About Us

Fr. Mike Schmitz

Father Mike Schmitz is the director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Duluth as well as the Chaplain for the Newman Center at the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

Fr. Sekhar Dasari

Father Sekhar is our Associate Chaplain. He came to the Diocese of Duluth in 2023 and has been serving the students of bulldogCatholic since his arrival.

Heather Serena

Heather is our Director of Campus Ministry. She is a graduate of the College of St. Scholastica and a convert to the Catholic Church.   She served as a youth minister at a local parish for three years before assuming  this role, in which she has served since 2007.

Lauren Hopke

Lauren is a graduate of North Dakota State University and upon her college graduation, she served with the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) as a campus missionary for four years. During her time with FOCUS, she served at the University of Minnesota – Duluth as the team director. She was later hired as the Director of Marketing, Communication, and Events at Duluth Newman, serving in that role for two years and has since transitioned to the Chief of Staff and Strategy.
Contact Lauren: Lauren.Hopke@bulldogCatholic.org

Erica McCarthy

As an alumna of The University of Minnesota-Duluth, Erica is excited to be serving in a position that provides a place for students to encounter the living God while attending college here in Duluth. It is a privilege for her to be part of a team that is bringing the gospel to students here on the same campus she attended and earned her B.A. in Elementary Education.
Contact Erica: Erica.McCarthy@bulldogCatholic.org

Jacob Erickson

After graduating high school in International Falls, Minnesota, Jacob attended the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2020. Sharing his musical abilities within the community and at Mass have been a regular part of his life since middle school. He has been an active member within the Duluth Newman community through the Music Ministry program and the Student Leadership Team. Jake will be completing his undergraduate degree in Environmental Science, as well as minoring in Music and Chemistry in the fall of 2024.

Austin Lage

Austin is a student at the University of Minnesota Duluth studying Graphic Design and Marketing. He is an active member of the Duluth Newman community and applies his creativity and dedication to supporting both ministry activities and outreach efforts in his role. With a passion for fostering connections and contributing to the campus community, Austin looks forward to making a positive impact through his work at Newman.
Contact Austin: Intern@bulldogCatholic.org

Jacinta Kolles

Jacinta is currently a student at UMD studying Integrated Elementary & Special Education with a minor in Business Management. She is excited to serve in her second year as intern for bulldogCathoic. After graduating, she plans on teaching for a few years, then going back to school to be an elementary school principal. She loves getting to be in a community that is filled with so much authentic joy!
Contact Jacinta: Jacinta.Kolles@bulldogCatholic.org

Student Community

See what it’s like to get involved with our community!
Most everything we do begins here:
📍Newman: 421 W Saint Marie Street

Have Questions?

If you have general questions about our campus ministry, email us: Info@bulldogCatholic.org

STUDENTS: The best way to stay connected is with our GroupMe—ask about it after Mass. Also, follow us on the socials for the freshest updates!