When Katherine arrived at San José State University, faith wasn’t at the center of her life — but something inside her was stirring.

“It had been about six months since I started to become curious about my faith again,” she shared. “I read a lot of blogs, bought a Bible, started going back to Mass — and even though I was anxious, I decided to throw myself into a Christian group.”

Like many students searching for meaning and community, she attended her campus Student Organization Fair and spoke with several Christian ministries. One of them was the San José State Newman Center.

At first, she tried a different ministry’s Bible study. But something was missing.

“They didn’t have Mass,” she said. “After a few weeks and a retreat, I knew it wasn’t the right fit.”

Soon after, she received an invitation to the Newman Center’s all-women’s Bible study — and everything changed.

“The immediate welcome I received was unlike any other. It wasn’t forced or made up; there was genuine interest and kindness, and they met me where I was.”

From that moment, her senior year was transformed. Surrounded by authentic Catholic friendship and spiritual guidance, she experienced her faith in a new way:

• She was re-catechized and learned the richness of Catholic teaching.
• She attended her first SEEK conference and her first Adoration.
• She found joy and humor in meeting “many funny priests.”

“I was shown the fullness of Christ’s love in these perfectly imperfect people,” she said.

After graduation, that experience didn’t end — it multiplied. She returned home to serve as a First Communion catechist, joined a young adult fraternity group, and is preparing to help lead a retreat this November.

“All I hope for is to continue being a light,” she said. “I couldn’t be here without my friends from the Newman Center.”

Her story is one of thousands made possible by Newman Connection donors who help ensure Catholic students don’t have to navigate college alone.

Because of you, students like Katherine are finding faith, friendship, and purpose — and becoming the next generation of Catholic leaders.

Every gift connects a student to their Catholic home.
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