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Your gift helps us be
the hands & heart of
Jesus on this campus.

Donate to the Rebuild His Church Campaign to continue the
vibrant ministries of the Newman Center at the University of Maine.

Give Now Learn About the Campaign

Your gift helps us be
the hands & heart of
Jesus on this campus.

Donate to the Rebuild His Church Campaign to continue the
vibrant ministries of the Newman Center at the University of Maine.

Give Now Learn About the Campaign

About Us


Men's Group

The Newman Center is a Catholic church and a gathering place for the Catholic community at the University of Maine in Orono. The Newman Center, also known as Our Lady of Wisdom Church, is part of the Parish of the Resurrection of the Lord, with three additional churches in Old Town, Bradley, and the Penobscot Nation. As a parish , we welcome all members of the University community, including students, faculty, staff, administrators, and their families. Visitors and residents of our parish communities are always welcome!

As a campus ministry center , we have a unique ministry to University Bible Studystudents. We welcome Catholics, those interested in knowing more about the Catholic faith or who want to become Catholic. Students gather for liturgy, prayer, retreats, outreach to those in need, social events, Bible study, and sacrament preparation.

The chapel is always available for prayer! Encouraging students to study at the center, we offer free WiFi and printing. There is a kitchen available for cooking, a collection of board games, various outdoor games for temperate weather fun, and a vast array of religious books to form and inspire a life of holiness and love.

Father Kyle L. Doustou

Fr. Kyle DoustouFather Kyle L. Doustou is the pastor of the Parish of the Resurrection of the Lord, the chaplain at the Newman Center, and the Director of Campus Ministry for the Diocese of Portland. A native Mainer born in Lewiston, Father Kyle graduated from Saint Dominic Regional High School in 2005. He received a full scholarship from and entered into the Basselin Scholars Program, an honors philosophy program at Theological College, the national seminary of The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where he earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy in 2009 and a licentiate master’s degree in philosophy in 2010.

He continued his theological studies in Washington, D.C., earning a master’s degree in theology in 2013. After a year’s worth of canon law studies, Father Kyle completed his seminary formation.

He was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Robert P. Deeley at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Lewiston May 30, 2014. His first priestly assignment was as parochial vicar of the Parish of the Precious Blood, a cluster of ten churches in central Aroostook County, where he served from 2014 – 2016. In August 2016, he was named the parochial vicar of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and the Portland Peninsula and Island Parishes, where he served until 2019. In July 2019, Bishop Deeley appointed him to his current assignment.

Black Bear Catholic

Black Bear Catholic LogoBlack Bear Catholic is a recognized student government organization at the University of Maine. This organization offers a space for students to go to Mass on Sunday. It creates a fun, loving community that hosts events, dinners, service opportunities, celebrations, and more. Black Bear Catholic is open to any student, whether Catholic or not.

Students grow closer to God. They meet a community of fellow students and mentors who become lifelong friends! To stay connected on social media, like our Facebook page Black Bear Catholic or follow us on Instagram @blackbearcatholic

Learn About the Campaign
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From Our Students and Benefactors

"The Newman Center provided my classmates and me a place to gather to share and grow in our faith. Making sure that the Center remains a beacon of hope and faith is essential for the University Community."

- James K. '90

"Home away from home. Awesome people and Jesus in the chapel make the Newman Center special to me."

- Deborah S. '21

"Truly an amazing place to worship the Lord and build lifelong friendships. A special place for me."

- Kyle S. '22

"A place to pray, laugh, eat, love, and grow in holiness. Somewhere I can always go and experience joy."

- Chris S. '22

"Versatile home with many purposes where I have the opportunity to grow in faith, eat with the ones I love, learn new things, and meet new people each week."

- Collette F. '23

"An extraordinary place filled with extraordinary people! One of the kindest and most loving communities I have ever been a part of."

- Marissa H. '22

"The Newman Center has been the most special part of my college experience. It's a place to find peace, build authentic friendships, and grow in virtue and faith—one big, joyful family."

- Maegan P. '20

"Whenever I walk into the Newman Center, I always feel at home. It is a truly amazing place with so many great people. I can't think of a better place to grow closer in my faith."

- Lucas Y. '22

"Whenever I walk into the Newman Center, I feel at ease and peace. I cannot ask for a better group of people to associate with. I feel like I can get anything off my chest I need to—the best place for growth in faith."

- Alex I. '22

"The Newman Center is my home away from home. And there I find my second family. It is people I love, in a place I love. If it weren't for the Newman Center and the amazing people there, I would not be a UMaine student this year."

- Erin M. '22

"The Newman Center has been a vital part of my college experience. Its presence taught me how to grow spiritually, all while attending a secular university. It truly teaches, guides, and instructs university students on navigating and passionately proclaim Catholicism in the real world."

- Katie D. '20

"It is a place I found peace and friends that believe in Jesus Christ."

- Bennett M. '21

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Together, let's build a
Church steeple as a beacon of
hope for the University of Maine.

Join this legacy of Black Bears and benefactors providing a place of
worship where students will grow in faith and change the world.

Give Now Learn About the Campaign

Together, let's build a
Church steeple as a beacon of
hope for the University of Maine.

Join this legacy of Black Bears and benefactors providing a place of
worship where students will grow in faith and change the world.

Give Now Learn About the Campaign