For many students, college is a time of searching — new classes, new friendships, and new questions about who they are and what they believe. For Delaney, that search became a journey of faith that led her to a place she never expected: the Catholic Church.

“Before I started college, visiting St. Augustine gave me a glimpse of Catholicism that felt unexpectedly powerful,” Delaney shares. “Coming from a Methodist background, I hadn’t anticipated feeling such a connection, but it planted a seed that grew once I arrived on campus.”

That seed didn’t grow on its own. When Delaney arrived at college, she found a place where curiosity could turn into conviction and questions could be met with compassion: the Catholic Newman Center.

“The Catholic Newman Center became the space where that seed could flourish,” she says.

A Place to Ask Questions—and Be Known

Delaney had felt a pull toward her faith for years, but she knew something was missing.

“For a couple of years now, I’ve felt a call into my faith, but I knew I wasn’t in the right place,” she explains. “I was born and raised Methodist, but early this year, I visited St. Augustine and felt an immediate pull to Catholicism.”

Once college began, the Newman Center became her anchor.

“Since college started, I’ve had the Newman Center as a guiding light,” Delaney says. “All the amazing people have encouraged me through the OCIA process and been truly in my corner the entire time.”

What made the difference wasn’t just programs or events; it was people who noticed her, walked with her, and took her faith seriously.

“Everyone welcomed me warmly and helped me learn not just about Catholic beliefs, but about living a faith-filled life,” she shares. “They patiently answer my questions, encourage me to attend Mass, and celebrate each step of my spiritual journey.”

Finding Friendship in Faith

Beyond spiritual growth, the Newman Center also gave Delaney something many college students long for: real community.

“The center also helped me build friendships, something I’ve been struggling with,” she admits. “Through Bible study and dinners after Mass, I’ve found people who understand, support, and care for me.”

Those relationships changed how the campus felt day to day.

“Those relationships made campus feel less lonely and more like a community I belonged to,” Delaney says.

Faith Forward, Life Changed

Through the guidance, mentorship, and friendships she found at the Newman Center, Delaney’s college experience has been transformed.

“Through the guidance and connections I found at the Newman Center, I haven’t just grown in Catholicism; I discovered a sense of home, support, and friendship that is shaping my first years of college in ways I never expected!”

Looking back, she’s sure of one thing: “I don’t know where I’d be without them.”

Why Faith Forward Stories Matter

Delaney’s story is one of thousands. Every year, students arrive on campus searching for belonging, truth, and community. Newman Connection exists to make sure they don’t have to search alone, connecting students to Catholic campus ministries where faith can grow and lives can change.

Help More Students Find Home

Stories like Delaney’s are only possible because of generous supporters who believe in the mission of Newman Connection. Your gift helps connect students to campus ministries where they can be known, supported, and formed in their faith during some of the most critical years of their lives.

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