spiritual life
History of the McGill
Newman Centre (from our files)
1897-1907
Catholics at McGill held gatherings under the title "Loyola Club". The club later became affiliated with other similar groups in Canada in the United States in a national federation. The McGill Catholics fathered under the title "The Colombian Club". The club later became affiliates with other similar groups in Canada and the United States in a national federation.1929
The group changed its name to the "Newman Club" , and became part of a Newman Movement with typical elements.
- a club on campus
- a faculty advisor
- a chaplain
- a diocesan sponsored centre at 78 Durocher Street
- links with a national and provincial organization
Members enjoyed lectures, monthly meetings, dances, outings and sports, particularly hockey. The movement was in its earliest days led largely by faculty members and students.
1940's - 1960's
Under the vigorous leadership of Msgr. Emmett Carter (later Cardinal Carter) the Newman Club went through a period of tremendous development. The Club was active in social events and spiritual development, and was also vigorous in stressing intellectual maturity. Students published a journal called "Crosslight"In 1951, the Newman Association of Montreal was incorporated. In 1954 the Newman Association acquired the present Newman Centre building located at 3484 Peel Street (pictured above), a three storey Edwardian Mansion with a two-storey Coach House at the rear of the main building.
1974
The Paulist Fathers arrived at Newman and ministered for the next 16 years. Chaplains included Ron Roberson, the late Bob Moran (+2006) and Tom Ryan.1990-2000
Under the direction of Fr. Francis McKee, the Newman Centre went through another major period of development.
1995
The Newman Institute of Catholic Studies was born offering a variety of courses on campus.1996
The Newman Rambler, a journal of lay Catholic opinion, is launched.
1999
Through the efforts of a brilliant fundraising campaign, restoration of the main building has begun. The launching of the Newman website.2000-2008
The establishment of the Kennedy-Smith Chair in Catholic Studies and the Catholic Studies Minor Programme at McGill University. Dr Dan Cere became the first lay director of the Centre in 2000 and filled this position with exceptional skill, energy, dedication and enthusiasm until August 2006, when he became Professor of Religion and Culture in the Faculty of Religious Studies at McGill University. (He was succeeded by Mr Richard Bernier). The Chair coordinates courses in the Catholic Studies Minor and sponsors discussion groups and lectures. Mr. Claude Ryan joins the Catholic Studies team and inaugurates a course on Catholic Social Thought which he taught to rave reviews right until his death in February 2004. For additional information, view the Newman Institute link located within this web site.The current Chair is Professor Christophe Potworowski.In 2002, diocesan priest and chaplain Father Robert Clark was succeeded by Father Sylvain Normandin of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, the order to which longtime friend and associate Father Ernie Sherstone belongs.
Major renovations to the interior of the Newman Centre are completed.
A major feature of life at Newman in recent years has been a series of outstanding lectures, conferences and symposia, including featured speakers Fr Ian Ker, Rex Murphy, Brian Stewart, Fr George Rutler, Sr Lorraine Caza, Nicholas Adams, John Witte, Marci Hamilton and many more.