TRANSITION PROGRAMS FOR INCOMING CATHOLIC STUDENTS
WELCOME TO UMass Dartmouth
We welcome you to the Catholic Community at UMass Dartmouth. All are welcome here, regardless of personal history, background, race, age, orientation, etc. You are invited, welcomed, accepted, loved and respected here at Catholic Campus Ministry!
We will continue to offer support to our students during your transition to UMass Dartmouth and upon your transition to work/life during your senior year here at UMass Dartmouth.
All of this is designed to get you off to a good start. During your four years here, Newman Catholic Ministry will continue to support you with opportunities to grow in faith. Check out the rest of the website for some of the possibilities open to you on campus.
Welcome to UMass Dartmouth - We’re glad you are here!
C2BC RETREAT - CHOOSING TO BE CATHOLIC
Dates: OCTOBER 24-26, 2025
LaSalette Retreat Center
Attleboro, MA
Why do you choose to be Catholic?
In the craziness of life, it doesn’t hurt to pause to discover more about yourself, your faith, and how it fits into the big picture.
Find out why other young adults choose to be Catholic; learn how faith plays a role in their journeys; and take the time to reflect on your own path.
NOVUS 2024
NOVUS is back!
August 30-September 1, 2024
If you are interested, you are invited to participate in Novus which takes place prior to your fall orientation. Join with our peer ministers and members of the Newman Catholic Student Association. They will help advise you on all things UMass Dartmouth. Meet other Catholic students prior to your start of classes.. You can just hang out and listen or participate in the discussion. Your choice. No pressure.
CONNECT FIRST YEAR FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
The Connect First Year Fellowship Program provides first year students with close, friendly and supportive faith based communities to help them as they navigate their first year at UMASS D.
FIRST YEAR 5
First Year 5 begins the week of September 7, 2025
First Year 5 is a five-week mentoring program for UMass Dartmouth Catholic first year, transfer and international students. The groups meet weekly, for one hour, with members of our peer ministry leadership team , for five weeks on a schedule that is determined by the group.
EMBARK 2020
Four Sessions beginning Sunday, August 16, 2020
Join us online and explore the transition to college. Meet new friends. Meet campus peers who will support your transition!
•Explore the transitions that define our past, present, and future.
•Take time to reflect with others and on your own, and-
•Listen to the experiences of a young adult team as you prepare to transition from high school and home life to living on your own.
OCIA (ORDER OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS)
Interested in being Confirmed?
Interested in learning more about becoming Catholic?
Whether you’re Catholic and interested in being Confirmed, or
whether you’re looking to take the next step toward becoming Catholic or you just want to ask more questions about the Catholic faith, we’re happy to meet with you in person or online from the comfort of your own home. Just click on the form below and we’ll be back to you.
CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATIONLEARN MORE ABOUT THE OCIA PROCESS
EMBARK 2020
CONNECT FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
The Connect First Year Fellowship Program (which can be extended to future years) provides first year students with close, friendly and supportive faith based communities to help them as they navigate their first year at UMASS D.
Through CONNECT, students join together in fellowship , faith and fun. CONNECT “family members” have the opportunity to share in the stories of their peers as they make their way though the exciting though oftentimes intimidating tradition. Small groups explore questions and topics about who they are, where they are going and how faith plays a role in that lifelong discovery.
The Connect First Year Fellowship Program helps first years learn more about the Catholic Christian faith, meet other faith-filled first years, and learn what it means to be a Catholic young adult.
The Connect First Year Fellowship Program meets weekly through both semesters. Sessions are conducted by our peer ministers. .
EMBARK 2020
August 16, 23, September 6, 13
6:30 - 7:30 pm
We know that the start of your first year at UMass D is going to be nothing like you anticipated due to the health concerns surrounding COVID-19. However, we can help make the best of it.
Meet with our peer ministers for four sessions. They’ll give you information that will help with the transition, and they will be there to support you during your four years at UMass D.
Make some solid connections before you ever arrive on campus. Join us for EMBARK 2020.
THE JESUS RETREAT - WHO DO YOU SAY I AM
Dates: October 18 -20, 2024
LaSalette Retreat Center
Attleboro, MA
Two thousand years ago, Jesus put this question to his disciples: Who Do You Say I Am? Consider your own response to Jesus’ vital question. Listen to peers talk about faith, relationships, and where Jesus fits in as friend, healer, and role model. Have conversations in small groups, take time to reflect and pray, and connect with old friends or meet new ones.
We are called to be Christ's Disciples. Take advantage of this opportunity to reflect on the role of Jesus in your life and work. Experience the Jesuit spirituality of Pope Francis and millions of others.
• Explore how Jesus lived his life
• Deepen your understanding of His ministry
• Focus on your own spiritual journey
NOVUS 2024
Incoming first year students who commit to participation in Novus will be invited to arrive on campus early before the official move-in date. This will give you an opportunity to settle in and to meet other Catholic students. You will participate in the NOVUS transition program for our incoming Catholic first years prior to fall orientation. For information on Novus 2022, please contact Deacon Frank at [email protected] .
What is Novus?
First year Catholic students are invited to participate in NOVUS.
Novus 2022 is offered on August 30 - September 1, 2024 on campus and at Newman House (our just off campus facility located just a few hundred feet west of the campus entrance).
· Resident students have the added benefit of moving in two days early (you’ll be all settled in before most of your fellow first year students even set foot on campus.) Residents and commuters are most welcome but space is limited.
· Novus is not a retreat. It’s two days of having fun, learning more about UMass Dartmouth and yourself, and spending some time in service.
· Meet upperclassmen peer ministers who will help guide you through the opening of the semester.
· Have a great time with other first year students and peer ministers.
· There is NO CHARGE to participate in NOVUS.
Deadline for registration for NOVUS is August 7, 2024 or until full.
FIRST YEAR 5
First Year 5 is a five-week mentoring program for UMass Dartmouth Catholic first year, transfer and international students. The groups meet weekly, for one hour, with members of our peer ministry leadership team , for five weeks on a schedule that is determined by the group.
Get the inside scoop on UMass Dartmouth. Get to know upperclassmen and other first year students who share some of the same interests and values. Pick the brains of upperclassmen who have “been there” and “done that” before. Have fun while you share stories and ideas. Make new friends. Gain the support of your First Year 5 group to successfully navigate those first weeks of Freshman year.
Click on the REGISTER button below. We’ll be back to you with information on the kick-off date and time where you will meet your group. You need not attend NOVUS to participate in First Year 5!
Welcome. We’re glad you are here! Join us for First Year 5. You’ll be glad you did.
ALPHA
#TryAlpha
No pressure - No follow-up - No charge!
WHAT IS ALPHA
Alpha is a series of sessions exploring the Christian faith, typically run over eight weeks. Each talk looks at a different question around faith and is designed to create conversation. Alpha is run all around the globe, and everyone is welcome.
ALPHA AT UMASS D
Online
Wednesdays beginning September 16 at 6:30 PM for ten weeks
WHAT TO EXPECT
A TYPICAL ALPHA
Alpha runs in cafés, churches, universities, homes —you name it. No two Alphas look the same, but they generally have three key things in common: food, a talk and good conversation. (Due to restrictions Alpha will be held online)
FIRST UP - THERE’S FOOD
Whether it’s a group of friends gathered around a kitchen table, or a quick catch-up over coffee and cake, food has a way of bringing people together. It’s no different at Alpha. We start with food, because it’s a great way to encourage community and get to know each other.
A TALK
The talks are designed to engage and inspire conversation. Generally thirty minutes long, they may be given as a live talk or played as a video. They explore the big issues around faith and unpack the basics of Christianity, addressing questions such as Who is Jesus? and How can we have faith?
FOLLOWED BY DISCUSSION
Probably the most important part of any Alpha: the chance to share thoughts and ideas on the topic, and simply discuss it in a small group. There’s no obligation to say anything. And there’s nothing you can’t say. It’s an opportunity to hear from others and contribute your own perspective in an honest, friendly and open environment.
NOVUS 2024 REGISTRATION
EMBARK 2020 REGISTRATION
FIRST YEAR 5 REGISTRATION
ALPHA AT UMASS D REGISTRATION
GET IN TOUCH WITH US
We are always happy to hear from you
CAMPUS ADDRESS
285 Old Westport Road
Dartmouth, MA 02747
Campus Center Room 202
NEWMAN HOUSE
359 Old Westport Road
Dartmouth, Ma 02747
EMAIL
Fr. Bill O'Donnell - [email protected]
Dcn Frank Lucca - [email protected]
PHONE
508-999-8872
Useful Links
Diocese of Fall River
UMass Dartmouth Website