FAQs

Do you have a Newman center?

The offices and meeting spaces of the Cornell Catholic Community are located in Anabel Taylor Hall. We are one of a large group of university affiliated chaplaincies which comprise Cornell United Religious Work (CURW).
Our spaces include the Redlin Room, our main gathering space and library, the lounge, and Blessed Sacrament Chapel, and, of course, our offices. All are open to students.

Where does Mass take place?

All Sunday and major Holy Day liturgies are celebrated on campus in historic Sage Chapel. Weekday liturgies are held in the chapel of Anabel Taylor Hall. There are also two Roman Catholic parishes in Ithaca, Immaculate Conception Church and St. Catherine of Siena Church, both of which welcome the presence and participation of the Cornell community.

Do you have a priest?

Fr. Daniel McMullin, a priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester (NY), is our full-time director. He is appointed by the diocesan bishop, the Most Reverend Salvatore Matano. Our community is also served by Deacon Mike Mangione.

What about other staff?

Our lay staff includes a full-time associate director who also serves as our business and office manager, two full-time campus ministers and a part-time director of liturgical music.

How many people go to Mass?

Our average Sunday attendance numbers over 350 students, staff, and faculty; the vast majority are students. We also have over 100 students who share their musical talents or assist as acolytes, sacristans, lectors, ministers of hospitality, and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. We hope you’ll consider joining one of our liturgical ministries or music ministry.

Is there a Christian or Catholic dorm or housing?

The Cornell Catholic Community does not have a residence facility, but students interested in Christian housing have some options. The Chesterton House is a Christian house of prayer and study. Many Catholic students have been residents or taken part in their for-credit courses. Informally, many students also find roommates and friend groups through the Cornell Catholic Community.

How do I find Catholic friends at Cornell?

As soon as you make the decision to attend Cornell you’ll be asked to fill out and return a Religious Preference Form. When you arrive on campus and attend one of our first Masses, we’ll invite you to register as a member of our community. With that registration we’ll inform you by email or our weekly e-newsletter (Flocknote) of our many programs and events. First Year Students are also invited to participate in our Big Sib/Little Sib Program, which pairs you with a returning Catholic student and connects you with other new and returning students in the community.

What preparations are you making during the COVID-19 crisis?

Since we are unable to provide in-person ministry at this time, we provide small group gatherings—musical livestreams, Bible study, prayer groups, office hours, drop-ins with staff members, etc.—through Zoom conference calls as well as by email and cell phone. You can join daily prayer with Fr. Dan on our website and on YouTube.
We do not know when campus life will resume but we are working closely with the University to prepare for the ‘new normal’ and provide for your sacramental and spiritual needs. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.