The mission of Allegheny Newman Catholic Campus Ministry is to gather Catholic students attending Allegheny College in the Diocese of Erie in order to strengthen their faith and Catholic identity through:
Fr. Rich Toohey was assigned to Allegheny College in July of 2007 by Bishop Donald W. Trautman of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie Pennsylvania. He is a native of Erie, PA, having studied at Cathedral Preparatory School, the University of Notre Dame, St. Mark Seminary, and the Pontifical North American College Seminary in Rome. Ordained in 2001, he had previous assignments in Erie and Hermitage PA. He presently is also the pastor of St. Mary of Grace Parish in Meadville and the regional coordinator for vocations in Crawford County.
School Contact Information
Campus Office Hours: Monday and Thursday from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.
Campus Office: Religious Life Office, Reis Hall
Phone: 814-332-2800
E-mail: richard.toohey@allegheny.edu
Parish Contact Information
Residence: St. Mary of Grace Rectory
Address: 1085 Water Street, Meadville, PA 16335
Phone: 814-333-6161
Weekly Mass at Ford Chapel - Sundays at 6:30pm, unless otherwise noted. For scheduled dates of college liturgies, please visit the Allegheny College Master Calendar at calendar.allegheny.edu/MasterCalendar.aspx, or call Allegheny Religious Life at ext. 2800.
Weekend Masses at local Roman Catholic Parishes
(please call to verify Mass times)
St. Mary of Grace Church
814-333-6161
1085 Water Street
Saturday: 5:15pm
Sunday: 8:00am and 10:45am
St. Agatha Church
814-336-1112
(Corner of Pine and South Main Streets)
Saturday: 5:15pm
Sunday: 7:30am, 9:00am, and 11:30am
St. Brigid Church
814-336-4459
Corner of Liberty and Arch Streets
Saturday: 5:15pm
Sunday: 7:30am, 9:30am, 11:30am
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions)
Before or after scheduled Masses at the Ford Chapel, or by private appointment at Fr. Toohey's office
4:30pm - 5:00pm Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday at St. Mary of Grace Parish
Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.)
The RCIA is a process whereby students who may be described as below are seeking to become Catholic Christians. This is the official process of inquiry and faith formation used throughout the Catholic Church. Please contact Fr. Toohey if you...
During the college years, it is normal for collegians to ask themselves what their purpose in life may be. In a time of prayer one may even ask, "Lord, what is my vocation?" While many are called to be married or single people, some are drawn by God to the priesthood or the consecrated life. Having someone to talk to is always helpful. Please contact Fr. Toohey to discuss your thoughts. It's a beautiful life when we follow the vocation to which Christ calls us.
Vocation Web sites which may be helpful:
www.erievocations.org
www.cmswr.org
Annual Mission Trip to the Bronx and Harlem NY
Since 2004 we have traveled to the South Bronx and Harlem to assist the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and the Missionaries of Charity in serving the poor. The trip takes place during winter break, making this a "double sacrifice" for the students.
The goal of the Bronx Mission Trip is to allow the collegian the opportunity to serve the poor within the context of a faith experience. Students also benefit by getting to know consecrated men and women (Friars and Nuns).
Sign ups are held in the mid Fall semester.
March for Life — Washington DC
Each year, Allegheny College students are invited to join others who believe that abortion is a poor choice of "health care" for a woman. It kills an unborn child, and adversely effects the woman, her husband or boyfriend, as well as the entire family. Additionally, it adversely effects our society. Our participation is peaceful, respectful and grounded in the respect for life teachings of the Catholic Church. We participate as part of the efforts of Allegheny Students for Life, and the local Crawford County Citizens for Life bus trip. Sign ups are held in the late Fall semester.
Adopt-A-Student Program
St. Mary of Grace Parish Care and Concern Ministries works in collaboration with the Catholic Chaplain in providing Allegheny students with families to "adopt" them for an academic year. This enjoyable program allows the student to have a "home away from home," and a chance to enjoy family, a good meal, and wonderful relationships with parishioners. Sign ups are held early in the Fall.
"Holy Grounds" Discussions
Students gather periodically to discuss Catholic issues in the Allegheny Grounds for Change Coffee House. The discussions allow for a brief small group presentation followed by an open discussion. Each session offers various topics of interest to the students.
"Why Catholic?" Small Christian Communities
With Catholic students making up 38% of the college community, it is important that we offer a format of an organized, faithful, and meaningful study of our Catholic faith. Most groups range from 8 to 12 persons. Sign ups are held twice a year at Mass or at the Office of Religious Life.
Meeting twice a year (spring and fall) over a four-year period, students share a discussion on the various divisions of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The materials are produced by "Renew International."
Silent Retreat
The Silent Retreat has been a favorite to Allegheny students for many years. It allows a collegian time to get away from it all and just relax and think. A personal spiritual director is also provided. This retreat is usually held during winter break, shortly after the New Year.
T.E.C. Retreat
T.E.C. (To Encounter Christ), is a powerful retreat offered by the Diocese of Erie. It begins on a Friday morning and concludes on a Sunday afternoon. The age range of retreatants runs from grade 11 through older adult. This retreat is very Christ-and Eucharist-centered, and focuses on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Looking for one of the best retreats you have ever been on?
Visit www.divinemercytec.com for further information.
The Catholic Diocese of Erie is responsible for Catholic campus ministry to Allegheny College, Gannon University, Mercyhurst College, Penn State-Behrend College, Edinboro University and Clarion University. This annual event offers a great opportunity for Catholic students to gather to pray, learn, discuss and build friendships.
The Vatican (The Holy See)
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
The Pennsylvania Conference of Catholic Bishops
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie Pennsylvania
