Brendan Worobel ’26 and his twin sister Nicole ’26, seniors from Holmdel, New Jersey, found a home at the University’s Catholic Center. There, they found a welcoming community that helped them settle into life at Syracuse.

Brendan began attending Mass during his first year. Through the years, more of his friends, including his brothers from Theta Chi fraternity, have joined him for Mass and activities each week.

“It is incredible to see how big the community has grown,” says Brendan, a triple major in finance, business analytics and economics. “This community is one of my favorite things about being at this school.”

The Worobels are part of a remarkable surge in participation within the University Catholic community that has transformed the Catholic Center’s 110 Walnut Place location.

Weekend Masses now draw close to 400 people, while Thursday Mass and fellowship dinners attract 130 attendees—numbers that overwhelmed the previous all-purpose room with its makeshift chair setup.

And now the increase in attendance has led to answered prayers.

Honoring the Past in the Present

A transformational gift from Life Trustee and alumnus Daniel D’Aniello ’68, H’20 and his wife, Gayle, through the Forever Orange campaign supported the construction of a new chapel and renovations to modernize and expand the building. The new chapel was blessed and dedicated Nov. 5 by Bishop Douglas Lucia of the Diocese of Syracuse, marking a milestone for the community that dates back to 1908.

The renovations include thoughtful personal touches: a large outdoor column at the front illuminates in colors corresponding to the Catholic church’s liturgical season, stained glass salvaged from the former chapel and a painting of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Eucharistic Chapel dedicated to Beatrice D’Aniello, Daniel D’Aniello’s mother.

Serving the Needs of the Community

For Nicole, a biotechnology major, being able to share her faith with her twin brother has been one of the most meaningful parts of her college experience.

“The Catholic Center has given us a space to continue living out the values we grew up with, and to support each other as we navigate this new chapter in our lives,” she says.

Members of the Catholic community will tell you that the growth in Mass attendance, service outreach and fellowship activities can be attributed to Father Gerry Waterman, OFM Conv., the University’s Catholic chaplain since 2016.

“Father Gerry has created such a vibrant and diverse community of Catholic students and has created an environment where students like me feel comfortable and excited to deepen their faith in God,” says Blake Stevens ’27, a data analytics and business analytics major from Chester, New Jersey, and president of Theta Chi.

The growth, while celebrated, strained the physical capabilities of the Catholic Center building. In addition to Masses, sandwiches for the local community are prepared once a month, and numerous activities such as service outreach planning, Bible study and Christian initiation preparation programs are regularly held.

The renovations have resulted in a proper chapel for the celebration of Mass and other sacraments, as well as space to support the community’s outreach and fellowship activities.

Numerous donors, local contractors and the University’s Office of Campus Planning, Design and Construction were integral to the project.

“What a blessing to open the doors to our new Catholic Center and chapel—a sacred space where faith, community and belonging come together,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “I am grateful to Father Gerry Waterman for nurturing our students, and to the extraordinary generosity of Life Trustee Dan D’Aniello, and his wife, Gayle. Their transformative gift has made this vision a reality for generations to come.”

Fostering Important Work

A gift from alumna Judith Pistaki Zelisko ’72 and her husband, Paul, enabled renovations to the building’s study lounge and library. She has fond memories of her four years on campus, during which the Catholic Center played a significant role.

“My hope is that the study lounge and library, which my husband and I support, will become a haven for students, a place for study and scholarship, but also a place for reflection,” she says.

The transformed physical space helps to foster the important work that goes on inside the building. Waterman, now in his 10th and final year as chaplain, has worked to feed his students spiritually and physically.

“If you like something, you want to share it with somebody else. I attribute our growth to that,” he says.

Jessica Gutierrez ’26, a computer science major from Los Angeles, has been involved in the Catholic Center since her first year and currently serves as president of the Catholic Student Association.

“The Catholic Center has helped me transform, both spiritually and personally, giving me a sense of belonging and purpose,” she says. “With its welcoming design and expanded opportunities for gathering, reflection and service, the new Catholic Center will be an even better place for students to grow in faith and connection.”