To Our Newman Family,
3/16/2020 Update
The UB Newman Pandemic Response Team (PRT) met earlier this week and decided to keep the building closed for events and Mass until further notice. At this point, we anticipate reopening for Mass and limited events in August. The PRT is currently building a plan, in consultation with local experts and according to national and state guidelines, that will allow for us to reopen in a way that best ensures everyone’s safety and health. Thank you for your understanding and patience – we just want to make sure we’re taking good care of you and our at-risk staff members.
When we do all return, there will be changes that will take some time to get used to. It is likely that we will have to continue observing social distancing practices. You may be asked to wear a mask or to have your temperature checked before you are allowed to enter the building. You may have to give us contact information at the door. How we worship together will be different – chairs will probably be spread out, there might not be music, and how we receive Communion may not be the same as before. With all of these changes, please remember that we’re doing everything we can to allow you to worship as a community while also protecting that community and its most vulnerable members.
We will still be continuing to offer virtual content through this weekly newsletter and on our website and social media pages. There will continue to be online Mass every Sunday, and we will also begin starting up some virtual groups in June which we’ll announce here and on our website. If you have any questions or concerns, we can be reached at news@newmancenteratub.org.
We know that many of you are probably disappointed that we won’t be opening sooner. We know that it’s still scary outside, that even having things go back to “normal” won’t make our lives any more normal. We know that Newman offers us all a sense of fellowship, of security, of normalcy. As we all wait to return to our loving Newman family, let’s remember that God assures us:
“I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give then my salvation.” (Ps 91: 14-16).
Keep hoping in God’s care, and keep caring for each other! Be careful and be prayerful and please let us know if there is anything you need.
Thank you,
UB Newman Center Staff
Reminder: If you haven’t done so already, please send us your current email address so we can keep you up to date: news@newmancenteratub.org
3/16/2020 Update
To Our Newman Family,
3/16/2020 Update
The UB Newman Staff met earlier today and decided to close the building for any events or masses until further notice. The staff will be reporting and working at home with our maintenance staff still working to sanitize and maintain the building. We will be continuing to offer you virtual content and can be reached by email if you need anything.
Although Father Pat is well and healthy, he will be unavailable during this time period. We want to ensure that he remains healthy and you can help him during this time by avoiding any unnecessary phone calls or requests to him so he can remain safe in his home.
Later on tonight we will be sending out an email to everyone in our parish with the message we have posted here. If anyone is interested in having any further updates besides general announcements, please email: news@newmancenteratub.org or fill out the form below. We will be creating an email list for those of you who wish to receive regular updates.
Let us all remember that in times of what seems to be darkness, each and everyone of us can be a light for the Lord. Help a neighbor, call a loved one, write a letter, donate to a charity.
“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:15-16
Be the light in the world that is in great need.
Be careful and be prayerful and please let us know if there is anything you need.
Thank you,
UB Newman Center Staff
3/14/2020 Update
To Our Newman Family,
3/14/2020 Update
In light of the serious health risks to vulnerable populations posed by the novel Coronavirus, and to prevent widespread infection, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger temporarily dispenses the Catholic faithful from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days during the Coronavirus threat.
Although we are still open for our masses this weekend, we STRONGLY encourage that you stay home. Especially if you are in one of the at risks population or not feeling well. Your health and well-being has always and will continue to mean more to us then your attendance and weekly contributions.
We’re asking each of you to seize this opportunity to love well and serve well. As you know, a lot of people in our community are panicked and this will be our opportunity to show love and give witness to the hope, peace and joy that we have in the Lord.
It is important to stay informed as this virus has the potential to bring rapid changes to schedules and circumstances. For this purpose, we will keep this page updated to provide any new information on our ministries, programs and activities. The staff will be having a meeting on Monday, March 16th to discuss what will be happening in the weeks to come. As soon as we have an update we will let you know.
We love our people and our community and don’t want to put any of them in harm’s way, especially those with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems. It is important to remember that God is bigger than the Coronavirus and He is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. Let’s get out there and love our communities amid the fear and use this time to reconnect in our faith.
If there is anything any of you need please do not hesitate to call or email us.
Praying and serving with you,
The Newman Center at UB
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If you would like to subscribe to our weekly newsletter please send an email to news@newmancenteratub.org or fill out the form below.
ALERT! Regrettably, a fraudulent message was received by one of our Newman Center members requesting that they purchase a $300 eBay gift card of behalf of Father Pat. This is a scam — please do not purchase any gift cards on behalf the Newman Center staff without verifying the request from the staff member first. Please be very careful during these stressful times. Thank you and God Bless!
Whether prospective or incoming, we are thrilled to have you!
We are honored to be among the first to welcome you to University at Buffalo! We hope that this page about opportunities to participate in your faith life during college will either inspire you to come to UB, or excite you about the years that await you in Buffalo. You will be among the first generation of UB students who will have a permanent sacred place for celebration of the Word, Sacraments, prayer, community building and so much more. College is full of new experiences — some exciting, some difficult — and both faith in God and a supportive faith community can help ease the transition. We here at the Newman Center feel privileged for the opportunity to walk alongside you during your time at UB and share with you in prayer, fellowship and other activities. The Newman Center, Catholic Campus Ministry at UB, often acts as a “home away from home” for students. We offer a warm, welcoming environment for prayer and faith, as well as a dynamic community that relishes in sharing time and energy with one another. We recently opened a new “state of the art” campus ministry center for you and those students who come after you. During your years at UB we strive to:
- Help clarify values in a time of exploration
- Build a sense of Catholic identity and understanding through education, reflection and discussion
- Form leaders in the world and for the Church through service and empowerment
And do all of this in the context of faith, through a vibrant spiritual center. You will find many opportunities for group and individual faith-sharing, retreats, investigation into Catholicism, service and prayer. Please feel free to contact a staff member for more information. At Newman, “it’s all about the students.” We truly look forward to having you join us. Peace and all good things, 
Msgr. J. Patrick Keleher – “Fr. Pat” Director The Newman Center at UB
STUDENTS: Please visit our UB Newman Student website for more student information.
Parish Registration
If you haven’t registered with the Newman Center at UB Parish, please do so now by downloading the Parish Registration Form PDF, filling it out, and dropping it off at Mass. Thank you!
