Bishop dedicates new altar at EWU Newman Center

Bishop Thomas Daly pours sacred chrism on the new altar at St. John Paul II Newman Center in Cheney, Wash. on Oct. 3, 2022. (Photo/Grant Whitty, Inland Catholic)

This house-turned-Newman Center may be small in square feet, but it houses a strong community of faithful college students at Eastern Washington University. Over the years, countless encounters with Jesus Christ have happened inside this little chapel—that was once a garage. This humble Newman Center has been a second home for many students and has recently undergone renovations of the chapel, and was dedicated Monday evening by Bishop Daly.

Before Renovation (Courtesy Photo)

The renovation came about through the generous support of a community member who funded the project. The new altar, presider’s chair and ambo were hand-crafted by a local woodworker and priest, Fr. Joseph Terra, FSSP of St. Joan of Arc in Post Falls, Idaho.

After Renovation (Photo/Grant Whitty, Inland Catholic)

Bishop Daly joined students, missionaries, religious sisters and community members at St. John Paul Newman center in Cheney, Wash., for a special Mass which placed and blessed the altar stone. Director of Vocations, Fr. Kyle Ratuiste and Newman Center chaplain, Fr. David Kuttner, concelebrated the Mass. Student leaders served as altar servers and lectors. A reception followed and offered tacos from a local taco shop.

Students were elated to have their new chapel in time for another academic year, which began on Sept. 21. The Newman center hosts Newman Nights on Tuesdays, which feature Mass, dinner, fellowship and a talk. Adoration is available in the chapel from 9 am to 9 pm on Wednesdays during the school year.

Bishop Thomas Daly gives a homily during the dedication Mass of the new chapel at St. John Paul II Newman Center in Cheney, Wash. on Oct. 3, 2022. (Photo/Grant Whitty, Inland Catholic)