Dear Students, Faculty, Staff and Community of The Catholic Center,

I first arrived at the Catholic Center at UVM in the summer of 2001, just before the rededication of the Center following a major Capital Campaign and expansion. For the next three years, I split my time between the Catholic Center during the academic year and the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, during the summer pursuing my studies in Canon Law.  Although I began to work full-time in the Chancery Office in 2005, I remained in residence at The Catholic Center until 2016; so in many ways I'm simply returning home. While I have retained my responsibilities as Vicar General of the Diocese of Burlington and will need to keep my regular office hours there during the work week, I am very excited to work again with the students from UVM and Champlain College. I have always found being with college students very rewarding.  I pray my ministerial experience will help me be an effective servant to those who come to The Catholic Center.  I assure you of my prayers and ask that you pray for me as I return to the Catholic Center.  Ultimately, we must remember that the Catholic Center is about Jesus Christ and proclaiming the Good News of salvation. That is why I am here to share and serve Jesus Christ.

May Our Lady, St. Joseph, St. Augustine and St. John Henry Newman pray for us and all we do.

In Christ,
Msgr. John McDermott, VG
Director/Chaplain