Our History
Duluth Newman (bulldogCatholic) has a long history of bringing souls to Christ. As far back as 1951, Catholic students were going to Mass together and hosting dinners and dances. In 1964, Bishop Schenk purchased the first Newman Center, a small house on College Street, opening up new ministry possibilities for Bulldog students for decades to come.
During the 1970s, Fr. George Schroeder passionately preached from the Kirby Ballroom, where hundreds, if not thousands, of students received their first taste of Catholicism.
In the late 1990s, Fr. Dale Nau served as director of the Newman Center and joyfully prayed the rosary with students, offered Sunday Mass, and hosted the first “Mass and a Meal” (for six students).
In the fall of 2000, one UMD freshman started literally knocking on doors, inviting all interested to join Fr. Dale Nau for “Mass and a Meal,” retreats, and mission trips. Building a small ministry team, they witnessed a steady growth in participation until 2005, the year Fr. Mike Schmitz arrived. When Fr. Mike moved his gear into the 1950s split-level center, he was ready to build on the momentum he inherited.
The rest isn’t history—It’s happening now.
Supported by passionate FOCUS missionaries and enthusiastic student leaders, Fr. Mike began seeing even more students drawn to the Lord through the sacraments, retreats, and formation— resulting in conversion. His personal approach with the students and all who come to the Newman Center inseparably influences his preaching and the growing ministry and outreach happening both locally and far beyond the campus. His worldwide ministry has become the powerhouse it is today because of his dedication to the foundational ministry happening on campus.
BulldogCatholic was born to bring focus to the dynamic ministry efforts that were already stretching beyond the capacity of the small center and random facilities around campus. Even with this great success, the Holy Spirit wasn’t done. In the corner of the converted two-car garage that serves as the Duluth Newman chapel, Fr. Mike and his team set up a camera on a tripod to film and stream the Mass. It wouldn’t be long before the Holy Spirit used his distinctly personal approach to reach hundreds of millions, opening up the world to what was already happening at Duluth Newman.
Today, this vibrant community is bursting at the seams, drawing students from surrounding area colleges and even from across the country. But the limits of the Duluth Newman facilities are also inhibiting opportunities to welcome and reach souls with the love of Jesus.