College students are made for eternal life in Christ, yet many of them are falling away from it. At the Newman Center, everything we do is to help students encounter Christ and be formed as missionary disciples. According to the Pew Research Center, 79% of those who walk away from the Catholic faith do so by the age of 23. In my experience, even students who were very involved in their Catholic high schools and youth groups struggle to maintain their faith in college. Yet, when students grow in discipleship in college, they don’t just “stay” Catholic, but begin to share their faith on campus, and after graduation in their parishes and communities.
When I first arrived at the Newman Center, I was told that there were hopes and plans to build a new facility because the current one was inadequate in serving the growing student population. After 11 years, I am excited to finally share with you that THE TIME IS NOW.
While we find ourselves living in uncertain times, we know that God does not move us to action by fear, but faith. He is always at work, inviting us to trust in Him. With our eyes on Him, we look to the future with hope. Our needs have not gone away and our supporters are still as willing as ever to help make this vision for a new Newman Center a reality.
If we are going to succeed, we must respond to this unique opportunity together. There are students who will not have a chance to know eternal life in Christ if we do not act. Together we can give them a home where they can encounter Christ, build faith-filled friendships, and be formed as missionary disciples. We look to the future with hope. I invite you to join me in this campaign so that together we can be a light on a hill, forming missionary disciples for generations.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Matthew D. Lowry
Chaplain-Director