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The Newman Center at
SMSU was dedicated on Sunday, October 7, with more than 150 students and friends
of Catholic Campus Ministry attending.
Bishop John J.
Leibrecht presided over a Mass of Thanksgiving prior to the dedication.
Immediately
following the Mass, the dedication ceremony began on an upbeat note with the
SMSU Sass and Brass Band, directed by Jerry Hoover. The band performed in
front of the Newman Center, which is named in memory of Nancy Kenney McGregor.
The ceremony
continued with a word of welcome from Barbara Patterson, Director of Catholic
Campus Ministry, and the introduction of the guest speakers by Tim Roth,
President of the Parish Council.
Speakers at the
event included Mayor Thomas Carlson, SMSU President Marshall Gordon, and SMSU
Student Government President David Kellett.
Fr. Daniel M. Drinan,
CMF, Campus Chaplain, addressed the importance of the two names belonging to the
Center -- those of Cardinal John Henry Newman
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and Nancy Kenney McGregor. Both of their
lives were dedicated to understanding the special needs of students and helping
college age young adults grow and mature in their faith.
Bishop Leibrecht
spoke of "hope" as a sign for the new house. He talked about the
great hope that McGregor was able to convey as she reached out to the students.
Nancy McGregor's
family, including Malcolm McGregor, her husband, Mr. & Mrs. Jim McGregor,
Alice McGregor, Mr. & Mrs. David McGregor, and their children, were present
at the dedication.
The dedication
concluded with Bishop Leibrecht leading the congregation in a final blessing and
a candlelight ceremoney. All carried the "Light of Christ" in a
procession into the house, as the band played "When The Saints Go Marching
In." A reception and tour of the house followed.
Catholic Campus
Ministry reaches out to a Catholic population of over 6,500 students on the SMSU
campus. The Nancy McGregor House is located at 847 S. Holland in
Springfield.
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