April 21, 2023

Bishop William Byrne to bless new Newman Catholic Center April 23

REGIONAL
Staff report

Pictured is the chapel in the new Newman Catholic Center at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. (Catholic Communications photo from video by William Pacocha)

Editor’s note: Attendance at the Mass and dedication is by invitation only due to space limitations. However, the ceremony will be livestreamed at diospringfield.org.

AMHERST – Springfield Bishop William D. Byrne will dedicate the new Newman Catholic Center at the University of Massachusetts Amherst on Sunday at 2 p.m.

Ground was broken for the 19,000 square foot facility two years ago. It is located on Thatcher Road, across from the building which has been home to the Newman ministry since 1963.

“I am looking forward to the dedication because I think that’s a significant event,” said Father Gary Dailey, the director of the center.

The state of the art facility houses a chapel, research area with private study rooms, lounges, the Newman Café, administrative offices, and a conference room.

The interior of the chapel is adorned with 100-year-old Stations of the Cross from France. The altar is from the former Our Lady of Hope Parish in Springfield, and the angels flanking the altar are from the former Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Springfield. The baptismal font is from the former Blessed Sacrament Parish in Northampton.

The chapel also has a new GeniSys Allen organ.

“What’s fascinating about it is you can press a button on your phone and it (the organ) will play the song without anybody playing it. It’s really amazing,” said Father Dailey.

The original center has provided opportunities for students of the university and the Five College Consortium to worship, study, gather, socialize, and enjoy breakfast all day in the Newman Café.

The center was sold to the University of Massachusetts for $12.5 million and plans were drawn up to construct the new facility.

During the ceremony, Bishop Byrne will consecrate the new altar.

“I think the bishop is looking forward to it too because the bishop doesn’t have many opportunities to really dedicate a new chapel or a church consecrating an altar which he will do at that dedication so it’s really an exciting day,” Father Dailey said.

A special segment on the newly constructed Newman Catholic Center will be featured on the April 22 edition of “Real to Reel,” which airs at 7 p.m. on WWLP-22NEWS.