The Welcome Home! Campaign
The Welcome Home Campaign supports the establishment of a Catholic Newman House for students of Trent University and Fleming College. Here, students will find a place of refuge and empowerment as they pursue their studies and launch their careers.
The Welcome Home! Campaign
The Welcome Home! Campaign supports the establishment of a Catholic Newman House for students of Trent University and Fleming College. Here, students will find a place of refuge and empowerment as they pursue their studies and launch their careers.
The Welcome Home! Campaign
The Welcome Home! Campaign supports the establishment of a Catholic Newman House for students of Trent University and Fleming College. Here, students will find a place of refuge and empowerment as they pursue their studies and launch their careers.
The Story
The Newman House was first built in 1922 and was purchased by Harold and Mary Crowley in 1942. The house remained in the Crowley/Shaughnessy family until its purchase by the Diocese of Peterborough in June 2021.
Rosemary McConkey and her brother, Peter McConkey present a written history of “The Crowley House” to Margaret Shaughnessy (Crowley) and Paschal McCloskey
September 2022
Peterborough Campus Ministry was formed in 2015 under the leadership of Father John Perdue, a priest of the Diocese of Peterborough.
From the beginning, Father Perdue longed to provide students of Trent University and Fleming College with a place to gather, a place to call home.
His vision included hosting students for small group Bible studies and prayer, for meals and social gatherings, and providing students with a drop-in place for study.
Father Perdue searched high and low for the right opportunity, coming up empty-handed for several years. Though the search made it clear that locating a student centre near the Cathedral of Saint Peter-in-Chains provided the best accessibility for students and connection to a local parish community.
In the summer of 2021, the house at 376 Rubidge Street came available. Located adjacent to the cathedral (just two doors south of the Stone School Building), the house was ideally situated.
The overwhelming generosity of Paschal McCloskey made it possible for the diocese to purchase the property. Since then, Peterborough Campus Ministry been working with the City of Peterborough to rezone the hosue and make it suitable for students.
The Vision
Named after Saint John Henry Newman, Newman Student Centres have a long tradition of serving Catholic students on the campuses of universities and colleges. This new centre in Peterborough will allow students to expore their faith, deepen their intellect, and connect with peers and mentors.
Providing a place of encounter and relationship for students is vital in nurturing both their faith and their humanity.
The proposed Newman Student Centre will host small gatherings, such as Bible studies and socials. The Centre will be available regularly for individuals and groups to study and meet informally. Campus ministry staff will benefit from having an appropriate place to meet students and conduct their work.
A dedicated space will provide students with a sense of belonging and reflect the care and concern of the Catholic Church in Peterborough for their well-being.