Spiritual companions foster faith, connection across campus

Whether it’s a prayer before the soccer team hits the road or a moment of reflection at a club meeting, Newman University’s spiritual companions remind students that they never have to walk their journeys alone.

Every club and athletic team at Newman University has a spiritual companion — a faculty member, staff member or alum who volunteers to support students’ faith journeys through prayerful encouragement.

The spiritual companions program was developed from an idea between Sister Therese Wetta, ASC, and President Kathleen S. Jagger, Ph.D., MPH, and formally established four years ago. The program was designed to strengthen the Catholic identity of the university while building stronger connections with students of all faith backgrounds.

Several spiritual companions met to prepare for a prayerful semester in August.

“We’re the only private college in our collegiate athletic conference, so all our team events begin with prayer,” said Wetta. “We wanted to support all of our students in their growth as people of faith — Catholic or otherwise — and to let them know that we care about their growth as individuals, too.”

The meaningful role of a spiritual companion

Spiritual companions are invited to attend team practices, club meetings or special events throughout the year. They commit to praying for their respective group and are encouraged to work with the coach or adviser to offer a prayer or reflection, checking in with students throughout the semester.

Some spiritual companions go the extra mile in their role.

“One is always at the bus to say a prayer for a safe trip before the softball team leaves,” Wetta said. “Others lead prayers at the first home game. This has empowered students, and we now have Bible study groups within teams and clubs that are initiated by students themselves.”

Students gather for a Bible study outside Sacred Heart Hall.

For senior Braxton Muldoon, who serves both as a golfer and a resident assistant, the experience has been personally impactful.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have Father Ed (Herzog) as our spiritual companion,” Muldoon said. “It’s very helpful to have somebody who played on the golf team, graduated in 2011 and knows what we’re going through. We always know his door is open, whether it’s golf-related, academic or personal.”

Muldoon also meets regularly with Wetta in his role as a resident assistant.

“Every other Monday night, Sister Therese gives us words of inspiration in our faith or how to better ourselves as people,” he said. “That’s one of the main things college is for — growing in yourself.”

Athletic coaches, staff and faculty participate in Newman's spiritual companions program. — Athletic coaches, staff and faculty participate in Newman’s spiritual companions program.

ASC sisters like Sister Jenny Sellaro (right) also offer prayerful support. — Athletic coaches, staff and faculty participate in Newman’s spiritual companions program.

Seeking spiritual companions

While the program continues to grow, a few clubs and teams are still seeking companions: Ecology Club, the Nursing Student Council and Psychology Club. Wetta noted that while many on campus would make great companions, the workload sometimes prevents participation.

“There are people who would be wonderful spiritual companions but are on overload with their job already,” she said. “For example, our social work department just received a $2.3 million grant, so their attention is understandably focused on implementing it.”

For those interested in serving as a spiritual companion, please contact Wetta at [email protected].

(From left to right) Rylee Meloy Brake and Head Basketball Coach Amy Briggs have teamed up to prayerfully support the women's basketball team. — (From left to right) Rylee Meloy Brake and head basketball coach Amy Briggs have teamed up to prayerfully support the women’s basketball team.

2025–2026 spiritual companions

Student Organizations

Student Government Association – Sister Fran Schumer, ASC (Adviser: Andi Giesen)
Campus Activities Board – Laura Hartley (Adviser: Josh Schoenecker-Prilliman)
Campus Ministry – Sister Jenny Sellaro, ASC (Adviser: Father Ed Herzog)
Coding Club – Lori Steiner (Advisers: Robert Norman and David Cochran)
Ecology Club – In need of a spiritual companion (Adviser: Alan Oberley)
Gaming Club – Wesley Cornett (Advisers: James Sanny and Austin Schwartz)
Hispanic American Leadership Organization (HALO) – Candace Davis (Adviser: Amy Ponce)
Newman University Medical Professions Club – Michael Ludlow (Advisers: Alan Oberley and Tomo Bell)
Circle K – Sister Barb Smith (Adviser: Amanda Wills)
Jets for Life – Brenda Whitley (Adviser: John Brungardt)
Nursing Student Council – In need of a spiritual companion (Advisers: Ashton Clarkson and Kelly Foudray)
Psychology Club – Bryn Kovacic (Advisers: Greg Smith and Whitney Burke)
Theater Club – Greg Lohkamp (Adviser: Mark Mannette)
Sloppy Joes – Angie McCoy (Adviser: Mark Mannette)
Student-Athlete Advisory Committee – Blake Chadwick (Adviser: Maureen Rohleder)
STEM Club – Daniel Murphy (Advisers: Ryan Huschka and Daryl Goad)
Troubadours – Sister Betty Adams, ASC (Adviser: Mary Ellen Swords)
The Vantage – Melissa Grelinger (Adviser: Denise Neil)
Fellowship of Christian Athletes – Jeannie Ross (Adviser: Deacon Jeff Jacobs and Ian Lecki)
Resident Assistants – Sister Therese Wetta, ASC (Adviser: Ian Lecki)