The start of a new year invites reflection. We think about where we’ve been, where we’re headed, and who we want to become. For many young adults, it’s also a season filled with quiet questions about faith, belonging, and purpose.

Madison’s story reminds us that faith doesn’t always begin with certainty or perfect knowledge. Sometimes, it begins with a longing, a desire for God and a place to belong, and the courage to keep showing up.

“I’ve gone all my life believing in God but not having a community to express my belief.”

Madison grew up with Catholic roots, but without a consistent connection to the Church. “Both my parents grew up Catholic,” she shares. “One going to Latin Mass, the other regular Mass.” Over time, those roots became distant. Her father declared himself an atheist in high school. Her mother drifted from her faith. Though her brother was baptized Catholic, Madison was not.

Still, faith lingered.

“I would beg my mom to take me to church, any church, but it always came down to we didn’t have the time.”

For years, Madison carried belief without belonging. She believed in God, but without a parish, a community, or someone to walk alongside her, faith felt like something she held alone.

That all changed when she arrived on campus at the University of Alabama.

Showing Up, Even When You Feel Out of Place

College is often a fresh start, and for Madison, it was the first time she chose to seek out faith on her own.

“I start attending Mass feeling out of place because I didn’t know the prayers like everyone else.”

Walking into Mass for the first time wasn’t easy. Like so many students, Madison worried about not knowing enough, not fitting in, and not belonging. But she kept going.

She joined a Bible study and met someone who would change everything.

“I joined a Bible study and met my best friend. We attend Mass together every Sunday. She helps me with any questions I have.”

That simple act, someone sitting beside her, answering questions, walking with her, made all the difference. Faith became shared. Church became less intimidating. And community began to form.

Community That Changes Everything

Madison’s parish continued to open doors she didn’t even know she was ready to walk through.

“Then I go on a retreat that my parish holds. I met so many welcoming people, and now my closest friends, who helped me strengthen my faith.”

Retreats, friendships, and consistent invitations drew her deeper. She began attending adoration every Wednesday. She learned the Rosary. Her faith wasn’t rushed or forced — it was nurtured.

“Receiving all of the sacraments has been such a blessing in my life.”

When she attended the retreat again the following spring, Madison met Maxwell, another student who had recently entered the Church himself.

“He goes to OCIA and just got baptized and confirmed himself. He invites me to go so I can do the same.”

Saying Yes, Even Without Having It All Figured Out

Madison hesitated. 

“I was apprehensive. I felt like I didn’t know enough about Catholicism to actually be Catholic.”

It’s a fear many students share, the feeling that faith requires expertise before commitment. But Madison took a leap anyway.

“But I went anyway, and I learned.” That yes led to one of the most transformative moments of her life.

“That year’s Easter Vigil, I got baptized and confirmed.” She describes that moment with powerful clarity.

“Receiving the Body and Blood of Christ for the very first time was so healing, and I felt free of all my sins and revived into a whole other person.”

Faith That Keeps Moving Forward

Madison’s story doesn’t end with perfection. It ends with commitment. “I work on being a better Christian every day.”

She still wrestles with doubt. She still wonders if she knows enough. But she keeps learning. She keeps praying. She keeps showing up.

“I still struggle with not thinking I know enough to be Catholic, but I’m learning something new every day and pray that feeling goes away.”

And now, she’s paying it forward — inviting others the same way she was invited.

“I strive to be like Maxwell with others, getting them to the Church, and helping them take those steps.”

Why Madison’s Story Matters

Madison didn’t grow up immersed in parish life. However, she had a desire for God, and she had access to a Catholic community on campus that welcomed her, walked with her, and helped her discover where she truly belonged.

This is why Newman Connection exists.

Every year, thousands of students arrive on campus, believing in God but lacking a sense of community, just like Madison once did. When they’re connected to a Newman Center or Catholic campus ministry, everything can change.

As we begin this new year, Madison’s story invites us to reflect: Who might be longing for faith and a sense of belonging right now? And how can we help make that connection possible?

Your generosity makes stories like Madison’s possible. By supporting Newman Connection, you help ensure that no student has to walk their faith journey alone.

Together, we can help more young adults begin their year and their lives on a faith-forward path.