Newman Community
The purpose of the Newman Community will be to provide an opportunity for members of the Springfield College Family to engage in community service and spiritual growth through the sponsorship of varied activities and programs.The Newman Community is a Catholic based but not exclusive group whose membership will be open to any full-time undergraduate, graduate student or College faculty/staff at Springfield College who expresses a desire for community service, spiritual growth, and participation in the regular liturgies, programs or services sponsored by the United Campus Ministry and Spiritual Life Center.
Newman Community programs include but are not limited to community service, fundraisers, and food & clothing drives. The Newman Community has worked extensively throughout the years with Open Pantry Community Services. Within Open Pantry there are numerous programs which provide opportunities for students to help those in need in the greater Springfield area.
Currently, weekly trips are taken to Loaves & Fishes soup kitchen as well as the Emergency Food Pantry. Both programs are organized by Newman Community members who set up and provide transportation options for all who participate.
The Fall 2005 and Spring 2006 semesters commemorated the Newman Community's Silver Anniversary! Here are some annual events which the Newman Community had taken part in that were a great success: Thanksgiving Food & Clothing Drives, The John Berry Talent Show, Uncle Leo's Dollar Dogs, and the Mr. Springfield College Contest.
Past & Present Newman Community Service Programs
- Jefferson Avenue Homeless Shelter
- North End Community Center (after school program)
- Parkview Specialty Hospital
- Emergency Food Pantry
- Loaves & Fishes Soup Kitchen
- Holy Family’s “Upper Room Program”
International Mission Trips
The Newman Community has worked with many organizations over the years but most recently the PIME Missions have been gracious hosts providing us with a number of fine facilities and rewarding experiences. The organization publishes a monthly magazine called, "PIME WORLD" where you can learn more about the PIME Missions as well as read reflections written by Newman Community members who have participated in past mission trips.
In addition to the January Mission to New York City during semester break, the Newman Community also travels internationally at the end of each academic year. Fr. Leo Hoar has led many mission trips with the Newman Community throughout his tenure at Springfield College. The purpose of these trips is to form friendships with those in need throughout developing countries, offer our services and donations, as well as learn from those who live a much simpler lifestyle than we do. Some of the countries to which the Newman Community has traveled include: Haiti, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Brazil.