Service and Social Justice Activities at the Newman Center

Serving others and striving to make our world a better place is another dimension of the Newman Center mission. We provide avenues for gaining understanding of the social justice issues in the world as well as options for direct service. Programing/events include:

• Local Service Activities: Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army Coat Drive, Red Cross Bloodmobile, Concept of Kindness Week, Hunger Awareness Banquet, Humane Society Walk for Animals, Morris Life Care Pregnancy Center, Crop Walk for Hunger, Third World School Supplies Drive, Feed My Starving Children, and Meals-On-Wheels.
• Monthly Day of Fasting and Prayer for Peace: Once a month we set aside a special day of fasting and prayer for peace in the Middle East. We intercede for the safety of our military forces and innocent civilians, as well as for a God-ordained resolution to the conflicts in this region of the world.
• Volunteer Service Ministries at Assumption Parish: The local Catholic parish welcomes students who wish to share their talents and energy in various parish ministries, including liturgical ministries and in faith formation programming.
• Service Retreats: Conducted during both semesters, we combine hands on service experiences in the context of faith development and personal growth.
• Alternative Spring Break Trip: In collaboration with the UMM group "Students Today, Leaders Forever," Newman community members have the opportunity to give of themselves in various needy locations around the country.
• Reverse Mission to Peru: Assumption Catholic Church, our local Catholic parish, has a very special relationship with a sister parish in Peru. Periodic service teams of parishioners and students travel to Peru for reverse mission adventures.
• Social Justice at UMM: The Newman Center affirms the efforts of other UMM student organizations to increase understanding of social justice issues and encourages collaborative, direct action where appropriate.
• World Cafe: Regular social justice awareness activities with a special focus.
• Adopt-A-Highway Clean-Up: Semi-annual roadside clean-up on the edge of Morris. A super way to improve the local environment and connect with the community.