History of the Newman Center at UW
The Newman Center at the UW has faithfully served the University of Washington students and community for the past 100 years. A ministry of Blessed Sacrament Church, the center is run by friars of the Order of Preachers (O.P.), also known as the Dominican Order. The Newman Center at the UW is the fifth oldest center of its kind (there are approximately 250 in the US) and the very first Dominican-run center. The vibrant community of approximately 600+ students and members of the university community is continually growing. With a focus on forming the future leaders of the Church and world through a commitment to education, faith formation, fellowship, evangelization, and social justice, members of the Newman Center work to continually praise, bless, and preach that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior.
Purpose of Position:
Under the direct supervision of the Newman Center Director, and with assistance from the Associate Director, the Campus Minister will be primarily responsible for planning and executing programs and activities related to the Prince of Peace Catholic Newman Center ministry and campus outreach, but with other duties as assigned by the Director. The Campus Minister will collaborate with the other student, staff, and community leaders of the Newman Center to achieve its mission:
Prince of Peace Catholic Newman Center Mission Statement: “We are a Catholic ministry whose primary mission is to serve the University of Washington community. We are called by Christ to build a faith community. Empowered by the Holy Spirit to be truly compassionate disciples, we are committed to the truth of the Gospel and the promotion of Social Justice. Rooted in the Dominican traditions of prayer and the pursuit of truth, we are preparing our members to be future leaders in the Church and in the world.”
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide significant presence on campus and represents the faith within the immediate UW environment
- Prepared to engage the surrounding UW community in meaningful dialogue about the Catholic faith
- Works closely with the Director on all aspects of campus ministry, including supervising student leaders and student living arrangements, and is responsible for leadership formation, as well as planning social, spiritual and educational programming geared toward college students.
- Works closely with the Newman Student Council to plan and execute ministry programming as well as offer leadership, pastoral, and staff services to the students when appropriate.
- Along with the Newman Director, directly supervises student Peer Ministers and other student leaders of the community; particularly those in the Newman Student Council.
- Assists the Director and Associate Director in planning weekly liturgies and other student liturgical events.
- Manages administrative and planning details for larger student-related projects, particularly student retreats and Alternative Spring Breaks.
- Recruits and helps interview prospective Peer Ministers and Student Council leaders.
- Conducts weekly Peer Minister planning meetings with Director as well as attends all staff meetings.
- Liaison with the youth/high school ministry programs around the Archdiocese of Seattle.
- Acts as staff liaison to university administration, especially the ASUW, except in areas related to the work of the Development office.
- Assists Graduate/Young Adult Group as needed
- Acts as liaison with diocesan Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry
- Assists Development Director in cultivating prospects and implementing Newman development plan.
- Other related duties as assigned by Director.
