Student Testimonies

Listen to what students experience at the
St. John Paul II Newman Center

David Luka

I was raised Catholic and went to Catholic grade school, but did not take my faith very seriously before college. Halfway through my first semester at ISU, I decided to attend events at the Newman Center in search of good friends and a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith. It was a decision I will never regret. It has changed my life. I met so many wonderful brothers and sisters that helped me grow as a man and bring me closer to the Lord. I attended the Koinonia retreat and the Thursday night Bible studies where I learned about the lord's unconditional love and mercy, and the incredible power of confession, Holy Communion, prayer, and the Rosary. I have learned to put all my worries aside, and TRUST in God's amazing love and mercy. In our journey, we all wander away from Jesus at times. If we ask in his mercy, he will RUN to us with loving, open arms and bring us back on the right path.
“Let no one doubt concerning the goodness of God; even if a person’s sins were as dark as night, God’s mercy is stronger than our misery. One thing alone is necessary; that the sinner set ajar the door of his heart, be it ever so little, to let in a ray of God’s merciful grace, and then God will do the rest.” (Diary of St. Faustina 1507

Bailey Garland

"I can honestly say I made the best decision of my entire college career by coming to the St. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center after attending the Koinonia Retreat (NK56) spring semester of my freshman year. Up until then, I was living in such a lukewarm world, full of so much confusion, just sort of ...floating around. The minute I walked through the doors of the Center, my life began to radically transform into one with much more purpose and peace. Because behind the doors to the Newman Center...besides a great community of people and resources to learn the Catholic faith...was Jesus Himself in the Blessed Sacrament. Then, by becoming an active member at the Newman Center, I was given opportunities to serve those around me, coming to understand "Man cannot truly find Himself until he makes a sincere gift of Himself." -JPII
In addition to service, taking the many opportunities for prayer offered at the Center by way of Holy Hours, Rosaries, Divine Mercy Chaplets, and more, and by learning about the roots of our faith through Thursday Treasures as well as the lives of the saints, specifically our Center's patron - St. John Paul II - I discovered the way the Lord speaks to me. I found my favorite time was at Wednesday Worship where I could give my gifts over to glorify God. I am now headed out to California to attend a Catholic film school - John Paul the Great Catholic University - in hopes to continue using my gifts to impact the culture for Christ. I go in complete gratitude for my time here, feeling prepared to serve this new community that the Lord has called me to because I carry all the treasures of the faith that this JPII ISU Catholic Newman Center Community has bestowed in me. If you find yourself searching for greatness remember, "It is Jesus who stirs in you the desire to do something great with your lives." (St. John Paul II) ... and just walk through those Newman Center doors!"

Brinton Johnson

I started hanging out at the Newman Center around September or October of 2020, but the people I've met have already had an effect on me. I was probably most influenced by how kind and accepting everyone here was. The campus ministers, sisters, priests, and students all made me feel invited to be part of the group. Looking back, it's clear to me that God was inviting me to become involved with the Newman community. There were multiple signs pointing me in that direction, and I'm glad I followed them. I was hesitant to go on the Koinonia retreat, but it was a good experience and I think it pushed me to better myself as a person and grow closer to God.
For me, the best parts of being part of the Newman Center were the friends, the wisdom, and the feeling of peace. I transferred to ISU in the Spring of 2020, when the COVID lockdown started. Other than mass, I didn't get involved at Newman until 2 months into my senior year. I started going to Friday socials, and the students I met were kind, inviting, and fun to hang out with. Honestly, if it wasn't for this group, I wouldn't have made any friends this year because my classes were all online. I also gained some wisdom from deep conversations with students and Thursday's bible study. It's always good to keep learning, especially when it comes to morality. Everyone can always find ways to improve, and we can learn how by listening to the wisdom of others. Finally, I got the feeling of peace from my time at the Newman Center. There's something peaceful about knowing that you are loved by God and called to live your life for Him. The Newman Center was a reminder for me that we, as humans, are called to live for something bigger than ourselves and live as examples for the rest of the world.

Noelle Daugherty

My life has radically changed within the 3 years that I have been coming to the JPII center. Some things change naturally as we get older and more mature, but there is no explanation for this huge transformation except that God who is Love can be found at this JPII Catholic Newman Center and He found me. I remember coming in my sophomore year with so much anxiety about the future and many worries about what other people thought of me. Now, I am filled with confidence and excitement for the future and a sense that the only person whose opinion truly matters is the Lord’s. Even so, the Lord has placed some of the most amazing friends I have ever met in my life through the JPII Newman Center. I have been able to walk with people who support me, love me, and challenge me to be a better disciple every day. I have no idea what the Lord has next in His plans for my life, but I know it will be good since He has the ultimate designs for each of our happiness. I learned to embrace the gifts I have been given in order to give them back to God for His glory. Jesus wants us to be fulfilled and joyful in His love even more than we can ever want it for ourselves. The best decision we can ever make is to say yes to the Lord in letting Him determine the course of our lives. I am so thankful to the sisters and all the staff at Newman for teaching me the meaning of love and for witnessing to the truth with their lives.

Andrew BILGRI

When a student first arrives at Illinois State University, a lot of events or groups will seem, for the most part, to have good intentions and mean well. Usually, an opportunity of this nature can be described as a “good” for a person. Some common motivations for a person to participate in these “goods” include the following: build your resume, network with others, travel the world, make the friends that will be there to support you, fight for this cause and fight for that cause, or do this awesome/fun/new/exciting [insert performance, trip, club, fraternity/sorority, or anything that wants you to sign up with your name, email, or phone number]. Again, these are not necessarily bad things to want.
But, what I think a lot of people going to college want to experience is a sense of accomplishment, growth, community, adventure, peace, joy, and overall live a life of fulfillment. These were all things that I was looking for when I came to Illinois State University. As an Honors freshman music major, I was a tuba player in the Big Red Marching Machine (BRMM) and many other ensembles, a bunch of “goods” offered on campus. But there was something missing. My heart became fully satisfied only when I went to Mass at the Newman Center for the first time on Sunday at noon. It was there, that everything came into true order. It was not just a good thing, but it was the best opportunity presented to me: a relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. It was on that day in prayer when I had such a sense of peace and knowing that “I am home.” Therefore, guess what I found going to Newman? I found accomplishment through serving at the center, serving like St Joseph. I grew closer to God than I could ever imagine, understanding how we are beloved children of God and that He is deeply in love with us. I have encountered the community of so many friends with Christ at the center of everything. I have been on adventures with the center on life-changing retreats, pilgrimages, and mission trips. As Pope St. John Paul II reminds us, “Man cannot fully find himself except through a sincere gift of himself.” I found such a deep sense of peace, joy, and fulfillment in life by placing God at the center of my life with the help of the Newman Center which allowed me to make a gift of myself. As I reflect on my college experience, I am profoundly grateful for the Newman Center community and must recommend everyone to come and see what God has ready for them. Do not be afraid!

JACOB HOPPER

My time at the Newman Center has been a time for me to find who I am in the Father's eyes. These last three years provided me with a loving, fun community which pushed me to go deeper into my faith and to really discover all the beauty that the Catholic Church has to offer. I learned more about the Church than I have in all my years of Catholic school education. I grew and matured into the man I am today because of the examples of the older guys who went before me and who guided me along this path to holiness. I learned that the Church is alive and well with the younger generation and we are going to bring about a revival: a revival back to true, authentic love, a revival back to a deeper connection to and a more frequent reception of the Sacraments, a revival back to holy marriages, holy priesthoods, and holy consecrated religious lives. My time at the Newman Center showed me that striving to be a saint is not a high and lofty goal that is unattainable but IS attainable!! I have learned the importance of the 5 Stones: Prayer, Fasting, the Rosary, Eucharistic Adoration, and Holy Mass. I have learned the importance of prioritizing God in our daily lives and what a consolation it is to spend time in prayer every single day, because your relationship with God the Father is what allows you to have good, authentic, deep relationships with your friends, your spouse, and your children. God is doing big things at the St. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center and at Newman Centers across American college campuses. "Yesterday is gone, tomorrow has not yet come, we have only today... Let us begin." (St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta). "Man cannot fully find himself, except through a sincere GIFT of himself." (St. John Paul the Great). May this Newman Center continue to be a fire in the darkness, igniting other little flickering flames with Christ's love to go out into the deep and be the light that our world is so desperately searching for.

Jenny Ciupinski

When I first started to come around the St. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center, I was a freshman who lived an average life and tried to fit in. Living a mediocre life that fit the mold of society was not something that was fulfilling, but rather easier. It was not until I went to Koinonia the spring semester of my freshman year that I felt the love and hope of Jesus Christ for the first time. Attending this retreat and becoming a weekly face at the Newman Center changed my life completely. This was the first time in my 19 years where I actually searched for the opportunity to grow in my faith and became educated on the Catholic Church and its teachings. I formed a personal relationship with Jesus and found ways to grow closer to Him through the amazing opportunities at Newman, such as, Wednesday Worship, Treasures Bible Study, Friday Socials, Koinonia Retreats, daily Mass, Adoration, and much more.

Within the Newman Center, I found two things that the world could not offer authentically: community and accountability. The friendships I have made at the Newman Center are friendships that I will have for eternity. People that lead each other in holiness to Heaven. I have never been so close to people that treated each other like a family. When you are surrounded daily with on-fire faith young Catholics, you create a sense of accountability with each other. I know that I can count on all of my brothers and sisters in Christ no matter what and that I would do the same for each one of them. Even though my last semester ended early, I have gained such a hope for the future and a trust in Jesus. I can humbly say that I owe my life and eternity to this St. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center. And as St. John Paul II said, “It is Jesus that you seek when you dream of happiness; He is waiting for you when nothing else you find satisfies you.”

Laynie Eschbacher

My time at the St. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center has shaped me to become the nurse and future wife that I have never expected to be. I came into college with expectations of how my time will be and how that would pave the way for my future. But as soon as I started to make God the priority, I saw my expectations as mere steppingstones to what was actually before me. God has showed me how His plans will bring me the most happiness in my life if I choose to let Him take over. The most life-changing concept I have learned was how making myself a gift to others allows me to truly know and understand myself. Society teaches us that our tasks should be oriented towards ourselves, but that logic leaves us in a state of isolation and self-glorification. My time at the Newman Center has been truly valuable and I know that the information I have received, I can use for my career and with my future family.

Madie Martus

My time at St. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center has been of utmost importance to me. It has taught me how to dive deeper into my faith, how to live out my catholic life, and how to become the best me that I can be.The Newman Center has allowed me to build a stronger connection with my brothers and sisters in Christ as well. I have learned how to devote more of my time to God as well as the feeling of unconditional love. My life has changed so much, as I am now able to look at every negative situation much differently and in a more positive aspect. I also find reassurance in the fact that God is always looking out for me, and that He has such an amazing plan for me. It is also nice to have such an amazing family away from home and to have such a strong support system. Thank you St. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center for changing my life for the better.

Hannah Funk

The Saint John Paul 2 Newman Center is a home away from home. It was somewhere to go when I wanted to escape daily responsibilities. I felt like I could be myself and not have to stress over how I must act around others. Everyone there was always so kind and welcoming. Once I got more involved in the center, I developed so many authentic relationships. Each person was understanding in where I came from, were open to having deep and meaningful conversations that I was comfortable talking about, and overall helped me grow in my relationship with God. Also, by going to their daily events like Wednesday Worship and Treasures Bible Study, I was able to understand my Catholic faith in a deeper way. I learned through developing a relationship with God that I needed to heal from things in the past, I learned what my purpose is for living now on earth, and I am constantly learning where God wants me in the future. I encourage anyone who is out there trying to find a place on campus that feels like home to come and see what the Newman Center will offer you. I promise you will not regret trying it. Know of all my prayers for all students.

Graham Dano

My time at the St. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center has meant quite a lot to me. I have grown in my faith and worldview in numerous ways, from attending the 2019 Koinonoia Retreat (NK58), the 2020 Walk for Life this past January, and mass weekly for the past year and a half. I love the Sisters and Karen with all of my heart and I have made many friends here too. I have learned that there are many different ways to worship God and the Blessed Virgin, and while there is much I still have to learn about the Catholic faith, I am very glad that I was able to do so in an environment of such wonderful, faithful people of God. I have had my life changed in many ways, from ending able to attend numerous great events and learn tenets of Catholic Social Teaching through both masses and Thursday Treasures meetings.

Sam Johnson

When I came to ISU as a freshman, my heart was searching for many things: acceptance, love, happiness, adventure, and fulfillment. What I did not know is that I would discover all these things and more after I stumbled upon the hidden treasure of the St. JPII Newman Center. Discovering this center, though more clearly discovering the love of Jesus and Mary, has forever transformed my life. I walked into college uncertain, insecure, and afraid. Though I am still a work in progress, I walked away from college a new woman. I now have confidence because I know how deeply I am loved, that my life has a purpose, and that God has a unique and incredible plan for my life. It is my heartfelt desire that more and more people come to discover the gift of God, and to learn how true the words of St. JPII are, “life with Christ is a wonderful adventure!”

Brian Casey

The ISU Newman Center has meant the world to me. The time I have spent making friends, learning about the Catholic faith, and experiencing God’s love has forever changed me. I truly felt that I had a home away from home. I felt loved, appreciated, and welcomed at the Newman, much like I do at home. Everyone at Newman recognizes that we are sinners (I know that sounds harsh), that’s what makes it easy. Sometimes, people tend to think we are some super holy, do no wrong, perfect people. This isn’t the case. We all struggle and need each other, we need a community. What you will find at Newman, besides the two best Sisters (Sr. Silvia and Sr. Clare) is unconditional love. People who don’t like you for what you have or own. They love you for you. You, an unrepeatable person made by God.

Nadine Hernandez

The St. JPII Newman Center has taught and shown me how to live my life according to God’s will. By doing this my life has changed for the better. My grades went up, I had friends that truly cared about me, I was happy, and most of all, I felt loved. Loved by my friends, the Sisters, and staff, but most of all by God. I have learned to place my trust in the Lord and it has made all the difference. I am so much happier and way less stressed and anxious than I was when I started college. Without letting the Lord come into my life, I don’t know how I would’ve made it through my college career. The Newman center has been an absolute blessing in my life and it will always be a part of me. I owe my happiness and well being to the Newman center for showing me the path to Christ. I am no longer afraid of my future as I know Christ has a plan and I trust in Him. “Do not worry…” Matthew 6:34

Katrina Lexa

I met the sisters on move in day my freshman year and honestly, I completely blew them off. I didn't walk into the Newman Center by my own free will for over a year and a half after that. When I finally did start coming around I was amazed by the kindness I found in each of the people there, especially the sisters. I had never been a part of a community where each person honestly desired the good of the people around them and sought genuine happiness. As I became more involved at the center I became a part of a family that has changed my life in unbelievable ways but none of that change would have been possible without the brutal honesty, never ending support, and unadulterated love that the sisters have shown me. They have taught me what it means to seek Christ and His plan for me in everything I do. I know now that you can't find true happiness until you are living your life completely for God. Moving towards my future I plan to always strive to trust completely in Him, discern His plans for me, and follow where He leads.

Kathleen Koos

Here at St. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center, has been such a gift, and such a blessing! I have learned so much, True Authentic Love and how to make myself as a gift. “Man cannot fully find himself without making a sincere gift of himself” St. John Paul II. Coming to the Newman Center, I have learned how much the Lord loves me and how he waits for me to come to him. “Only love makes the surrendering of one’s life a joyful and beautiful gift” Mother Adela, Foundress, SCTJM. There are so many lies in the world that need to be unmasked, and I am so grateful to have had this place to come and hear the truth as is, and not sugar-coated. God Bless!

Alex Buldak

"To say that the Newman Center has changed my life would be an understatement. As an active member for the past 5 years, I have seen hundreds of students come and go, and the one thing that always remained true was seeing how Jesus wanted to use every single person who walked through the doors in a different and meaningful way. This particular center promoted a lifestyle that was completely countercultural to the typical college lifestyle. Though there were many difficult times, Jesus always provided me with the right words, people, and experiences that I needed to pull me through. I now know what it looks and feels like to be truly free and know that I can always rest in the warm embrace of our Heavenly Father and be guided by our patient and tender mother: Mary. My heart was pierced in a way that I can never go back to living in the ways that this world deems necessary in order to be happy. Though my college experience was filled with many ups and downs, I know for certain that God’s will is our peace."

CHristopher Abel

Just wanted to say that my experience at the Illinois State Newman Center really helped me to understand why it's so great to be a Catholic! I have always wanted to delve deeper into the beliefs and doctrines of the Catholic faith. I wanted to understand why we do the things we do and believe the things we believe, in contrast to other beliefs. Through the Newman Center, I was able to learn so much about my Catholic faith that I never knew before, and to this day I am still exploring it and seeking to understand it more. I have done this especially through listening to Catholic radio and studying the Catechism, and I believe that I am a better Catholic because of it! I also came to fully understand the importance of Mary in our lives, and I pray much more to her now for her intercession.
My favorite part about coming to Newman was spending time with the men after Treasures. It was just good to have that time for us men to relate to each other, encourage other, and tackle hard questions and topics. I became good friends with the men there, and some of them were even able to help me through moments of spiritual distress.
The Koinonia retreats were also very special, and I enjoyed taking part in those! College was a difficult transition for me, and I struggled with loneliness quite a bit. When I finally came to ISU, it was great to have a family to be with each week. The Lord truly did bless me with the gift of the Newman Center, and I hope he continues to bless many other students, as well!

JOrdan Emerick

The Newman Center has made such a positive impact on my life. I cannot put into words how thankful I am. My time at the Newman Center has opened my eyes to the beauty of the church and the incredible gift of faith. Like many freshman, I was searching for any way to figure who I am and what I am called to do. This searching was not easy and led to times of trial and sadness, but because of the community of students, the Sisters, and, of course, God’s love and mercy, I now know that I was purchased at a price and that I am valuable. This is something I often need to remind myself. God has a plan for me, and it is my job to discover His great plan by living fully in the “now” and use the gifts he has given me. The friendships I have made here are ones that I will always have because they are rooted in Christ. I will always hold the Newman Center dear in my heart because this is the place where I first truly encountered God’s infinite love.
“¡No tengas miedo!” – St. John Paul II

Mary Francis Meridian

The Newman Center has become a safe haven for me and more like a second home. I was late in joining the Newman Center community, but I am blessed to have found it. I started attending Treasures to learn more about my faith, but I ended up finding a lot more than that. I discovered a community of people who accept people where they are in life, who are striving to be better Catholics, and who support each other in becoming a better and holier person of themselves. I will treasure my time at the center, the things I’ve learned, the people I’ve met, and I will keep them all in my heart and prayers.

Emily Snider

Although my time at the Newman Center was short, it has impacted me greatly. It has provided me with a place to be around other college students who are also running towards the Lord. Events like Wednesday Worship and Treasures were an excellent way for me to take a step back from my academic commitments and enjoy the wonderful community of people at the Newman Center. The Newman Center has given me hope for the Catholic Church!

Mac Nelson

What St. JPII Catholic Newman Center has meant to me is light. It has meant building friendships and community around God. It gave me a presence when I felt alone, and a helping hand to pick me up when I have fallen. It kept me going, a sort of engine that could never be stopped.

What I have learned is I do not know everything about my faith, and that is totally fine, but we must try to improve and learn from our mistakes. I learned that time and life is truly a gift, and to not waste it on things that will not give you peace. The Newman center has brought me back to feeling young and as though time is enlarged.

From starting where I was to where I am now is somewhat a miracle, and I can thank the Newman Center for cooperating with me in my time of struggle and just being there for me. To new friends, and relationships that will go along way, there’s nothing that I could compare it too but as sort of like a family.

Grace Heim

The witness of other young Catholics who had encountered the Love of Christ and were not afraid to share that with others is what first inspired me to make God more of a priority in my life. But it was going on Koinonia and experiencing the True Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist that really changed my life. The sense of community that I found on Koinonia continued beyond the weekend and encouraged me to continue immersing myself in the Love and Mercy of Jesus through daily Mass, Adoration, and Confession. Even amidst all the stresses of life, I found peace through prayer and giving everything to Jesus through Mary and the Rosary.

Discovering the lasting joy of trying to live a life for Christ - for someone and something so much greater than myself - has given me a sense of purpose in life and taken me on adventures greater than I ever could have imagined! Going from here, I will cling to Christ through the 5 stones that we have practiced as a community. With the Eucharist, Confession, Prayer with the heart, Scripture, and Fasting as my guides, I will continue trying to follow the perfect plan of Love that God has for me. Totus Tuus! Jesu Ufamtobie.

Emil Maric

The Newman Center has meant a lot to me, more than I could have initially thought. I think of it as a second home, a place where I could go whenever and always be accepted. It is a very welcoming place, and that is because the Sisters and Campus Ministers make it so. I wouldn't have returned had the Sisters not been so wonderful and instrumental in my integration among those who have already been "regulars" there for a while. I have learned much more about the faith that I ever thought I would in my life. The Koinonia retreat I went on was probably the most pivotal moment in my life, and I want to thank the Newman Center from the bottom of my heart for encouraging me to go on the retreats and share! I have opened myself up to God far more, and I will leave the letter to myself unopened for a few years before I open it. I know what it says now, and I want to be reminded of it in a few years.

Thank you all so much for welcoming me, and I wish I had spent more time at the Newman Center these past few years. I pray that those entering your doors are not as stubborn as I was, and that they open their hearts and ears to the graces of God.

amy fredrick

I initially came to the St. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center here at ISU because I wanted to get more involved in the Church. Growing up, I had always wanted to be part of a youth group or attend church events outside of Sunday Mass, so I felt like college was as good of a time as any to start getting involved. Looking back at my Newman Center experiences, I can clearly identify three ways I grew as a Catholic Christian as a result of attending the Newman Center. First, I received a sense of community. Most of my best friends from college are from the Newman Center since our shared Catholic values lead us to have similar lifestyles. The community at the Newman Center in general was great for keeping me accountable for growing in my faith. The friendly faces and sense of trust turns a group of college students into a true family. Secondly, I improved my character and became a better person as a result of attending the Newman Center. Doing examinations of conscience and going to confession (which is available much more frequently than at most parishes) helped me recognize and overcome my faults, and sharing sessions at Treasures Bible Study helped me become more courageous and open by talking about how Christ has affected my life. Finally and most importantly, I was able to get to know Christ. Prior to college, I knew who Christ was on a factual level; however, the Newman Center allowed me to actually have a relationship with him—know His love for us and discern how He wants me to live out my life. Going to Mass exposed me to Christ on a concrete level through the liturgy readings, homilies, and Holy Communion, and adoration allowed me to remember the sacrifice Christ made and the love He has for us. In summary, the three greatest gifts I received during college were at the Newman Center: a great Catholic community, an improved sense of character, and knowing Christ.

Luke Cottingham

The past four years have been a continual journey towards Christ, sometimes not always in the correct direction. Entering college, I was complacent with where I was. I thought that I was okay with the way I was living my life, simply because I was not as awful as the others around me. I thought that that I did not need Christ to play a prominent role in my life, and I began to believe that my faith did not matter. I was caught within the realms of indifference and apathy, which eventually led to anxiety and a loss of hope.

When I entered the St. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center as a young freshman, I was unaware of the Lord tugging away at my heart, beckoning me to draw close to him. I thought that I had everything figured out and that God did not need to have a part of it. But little did I know, through the work of this Newman center, my life was changed drastically by the many yeses and individuals that led me back into the arms of my loving father. I finally learned what authentic joy was and how to become the man that Christ was calling me to be. Throughout my time at this Newman Center, I not only learned that I was loved but I learned HOW to love, HOW to be Christ towards someone else. That is the greatest gift I can ask for, knowing that I am beloved child of God. The sisters have and continue to shape my faith journey and the friends that I have made along the way encourage and challenge me to never settle for anything less.

If I could share with anyone who desires happiness and ultimate fulfillment, do not become complacent with mediocrity; we are all called to be a heroic witness to the love and mercy of Jesus Christ. If you allow the truth and redemption of Jesus Christ to truly penetrate into the recesses of your heart, He will radically transform you into the instrument that the Lord desires you to be.

“Yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me; insofar as I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who has loved me and given himself up for me.” Galatians 2:20

Alyssa Eaton

I am so grateful for every moment I have spent learning, praying, growing, laughing, serving, giving, singing, and building friendships at the Newman Center and with my Newman Family. From the beginning of my freshman year, this Center has been my home away from home and my second family. I was amazed at how open and friendly every single person was. Each person and their welcoming hug really helped me feel united to the community and lit a fire of love in my heart for the Lord. Going through college can be such a struggle with friendships that aren’t leading to Christ, crazy professors, papers, projects, assignments, tests, sleepless nights, lies of the world, struggles with family, stress, feeling lost, trying to find your place, figuring out how to spend your time, loving the wrong things, etc. And where do you turn to? The truth. The Lord. You pray. Above anything else, you spend time with the Lord and listen to His voice. God taught me to come to Him through the Newman Center. He taught me His love and endless mercy. I’m so grateful for the sisters, campus ministers, and my all my brothers and sisters at this Newman Center. You all helped me to find Christ’s love, taught me what it means to love, and share in this community of love. Thank you. I want to encourage all students- no matter where you are at- to find the treasures of the Lord. The treasures He so richly provides and uncovers here at the Newman Center. Let this place be your home and let these people be your family. No, we may not be perfect, but we trust in the Lord’s mercy. We are all sinners, but we also know how to forgive and we are all learning to love. I am looking forward to coming to the Newman Center and meeting the new members of this forever family. Be not afraid to open your heart to the Lord and to love His people here.

We are One Body, One Body in Christ and we do not stand alone! And Love will hold us together!

Benjamin N. Busch

To put it plainly, I don't want to think very hard about what my life would be like if the Newman community hadn't been here for my two years at ISU. Admittedly, I did have considerable difficulty getting situated and comfortable here; but for the entirety of my stay here the people of Newman have been patient, generous, and merciful with me - but also encouraging and challenging. They have taught me to be more reverent in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament and more devoted to the Mother of God (special credit is due to those who very strongly urged me to become an altar server, and those who encouraged me to serve on two Koinonia teams). Moreover, the people here are icons of the reality that sanctity is possible for everyone, including "ordinary" college students who play games, tell jokes, have favorite books, and drink Coca-Cola. For this and for much more I will always be thankful.

In Christ, Our Lady, Saint Joseph, and Saint Gemma,
Benjamin N. Busch

Tom Junis

I thank God daily for my time at this Newman Center. The Newman Center is where I learned of the love of Christ. I learned of His deep love for me and also the love of Mary our Mother. It truly became a home, a place where I felt safe and loved, and the community became a family to me in the most real sense of the word. In all the chaos of college life and preparing for the future, the Newman Center directed my gaze upon Christ and helped me to find Him in all that I did in college. The Newman Center is where Christ showed me my vocation to religious life, and through all I learned there I was able to follow his promptings and try to give my life to Him. May you also come to know Love through this Newman Center.

With the heart of a gracious son,

Thomas Junis

Drew Isbell

If there is anything in this world that I could say has changed my life for the better it would be the John Paul II Catholic Newman Center at ISU. I owe my entire life to this place, the sisters, and the community that has shown me what it means to accept and give love. It is no joke when I say that without this center I would be lost. I came into ISU as a track and cross-country runner, got injured and fell into the college scene as many do. By the grace of God I was invited by a friend to the Koinonia retreat that they put on every semester. It was at this retreat that for the first time in my life I felt and realized the incredible love that pours out of the Eucharist to the Church, with Mary and the rest of the saints. I continued to fall and falter and come to know but came to know who Jesus was throughout the next 3 years and I would have never done any of it without this community. Thanks to the Newman center I met my wife to be, so many brothers and sisters who I formed life long friendships with, and a family that formed me into the man I am today. I am now at the Augustine Institute in Denver, Colorado going to school for my masters in theology and working part time for YDisciple, a new graduate school and youth ministry initiative to launch life long disciples. I was led here by John Paul II and his call for the New Evangelization and I will, for the rest of my life serve the Church in those who are unloved, unknown, and un-cared for, through the grace of God and the sweet love of Mary my Mother am forever grateful.

Dominique Lashley

From the 3 years I was involved with Newman I can defiantly say that my life has changed for the better. I wasn't Catholic when I started coming and it amazing how that was quickly changed. I started getting involved with Newman by participating in a event they had a 5K Run it was so awesome to see College there are normal College kids out there living out there faith. After the 5K I was talked into going on this retreat called NK 41 (Newman Koinonia 41) it was so amazing to see how God shaped my life on that weekend. I did not know it then but I feel in love with the Catholic faith everything changed my heart and my purpose for living. Staying involved with Newman helped me to explore what my purpose is and I know that I am called to be a youth minister. I have a heart for the youth. After graduating the Lord open up doors for me to live that out that call on my life. I am a NET Missionary, this whole year I get travel around the United Stated to different Diocese and put retreats for the youth I am so blessed to have this opportunity. I so happy that I had my friend Drew to go with to that first mass because neither of our lives would be where they are now if we had not gone.

Kayla Burr

What has the Newman Center meant to me, and what has the Lord done for me during my time here? I quite honestly don’t know where to begin, but I will start with this—the center has given me peace. I was living a “good” life before, but in coming to Newman, I found that there was such a thing as Truth; I held onto it and soaked in what all of it meant for my life—I yearned to live differently. I embraced the Catholic faith (I love the Church!) and was confirmed 2 Easters ago. J The sisters there have taught me how to trust in Jesus and how to love those around me. I hope to never forget all of the beautiful things I have learned there, but I know two things are forever engraved on my heart: my life is a gift, and love is a choice that involves suffering. These truths have changed everything for me. Also, the friends I have met at the center are irreplaceable and have taught me what a family is supposed to look like. Lastly, it was here that I found my vocation and have grown in holiness with my husband-to-be. My life is not “good” anymore; it has a deep sense of purpose and a desire to be a witness to others who have not seen the light. I am so excited to continue learning about the faith while in graduate school and being a servant for the Lord all of my life. Thank you Jesus for all of your good gifts!

Ben Roussin

The ISU Catholic Newman Center is a good place full of very nice self-giving people that will welcome you with open arms. Spending time there has helped me become more like them with their knowledge and acts of kindness waring off on you. This is how God wants us to act and this is one of the few places I have experienced this type of true friend ship and the sharing of the truth. I enjoyed my time going to mass there and the experiences that the Newman Center has offered like the camping trip and adoration. Being able to be an altar server was a nice experience to being me closer to God and be able to give back to the center in a small way. The Koinonia retreats was a very good experience that introduced me to adoration and brought me closer to God. Being on the service team was a lot of fun being able to help others out and see all the work that went in behind the scenes. I want to thank the Sisters and the staff for always being there if needed, helping out in the center, and offering me a part time job. The Newman Center is a gift from God I am really thankful was part of my life and I hope it stays that way to help others get closer to God.

Chelsea Koechle

My freshman year in college was truly a guiding moment of God. I made the decision to join the Catholic church after attending a very powerful, and very emotional Mass. I attended other churches in the past, the amount of which I can count on one hand. However, not one resonated in my soul like the Catholic church. The Newman center has been such a blessing in ways that words cannot do justice. Since my first Mass I have grown an incredible amount and learned so much about the Catholic faith. I continue to learn and continue to ask questions, and this center has been a guiding light for me. When I enter the Newman center I know I am home. I know I am surrounded by loving and understanding people, and I know I have a home filled with people who are not only my friends, but my family. I don't know where I would be, or even who I would be if it weren't for this beautiful center. I thank God every day for the many blessing he has shown me. The hardest thing I will ever have to do is graduate and leave this center...my home. I know this place will continue doing powerful things with the help of the Sisters of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary, and all those who pray for the students.

Michael Dickey

The Newman Center became my home in college. The atmosphere and culture was different from any place I have been a part of. I learned more at the Newman Center than any class I ever took and what I learned at Newman will apply to my life more than any skill I learned in a classroom. I gained a deeper relationship with God and met friends and family I will have for eternity. God blessed me with finding my wife at the NEwman Center after growing closer to God. When I look back at my life in 20 years with my wife and kids, I will thank God I made the decision to come to Newman. I know I can love my wife and future kids in a way I would never have been able to before.The world talks about “love “ a lot, but I never knew what LOVE actually was until the NEwman Center. I would be totally lost and honestly do not know where I would be without my time at Newman. The Newman Center is a place where anyone can come, no matter where one is at in life and it is the greatest decision they will ever make.

Giselle Rodriguez

I’m going to be honest. I didn’t want to go to the Newman Center. But something deep down inside told me “You need it.” So, I got over myself and went to the St. John Paul II Newman Center. I made the effort to push past my preconceived feelings toward it. By doing that, through God’s grace, I discovered the beautiful gift of this Newman Center. Over the years through the Newman Center (my home away from home) I've been growing in my faith by learning my identity as a Child of God, learning how to pray the Bible (which is alive and the living Word of God), gaining a devotion to Our Lady (Jesus Mama) through the rosary, Jesus revealing Himself personally to me His presence in the Eucharist through adoration. Gaining amazing friends who truly care for my well being, who are there for me, and inspire me to seek God’s will. This took me years to grow in and still have not mastered any of them. As they say "lifelong learner."
That's the beauty of this community, we know we aren't perfect, holy, and have it all together. We know we are sinners but have chosen to strive to the call of being holy. By making the effort every day to choose God over sin. When we fall, we get back up through confession, which is the walk toward salvation. By accepting God's everlasting mercy and love for us by admitting to our failings/sins. We come to the Newman Center as sick patients coming to the physician (which is Jesus) for healing, comfort, guidance, and peace. This community is like no other. There are no cliques or crowds within this community but a big, fun, loving, family. I’m so eternally grateful for the Sisters and the staff who work arduously to serve us, guide us, and love us at the Newman Center. St. John Paul II says, “Be Not Afraid, open wide the doors to Christ,” let God in and He will change your life for the better. The Lord has done this for me through the St. John Paul II Newman Center. I’m eternally grateful.

Rick Kuduk

My time at the Newman Center has truly been the highlight of my college career. I did not come to college expecting to deepen my relationship with God but as I leave, I can say that I have made big leaps in that field. The community and family that I have found at Newman is truly special and I look forward to being a continuing member of it. My experiences over Koinonia and the John Paul the Second Pilgrimage were beautiful and has allowed me to experience God’s love in many profound ways. This place is truly a gift and I recommend all to take part in it.

Kinga Adamczyk

Words cannot explain the gratitude I have for the St John Paul ll Newman center. The formation I have received has not only helped me in my own life, but the lives of so many! By living out the five stones: prayer of the rosary, fasting, reading the Holy Scripture every day, confession once a month, and the Eucharist (Holy Mass)... I have been able to heal and completely change the way I was living to bare as much fruit and to build the kingdom of heaven and save as many souls as possible!
This lifestyle not only helps me grow deeper and stronger in my faith, but those who I surround myself with and many more! What a gift! I have also discovered the true essence of peace and I am now able to discern (pray about) my future because I know that God has a perfect plan for my life and I can discover it by having a personal relationship with Him!

Weston Bridson

I was raised catholic and pursued my faith at a pretty young age. By the end of high school, I felt pretty content with my relationship with God and just wanted to meet other people who were catholic and at least tried to live a holy life. When I came to the Newman Center, what I found was an entire community of people who strive to go way beyond that. The Newman Center teaches its students to aim for sainthood. Being surrounded by this ideology, it didn't take long for the flaws in my spiritual life to reveal themselves. Having a community of people striving to grow in holiness is key to your own spiritual growth. This is extremely apparent to me when I reflect on my time at the Newman Center. Iron sharpens iron after all, and the Newman Center is a superb grindstone.

Allie Welps

Words cannot even begin to describe how grateful I am to the Lord for the gift of the Newman Center and everyone He has placed there. Before coming to college I thought I had life 'figured out'. I had amazing grades, multiple jobs, and I was the president of many clubs. I was everything that society tells us we need to be in order to be 'successful'. However nothing seemed to be enough, I always wanted more. More success, more recognition, more power. I was craving something that I couldn't quite put my finger on. Fast forward to second semester my freshman year, and after much hesitation, I finally decided to attend a retreat called Koinonia. On this weekend the Lord flooded my heart with what I was searching for all along. Unconditional Love. A love that cannot be found in any of the places I was looking for it in. After the retreat I slowly started to allow more time in my 'busy' schedule for the Lord. I started attending the treasures of the faith bible study, going to mass on more than just Sundays, and reading scripture. Over time I began to realize that I spent so many years trying to be someone else's version of perfect, that I had absolutely no idea who I was. Literally not a clue. So I started asking the Lord in prayer, "Who am I?" "Who did you create me to be Lord, because I am lost, and confused by who everyone else wants me to be." He responded that it is not about who am I, but whose I am. His. I am a beloved daughter of God the Father. That is where my true identity comes from. Not my resume, or my job, or what others say about me. This truth became my anchor, in the ocean of lies that is constantly surrounding us. This truth changed my life. Now instead of looking to the right or to the left in order to copy what everyone else is doing, I look to the Lord. Because I know that following Him and Our Lady wherever they may take me, is the only way I will have peace.

Will Gustafson

My time at the St. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center has shown me the true joy that comes with growing in the faith in an authentic Catholic community. Not only have I learned so much about the beautiful teachings of the faith, but I have been able to cultivate lasting friendships with people who are on the same mission as me - getting to heaven.
Through this center, I have learned how essential the five stones (Eucharist, Confession, Prayer, Fasting and Scripture) are to growing closer to God through Mary. I have learned about the pitfalls of sin that plague us and our society today and how to avoid them. Finally, I have learned that the more I humble and give of myself, the more I am able to grow in His perfect love.
God led me to this Newman Center and extended an invitation to me to experience His love and truth in ways I never had before. Saying yes to that invitation and getting involved in this community is one of the best decisions I have ever made, and I pray that whoever reads this and feels God pulling at their heart will allow Him to work in them so that they may experience the true joy that comes with following Jesus.

noelle Ortega

My time at the Newman Center has given me an opportunity to make my faith my own and develop a relationship with the One who is Love! God has taught me that my worth does not lie in my grades, degree, or popularity, but in Jesus Christ. This lesson took place over a long time, and sometimes I still try and put my identity in earthly things that fade. Praise God for His never ending mercy and love which brings true joy and freedom!

Amy widhalm

It was during Koinonia my freshmen year that Jesus and Mary captured my heart and called me to attend ISU for the rest of my college years. My family could see the change that happened to me once I started getting more involved. I started to serve my family more and speak the truth that our culture is telling us to keep silent. Sister's talks about the theology of human love changed my perspective of how I should approach friendships with my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. From recreating during ultimate frisbee to being recreated in adoration, the Newman Center brought me my closest friends centered around Him.
Any time you walk through those doors, you'll be greeted by the students and staff all living for the same purpose: to get to heaven as a saint and to bring as many people as they can with them. There is no place on campus like the Newman Center because here, we have Jesus waiting to pour out His love for you in the chapel. The students and staff at Newman taught me that Christ is recklessly in love with me and will chase after me no matter what. I thank God every day for the immeasurable gifts that Newman provides. "Al final mi inmaculado corazones triunfará! In the end my immaculate heart will triumph!"

Abby Chronister

Being a part of the JP II Newman Center has meant more to me than words can describe. Nowhere else have I found such true and authentic faith, love, and friendship. Before coming to the Newman Center, I thought I was living a good life, but I soon discovered that what I had deemed good enough was nothing compared to what God wanted for me. During my time at the center, I learned what it means to have a true relationship with Jesus and just how important that is. He has fulfilled my life in ways I never would have thought possible just a few years ago, and the gifts I received here have changed my entire perspective. I have learned to lean on God and trust His plan for me and my mind has been filled with peace by doing so. My life has been blessed with love and friendship. My heart is filled with joy to have been a part of this center and I will always take what I have learned here with me. I owe my understanding of faith, my deepened relationship with God, and the best parts of my time in college to this center and am so thankful to have been a part of it.

Annie Nguyen

To me, Newman center means family. Everyone from different background come together and learn from each other. I enjoyed every moment at Newman because it is a place where I can be myself. I felt peace and love in Newman. I remember the first time when I came to Newman. I felt like home because everyone welcomed me with a big smile. I'm glad that I'm a part of Newman center.
I have learned so much from the sisters. I love sister Silvia because she always tells me the truth. She teaches me how to become a good catholic woman. I have enjoyed listening to her speeches. I also love every conversation with sister Clare. She teaches me how to love Jesus more and how to follow him.
Furthermore, I have learned how to pray the rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet in English. I have done the holy hour, Wednesday worship, bible study, March for life, Koinonia. I went to Miami last year (2019) and met mother Adela, who is a wonderful person that I have ever met before. I have learned all of these from Newman!
My life has changed a lot after I came to Newman. I believe more in Jesus and listen to what he wants me to do. I pray more and go to daily mass. I have more peace and feel happier. I was a nerd, but now I'm a nerd with faith!

Hannah Piemonte

My time at St. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center has been such a blessing. It seems as though I just wandered in one day, and immediately found a home away from home at school. The group of people I found here were different than any other group of people I had met in college. There were no ulterior motives, just a genuine desire to build relationships centered around love.

Through my time at the Newman Center, I have learned that faith isn't perfectionism. Humans aren't perfect. But we are perfect in the eyes of our maker. And that's why this community exists, to serve as a place of refuge, acceptance, and encouragement. The people at Newman just wanted to build me up. They wanted me to see how much Jesus loves me, Mary cares for me, and the Holy Spirit surrounds me with love, even when I couldn't see it. This was a perfect example of God's love for me.

My life has changed because of the connections I have made with others. I know that I have people to count on who genuinely care, and want to hear about my day, my struggles, and my successes. And as a result of this genuine friendship, my friendships with others have become even more genuine and centered around God's love. I've realized that life can be so simple: Every day, every decision, every conversation, every milestone or small moment-- they all derive from, and come back to God's love. Have I mentioned God's love?! It's pretty awesome!

Konnor Damery

Overwhelming, never-ending, reckless Love of Jesus Christ. This is the Love I found at the ISU Catholic Newman Center and this Love is what awaits you if you are willing to come with an open heart. His Love is overwhelming because the Joy that comes from building a relationship with Christ has the power to penetrate even the hardest of hearts. His Love is never-ending because he continuously showers us with his Grace, which gives strength to endure all situations. His Love is reckless because it cannot be contained. It is radically unhindered by any limits of this world.

AYla Kibler

The St. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center means more to me than I could put into words. My heart will forever be grateful for this beautiful center because it saved my life. What I have received will carry with me through the rest of my life: the truth, a family, healing, the five-stones, a relationship with Jesus and Mary, love. The world cannot give you these things, it doesn’t offer you the joy and peace that I found in this center. But now I can be God’s vessel to bring that joy and peace out to others and help Him change the world. That means everything to me.
I had to learn a lot of things the hard way until I learned to humble myself, take advice, trust, and then I was able to learn things with a lot less pain and trouble. I learned how to simply be. I learned my dignity, my worth, who I was created to be, what I am called to do, how to make this world a better place, how to get to heaven, and how to bring as many people with me as possible. What a gift. What a blessing.
I don’t know if it is even possible for anyone to come into the Newman Center without leaving different. I know this because I am stubborn as can be and I think it just gave God even more reason so send down His mercy to reach me. There is no such thing as too far gone, He makes everything new. And there is no such thing as arrival as long as we are on this earth, for every moment is an opportunity to receive His grace. I never would have thought even just a couple years ago that my life would be what it is today, but Christ accomplishes the impossible. I am honestly forever changed, and my heart is overflowing with thanksgiving.

Kaylin Doran

Being a part of the Newman Center has been the best part of my college years. I could not have asked for a better faith-based community filled with other students striving to grow in their relationship with Christ. The gifts I received here have changed my entire life. I have a new perspective, new dreams, and a greater love for God and all of His people. Words simply cannot express how thankful I am.

ANthony Binotti

My time at the Newman Center has been nothing short of a gift. It is here that I have further built up my faith, learned the true power of Mary and the Rosary, and started the journey of my true vocation, all while making some really great friends along the way. It was a big part of my life and something I will never forget. I encourage anyone and everyone to go there and give their heart to God. I can promise you won’t regret it. I will always be grateful for God’s gift of the Newman Center.

Stephanie Adams

When I came to this Center, I was someone concerned about having friends, a 4.0 GPA, leadership opportunities, and the perfect body. Now, honestly, all I am concerned about is whatever He asks of me. This transformation happened because of the true, authentic love that these people, especially the sisters, are striving to show us (namely…Gods love). If one thing is true, our God loves us too much to leave us the way we are. This is because true love is to will another’s good, even when it is hard or doesn’t make sense at the time. With this love, these individuals have pushed me to become the best version of myself and, although it was hard at times, I am so grateful because I have found a peace and joy that no longer wavers with the circumstances of this world.

Giselle Rodriguez

Ben Wilson

The Newman Center has meant many things for me, but it can easily be described as life changing. The friendships I have built, the family atmosphere, and most importantly my relationship with God have all contributed to the life change I have experienced over the past few months. The Sisters tough love was just what I needed at times and Koinonia both in Fall and Spring opened my eyes to the mercy of God and the plan he has for my life.

Leah Daugherty

Before my first year of college, it seemed like everyone had a word of advice or consolation for me. I was told that I would be free, independent, and mature; that I would meet people who would become lifelong friends; and that if I worked hard in school, my dreams would come true. All of this made me very nervous, because I didn't know HOW to bridge the gap between high school and a meaningful grown-up life.

I don't think I'm oversimplifying anything when I say that choosing to attend Newman Center events and Masses was the key to EVERYTHING. The staff and students at JPII are totally committed to learning about, teaching others about, and living fully Catholic lives. What I didn't realize until later was that with striving alongside your peers to get to know Christ comes everything my family and friends promised before freshman year. My heart and mind are freer, because I have been taught how to listen and speak to God in prayer. I have made friends who I know really care about me. My career path (Catholic school teaching!) has been shaped by the various mission trips I've attended through the center. Even my desire to travel the country/world has been met by the mission and pilgrimage trips we've taken!

So here's a big THANK YOU!! to all those who direct, serve at, and attend the Newman Center, especially Sr. Silvia, Sr. Clara, Sr. Clare, and Miss Noelle. Thank you for all you've taught me, all the memories we've made together, and all that is to come in this crazy, beautiful life with Christ!

Addison Ely

Before I started coming to the Newman Center the Lord and my faith had a place in my life but they were certainly not the priority. For me, academics came before everything else. I had never really intended to come to the center, but when I came, I found that which I didn’t expect. I found peace, I found joy, i found out my grades don't define me, I found people who support me and challenge me on my faith journey, and most importantly I found Christ!
However, these things didn’t happen overnight and at times I became very frustrated, but I knew that if I left I would be missing out on the greatest adventure and gift of my life.
I am truly grateful for this center. Through the examples here, the sisters, the staff, and the students I learned how to truly love and make a gift of myself. I know my eternity has been changed by this place! As St. JPII says “life with Christ is a wonderful adventure” and I assure you it is.

Susan Jacymiak

I transferred to ISU during the Spring semester of 2016 which is when I started attending the Newman center. The Newman center has truly become my home away from home. I have enjoyed deepening my faith and strengthening the relationship with the Lord. I have done the holy hour, bible studies, and Wednesday worships as well whenever possible, but, for me, the Koinonia retreat was life changing. The retreat taught me a lot, and I made new friends as well.

I will be graduating in two weeks with a Bachelors in Middle Level Education, and although it will be hard to be away from the Newman center, I know that I will continue my deep relationship with the Lord. I am grateful for the memories made and for the Newman Center

Sarah PLock

I didn’t get to spend as much time as I would’ve liked at the St. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center, but the time I did get to spend there was very impactful on my life. I got to build and grow my relationship with Christ. It was somewhere I could go to, not only maintain that relationship, but also to be around like-minded students that I would call my friends. I have learned so much about my faith and myself on this journey and I couldn’t be more grateful to everyone at Newman who played a role.

RACHEL oFFENHEISER

I owe my conversion and my eternity to the Newman Center, without it I would be living a mediocre life with mediocre thoughts and ideas in the same mediocre society and world. Coming into college, I had a desire to deepen my Catholic faith, but I did not know how to do so concretely. God led me to the Newman Center, and at my very first Treasures Bible Study Freshman year I learned for the first time that Love was not an emotion, Love was a choice. God is Love, so therefore God also offers Himself as a choice for us. The JP II Catholic Newman Center educated me on authentic Catholic living, and choosing God went from "desired yet scary" to "desired and vital for everyday functioning." The Newman Center deepened my knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith and why we believe what we believe. I learned what a relationship with Christ and Mary truly meant and was, and it was through this relationship that Christ taught me how to authentically love and serve. I met my fiance and my maid of honor at the Newman Center, along with many other young adults who are striving to live life fully and beautifully with Christ. The Newman Center provides the education and resources necessary for powerful conversions and joyful fulfillment- we weren't created for mediocrity; we were created for Christ.

Rebecca Bergmann

I am eternally grateful that the Lord brought me to the Newman Center during the time I spent at Illinois State. Going to the Newman Center gave me the opportunity to learn about the Lord and His love. From learning about Him and frequenting the sacraments, He healed many areas of my heart. I have a greater understanding of myself as the beloved daughter of a merciful Father. In a time of my life where I had to make many fundamental choices about the future, the Newman Center was a place where I could receive the guidance that I needed. It has been such a gift to share my faith with other young adults who are also striving to grow in a deeper relationship with the Lord.

Piotr Barnas

I have learned so many things being a part of the family at the Newman Center, but the most important thing has been why and how to build a relationship with Jesus through the Eucharist. Everything else I learned at the Center was related to that and has reached into every other aspect of my life. Before becoming a part of this family, I did not understand why a relationship with the Lord was that important and relevant to my everyday life. Thanks to the witness and example of people here, especially Sr. Clara and Sr. Silvia, I was inspired to concretely build my relationship with the Lord through the sacraments and the people of the Church.

As I was starting at Illinois Wesleyan University, I definitely was not planning on getting involved with campus ministry. I had plans to continue in music through my violin playing and to succeed as a pre-med biology major. Getting involved here was definitely not part of my plan. However, the joy and the selflessness of the people in the community really drew me closer as I also realized how much I did not know about my Catholic faith that I had grown up with.
Despite going on my first Koinonia retreat and the Miami Mission Trip as a freshman, I did not become really committed to the Newman Center until my junior year. Although it required other things to fall out of my life, it was the best decision I made in college and a lot better than my plan could have turned out.

Since freshman year, I have so much more peace. It's really quite amazing to see how differently I respond to difficult situations and how much better I am able to perceive and appreciate each and every moment and person in my life. As a freshman, I was always stressing about the future and very focused on myself. With the inspiration and accountability of the Newman family and by the grace of God, I was able to develop a prayer life and started receiving the graces the Church has to offer (like Mass and the Reconciliation) a lot more often. These changes in my life have brought me more peace and more joy. They have also shifted my focus away from my own goals or desires. I have become more of the person that I wanted to become, and more of the person that God calls me to be. That drastic change would not have been possible without a community like this family in my life.

Emily Piszyk-figeroa

To me, the St. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center has been my home and school where I have grown in love with God, come to realize His plan for my life, begun healing from wounds I did not even know that I had, and learned how to give and accept authentic love.

The biggest thing that I learned is God fulfills my needs and even my desires because He placed them there, inside me. And not only does He fulfill those things, but He also tells you (and me) how to use your desires for your good and for the good of others. If you go to Him and ask Him what He created you for, ask Him what He wants you to do in every situation, He tells you! And that’s really good because then you begin to realize your purpose in life. It’s not just up to you to figure it out—He already has everything figured out. What you do have to do is get to know God for who He really is. You have to befriend Him and let Him love you as a Father in order to begin to realize how much He loves you and that you can trust Him. He created you, so He has the instruction manual for your life. He’s not going to direct you along a path that won’t be good for you. It might not feel good in the moment, but in the long run, if you’re faithful to what He asks you to do, it’ll be even more amazing than you ever expected. It just takes perseverance and patience.

This changed my life because I realized that I can trust God to guide me in everything. And it was through encountering the Lord, growing in trust in Him, and learning how to bring everything to Him I began to let go of everything and He was able to heal me of wounds that I did not even realize I had because they were just a part of my normal every day reality.

But, like Fr. Tim said a few weeks ago, God won’t drive a parked car. He does not force us into a relationship with Him because if He did, it wouldn’t be love, it would be slavery. So, it was up to me to choose to bring everything to Him. I had to choose to hear, to go to Treasures to learn the truths of our faith. I had to choose to go to Mass and adoration every day. It definitely wasn’t easy and it definitely did not happen overnight. It was a real struggle, and it’s even a struggle today as well to change patterns of thinking and behaving that have developed over the years. But, the Lord overcomes all things. All we have to do, is let Him in and little by little as we get to know Him and trust Him more, He heals us and guides us.

Nathan Hopper

I am so eternally grateful for my 4 years at the St. John Paul II Newman Center…I was blessed to have countless opportunities here to learn about the importance, truth, beauty, and goodness of my Catholic Faith. Not only this, but I was given the chance to learn to become a leader in the Faith, helping to form my peers as well as myself. Finally, I learned the power of giving to something bigger than myself (John 12:24 is my favorite Bible verse for a reason); serving as a Sacristan at Newman for the past 3 1/2 years is the thing I am most proud of in my life as I offered my time and talent to serve the Lord as best as I could, especially at the Holy Mass…Although I still have much to learn, this Newman Center has helped me so much along my path and I only hope and pray that I can do nearly as much for others as this place has done for me.

Hannah musgrove

When I transferred to Illinois State, I knew I wanted to go to the Newman Center to get involved to meet other college students who had the same desire to grow in the Catholic Faith as I had. But, there was a puzzle piece missing in my heart that I did not realize. “This is where it all begins,” said Sister Silvia, pointing to the tabernacle in the Witness to Love Chapel during the Fresh Start retreat. I was in awe of what she was saying. I did not understand or know how or what that would look like in the following years, but I knew it would be an exciting adventure of love, and my heart wanted that! She explained that in Adoration, we come face to face with Christ, and that He is the one who we can come to for authentic Love, peace, joy, strength and everything else our hearts need. I wanted that! As I came to the Newman Center more, the Lord was capturing my heart that He is Love and wants to have a relationship with me..with each one of us. What peace comes from knowing He will take care of us and that He has given us each a mission of Love for His children! The Newman Center has been an immense gift to my heart. It is not simply the building that has changed my life, but Who is inside…Jesus! My heart has had a home at the Newman Center to rest in His Sacred Heart and the Immaculate Heart of Mary to be formed. Over the years, He has lovingly chizzled my heart to become more like Him and Our Lady, and to be a gift to others. I am continually amazed of the workings of the Holy Spirit these past years. I have been a recipient of the gift of the Newman Center and having the Sisters on the journey with us; what a gift that I never want to waste! The Lord is so good!!

Ryan McClowry

The St. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center has allowed me to realize how much love God has for me. I still remember the very first day I stepped inside the Newman Center during my freshman year. Sr. Silvia and Sr. Sara greeted me at the doorway with a hug. From that day forward, I knew this place was something special. During my freshman year I went to Newman for Sunday mass and that was about it. I started attending more frequently during my sophomore year when I realized that Wednesday Worship was so powerful. It was my favorite part of the week because I was able to pray and listen to God while listening to worship music. For my last two years of college, I knew I wanted to spend as much time as possible at the Newman Center because I wanted to feel God’s love. Therefore, I chose to place God first in my life and have Him help me lead my way. With God’s help, I was able to have peace about my future plans. I thank the St. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center for a wonderful four years of college at Illinois State University and I am so grateful that I stepped inside this wonderful place my freshman year.

Brian McClowry

"God is good! All the time! All the time! God is good!" This is the saying that everyone hears on a daily basis at the St. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center. The first few times I heard this, I simply just thought it was a catchy phrase to gather everyone's attention. However, after growing in fellowship and faith at the Newman Center for the past four years of college, I realized that, "God is good! All the time!" is just not a saying. God truly is good and loves us all so much and has a perfect plan for all of us.

Lizzy O'Brien

The Newman Center has been the biggest blessing of my whole college career. It was the place where I discovered the meaning of my life that I had been hopelessly seeking. The Center was where I found love and acceptance among my peers, the Sisters, and most of all in Christ Himself. It was only through Christ’s love that I was able to heal from past wounds and forgive those who had wounded me which turned out to be the most freeing thing I have ever done. God has given me true freedom, authentic love, unending patience and mercy, and most importantly, He has given me new life- a gift for which I am eternally grateful!

Maureen Reilly

One of my favorite quotes from St. John Paul II is, “Love explained everything to me. That is why I admire love wherever it is found.” This is a perfect testament to me, in thinking about the St. John Paul II Newman Center. This place is a home. I spent a good portion of my freshman year, before getting really involved at Newman, feeling very alone. I did not want to go to parties, and get involved in that lifestyle, but that is what everyone else was doing, so I spent a lot of time by myself, feeling very lonely and lost. It was a phone call from a perky, way too nice, loving girl named Molly that I started to feel like I had a place. She invited me to Treasures, and from that point forward I started getting involved and taking the steps toward growing closer to Christ. The Newman Center has been a place where I have learned the importance and the impact that authentic love has on the heart. The Lord has taught me so much about His love, and how true it is that without [Him] I can do nothing (John 15). I have learned how to serve, and put others first rather than myself. I have learned that I am not alone, Christ is with me every step of my journey, and He will guide me. But the greatest thing I really am going to take away from my time here, is how much I have learned about LOVE. God’s love, is the most important and significant gift we are given. His love, heals, it saves, and it gives us the ability to love others well. The Newman Center has given me so much joy, so much peace, the greatest Love I could ever receive, friendships that I know will last for a very long time, wonderful memories and experiences that I will never forget, and so much more. I am so blessed to have gotten to be a part of the Newman family. God is so good. St. John Paul II, Pray for us!
God love ya.

Laura Soppet

Throughout my college career, I became entrenched in the secular mindset that exalted sexual liberty, individuality, and relativistic morality. Yet the further I progressed in my studies, the more disillusioned and depressed I felt, comprehending that these ideas lead to death—death of communities, families, and the inherent dignity of every human. Slowly I began to seek out the Truth, and that is why I started coming to the Newman Center besides Sunday Mass. Through Treasures Bible Study, I finally began to understand my Catholic faith and debunk all those myths surrounding the Church’s teachings regarding human sexuality and morality. As a lover of academics, these weekly meetings quenched my thirst for knowledge in a way that had never been achieved before—and quenched it with life-giving water given by God, not learned ideologies of men. At Wednesday Night Worship, I was able to praise God through something very dear to me—music—and develop a relationship with Him that had been missing in my life. At daily Mass, I received healing through the Sacraments. Silent adoration throughout the week allowed me to spend time with Jesus and witness His incredible healing, wisdom, and sacrificial love. As a college student, you are always going a mile a minute, but it was in Adoration that I found peaceful rest and perceived the higher calling God had for me, beyond the walls of the university. The Newman Center helped me find Truth in a world that tries desperately to deprive us of it. It was the unwavering teachings of the Church that—unlike any of the secular ideologies I had learned—exposed the beauty of humanity and its ultimate triumph in the person of Jesus Christ. Once I understood the great love that God bestows on us, if we should only seek His will in our lives, everything was different. For Christ says, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6) and all else fails in comparison. My life is radically changed for having been revealed this life-giving Truth. I am eternally grateful to the sisters, the priests, and my fellow peers that allowed me to see what it means to love and serve the Lord, when everyone else tells you to serve self.

Blake Brooks

The Newman Center was a great light to my life at an important time in my life. I was deeply confused about who I was and what life was about. God sorted out this confusion, using the Newman Center as my stronghold. It provided an atmosphere that not only allowed, but promoted virtue and holiness. It was the soil that God used to help grow my little, sinful seed. I am thankful for the truth provided through the Center and for the unceasing love that pours out from the Chapel. The human relationships I formed were deeply impactful on my soul and are uncommon to the culture of death. The authenticity of the Center's environment and the relationships I formed have had eternal significance. My time here also provided me the environment necessary to hear God's voice for the next stage of my life. I first came to the Newman Center to see what kind of girls were there, and I eventually discovered the most beautiful bride. The Center displayed for me the beauty of the Church, the bride of Christ, and I believe the Lord is inviting me to get to know her better. I am planning on entering the seminary for the Diocese of Peoria. According to the Church, I am courting the Church.

Brittany Samuelson

Coming to ISU I was already blessed with a personal relationship with God but I did not know very much about the Catholic Church or real truth. I did not want to just be friends with "church people" so I decided that I would just "sneak" into the Newman Center to hang out with God but not get too "sucked in" by the people there. I tried to live this way for a few months... I was trying to live a life with God in my own little secret world and then hang out with friends like a normal college student. Soon I developed a desire to learn about the Catholic faith. Finally, through building relationships and asking a million questions, I began to truly mature in my faith and seek the truth, no matter how radical it sounded. I have learned so much more about the world, relationships, friendships, and God at the JPII Newman Center than I have learned anywhere else in the world. But that is only because THE TRUTH IN CHRIST is being sought-after constantly by everyone there. The Newman Center has given me the hope and desire to seek the truth, share the truth, and live the truth wherever I go in the future. And I know I can do this because Jesus is truly present in every Catholic church around the whole world! I do not want to live with worldly pleasures anymore; instead I have witnessed the beauty in suffering through learning the truth and conforming to it, so I desire to live radically for Christ! And now God has blessed me by providing me with a teaching position at St. Mary's Catholic School. I am confident that He is calling me to a deeper conversion every day so He has blessed me by putting me in a Catholic school with 24-hour adoration and Mass every day! A few years ago I would have never even thought about teaching in a Catholic school, and many people think I am crazy, but I know this is where God wants me and I am finally confident that nothing else matters!

Morgan McFarlin

Coming in as a freshman at Illinois State, I had all sorts of grand plans for my life...plans of what my future career and future life should look like. Plans wrapped up in a tight, pretty package. But what I lacked was a vision of what the Lord had planned for me. When I first became involved with the Newman Center, I was initially struck by the amazing, close-knit community that immediately enveloped me in love. It didn't matter who I was or where I came from, all that mattered was that I was their Sister in Christ and they loved me just because of that simple fact. Over my years at ISU I gradually opened myself to the Lord and His beautiful plan for my life. And the love that I received from my friends at Newman helped me to open up to the love our Father wants to pour down upon us. The community at Newman is so much more to me than just some nice people I see at church...they're my family. And it is because of my time at Newman that I am where I am today. Since graduation, I have become employed with Students for Life of Illinois in Champaign, IL as Campus Mentor/Programs Director...a position that I would have never considered had I not been exposed to the Lord through the Newman Center. My life has been drastically altered due to my time at Newman; changed for the better so that I can go forth and in turn, change the world.

Steve Siwek

In the past 5 years at Newman, I have experienced so much. I have met some of the most amazing people in the world. I have met the most amazing girl in the world. But more importantly, I have truly met God. I came to college knowing that my faith was supposed to be important; I spent 9 years at a Catholic grade school, but wasn’t really ready to take the next step. I planned on going to mass every Sunday, but didn’t expect to do much else. I first became involved at Newman outside of Sunday Mass playing dodgeball on Thursday nights. I became more comfortable with the students at Newman, and formed some close friendships. My long-term involvement at Newman was cemented after I went on NK 38, my first of 8 straight Koinonia retreats. After that, all bets were off.
The first semester of my sophomore year, I was newly single, having broken up with my girlfriend that summer. I was devastated, but the close friendships I had formed at Newman made me forget about all of it. I met my best guy friend that semester and we have formed a bond that I hope and pray will last a lifetime. Second semester of that year, with some help from my friends, and after much prayer, I started dating a girl I met through the Newman Center, who I still am with today. We focus on keeping God at the center of our relationship, and I cannot wait to see what He has in store for us in the future.
As my faith matured, I took on leadership roles at the Center, which in turn strengthened my faith. My last leadership position at the center was co-leading the NK 45 retreat – having my best friend and girlfriend as co-leaders was an extra blessing.
The Newman Center has taught me to strive to live my life for God. I am getting a good start, as God has blessed me with the opportunity to teach Physical Education at two Catholic schools this fall. I encourage you all to truly make the Catholic faith central to your life. The Newman Center provides a wonderful community where you can learn about your faith and form friendships that will last your entire life. Know of my prayers for all of you. God Bless!

Listen to what students experience at the ​St. John Paul II Newman Center

David Luka

Bailey Garland

Brinton Johnson

Noelle Daugherty

Andrew BILGRI

JACOB HOPPER

Jenny Ciupinski

Laynie Eschbacher

Madie Martus

Hannah Funk

Graham Dano

Sam Johnson

Brian Casey

Nadine Hernandez

Katrina Lexa

Kathleen Koos

Alex Buldak

CHristopher Abel

JOrdan Emerick

Mary Francis Meridian

Emily Snider

Mac Nelson

Grace Heim

Emil Maric

amy fredrick

Luke Cottingham

Alyssa Eaton

Benjamin N. Busch

Tom Junis

Drew Isbell

Dominique Lashley ​

Kayla Burr

Ben Roussin

Chelsea Koechle

Michael Dickey

Giselle Rodriguez

Rick Kuduk

Kinga Adamczyk

Weston Bridson

Allie Welps

Will Gustafson

noelle Ortega

Amy widhalm

Abby Chronister

Annie Nguyen

Hannah Piemonte

Konnor Damery

AYla Kibler

Kaylin Doran

ANthony Binotti

Stephanie Adams

Giselle Rodriguez

Ben Wilson

Leah Daugherty

Addison Ely

Susan Jacymiak

Sarah PLock

RACHEL oFFENHEISER

Rebecca Bergmann

Piotr Barnas

Emily Piszyk-figeroa

Nathan Hopper

Hannah musgrove

Ryan McClowry

Brian McClowry

Lizzy O'Brien

Maureen Reilly

Laura Soppet

Blake Brooks

Brittany Samuelson

Morgan McFarlin

Steve Siwek

Listen to what students experience at the
St. John Paul II Newman Center

Dominique Lashley