For many students, the transition to college brings freedom, new friendships, and new opportunities, but it can also challenge their faith in unexpected ways.
If you’ve ever wondered how to stay Catholic in college or how to find a Catholic community on campus, Lauren’s story shows just how important that connection can be.
Growing Up Catholic—But Feeling Disconnected
Lauren’s experience is one that many Catholic students can relate to:
“I grew up Catholic but not consistently practicing. We would go to mass but never speak about the faith at home or pray besides at dinner.”
Without a strong foundation, her faith slowly faded:
“Eventually, we stopped practicing all together except for when I would have mass at school.”
This is a reality for many students before they even step onto a college campus, making it even harder to stay Catholic in college without intentional support.
Searching for Happiness in High School and Beyond
Like so many young people, Lauren began searching for meaning in the world around her:
“In high school, I had a super hard time and was searching for happiness in friends and traveling and getting to do cool things. I thought that once I had true friends I would be happy.”
This kind of search often continues into college, where students are still trying to answer deeper questions about identity, purpose, and belonging.
Finding Christian Community in College—But Still Feeling Something Missing
Lauren encountered Christ before college and quickly got involved in a strong Christian community:
“Eventually, I found my way to Christ my senior year and then came to college. At college, I got super involved in a christian ministry and got an amazing community, and it felt like all my prayers had been answered finally.”
From the outside, it looked like everything she needed. But internally, something wasn’t right:
“But things started to feel super dry and I couldn’t pray… something was missing.”
This is where many students find themselves—connected, but still longing for something deeper in their faith.
Rediscovering the Eucharist: The Difference in the Catholic Faith
Lauren began to recognize what was missing:
“I needed the Eucharist and conviction of Catholicism.”
Through the support of a missionary, she attended the SEEK Conference — a turning point in her faith journey.
“For the first 2 days, I was questioning if I wanted to be Catholic, and why being Protestant was wrong.”
But everything changed during Eucharistic adoration:
“At the big adoration night, I realized the trueness of the Eucharist and have been super devoted to my Catholic faith ever since.”
Her story highlights a truth many students discover: the Eucharist is central to staying rooted in the Catholic faith, especially during college.
How to Find a Catholic Community in College
Lauren didn’t return to the Catholic Church alone:
“Without my missionary paying for me, or my friends praying for me, I don’t know if I would have found my way back when I did.”
Now, her Catholic community is essential to her daily life:
“Now, the Catholic community here is something that is so important to me and something that calls me higher and lifts me up every day.”
This is why finding a Catholic campus ministry or Newman Center is so important. It’s not just about attending Mass — it’s about being known, supported, and challenged to grow.
Why Catholic Campus Ministry Matters More Than Ever
Lauren’s story reflects what so many students experience:
- Feeling lost in faith in college
- Searching for happiness in friendships or experiences
- Finding community—but still desiring deeper truth
- Rediscovering the Catholic Church through the Eucharist
Without a clear path to finding a Catholic community on campus, many students drift away. But when they get connected, everything can change.
Get Connected to a Catholic Community
Every student deserves the chance to experience a faith that is alive, a community that supports them, and a deeper relationship with Christ.
Looking to stay Catholic in college?
Find a Catholic campus ministry or Newman Center and get connected.
Want to help students like Lauren?
Support Newman Connection’s mission to connect students to a Catholic community where they can grow in faith and belong.
