For many Catholic students, college is where faith is tested.  New schedules. New friendships. New independence. And often, no clear connection to a Catholic community.

Studies consistently show that many young adults drift away from their faith during college. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

For Catherine at Lafayette College, college wasn’t where her Catholic faith faded. It’s where it grew.

Her story shows exactly why Newman Centers and the mission of Newman Connection matter so much.

Growing Up Catholic, But Making Faith Her Own in College

“I grew up in a Catholic family. Catholicism and Jesus’ message were always around,” Catherine shares.

Her home wasn’t culturally Catholic; faith shaped daily life:

“It wasn’t just mass and saying grace before meals. Jesus’ message was present in my household: treat all with love and respect.”

But like many Catholic students entering college, her prayer life wasn’t yet deeply personal.

“When I was younger, I did not pray as much as I do now.”

College became the turning point.

The Impact of a Newman Center on Campus

Many families search for questions like:

• How do Catholic students stay Catholic in college?
• Is there a Catholic campus ministry at my child’s university?
• How can students find a Newman Center near them?

For Catherine, the answer was simple: get involved in the Newman community.

“Being part of Newman community at my college has helped me grow in my faith.”

At Lafayette College, the Newman Center wasn’t just a place to attend Mass. It was a living Catholic campus ministry.

“I feel like the community is amazing and I didn’t have a community similar to it at home: always having many events and being able to help make it happen and being an important part of the community.”

That last line matters.

Students don’t just want to attend. They want to belong.

Newman Centers help Catholic students:

• Build authentic Catholic friendships
• Stay rooted in the sacraments
• Develop daily prayer habits
• Take leadership roles in ministry
• Live their faith confidently on secular campuses

For Catherine, that meant deepening her personal prayer life.

“I find that praying helps me be more mindful of Jesus’ message. I also am saying the rosary every day which helps me feel closer to Mary.”

Daily Rosary. Intentional prayer. Active participation in Catholic campus ministry.

That’s what happens when students are connected.

“I love my Newman family at Lafayette College.”

Why Catholic Students Drift in College And How Connection Changes That

Many Catholic students arrive on campus never having been personally invited into campus ministry.

They don’t know:

• Where Mass is held
• Who the campus minister is
• How to join a Bible study
• How to meet other Catholic students

Without connection, faith can slowly become optional.

With connection, faith becomes stronger.

That’s why Newman Centers are essential at public universities and private colleges alike. They provide a visible, vibrant Catholic presence where students can continue practicing and growing in their faith during college.

But students can’t join what they don’t know exists.

The Mission of Newman Connection

Newman Connection exists to make sure Catholic students don’t slip through the cracks during the transition from high school to college.

Before students even step on campus, Newman Connection helps:

• Connect graduating seniors to their campus Newman Center
• Introduce them to Catholic campus ministry leaders
• Ensure they receive personal invitations
• Strengthen the bridge between parishes and college ministries

Instead of hoping students “find” Catholic community, Newman Connection ensures they are known.

Catherine’s story is proof of what happens when students are connected: Faith doesn’t disappear in college. It deepens.

Help More Catholic Students Keep Their Faith in College

Right now, thousands of Catholic students are preparing to leave for college.

Some will find a Newman Center. Some won’t — unless someone makes the connection.

Your gift to Newman Connection helps:

• Connect students to Catholic campus ministries nationwide
• Strengthen Newman Centers at universities across the country
• Support students as they grow in prayer and leadership
• Ensure faith becomes lifelong — not left behind in high school

Catherine found her Newman family. Help the next student find theirs.

Donate today and help Catholic students stay rooted in their faith during college.