Celebrating 100 Years of Catholic Hokies
Celebrating 100 Years of Catholic Hokies 1924-2024
Our History
In 1924, the Catholic Campus Ministry at Virginia Tech was founded as a campus club under the name Newman Community, with the support of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. The Newman Club and St. Mary’s served the needs of Catholic Tech students until 1963, when Father Paul Gallagher established the Newman House thanks to a generous home donation from Ms. Ella Russell. Sunday Masses moved to War Memorial Chapel in 1966 where they are still offered today. For the past 100 years, CCM@VT has expanded upon the University’s moto, Ut Prosim (That I may serve), by revealing the role of our Master: Ut Serviam Deo (That I may serve God). The ministry has continued to serve hundreds of students and has become one of the largest Catholic Campus Ministries at a public university on the East Coast.
We welcome all alumni, parents, and community members to join us in celebrating 100 years of faith, community, and service on the Virginia Tech campus. Join us for one of our centennial events to reconnect with your fellow Catholic Hokie alumni, share memories of your time in community, and learn more about the plans for the next 100 years of the CCM@VT.
Centennial Weekend: October 19-20, 2024
Enjoy a Fall weekend at Virginia Tech and celebrate 100 years of Catholic Hokies.
Join us Saturday for a fun day of events as we live out our three pillars: faith, service, and community. We will start our day with daily Mass at the Newman House and then head over to St. Mary’s Catholic Church for a day of service. We will be assisting the parish with yard work and painting. All ages are welcome to participate. The evening will conclude with an Alumni Social downtown at J.H. Bards Spirits Co. Hors d’oeuvres will be provided by the ministry but drinks must be purchased separately. This event is for ages 21 and over. Please RSVP here if you plan to participate in any of the festivities so we can get an accurate headcount.
On Sunday, Bishop Knestout will be celebrating a special Centennial Mass on campus followed by a Lunch Gala at the University Club in Lane Stadium. All are welcome to attend the Centennial Mass. Tickets for the Centennial Banquet are $30 per person and can be purchased here.
Learn about the ministry’s 100 year history. Compiled by Tyler Herrod, class of 2024.
RSVP for our Centennial Weekend Events so we can get an accurate headcount.
Are you a member of our Living Faith Society? If not, join today, and help us secure 200 new members: 100 for the first century of ministry and 100 for the next! Members receive quarterly letters of spiritual encouragement, prayer cards, and Living Faith Devotionals. The first 100 new monthly donors during our centennial year will also receive a Mass said for their intentions during our 100 Days of Prayer.
Become a spiritual warrior for the youth of our church! Members will receive a handmade rosary by mail, and each month we will share a new prayer intention for the ministry through email.