In affiliation with Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, Oberlin Newman Catholic Ministry strives to faithfully accompany students, faculty, and staff at Oberlin College and Conservatory regardless of identity or affiliation. All are welcome. All belong.

Oberlin’s Newman Catholic Community is a student-run campus ministry in the Roman Catholic tradition. We explore Catholicism in a supportive and inclusive environment that welcomes folks of all identities and creeds. Whether you are a practicing Catholic, a curious newcomer, or somewhere in between, we invite you to join Newman in discovering Catholicism.

What’s your major?

Clarinet Performance, with a minor in Music Theory!

Where are you from?

Westminster, CA. Little Saigon represent!

Where’s your favorite spot on campus?

Stull Recital Hall- the view is glorious and it’s super cozy for small recitals. Fairchild Chapel comes second, but I’m a little bit biased to it. 😅

Tell us a little about yourself!

Hey everyone! My name is Khải Niên, and I’m the Student Liaison for Newman. I’m currently studying clarinet performance at the conservatory. Born and raised in Little Saigon, where the biggest Vietnamese community outside of Vietnam exists (also home to the biggest Vietnamese Catholic community)! 

Music was the path to connecting me to my faith. I’ve been Catholic as early as I was born, but music helped me find internal dialogue with God and really solidified my religious beliefs. I cannot wait to meet you all and strengthen our community of faith at Oberlin! Please do not hesitate to reach out to me at khai.nien.nguyen@oberlin.edu or through our Newman email at onewman@oberlin.edu!

What’s your major?

Biology and History

Where are you from?

 I am from Los Altos, California, in the Bay Area!

Where’s your favorite spot on campus?

Some of my favorite spots on campus include Wilder Bowl on sunny days and the science library!

Tell us a little about yourself

What’s your major?

I’m a double degree student studying Cello Performance and History!

Where are you from?

I’m from San Diego, California.

Where’s your favorite spot on campus?

The Conservatory Koi Pond

Tell us a little about yourself!

What’s your major?

Violin Performance

Where are you from?

I’m from Long Island, New York!

Where’s your favorite spot on campus?

My favorite spot on campus is Wilder Bowl. It’s a really social area and gets great natural light, which is hard to come by in Ohio!

Tell us a little about yourself!

I love traveling, sight reading music with friends, and baking. 

What’s your major?

Case Western Reserve University (2000): Bachelors of Arts, Classics

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (2003): Masters of Science, Instructional Systems Design

St. Joseph’s College, Maine (2019): Masters of Arts, Pastoral Theology

Where are you from?

Cleveland, Ohio

Where’s your favorite spot on campus?

Slow Train Cafe!

Tell us a little about yourself

Hey everyone! My name is Robert Koonce and I am delighted to be of service to the Oberlin community.  I grew up in the faith and early on I fell in love with the Church in her history, her liturgy, her art, her music, and her theology.  The greatest gift I have received is to be in relationship with Jesus – it’s not always easy, but it is always moving.  I have been married for over 20 years to my wife and together we have four children who are growing up and making their way in the world.

I love having conversations about anything that touches on faith and would love to learn from you, especially how faith has touched (or not) your life.  I can’t wait to meet you!  To get a hold of me, please email rkoonce@dioceseofcleveland.org  Please do not hesitate to reach out.

What’s your major?

Masters in Divinity, St. Mary’s Seminary

Where are you from?

Cleveland, Ohio

Where’s your favorite spot on campus?

Definitely Fairchild Chapel

Tell us a little about yourself

Hey everyone! My name is Fr. Jim, and I’m the Catholic Chaplain at Oberlin.