By Mary Quilici Aumack
One of the most formative steps in my faith journey was my time at Gonzaga University. Through worship, prayer, discussion and debate, I learned and thrived in a community of faith. Catholic universities have “built in” campus ministry. For public universities, it takes the commitment of a community.
This is what’s happening at San Jose State University. This robust ministry started with the 2022-2023 school year. Since then, the number of participants and activities has multiplied! For example, at the 2022 Welcome Mass there were 25 attendees. In 2025 there were 80. Average Sunday Mass attendance has grown from 25 to 80. In the 2024-2025 academic year, 95 students signed up for bible study, and 70 stayed the entire year.
Numbers don’t tell the whole story. This flourishing ministry is led by Fr. Ernesto Orci, the pastor at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph Parish. Listening to Fr. Ernesto talk about the students and watching his eyes light up simply fills your heart. He speaks of the impromptu “He is RISEN” party at the Newman Center that followed Easter Vigil at the Cathedral. He joyfully (and with some fatigue) participated until 3:00AM!
Fr. Ernesto has teamed with FOCUS to build this community of faith. FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) offers a unique approach by providing 4 missionaries (2 female, 2 male) to work directly with the students at the Newman Center. The FOCUS missionaries organize liturgies, bible studies, music and outreach.
Faith formation is happening, through evangelization, accompaniment, outreach and friendship. This is faith in action, and the Catholic Community Foundation is pleased to participate through our SJSU Catholic Campus Ministry Fund. This fund was set up to allow the community to support this important work. Grants cover items such as dinners, outings, physical resources, and scholarships for the annual SEEK Conference where thousands of university students gather and grow in faith. Here they answer the question: WHAT DO YOU SEEK? (John 1:38)
If you would like to help with this important ministry, donations of any amount are welcome and appreciated. We are so grateful to the Diocese of San José and the team at the Cathedral parish for awakening a fire in these students that will serve us ALL in the future.