News

This is the place to learn about the latest things going on at the Newman Center! 

See the latest on the New Roman Missal

Introducing Fr. Joe Ciccone, C.S.P.

To All of You,

I am honored and excited to be joining the dynamic ministry that I sense present at St. Thomas More Newman Center! Fr. Larry Rice has my admiration and gratitude. As the torch is passed, we continue the great things that his leadership has provided, and pledge our prayer support as he takes on the responsibilities of First Consultor for the Paulist Fathers. It will be great to work with Fr. Chuck and Fr. Vinny, and be able to again see Fr. Dave O’Brien, who has been so much a part of your Catholic community.

Transitions are always challenging. In the rhythms of
Paulist mission, you would think we Paulists would get used to moving from place to place. Well, not really. There are wonderful people you work and
connect with, and before you know it, it’s time to move on. Yet, it does keep things fresh and energized.

Now, what about the new guy? Well, I’m originally from New York - Brooklyn, to be exact (although most of my family is now in New Jersey). I discovered the Paulist Fathers after a seven year career as an art director for a major New York advertising firm on Madison Avenue. I had received my undergraduate degree from Pratt Institute, majoring in communication design, so thinking visually and creatively is just part of who I am.

I joined the Paulists in 1983 and went through the novitiate and seminary with Fr. Larry. We were ordained together in May of 1989 at St. Paul the Apostle in Manhattan, the largest ordination class (7) in recent Paulist memory!

For 12 years I’ve enjoyed working with college students and faculty in Paulist campus ministry parishes. I served first in Clemson, S.C., and then in Boulder, Colo. It was while I was in Colorado that I learned to ski at the age of 40! How could I resist in the beauty of the Rocky Mountains? Then, after a sabbatical year in Chicago, I joined the staff of the Paulist Center in Boston. Since 2005, I’ve been serving as the pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, an historic downtown church in Knoxville, Tenn.

So, as I give over Tennessee Orange for Buckeye Red, I look forward to connecting with new folks and working with the incredible staff at the Newman Center. I know, too, of the great group of Paulist Associates there in Columbus. As we come to know each other, we can learn new ways to carry on the Catholic mission of the Body of Christ at Ohio State, letting those red banners remind us of the Holy Spirit’s fire. I’m so excited to be returning to campus ministry and for the opportunities that lie ahead. I know we all have lots of questions, but I know too that there are many gifts and experiences to share. I trust I can bring you the best of who I am.

I’ve got to admit that I’ve probably sounded like a New Yoowhker, even while greeting East Tennesseans with, “How y’alls doin?” So for now, until we meet, why don’t I just say…

“God bless, and go Bucks!”

Fr. Joe Ciccone, C.S.P.

Check out the weekly bulletin, quarterly newsletter, and upcoming events.