March for Life 2023

About Us

A large crowd of people, many wearing hats and formal clothing, gathers outside a brick church with a cross above the entrance, likely for a special event or ceremony. The building appears to be mid-20th century.
Newman Hall

“I will go peaceably and firmly to the Catholic Church: for if Faith is so important to our salvation, I will seek it where true Faith first began, seek it among those who received it from God Himself.” – St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Located on the West Virginia University downtown campus, St. John’s Chapel and Newman Hall was originally erected in 1925 as a chapel and dormitory to support the Catholic community of WVU. In 1966, the church was raised to the status of a parish. Since our beginning, we have been seeking to grow in holiness as disciples of Jesus Christ, who in turn strive to bring others to Him and His Church. We celebrated our 100th anniversary in 2025.

Our parish community has been called to witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His Church at West Virginia University by serving the students, faculty, staff, and families of the greater Morgantown area. As a parish devoted to campus ministry, we provide opportunities for students and adults to participate in the sacramental life of the Church, to deepen one’s spiritual life, to serve the poor and disadvantaged, and to develop meaningful, lifelong relationships with other Catholics on campus and throughout greater Morgantown.

Mountaineer Catholic Campus Ministry

Our Newman Hall is always open for our students to spend time together, study, and grow in their faith. Our campus ministry program, Mountaineer Catholic, sponsors weekly formational and recreational events for our students such as Bible studies, Dinner for a Dollar, movie nights, prayer groups, and various socials. Students are encouraged to attend daily Mass and make frequent use of the Sacrament of Confession.  Spring and Fall semester retreats also help our students take time out of their busy school schedule to deepen their relationship with Christ. Contact our campus minister, Sammy Lopez (see below), for more information on our campus ministry! Visit our campus ministry page here.

We look forward to adoring and serving our Lord with you.

Clergy

Fr. Crenwelge

Rev. Fr. Brian J. Crenwelge

Pastor, Director of Campus Ministry, Courage Chaplain

Parish Staff

A woman with long dark hair smiles at the camera inside a car. Sunlight shines on her face, and she is wearing a blue top and stud earrings. Green grass is visible through the car window.

Maria Lacaria

Parish Secretary
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Nicole Blumberg

Parish Accountant
A woman with long, blonde highlighted hair is smiling and standing outdoors in front of green trees and grass. She is wearing a blue patterned dress with long sleeves and has one hand on her hip.

Erin Stuvek

Director of Religious Education
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Ross Semler

Director of Sacred Music and Liturgy
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Tom Riffon

Maintenance and Property Manager

Campus Ministry (Mountaineer Catholic)

A smiling bald man wearing glasses and a white shirt with a floral pattern stands outdoors in front of a leafy green tree.

Sammy Lopez

Campus Minister, Director of Programs and Development for Campus Ministry