MUCH ANTICIPATED AND LONG-AWAITED…

The Catholic Diocese of Grand Island and the St. Teresa of Calcutta Newman Center are moving forward with a campaign to build a new facility on the campus of the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK).

THE EXISTING FACILITIES HAVE REACHED THE POINT WHERE ANY INVESTMENT IS WASTED.

Founded in 1952 and in its current location for seven decades, the Newman Center has been well-served by its aged premises. However, the number of students served by St. Teresa's is higher now than ever. Growing out of its space and with facilities crumbling, it is time to build the students a New Church.

NEW LAND COMMITTED...
NO GOING BACK

In December 2024, UNK and St. Teresa’s concluded a land swap agreement for the property at 1601 University Drive. No money changed hands in the exchange and the new property perfectly suits St. Teresa’s needs for a new church. The agreement calls for UNK to take possession of the Newman Center’s existing premises no later than December 2029, at which time the buildings will be demolished and a UNK parking lot constructed.

THE CLOCK IS TICKING…

It is time to build a New Church. We need space for worship, community dinners, Bible studies, and social/fun activities.

FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN ENDS ON OCTOBER 1, 2026
St. Therese of Lisieux, pray for us!

Capital Campaign Counter

BALANCING TODAY, TOMORROW AND THE FUTURE

The proposed layout for the New Church is a modest 25,000 square feet. The Church will seat 300, the parish hall will allow for community dinners of 180, and there are spaces for 6-8 different Bible study groups to meet at the same time. We have nearly 30 Bible study groups right now.

What will the future bring?

While it is conceivable that enrollment totals at UNK may decline in coming years due to AI and other factors, it is highly probable that student engagement at St. Teresa's will continue to increase, perhaps dramatically. We are currently serving roughly 10% of the UNK student body, and that percentage keeps steadily increasing. Through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, we have every expectation of serving a third or more of all UNK students soon. In addition, as enrollment of University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and Central Community College (CCC) students in Kearney grows, we anticipate these students enlarging our programs as well.

REASONS TO SUPPORT THIS NEW CHURCH

Different people with different priorities can all find at least one reason among the dozen to support this effort.

01. Partnering with UNK

St. Teresa’s strengthens UNK, draws students to the campus, and has a profound impact on the learning of “deeper things” at the university.
02. The Salvation of Souls

St. Teresa's is 100% focused on the salvation of young people's souls and in enriching their lives in Christ.
03. Strengthening Kearney

St. Teresa’s is a civic leader in Kearney and influences young citizens who want to stay and build their futures here.
04. The Future of the Church

Newman Centers foster priestly vocations and form young Catholics who are the future of the Church.
05. Winning the Culture War

The purpose of the Catholic Faith in the ongoing Culture War is to form young people who know their faith, take it seriously and are beacons of God's original plan for humanity.
06. Developing Western Nebraska

Development in Kearney is a building block and gateway for Western Nebraska.
07. Supporting FOCUS

FOCUS is leading a revolution in the Church and our society by providing true knowledge of Jesus Christ.
08. Growing the Church in Nebraska

The network of Newman Centers across the state are engines of growth for the Church in Nebraska.
09. Honoring Mother Teresa

Few parishes around the world are named after St. Teresa of Calcutta, and the young people at St. Teresa’s in Kearney love "Mother" very much.
10. Building the Grand Island Diocese

As a focal point for young Catholics, St. Teresa’s serves youth across the whole Grand Island Diocese.
11. UNMC and Rural Healthcare

The future of rural healthcare is being trained at UNMC in Kearney, and these students need authentic formation in spiritual as well as physical health.
12. The Presence of God in the World

Building a church is very simply a sign of God in the world.