Adrian, MI – Father Mike Newman, OSFS, of the congregation of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales and the pastor at Holy Family Catholic Parish in Adrian, Michigan, is the new chaplain at Siena Heights University.
“Over the last two years, Father Mike has built caring relationships and relevantly ministered to the Siena Heights family on campus,” said SHU Dean for Students Michael Orlando. “Campus Ministry and university leadership are deeply thankful and impressed by his existing commitment to our campus community, particularly our students. We welcome Father Mike as he joins us in this official capacity.”
Siena Heights has not had a chaplain since 2018, and has relied on area priests to come to the Adrian campus to conduct Mass and facilitate sacramental life for the Dominican Catholic university.
Orlando said having Father Mike serve as chaplain deepens the university’s community collaboration possible with Holy Family Catholic Parish, the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales and the Diocese of Lansing.
Father Mike will usually preside at Sunday Mass at least one time per month on campus during the academic year, and will offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation at least once per semester. He will also preside at the annual Baccalaureate Mass and some Holy Days of Obligation throughout the year as determined. He may also lead invocations and benedictions at some university functions.
His primary responsibilities with the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales and Holy Family Catholic Parish will continue.
“It’s a pleasure and a privilege to become a member of the Siena Heights Family,” Father Newman said. “St. Paul said, ‘We have no bond but the bond of love,’ and I look forward to more ministry and collaboration between Siena Heights and Holy Family Parish. Together as disciples, may we go and set the world on fire!”
SHU’s Campus Mission and Ministry Office will continue to coordinate a schedule of additional local priests and Adrian Dominican Sisters for the fuller set of Catholic opportunities on campus.
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