“If you build it, they will come.”
Or, in the case of the Newman Catholic Community at the University of North Carolina (UNC) Chapel Hill, if you renovate, even more will come.
When faced with needed improvements to campus ministry infrastructure, Newman’s Pastor and Director of Campus Ministry, Friar Tim Kulbicki, OFM Conv., knew starting a more than $1 million project was a leap of faith.
“God [has] rewarded us with both burgeoning numbers and generous benefactors who often took the initiative in suggesting and funding further projects,” Friar Tim said. “We are now positioned to better minister to both larger numbers of students and increasing involvement in the parish. God bless this community of faith for its hope in the future.”
Phase II of these capital improvements was completed in September – the occasion marked by a rededication ceremony for the main gathering spaces of the Activity Center. The center is now more accessible to students and parishioners with mobility challenges, with ADA compliant facilities and gathering spaces that can more safely and easily accommodate wheelchairs. Additionally, the sound system and electrical capacity of the indoor and outdoor gathering spaces were significantly upgraded.
“This ministry is growing, and these updates will bring the community together even more,” Friar Michael Heine, OFM Conv., said. “We’re blessed to share our Franciscan charism with all who visit there.”
Friar Michael serves as Minister Provincial of Our Lady of the Angels Province, a branch of the Franciscan Order that ministers in 19 (arch)dioceses of the United States. Friars live and minister in Chapel Hill and the Newman Catholic Community at UNC. Contributions from the Companions of St. Anthony multiply the generosity of the local community in helping this campus ministry to thrive.
“The local parishioners are very dedicated to the students, and the Catholic students reap the benefits of the local community invested in their faith,” Friar Michael said.
The final stage of the renovation project includes replacing the chairs in the Church with pews. These pews are set to be installed in Spring 2026 and the seating capacity in the Church will increase from 315 to 350.
Ken Reeb, Newman’s Finance Council Chair, speaks at rededication ceremony on September 28.