Campus Ministry Spotlight
Debbie Veitenheimer
Director of Campus Ministry for the Midwestern State University (MSU) Catholic Campus Center (CCC) in Wichita Falls, Texas
Walking with Students—So No One Walks Alone
For more than two decades, Debbie Veitenheimer has been walking with college students during one of the most important transitions of their lives.
“I serve in the Diocese of Fort Worth as the Director of Campus Ministry at Midwestern State University,” Debbie shares. “I’ve had the blessing to be in that role for 24 years.”
That word—blessing—is not something Debbie uses lightly. For her, campus ministry is not a program to run. It’s sacred ground.
“To be given the opportunity to walk with students on their life and faith journey while in college is such a sacred and privileged place to be.”
What Campus Ministry Looks Like After High School
After graduation, many students leave behind the faith structures they’ve always known—youth group, confirmation class, familiar parishes. What they often don’t know is that campus ministry exists to become that next spiritual home.
At Midwestern State, Debbie helps create a space where students are known, welcomed, and invited into real relationship—with God and with one another.
Her campus community is beautifully diverse.
“I particularly enjoy having a very diverse population of students who come through our Catholic Campus Center from all across the world.”
Students come from Venezuela, Ecuador, Nigeria, Tanzania, Guatemala, Dominica—and many other places.
“Hearing what it is to be Catholic in Venezuela, Ecuador, Nigeria, Tanzania… is one of my favorite parts of ministry. With our Universal Church, the representation of that patchwork of cultures is truly sacred ground to walk along.”
This is campus ministry at its best: the Church, fully alive, right where students are.
The Power of Listening—and Belonging
If Debbie could give one piece of advice to campus ministers everywhere, it would be simple—and deeply countercultural.
“Listen. Listen well, listen hard, listen attentively to the students with whom you come in contact.”
She sees it every day: students longing to be heard, to belong, to be taken seriously.
“Each one has a story, and the need to be heard is larger now than ever before… Belonging and being heard are vital to their personal and spiritual growth.”
Out of that conviction came something beautifully simple: Tea Time with Debbie.
“Students can meet with me in person or over Zoom to talk and be prayed with. If in person, I do offer tea for us to enjoy.”
There’s no agenda. No pressure. Just presence.
“I give them space to feel heard, and I pray with their intentions with them. It’s simple, yet very life-giving they tell me.”
Staying Connected—Together
Campus ministry can feel isolating—not just for students, but for the ministers themselves. Debbie is honest about how meaningful connection with other campus ministers has been for her.
“The Newman Connection put on an absolutely fabulous retreat for Campus Ministers last spring that was incredibly spiritual and fruitful for me.”
She describes it as life-giving—especially the informal moments of prayer, conversation, and shared experience.
She also points to the role of Newman Connection and the Called app in helping campus ministers stay connected.
“There are little opportunities for campus ministers to interact with one another, pray for one another, or provide tips and share ideas. The group within the app is wonderful for that.”
For students, too, the impact is real.
“The Called app in general is my go-to app for my student community. It provides the interface I need for my students and our various ministries within our community.”
A Message for Students and Families
Debbie’s story is a reminder of an essential truth: leaving home doesn’t mean leaving faith behind.
Campus ministry exists so students don’t have to navigate college alone—spiritually or personally. There are people ready to listen. Ready to pray. Ready to walk alongside them.
And for Debbie, that’s the heart of it all.
“College students inspire me daily. To hear their stories and their challenges… it’s one of the greatest gifts of my life.”
Inspired by Debbie’s story?
Campus ministry is waiting—on campuses across the country—ready to welcome students by name and walk with them into their next chapter of faith.
