On July 31, 2025, the Vatican made an announcement that sent waves through the Catholic world:
St. John Henry Newman will officially be named a Doctor of the Church.

For us at Newman Connection, the news couldn’t feel more personal or more powerful.

Who Was St. John Henry Newman?
St. John Henry Newman (1801–1890) was a brilliant theologian, preacher, and writer. A former Anglican priest who converted to Catholicism, he became one of the Church’s most important voices in the modern era. He believed that faith and reason go hand in hand and that young people, especially university students, need formation, truth, and community to navigate the tensions of modern life.

He once wrote, "God has created me to do Him some definite service." That belief shaped everything he did. And it's the foundation of our mission today.

What Does It Mean to Be a Doctor of the Church?
The title Doctor of the Church is one of the highest honors in Catholic tradition. It’s reserved for saints whose teachings have made a lasting impact on the universal Church.

There are only 37 Doctors of the Church in history. Now, St. John Henry Newman will be the 38th.  

The news was announced July 31, in a statement from the Holy See Press Office: Pope Leo XIV has “confirmed the affirmative opinion of the Plenary Session of Cardinals and Bishops, Members of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, regarding the title of Doctor of the Universal Church, which will soon be conferred on Saint John Henry Newman.”

Why This Matters for Today’s Students
Young people today face a world filled with noise, confusion, and isolation. Many leave for college or military service and feel unanchored in their faith. The Church can feel distant. Their parish feels far away. And often, no one reaches out.

That's where Newman Connection comes in.

Inspired by St. John Henry Newman, we exist to connect students with vibrant Catholic communities before they arrive on campus. Whether they’re headed to college, joining the military, or starting work in a new city, we make sure they don’t make the journey alone.

Because we believe what St. John Henry Newman believed: that each soul matters. That each person is called to something greater. And that the Church must meet people where they are.

Our Mission, Made Urgent
With more than 500 ministry partners and thousands of students connected each year, Newman Connection is building bridges between faith and real life, just like our namesake did.

But we can’t do it alone.

As we celebrate this milestone in the Church, we invite you to be part of the mission:

➤ Connect a Student
Know someone heading off to college, military service, or a new job in a new city? Help them find their Catholic community before they leave home.

➤ Give to Support the Mission
Your gift helps us keep St. John Henry Newman’s legacy alive by connecting the next generation to their faith when they need it most.

Let’s honor St. John Henry Newman not just with words, but with action.

The Church called him a Doctor. We call him our inspiration. Together, let’s keep building the Church he envisioned: one student, one connection, and one community at a time.