For students at Newman University, Campus Ministry is more than an office located on the first floor of Sacred Heart Hall. It’s an entryway for deepening faith and friendship in a unique college setting.
With the help of Newman Chaplain Father Ed Herzog and Assistant Director of Campus Ministry Anna Engel, students have built a community centered on Christ’s love through monthly events and off-campus opportunities. They’ve also grown not only in personal prayer, but also in service to their communities through travel, including a winter trip to New York and a spring break service trip to New Mexico.
Encountering faith in the heart of New York City
Twenty students traveled Feb. 13-15 to New York City for the New York Encounter, a national Catholic conference focused on faith in the modern world.
For Grace Hertel, a sophomore diagnostic medical sonography major, the trip offered both intellectual and spiritual growth.
“I was excited to get to hear about Catholicism and how it applied to real-world present issues,” she said. “I was able to learn a lot, that changed a lot about how I viewed things.”
Beyond the conference, students explored the city together and visited landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the Empire State Building and the St. Francis Cabrini Shrine.
But it was a simple moment underground that stood out most.
“One moment I’ll always remember was on our way to see the Statue of Liberty at night,” Hertel said. “We ended up praying night prayer out loud together while still on the subway. It showed me how God can shine in ordinary moments, especially through community.”
Service in New Mexico
Students traveled March 14-18 during spring break to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where faith and service went hand in hand.
Each day began with morning prayer and ended with night prayer. Mass and additional opportunities for prayer were woven throughout the schedule. In between, students worked with Habitat for Humanity and served individuals in need, while also sharing meals and moments of rest together.
“It was community building, full of laughter, hard work and many memories,” Hertel said. “We would take random walks to the park down the road. We hopped in the pool many times and were able to pray and say Mass together multiple times during the trip.”
Students assisted with projects ranging from yardwork to assembling furniture and home repairs, including helping an elderly woman with renovations.
“Our service benefited not only us, but also Habitat for Humanity, and all of their customers,” Hertel said. “Service is important to faith because it’s where faith becomes real and active.”
Thomas Schawe, a junior philosophy for theological studies major from Hutchinson, Kansas, said the experience reinforced both his vocational goals and sense of community.
“Campus Ministry has helped my faith life by being a community that can have a ton of fun together while drawing each other towards the heart of Christ,” Schawe said. “It has enhanced my college experience because of that community.”
One of Schawe’s favorite memories came early in the trip.
“One of my favorite memories is building a gazebo with some of the other guys and Fr. Ed on the first day of doing service work,” he said.
Outside of service, students bonded through shared activities like cooking, games, swimming and karaoke — and created memories to cherish beyond their years at Newman.
Building prayerful community
Whether they’re traveling on the road or chatting enthusiastically on a couch in the Campus Ministry office, Newman students lean into opportunities to connect and deepen their spiritual growth.
Unique initiatives like Metanoia, Newman’s Catholic on-campus living community, collaborative events with student organizations and inclusive programming create an environment where all students feel welcome, regardless of background.
“Campus Ministry’s events are something that I will never worry about inviting non-Catholics to because I know they will always be welcomed,” Hertel said.
Schawe, who spends time in the Campus Ministry office multiple times each week, said the environment is what sets it apart.
“The culture is very welcoming and quickly becomes a core part of one’s life if you allow it,” he said. “I recommend that anyone who is looking for a place to find community, grow in their faith and have some fun should come to some Campus Ministry events.”
Hertel echoed that sentiment, noting how Campus Ministry helped her feel at home after moving across the country for college.
“We were not meant to take our faith journeys alone and in Campus Ministry you find people to walk with you,” she said. “It has helped me to stay on a good path and to remember what is truly important in life, which is Christ.”
In addition to this year’s exciting travels, students also gathered for events such as a Vietnamese New Year celebration, trivia nights, cooking collaborations and an end-of-year yard party — all designed to foster connection and joy.
For many, these experiences define their time at Newman.
“Campus Ministry is something that has really shaped my experience at Newman,” Hertel said. “I can’t wait to see it continue to grow and develop.”
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Campus Ministry exists to bring Jesus Christ to Newman University’s community.
