Rensselaer Catholic Community

Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni and Friends Supporting RPI with Arts, Faith and Community

Mission

The mission of the Rensselaer Catholic community is to serve the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, its students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends.

The parish of Christ Sun of Justice provides a Catholic home for spiritual and service opportunities.
The Chapel + Cultural Center is a center for arts, humanities, and worship.
The Newman Catholic Fellowship and Knights of Columbus council support and nurture the faith of Catholic RPI students.
The Chaplain’s Office serves the spiritual needs of the whole RPI community in an environment of ecumenical and interfaith respect and collaboration.

History

Today’s Rensselaer Catholic Community traces its beginnings to 1959, when Fr. Tom Phelan arrived at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. At the time, Catholic Masses were only available to RPI students monthly!

Since its inception, the Rensselaer Newman Foundation has provided a chaplain to RPI, who also serves as the leader of the Christ Sun of Justice parish. For nearly 30 years, Fr. Ed Kacergis served as chaplain and pastor, until his retirement in 2019.

Chaplain

Paulist Fr. Larry Rice, who joined the RPI community in 2021, has served in college ministry for decades. His experience includes directing campus ministries at the University of Texas at Austin and at the Ohio State University.

In between campus ministry postings, Fr. Larry has held key leadership positions with the Paulist Fathers, serving as their vocations director and first consultor.

Staff

Meet the team that helps bring the Rensselear Catholic community to life!

Rensselaer Newman Foundation

The inspiration for the Rensselaer Newman Foundation’s work lies in its motto “God is the Measure of All Things”. This simple statement directs all the efforts of the Foundation for RPI students and for the campus and community that nourishes and supports them.

Facilities

The Chapel + Cultural Center was conceived as a functional multi-purpose facility, drawing together the sacred and the secular, religious services and performing and visual arts, educational and social events.

Our unique building won awards and national recognition when it was erected in 1969 for its aesthetic and functional architecture. In 2011 it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, the “youngest” building to be so recognized.