TEMPE, Ariz. — Arizona State University is a beacon for communities of all kinds. From Greek life to robotics, there's a place for just about everyone on campus. While many of these groups focus on career interests, one in particular is dedicated to helping students deepen their faith.
Located at the corner of East University Drive and South College Avenue, All Saints Catholic Newman Center offers a place for students to engage and strengthen their Catholic faith, serving Sun Devils across all four campuses.
Elias Moreno, a junior at ASU, serves as liturgy coordinator and a sacristan. According to Moreno, he sees the Newman Center as a very bright light in a lot of darkness.
“When you come to the Newman Center, you will notice people here are very on fire for their faith,” said Moreno. “I think in an environment where there can be a lot of temptation, the Newman Center allows you to choose a different lifestyle and I think the people here are a great reflection of that.”
The Newman Center hosts a wide range of events and social gatherings for both newcomers and longtime members.
FOCUS, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students, is a missionary organization at the Newman Center. Led by missionaries from around the world, FOCUS hosts events, increases engagement within the community and walks with students as they grow in their faith.
Emma Fitzgerald, a student at Arizona State University, has been a member of the Newman Center since her freshman year. She says FOCUS and SPO missionaries, another Catholic organization, do an incredible job of connecting with students.
“The young adult Catholic organizations do an amazing job at outreach. They’ll invite students to coffee or hangouts if you are new to the faith and very excited to share it with them, as well as answer any questions they might have,” Fitzgerald shared.
She also shared that the Newman Center meets students wherever they are in their faith journey, offering guidance and support tailored to their needs.
“The Newman Center offers Catholics a strong support system to deepen their faith, while also welcoming non-Catholics who want to learn more. Through talks, Bible studies, missionaries, the Sisters of Life and other mentors, students have plenty of opportunities to ask questions, seek guidance and grow.”
The Newman Center offers two daily Masses five days a week, along with six weekend services. Open adoration and regular confession times are also available.
Fitzgerald says that in the midst of a busy lifestyle, both the adoration chapel and attending Mass have given her a much-needed moment of silence and stillness in her schedule.
“The Newman Center gives a safe place on campus for students to study, meet friends, have quiet time, attend Mass and go to adoration. Having an adoration chapel available, in particular, is a game-changer,” Fitzgerald shared. “Whenever I am stressed, being able to escape the loud campus and step into the quiet chapel is the best.”
Chloe Adams, a recent newcomer to the Newman Center, said one of the group’s outreach events gave her a warm introduction to the community.
“I was invited to one of their weekly Newman Nights, where students get together at the church,” Adams said. “The night I went, a local band performed, and I brought a couple of friends who are also Catholic. Everyone sat on the grass while the priest spoke and introduced the band. The whole atmosphere was relaxed and it felt really special.”
The Newman Center offers several ways for students to get involved and stay connected. Up-to-date information about events and additional inquiries can be found on the center’s website at asucatholic.org.