About Us

Capital Campaign

Rebuild His Church is an investment in the future of the Catholic Church in central Maine and in generations of University of Maine students who look to the Newman Center as their home away from home while on campus. The campaign will secure and improve the physical structures of worship of the Parish of the Resurrection of the Lord, ultimately preserving them for God’s glory for years to come. Of the $3.5 million costs, $2.5 million will go towards the Newman Center, which is in most urgent need of rebuilding. A new chapel and function hall, among other important upgrades, will help us continue the vibrant ministries offered to students at the University of Maine. Go to resurrectionofthelord.org/rhc-information to be a part of this historic effort!

“The Newman Center provided me and my classmates a place where we could gather to share and grow in our faith. Making sure that the Center remains a beacon of hope and faith is essential for the University Community.”  -James K. ’90

“An extraordinary place filled with extraordinary people! One of the most kind and loving communities I have ever been a part of.” – Marissa H. ’22

  • In 1946, the Newman Center  was established for the Catholic students, faculty, staff, administrators and their families at the University of Maine. The original building was located in a former restaurant on the other side of College Avenue. The current Newman Center was dedicated in 1971.
  • John Henry Newman (1801-1890), the man after whom this center is named, was born in England. Raised as a member of the Anglican Church, he attended Oxford where he eventually became a tutor, according to the British style of education. He was ordained an Anglican priest and served the religious community at Oxford.
  • In his 40’s, Newman began to look more critically at his church and came to the belief that it was not rooted deeply enough in the tradition of the early Church. After a period of deep reflection, prayer, and study, he made his profession of faith as a Roman Catholic, eventually being ordained a priest and raised to the position of Cardinal.
  • The affiliation of his name with Catholic communities at colleges and universities is very appropriate – not only because of his time at Oxford, but because in later years he was sent to Dublin, Ireland, to establish the Catholic University of Ireland. In addition, his essay, “The Idea of a University,” won him great acclaim. Furthermore, Newman’s theological works have prompted many to consider him as an important hand in setting the stage for the renewal of the Church in the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965).
  • In this spirit, we invite you into our community at the Newman Center, where opportunities for growing in faith and fellowship abound. There will be opportunities for you to come to a deeper appreciation and a better understanding of Catholicism, especially how to share the love of God with the world. We hope you’ll join us!