For students who are looking for more in church than sitting through sermons, DeKalb’s Newman Center might be a fresh change.

The Newman Center, 512 Normal Road,is a Cahtolic parish which opens all its programs and services to anyone wishing to attend. The parish is compromised of about 250 local families and many NIU students.

“We’re different from other churches in that the Newman Cemter is oriented toward the (NIU) students,” said Sister Roberta Klesener, director of liturgy. “And there are many programs and facilities available to them.”

Sister Klesener said while Newman Centers at other universities are considered clubs, NIU’s Newman Center is a separate parish because it has a large enough congregation and people can be baptized, confirmed and married there.

The center offers credit courses throuh Loyola University, Chicago, that are transferable to NIU for two credit hours each. Some of the eight courses offered include Sexuality and Intimacy, The Thoughts of C.S. Lewis, and What Does a Modern Catholic Believe?

The center also has its own library that is open from 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., seven days a week and 24 hours a day during finals week for anyone in need of a place to study or just collect their thoughts.

NIU senior Bill Dalenburg said, “I like going (to the Newman Center) because it’s so quiet. When there’s too much noise in the (Founders) library I can go to the Newman Center and get my work done.”

The center has many committees that offer students the opportunity for direct involvement. The liturgy committee arranges all weekend services, the education committee plans the Loyola University courses and the social committee plans liesure events such as hay rides, bowling parties, dances and movie nights.

Other committees perform public relations functions for the center, work for spiritual enrichment and do volunteer work with P.A.D.S. (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) for the homeless and at St. Charles home for boys.

The Newman Center is also open to many outside organizations. Groups such as fraternities and self-help organizations can reserve rooms and times to hold meetings.

There will be a social with free food at the Newman Center on Monday at 9 p.m. All interested persons are invited to get acquainted with the center and what it has to offer. Similar socials will be held at the beginning of each semester.

For more information call: 758-6667.