PARISH TO RUN CSUN CENTER ARCHDIOCESE QUIT FUNDING.

Byline: - Lisa M. Sodders

Because of budget problems, the Los Angeles Archdiocese is shuttering six college ministries - including one serving California State University, Northridge - but members of a local parish have vowed to keep the CSUN center open.

In addition to the Newman Center at CSUN, the archdiocese has closed such centers at Claremont College and at California State University campuses at Long Beach, Pomona, Los Angeles and Dominguez Hills.

The centers, where Catholic students go for Mass, spiritual formation activities, service projects and social events, were closed last month because of a $4.3 million deficit related to the poorly performing stock market, archdiocese spokesman Tod Tamberg said.

``Even though this is an unfortunate situation, we very much hope they can look at what the most essential and important parts of campus ministry are, that feed them spiritually, and find ways to keep that aspect alive,'' he said.

Closing of the campus ministries came after the high-profile departure of five top church executives. Archdiocese officials have insisted that the resignations - made public Nov. 1 - are unrelated to budget problems and major spending on the new downtown cathedral.

At CSUN, students have protested the closure of the Newman Center with peaceful demonstrations and a formal resolution objecting to the Oct. 18 layoff of Patricia Boroughs, the center's director.