the street from the West Drive entrance to North Campus.
For students looking for a place to do homework, they have computers and internet access. Lunches and refreshments are sometimes served to those who stop by.
Wassel also said that CNC holds regular masses three times a week.
Masses are held on Sundays at 8:30 p.m. at the Bellerive Residence Hall Chapter, on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. and on Fridays at 12:05 p.m. at CNC.
Following the Friday masses, homemade soup is served and provided by the St. Ann Parish Community.
One community service activity that CNC takes part in is working with Habitat for Humanity, the first Friday of every month.
Jess Kuenzel, senior, biology, has participated in numerous CNC events and encourages more students to get involved.
"Anyone is welcomed to come to the Habitat for Humanity events," Kuenzel said. "Sometimes other organizations like the sororities and fraternities work hand-on-hand with us."
Kuenzel went on to say that Habitat for Humanity is good for anyone who needs to complete community service hours.
"It's great to see people moving into the houses that we helped to build," she said.
Students can also volunteer at the Child Center of Our Lady. CNC works with children who have come from troubled childhoods at the Center, every Tuesday from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
"We give religion lessons, explain Bible stories and create activities for the children," Kuenzel said.
Students can also tutor at St. Matthews Elementary School on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
Another event is the "Haunted Garage" on Halloween. Candy and treats are handed out to neighborhood children.
CNC also holds a Hunger Awareness week in November with hunger banquets.
"The hunger banquets show people how there is an unequal distribution of wealth and resources. This is a demonstration of how things like meals really are throughout the world," Wassel said.
Other activities include Christmas caroling, retreats throughout the year, the Twilight Retreat that helps students relax before final exams and stress relief massages during intensive study days.
The next upcoming events include "The Great Getaway" on Friday, Sept. 17 until Saturday, Sept. 18. Game night will be held on Thursday, Sept. 23.
For more information about all upcoming events, calendar updates, or community service projects go to www.umsl.edu/~newman, or call (314) 385-3455.
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