Every student’s faith journey looks a little different, but each one reminds us why connection matters.

For Maria, faith has always been a part of her story.

“I was born and raised Catholic, and my faith has always been a big part of my life. I started getting involved in church when I was really young—first in the choir, then as an altar server. I thought it was so cool.”

In 2022, Maria attended her very first youth retreat.

“It helped me understand what it truly means to love God and have a relationship with Him,” she said.

That retreat sparked something deep in her heart, but like so many young Catholics, Maria soon faced a season of distance.

“I didn’t lose my faith, but I didn’t feel close to God the way I used to,” she recalled. “When my sisters left for college, I started feeling really lonely without them.”

Then, one Easter visit to her sisters in Pennsylvania changed everything.

“We went to their Catholic Student Center, and during prayer, I felt Jesus’ presence so strongly, like He was hugging me and telling me everything would be okay.”

That night, Maria went to confession. The priest quietly pushed a box of tissues toward her as she cried, a small, sacred reminder that God meets us in our tears.

“Afterward, during adoration, I felt such peace. I knew my sins were forgiven, and I felt His love again.”

Since then, Maria’s faith has continued to grow stronger. She joined a Bible study, started reading Scripture daily, and began journaling about the saints.

“Even when I drift away or feel weak, God never leaves me,” she said. “He’s always waiting with open arms, I just have to keep reaching for Him.”

Why Maria’s Story Matters

Maria’s journey captures what the Newman Connection is all about: helping students connect to their Catholic community so they never feel alone in their faith.

Your support makes that possible. When you give to Newman Connection, you help connect students like Maria to campus ministries where they can rediscover God’s love, find community, and grow in faith.

Faith Forward Movement

We’re on a mission to connect 1 million students to their Catholic faith after high school. Each story like Maria’s brings us one step closer to that goal. Your gift helps write the next chapter of someone’s faith story.