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 Board of Directors has renamed the Operations Endowment of the Foundation to the “Mary Quilici Aumack Endowment for FOREVER VALUE” in honor of Mary’s vision for and years of dedicated service to the organization as she leaves her role as CEO later this year.

Mary Quilici Aumack dedicated 17 years of services to the Catholic Community Foundation, first as a Board Member and then as CEO for 15 years. Mary shepherded the Foundation through many milestones during her tenure, including the expansion to a community foundation model, the charitable response to the 2020 pandemic, and reaching the historic $10 million granting goal in 2024. Her faith-filled and far-sighted leadership laid a solid foundation for the organization based on sustainability, donor- and beneficiary-centered service, and compassion. Mary was also a founding member of the Consortium of Catholic Foundations, a nation-wide network of Catholic Foundations which shares information, best practices and support.

By Marie Galetto-Dugoni

In a world where wedding registries are often filled with household items, Emma and Vincent chose a different path —one that not only celebrated their love but also honored their faith by using a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) to turn their wedding gifts into a powerful force for good. The choice to register for donations to their DAF reflects this couple’s deep faith and generosity and highlights the kind of couple they will be throughout their marriage.

Emma, a local from Sunnyvale, met Vincent, who grew up in Southern France, in 2009. They were casual acquaintances for many years and always enjoyed each other’s company. Emma did not consider pursuing Vincent romantically because she heard through mutual friends that he was considering a vocation to religious life once his daughter was an adult. She thought it was a beautiful decision and continued to enjoy their friendship, never expecting it to develop into anything more.

“I always thought I would remain single and, for a time, even considered a life of prayer or service in the Church,” said Vincent, “but after reflection I realized that I was truly meant to remain in the world. I always loved being a dad and wanted to be there for my daughter, even after she was grown.” However, God had other plans. A coworker challenged him to pray about the future of his family, reminding him that his love for others was meant to be shared. He soon realized that God was leading him to be open to marriage again.