For the past fifteen years, Kelly delaRosa has been accompanying college students in their journey of faith in the Diocese of Beaumont.

Her path into campus ministry began in a different role. Kelly first joined the diocese as an administrative assistant supporting Youth, Campus, Criminal Justice, and Vocations ministries. Within a year, she was invited to step into campus ministry.

It did not take long for her to realize she had found her calling.

“I immediately fell in love with the ministry,” Kelly says.

For Kelly, campus ministry is deeply personal. As a young person, she encountered the joy of Christ through her own ministry. Now she hopes to offer that same experience to the next generation.

“It gives me the chance to share and give students the same opportunity to feel the joy of Christ’s love that I experienced when I was younger.”

Over the years, she has watched countless students grow in faith and confidence.

“Walking with our students on this journey has been a beautiful and humbling experience. They lead me closer to Christ and strengthen my relationship with Him every day.”

Invest in Students First

After years in ministry, Kelly has learned that the most important investment is time.

“Invest your time in the students,” she says. “Getting to know them one on one builds trust and helps them grow.”

But she also believes students should not only participate in ministry. They should help lead it.

“Sometimes in the Church we ask young adults to move tables, clean up, or pick up trash. Instead, why not give them something to lead?”

Kelly encourages campus ministers to entrust real responsibility to students. Invite them to plan events. Encourage their ideas. Recognize their gifts.

“Acknowledge their talents and what makes them special. Whether it is music, public speaking, listening, or teaching others, make it known that they are seen.”

When students are trusted with leadership, they begin to see that they truly belong in the life of the Church.

Creating a Welcoming Community

Kelly describes her campus ministry as small and unique, but deeply welcoming.

The ministry hosts a variety of gatherings throughout the year, from sports events to monthly praise and worship nights. One of the most popular traditions is Tuesday Mass, followed by free lunch, a time when students can gather, pray, and simply spend time together.

Another favorite event is the annual Priest versus Cardinals volleyball game, which brings the community together with plenty of laughter and friendly competition.

“We are known for hosting a variety of events,” Kelly explains. “If we can get someone through the door through something that interests them, that is a start to plant the seed.”

Every invitation is an opportunity. Every event is a doorway to encounter Christ.

Growing Community One Small Group at a Time

Some of the ministry's strongest growth has come through small gatherings.

“Small group community and consistency have been working well,” Kelly says.

Men’s and women’s nights began with just a few students but are slowly growing into something bigger. Small Bible studies and the OCIA community are also helping build deeper relationships among students.

“These small events are building stability and strong, welcoming relationships that keep students coming back.”

Sometimes the most powerful ministry does not happen in large crowds but in quiet conversations and faithful friendships.

Navigating the Challenges of a Commuter Campus

Like many campus ministers, Kelly faces practical challenges. The school she serves is primarily a commuter campus, meaning many students leave immediately after classes to return home or go to work.

“Finding the right time for events can be challenging,” she says. “We are constantly trying to find ways to accommodate work and school schedules.”

Flexibility and creativity are essential. But even with those challenges, the ministry continues to grow because students know they are welcomed and valued.

Strengthened Through Partnership

Over the years, Kelly has found meaningful support through Newman.

“The Newman Connection has been a great resource for me,” she says.

Workshops, webinars, and leadership training have helped her refine how she forms student leaders. Just as important has been the encouragement she receives as a ministry leader.

“They take time for campus ministers to meet their needs and really care about them on a personal level. It has really been the support I needed over the last couple of years.”

Campus ministry can sometimes feel lonely. Having a community of leaders walking the same path makes all the difference.

Planting Seeds That Last

Kelly’s ministry is rooted in something simple but powerful: presence, trust, and leadership.

Spend time with students.
Invite them to lead.
Recognize their gifts.
Create spaces where they feel welcome.

When those things happen, faith begins to grow.

For Kelly delaRosa, watching students discover Christ for themselves remains one of the greatest blessings of her life.

Help Newman Connection connect high school students to Catholic Campus Ministers like Kelly. Donate today.