About Us

In 1946, a group of college students from SMSU got together and, with the help of Fr. William Rochford from St. Agnes Church (which is currently St Agnes Cathedral), established the first Springfield Chapter of the Newman Club. Drury University formed their own chapter one year later. Approximately 51 students joined these first two Chapters and formed the beginning of a vibrant ministry serving the students of the two campuses.

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The ministry has evolved through many different locations over the past 77 years, beginning in a house near St. Agnes Church in 1946. The students went from house to house including the “Newman Hall” at 821 S. Kings and 648-662 S. Florence. In 1966 The Ecumenical Center was built on the MSSU campus (680 S Florence Ave), which was where the ministry held Mass.

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The Diocese of Springfield - Cape Girardeau invited the Claretian Missionaries to develop the ministry and their presence appeared on campus in 1979 with Fr. Dan Drinan and later was followed by Fr. Len Brown, Fr. Ron Stua, Fr. Eddie De Leon (who led the construction of the current building), Fr. Tom McGann, Fr. Fco. Javier Reyes and currently Fr Bibin Mathew. Other Claretians, as well, have come for shorter ministerial terms.

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In 1989, CCM moved to the Nancy McGregor House (847 S. Holland), where it remained until 2001. Due to the growth CCM experienced, in 2000-2001, The O’Reilly Catholic Student Center was built.

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In 77 years CCM has gone from bi-monthly discussions, picnics, and dances to an Awakening Retreat in the fall, Hosea Retreat in the spring, formal dances each semester, small groups, mission trips, daily Mass and 2 Sunday Masses, adoration and more. CCM was then and will always be a “home away from home.” You will love it.