7 Essential Facts About St. Andrew's Newman Center: UCR's Catholic Hub In 2025
St. Andrew's Newman Center stands today, in December 2025, as the vibrant spiritual heart for thousands of students, faculty, and staff in the Riverside, California area. It is far more than a simple church; it is a dynamic campus ministry and a foundational parish that serves the intellectual and spiritual needs of the University of California, Riverside (UCR) and Riverside City College (RCC) communities.
This unique blend of parish life and campus ministry creates a welcoming environment where young adults can deepen their Catholic faith, develop essential leadership skills, and find a sense of belonging amidst the pressures of university life. The center's mission—to cultivate passionate, faithful disciples of Christ—remains central to its operations and its wide array of programs for the 2025-2026 academic year.
The Spiritual Guide: Biography of Rev. Cyriacus Ogu, Administrator
The spiritual direction and administrative oversight of St. Andrew’s Newman Center currently rests with Rev. Cyriacus Ogu, who serves as the Administrator. Father Ogu’s leadership is crucial in maintaining the center’s dual identity as both a Catholic Student Fellowship for UCR and a local parish within the Diocese of San Bernardino.
- Current Role: Administrator of St. Andrew’s Newman Center, Riverside, CA.
- Jurisdiction: The center operates as a Roman Catholic Personal Parish under the authority of the Diocese of San Bernardino.
- Core Mission Under His Leadership: To complement the secular education received by students at UCR and RCC by providing a robust religious education and a community centered on the Gospel message.
- Focus Areas: Father Ogu is tasked with fostering a community where students, faculty, and staff can grow into faithful disciples and future leaders, continuing the legacy of Catholic campus ministry that began over seven decades ago.
While specific biographical details on his early life are less public, his role as Administrator places him at the forefront of Catholic campus life in Riverside, guiding the community's worship, sacramental life, and outreach programs for the 2025-2026 academic year.
A Rich History: The Newman Center’s Deep Roots in Riverside
The history of St. Andrew’s Newman Center is intrinsically linked to the growth of the University of California, Riverside. The Catholic student community at UCR has been active since the university’s opening in 1954, long before the current building was dedicated.
From Humble Beginnings to a Dedicated Parish
The first formal Catholic student community began meeting in the mid-1950s, often at temporary locations like the inter-faith facility Watkins House. This early dedication laid the groundwork for a permanent presence. The Newman Center was officially founded as a parish in 1971, signifying its commitment to serving both the university and the wider Riverside community.
The center's physical structure, the St. Andrew's Newman Center building, was officially dedicated on October 21, 1989, marking a major milestone in its development.
The Dominican Legacy and Transition
For decades, the center was notably staffed by the Dominican Friars, Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, beginning in 1971. Their spiritual guidance and intellectual tradition profoundly shaped the ministry. However, in December 2016, the Dominicans announced their departure, returning the management of the center to the Diocese of San Bernardino. This transition marked a new chapter, with the diocese continuing the mission of campus ministry and parish life under new diocesan leadership, ensuring the Catholic presence at UCR and RCC remained strong and vibrant.
Key Programs and Spiritual Life for UCR and RCC Students in 2025
The core of St. Andrew's Newman Center's identity is its comprehensive program schedule, which caters specifically to the demanding schedules of college students while providing spiritual nourishment. The center successfully blends sacramental life with fellowship and doctrinal study.
Sacramental and Worship Opportunities
As the primary Catholic hub for the University of California, Riverside, the Newman Center offers frequent opportunities for worship and prayer, which are essential for students seeking balance and peace. These services are open to all students, faculty, staff, and local parishioners.
- Holy Mass: The celebration of the Eucharist is the central act of the community, with multiple Mass times offered weekly to accommodate student schedules. The center also utilizes live streaming for some services, such as the Holy Mass streamed on a Saturday in June 2025, ensuring accessibility for the wider community.
- Confession: The Sacrament of Reconciliation is regularly available, providing students a crucial opportunity for spiritual renewal and guidance.
- Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Dedicated times for Adoration offer a quiet, reflective space for personal prayer and devotion, a vital resource for navigating academic stress.
Student and Doctrinal Ministries
Beyond the sacraments, the center hosts structured, recurring programs designed to build faith, community, and leadership among the UCR Catholic Student Fellowship. These programs are the lifeblood of the campus ministry.
- Weekly Student Fellowship Meeting: A long-standing tradition, the student fellowship gathers every Monday at 7:00 PM. This meeting is the primary entry point for new students and a consistent source of community for returning members, focusing on faith sharing and social bonding.
- Bible and Doctrinal Study: To deepen theological understanding, the center offers a dedicated Bible/Doctrinal study. As of recent announcements, this study is held on Tuesdays at 6:00 PM, providing a structured environment to explore Catholic teaching and scripture.
- Service and Outreach: The center actively encourages students to live out the Gospel message through service. While specific names of 2025 projects may vary, the mission is consistently focused on caring for others and engaging in community outreach, fostering a spirit of service among future leaders.
The St. Andrew's Newman Center is more than just a building; it is a community that shares faith in Jesus Christ, lives the Gospel message, and actively cares for others. Its strategic location near the UCR campus makes it an indispensable resource for the Catholic community in Riverside, CA, ensuring that students have a place to call home throughout their college journey in 2025 and beyond.
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