This video titled, “Catholic Newman Center Blessing” was held on September 26,, 2009 in front of what was formerly known as the Holland House. The Catholic Newman Center (prior to this event the home was known as the Holland House) the former home of two Elon presidents, was moved from its location across from the McMichael Center to South Campus during the week of June 14, 2009. Now it is home to the Catholic Newman Center Theme Community. Named in honor of John Henry Cardinal Newman, the Newman Centers are residence and Catholic ministry centers at non-Catholic universities throughout the world. The Catholic Newman Center at Elon provides programming spaces, student residences, and a residence for the Peer Ministry Coordinator, a professional staff member who serves as the Resident Advisor. Rev. Phil Smith, Associate Chaplain welcomed the people to the blessing for the Newman Center at the Holland House ceremony. Smith welcomed all guests, including Bishop of Raleigh (North Carolina), Michael Francis Burbidge. (Burbidge was named Bishop of Raleigh, North Carolina, by Pope Benedict XVI on June 8, 2006. Replacing Bishop Francis Gossman, he was installed on the following August 4, 2007 at Raleigh's Sacred Heart Cathedral. Burbidge announced the building of a new cathedral for the Diocese of Raleigh, called the Cathedral of the Holy Name of Jesus.) Leo Lambert spoke and thanked Bishop Burbidge for returning to Elon University and Father Bob (Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Burlington, North Carolina) great to have you on campus. Lambert reflected on the vision of the Truitt Center of religious and spiritual life at Elon University. Lambert said, “There is a reason why the Catholics are first. The reason is Father Gerry (Catholic campus minister and associate chaplain for Catholic Life at Elon University). There are so many people who have worked to make this happen, Smith Jackson, our Vice President of Student Life, Richard McBride, Reverend Smith, and so many others. Father Gerry’s is everywhere on this campus and he made this happen quickly. Father Gerry sets a ‘sterling example’ for young people.” Lambert named benefactors in supporting the new Catholic Newman Center home. 00:06:13 Lambert introduced Bishop Burbidge to bless and dedicate this new home. 00:06:24 Bishop Burbidge began a mass to bless the new center. 00:07:43 Elon students participated in the blessing of the new center. Burbidge returned to say the “Our Father” prayer. 00:09:57 Burbidge, Father Gerry, and an Elon student entered the Catholic Newman Center to bless the interior rooms. 00:11:03 An Elon Student explained at the microphone what was happening inside the home for the blessing. 00:11:59 Father Gerry and Bishop Burbidge exited the Catholic Newman Center and blessed the guests. 00:12:12 Gerry Francis spoke, “On Wednesday, September 16, at 8:45pm, some students and I were walking out of Holt Chapel (on South Campus) after celebrating mass. The very same day that workers planted trees and shrubs around the Catholic Newman Center home. We all noted, what a house to be planted in a former chicken field and on part of the Worsley Golf Driving Range golf. To a beautiful home for students, faculty, and staff and looking like it has been always here.” Mr. Barry Bradberry, Associate Dean of Admissions, told me (Gerry) of an alumnus who walked up to Bradberry stating, “did you know that they built a replica of Holland House on South Campus? (Laughter)” A few years ago, this Newman Center was just a dream. Due to major donors and vision of President Lambert, generosity of parents, and faithful supporters, this new Newman House is now a reality. 00:16:10 A CCM student spoke. 00:17:08 Bishop Burbidge gave his final blessing, “Go in Peace.” James (Jim) Burton Piatt, Jr., was seen walking into the Catholic Newman Center with all the guests. On a side note and not include in the blessing ceremony: The first floor is reserved exclusively for use by Catholic Campus Ministry to host programs and activities sponsored by the organization. The first floor is also welcome for use by other Religious & Spiritual Life organizations, but any use of the first floor must be requested through the LC Advisor. The second floor is part of the University Residence Life program and provides housing for four students and the Peer Ministry Coordinator. Students residing in the Holland House do not have any official duties with the Catholic Newman Center but are expected to be an active participant in various programs sponsored by Catholic Campus Ministry throughout the school year. Through these, you will engage in and learn about the life of the Catholic Campus Ministry program and community. The second floor is private and separate from the first floor, but student residents will be expected to keep the entire first floor orderly at all times. The Catholic Newman Center is also an alcohol and substance-free community. Student residents will not be allowed to consume or possess alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, or any illicit substances in the building, regardless of age. Student residents will be expected to attend house meetings with the Resident Advisor at the beginning of the school year and once a month thereafter.