At San Jose State University (SJSU), Catholic campus ministry is seeing an exciting period of growth, thanks in part to the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) program. Now in its second year, the FOCUS initiative is transforming the way Catholic students connect with their faith, one another, and the broader community.
Growth and Expansion of the FOCUS Program
Fr. Ernesto Orci and the priests at the Cathedral Basilica have been working to serve the spiritual needs of students in a unique and impactful way. While the Basilica has been overseeing campus ministry at SJSU for four years, FOCUS was introduced in 2023 and has been a crucial element in deepening student engagement with their faith, offering support and providing transformative experiences.
When FOCUS missionaries arrived at SJSU, they brought with them a renewed sense of purpose, outreach, and opportunities for spiritual growth. The number of students engaging with the Newman Center Campus Ministry program has increased significantly, reflecting the impact of FOCUS on the campus. The program has blossomed, with bible studies growing from 20-25 participants in spring 2023 to 40-45 consistent attendees each week. The FOCUS missionaries not only lead these studies, but they also empower students to take the lead themselves, fostering a sense of ownership and leadership within the faith community.
The Newman Center: A Place for Connection and Prayer
A key hub for these growing efforts is The Newman Center, located at 10th Street and San Carlos, which serves as the chapel and central meeting point for the ministry. Though the building is older, it plays a vital role in fostering community among students. It is here that students come to socialize, pray, and deepen their spiritual lives.
The space has hosted a range of significant events, including an overnight Lenten Retreat for 20-25 students and a Daytime Retreat. The Center serves as a gathering place for students in a commuter-heavy school, offering a space for them to connect with one another and to find peace and support in a busy environment.
However, as an older structure, it has its challenges. The building recently suffered severe water damage, affecting furniture and flooring. “One of our goals is to renovate the space to be more inviting, comfortable, and functional for our students,” says Fr. Ernesto. “We want this place to feel like a home away from home and reflect the welcoming, inclusive atmosphere our Campus Ministry and FOCUS missionaries create through their work.”
Impressive Offerings for Spiritual Growth
The Catholic Campus Ministry program at SJSU is not limited to Bible studies and retreats. As chaplains, Fr. Ernesto and the Cathedral priests, offer a wide range of prayer and worship opportunities that help students grow in their faith and is available to students when and where they need it. Regular adoration times multiple mornings and afternoons every week provide students with quiet, reflective moments in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. Mass is offered daily from Monday to Thursday. On Sundays, students have the chance to participate in silent prayer and adoration, followed by a time for confession, Mass, and a dinner to socialize and build a community with other SJSU students.
“We are seeing up to 15 college students attending daily Mass and adoration during the week. On Sundays, we have filled the Chapel with 50-70 students for Mass and socializing together at dinner.”
One of the highlights of the year for many students was the SEEK Conference, the national FOCUS program’s annual event. The students who attended grew spiritually and connected with fellow Catholics from other universities, further demonstrating the expansive reach of the FOCUS program.
The Future: What Additional Funding Could Do
As the Catholic Campus Ministry program continues to grow, the need for additional funding becomes more pressing. Donors have set up a fund at the Foundation – the San Jose State University Catholic Campus Ministry Fund – to support the growing needs of this program.
Financial support would enable the ministry to offer more enriching experiences for students. With a larger budget, they could host more retreats, invite more speakers, and offer a broader range of social events that would attract even more students
Furthermore, funding would allow The Center to undergo much-needed repairs, transforming the space into a more welcoming and comfortable environment and creating a true sanctuary for students to come together in prayer and community. There is also a need to hire a lay person to work at the Center, ensuring more consistent presence for students who need guidance and support and can keep the Newman Center open longer hours for student use.
With the continued support of donors and community members, the Campus Ministry program, along with FOCUS, can expand its impact, reaching more students, deepening their faith, and creating lasting memories that will guide them in their spiritual journeys. The future of the Catholic campus ministry at SJSU is bright, and with more funding, the possibilities are limitless.