Welcome to the Saint John Henry Newman Chapel and Catholic Student Center, of the Diocese of Colorado Springs.
Forming lifelong missionary disciples in Truth, Beauty, and Goodness.
Newman Centers are facilities located on or near secular college and university campuses throughout the United States, helping young adults come to and remain in the Catholic faith.
St. John Henry Newman (1801-1890) was an English theologian and a leader of the Oxford Movement, which encouraged the Church of England to restore many Catholic doctrines and liturgical practices abandoned during the English Protestant Reformation. Newman, an Anglican, converted to the Catholic faith at age 44, and subsequently became a priest and a cardinal. He is renowned for his work as a religious leader and a rector of the Catholic University of Ireland. During this time, he authored his seminal work, Idea of a University, a persuasive defense of liberal education for its own sake.
Read about our staff and partners here.
Director of Campus Ministry
Director of Vocations
A native of Colorado Springs, Fr Kyle Ingels serves as the Director of Campus Ministry and Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Colorado Springs. He has served as Chaplain for the Catholic Student Center at the University of Maryland and as Pastor of Ascension Parish in Bowie, Maryland. Fr Kyle graduated from The Catholic University of America and Mount St. Mary's Seminary and was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Washington, DC in 2005. Fr Kyle is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, a past member of the Alumni Board of Governors for The Catholic University of America, and serves as the proud chaplain for the Diocesan Serra Club.
After moving back to Colorado in late 2013 to serve as the first full time priest for Campus Ministry, he formally joined the Diocese of Colorado Springs in 2016.
Deacon assigned to Campus Ministry
I am Deacon Chris Phelps. I have been ordained since June 2011. Since my ordination, I have spent a considerable amount of time teaching – adults, college students, high school students, middle school students, and those preparing to receive their sacraments. There are two areas that I have spent a lot of time studying and teaching: St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body and the Sacred Liturgy.
I have been married to my wife, Becki, for more than 30 years. We have three sons and seven grandchildren. We have lived in Colorado Springs over 25 years and it is truly our home.
Professionally, I am a Project Manager for a small company specializing in providing ground control systems for satellite manufacturers throughout the world.
Musician
In addition to playing for Mass at the Newman Center, Kate Johnson is the Catholic Music Director of the Cadet Chapel at the United States Air Force Academy, where she conducts the Cadet Catholic Choir and the Catholic Cadet Schola. She also performs opera and oratorio, and is the wife of Ken and mother of Lance and Ian.
Campus Ministry Assistant
I am the mother of three beautiful girls and the lucky wife of a Navy veteran. We were fortunate enough to live in Hawaii for two years, and though I miss it greatly, I’m glad to be back home. I grew up in a small farm town two hours north of Colorado Springs. There I was a catechism teacher and the youth director for 11 years. I love crafting, reading, and designing. I am an interior designer by trade, but love being able to work for St. Mary’s Cathedral and here at the Newman Center. My office door is open for you to come chat with me or just to say “Hi!”
Campus Ministry Assistant
Hailing from New York, Felipe Morales retired after 26 years of service as a military officer, and remained with his family in Colorado Springs. He completed RCIA in 2012 and is now answering the call to continue his service, this time to the Church. Among other activities, he has been a servant leader for the Altar Server Ministry at his home parish, Our Lady of the Pines, and is excited to “graduate” to work with college students and young adults in Campus Ministry!
The Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) is a campus outreach that pursues college students with intentionality and love. We invite them into a growing relationship with Jesus and the Catholic faith, inspiring and equipping them for a lifetime of Christ-centered evangelization, discipleship and friendships in which they lead others to do the same.
Team Director
FOCUS Missionary
College students are in great need of the Gospel, and UCCS students are no exception! As a third year missionary, I am motivated to preach the Gospel to students, form them as disciples of Jesus Christ, and send them on mission to do the same for others. Here is a bit about me: I grew up in East Texas, moved to San Diego, CA, in high school, and graduated with an Undergraduate degree in Physics from UC San Diego. For my first two years as a missionary, I served at Wichita State University in Wichita, KS, where I learned a lot about myself and college ministry. Now, as a third year missionary and new Team Director, I am excited to continue mission with my wife (Madison Comito) and the rest of the team here at the St. John Henry Newman Center!
FOCUS Missionary
Hi! My name is Madison and I’m a missionary here at UCCS! I grew up in Omaha, Nebraska and graduated from UNO with a degree in communications. I was raised Catholic, but didn’t take my faith seriously until a friend challenged me to dive in deep, and I couldn’t be more grateful! I’m pumped to be serving here in Colorado Springs.
FOCUS Missionary
Hi, I’m Madison! I graduated college with a degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Southeast Missouri State University. Since college, I’ve spent the past four years on mission with FOCUS. The Lord called me out of the Midwest to serve on several campuses across the country: Wichita State University, the University of Oregon and California State University – Northridge. It’s a joy to continue on mission here at UCCS with my husband, Austin Comito! Go Mountain Lions!
FOCUS Missionary
Hey all, I’m Mark Schuckman and am super excited to be a first-year missionary here at UCCS! I come from Hays, Kansas and went to Fort Hays State University there too. Recently, I’ve discovered a calling to make a difference in the young church and help my fellow guys live as the virtuous, devout, and authentically Catholic men God is calling us to be. Jesus said he came “so that they might have life, and have it to the full,” so join me in journeying through this incredible adventure of life through the great big playground of nature God has created for us or whatever other activities I’m up to!
I am coming down for a campus visit...can I visit the Newman Center while I am there?
Absolutely! We are at 4785 Stanton Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80918. If you have trouble finding us, call (719) 434-3019 oremail us.
Do I have to be a college student to be a part of the Newman Center?
Our Newman Center is a resource primarily for all young adults in the Diocese of Colorado Springs, ages 18-23, whether enrolled in college or not. However, everybody is welcome to celebrate Mass with us, and some events are open to the public.
Do I have to be Catholic to participate in Newman Center activities?
No, but if you are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith, pleasecontact us.
Can I reserve the Newman Center for an event?
Due to our busy schedule, the Newman Center is not normally available for use outside of our community. If you are a regular member, pleasecontact usabout your proposed event.
Can I make a confession at the Newman Center? What if it’s been a really long time since my last confession...?
Yes. Typically, confessions are offered right before daily Mass, orby appointment. If you don't remember how to do it, that's okay--our priest will walk you through the process.
How can I contribute to the Newman Center?
Thank you for asking! Please go toSupport Our Missionon our website to make a tax-deductible donation, online or by mail.
What sacraments can I receive at the Newman Center?
TheHoly Eucharistis available whenever we celebrate Mass, andconfessionsare taken thirty minutes before daily Mass or byappointment.
For Catholics who have not beenconfirmed, or for anybody who wishes to bebaptizedinto the Catholic church, pleasecontact usabout our Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) program.
For current members or alumni who wish to bemarriedat the Newman Center, for infantbaptism, or if you arediscerning a call to the vocation of the priesthood, please contactFr. Kylefor details. If you are not a member of our community, please contact your parish priest regarding the Sacrament of Marriage.
For sacramental emergencies, includingBaptismandAnointing of the Sick, please call Fr. Kyle at (202) 270-3519.
-Roby-
We would love to hear from you!
Email us at info@NewmanCOS.org
Call us at (719) 434-3019
Come see us in person at
4785 Stanton Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80918