When our high school graduates attend secular colleges, their faith and moral life are often tested. They need the support of campus ministries, Newman centers, and the faith community.
These ministries oftentimes struggle to connect with Catholic freshmen. Many freshmen fail to seek the very support they need while privacy laws block the ministries from knowing a student's religious background - an obstacle to reaching out.
The US Council of Serra International developed a simple program to help make the connection. The participating diocese seeks the names of its high school graduates and their respective colleges. Then, either directly or through Serra, it notifies the campus ministries of the incoming Catholic students, allowing them to encourage participation in Catholic life on campus. It's simple, but effective!
In order to complete this connection for yourself or your high school graduate, we need some basic information, such as college and location.
Together, we can help our college students to retain the Catholic identity that has formed and prepared them for the most important years of their lives!
Bulletin Announcments, Program Timeline, Literature
Sample Parish Bulletin Announcements
Your Life at College: 10 Suggestions For Living Your Catholic Faith While In College.
Pew/post cards
College Connection program highlighted in the NCDVD Magazine (National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors)
For more information or assistance contact Laurie Marshanke, Young Adult Ministry Coordinator at lmarshanke@buffalodiocese.org or 716-847-8789.