Father Adam Streitenberger, director of evangelization for the Diocese of Columbus, will become the new executive director of the St. Thomas More Newman Center located near the Ohio State University campus on July 12, the diocese announced Thursday.
The diocese thanked the Paulist Fathers, who were invited to remain as chaplains, for their service at the Newman Center. The order had ministered there since 1956.
The diocese’s vision for the Newman Center includes the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and developing a culture that provides a seedbed for potential vocations to the priesthood and religious life among the university’s more than 60,000 students.
“This is the first step in an exciting and renewed vision for vocations and evangelization within the Diocese of Columbus, in which the St. Thomas More Newman Center will play a vital role,” Bishop Earl Fernandes said.
A more student-centered approach at the Newman Center will focus not only on vocations but fostering Catholic intellectual and spiritual life that the diocese emphasizes is crucial to its future. The diocese recognized the importance of integrating Ohio State's students and faculty into its mission.
As executive director, Father Streitenberger will be responsible for coordinating these efforts as part of the diocese’s evangelization initiatives to aid young adults in developing deeper conversations on their faith journeys and helping them establish a vibrant relationship with Christ.
“I am very excited by Bishop Fernandes’s passion and commitment to evangelization, vocations, and the students at the Ohio State University,” Father Streitenberger said. “I am honored, grateful and overjoyed to share in the implementation of his vision for the Newman Center. The Ohio State University is a ripe vineyard of the Lord for both the Gospel and vocational discernment.”
The Paulist Fathers arrived Sept. 8, 1956 at the Newman Center, which was then located in a house on the east side of campus.
In 1971, the current Newman Center building at 64 W. Lane Ave., directly across from campus, was dedicated. It underwent renovations in 2002 that included the chapel, office space and meeting rooms.
In a follow-up statement issued Wednesday, July 6, the diocese said the decision was absolutely not motivated by anti-LGBTQ sentiments or was it motivated by political reasons. Rather, it reflects Bishop Fernandes' pastoral priorities of evangelization and promotion of priestly vocations, especially in the Diocese of Columbus. This is why a diocesan executive director was appointed.
The diocese reiterated that the bishop wants to be close to young people and keep them engaged with the mission of the Church.
