The people we meet can change the direction of our lives.

For Aaron, it started with one invitation from a friend. That invitation led him to a Catholic youth group, an encounter with Jesus, and a community that continues to strengthen his faith.

Stories like Aaron's are why Newman Connection's Faith Forward movement exists. Every Catholic student deserves a faith community that helps them grow closer to Christ — both before and during college.

One Invitation Led to Everything

Aaron remembers a time when he felt lost and broken.

"I was very lost and broken at one point in my life but one day my friend invited me to a youth program our church had and i started going."

Like many students, Aaron didn't immediately dive into everything his parish had to offer. But there was one thing that kept bringing him back.

"The community kept me going."

Sometimes faith begins with belonging. Before someone fully understands the Church or feels confident in their faith, they need people who welcome them, walk alongside them, and remind them they are not alone.

An Encounter with Jesus That Changed His Life

Aaron's faith took a deeper turn during a retreat to Steubenville LoneStar in Irving, Texas.

It was there, during Adoration, that he experienced a personal encounter with Jesus.

"I encountered Jesus during Adoration, since then it changed my life."

That moment became the beginning of a new chapter.

Aaron began learning more about the Catholic Church, growing in his relationship with Christ, and becoming more involved in his parish community.

His story reminds us that a Catholic community doesn't replace an encounter with Jesus—it often creates the space where that encounter can happen.

Why Catholic Community Matters for Students

Looking back, Aaron knows exactly what made the difference.

"Our churches community is so beautiful and it helps so many people feel welcomed and loved, and it leads the closer to Christ."

That's what every Catholic community should strive to be: a place where people are welcomed, loved, and encouraged to grow closer to Christ.

It's also why staying connected to a Catholic community during major life transitions is so important.

The Importance of Staying Connected to Your Faith in College

For many students, the transition from high school to college is exciting—but it can also be one of the most challenging times for their faith.

Students leave behind the parish, youth group, and mentors they've known for years. Without a plan to connect to a Catholic campus ministry, it's easy to feel isolated or disconnected from the Church.

That's where Newman Connection comes in.

Through the Faith Forward movement, Newman Connection helps connect graduating high school seniors with a Catholic campus ministry before they even arrive on campus. Instead of starting college wondering where they'll find community, students can begin their next chapter already knowing there's a place waiting to welcome them.

Just as Aaron's friend invited him into a life-changing community, Faith Forward helps ensure every student receives that same invitation when they begin college.

Every Student Deserves a Catholic Community

Aaron's story shows that one invitation can change everything.

A welcoming community led him to Christ. An encounter with Jesus transformed his life. And faithful people continued walking with him as he grew.

Imagine if every Catholic student experienced that same support when they left for college.

That's the vision behind the Faith Forward movement.

By connecting students to a Catholic campus ministry before move-in day, we can help more young adults build friendships rooted in faith, continue growing in the Church, and discover a community that will walk with them throughout college.

Because no student should have to search for their faith community alone.

They should arrive knowing one is already waiting.

Ready to help the next generation stay connected to their Catholic faith in college? Join the Faith Forward movement and help connect every graduating senior to their Catholic campus ministry before they step on campus.