Fall 2022 CoMoNewman Newsletter

It will not satisfy me, if religion is here, and science there, and young people converse with science all day, and lodge with religion in the evening... I want the same roof to contain both the inttelectual and moral discipline.

Mass on the Quad

Due to Covid and then other restrictions, Newman hasn't been able to celebrate Mass on the Quad for a few years now. This year we were pleased to bring this Newman tradition back for students. And what a great night it turned out to be!

Photo credit Jay Nies

FAITH IN ACTION IS LOVE - AND LOVE IN ACTION IS SERVICE. ST. TERESA OF CALCUTTA

Saint John Henry Newman

The Welcome Back for Students We've Been Waiting For!

HELPS COLLEGE STUDENTS INTEGRATE FAITH & KNOWLEDGE

BE RADICAL IN YOUR TRUST

Things will never be exactly as they used to be; but they’re not really supposed to be. If they were, life might be museum quality…but it wouldn’t be alive.

Things do seem more alive at Newman this year. Several people have mentioned how things seem more like they were pre-covid. At Newman, we’ve had more “people-traffic” in the building, larger gatherings, more bible studies; and, of course, more struggles, more drama, and more opportunities for reconciliation and healing. Maybe the most important thing we want “more of”, however, is more life from the One Who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, who said, “I came that they might have life and have it more abundantly.”

Our namesake, St. John Henry Newman, said to live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often. I’m not a fan of change for change’s sake, but I do believe it’s good not to be afraid of change. Our Catholic faith teaches us that through whatever changes we may walk, we go forward side by side with the Lord, Who never leaves us.

As things go forward this year into whatever “normal” or newness lies ahead, we definitely want your prayers, your support, and your partnership in our work of evangelization and teaching, and striving to live out more deeply the Christian friendships encountered here. One new thing at Newman this year is that we are now officially a Stewardship Parish, meaning that we strive to notice all the ways God blesses us, and then to make a grateful response in prayer, through involvement in the Church, and through sacrificial giving. And the Parish as a whole now makes a sacrificial gift of 10% of our income every month to the diocese. It’s a real step out in faith, that with our generosity to the greater Church, the Lord will show greater generosity to us in return. I admit it can be a bit nerve-racking, but it’s also exciting to be more radical in our trusting in God’s providence and in the generosity of parishioners and friends.

Things are more like they used to be. But things will never be the same. I invite you to notice the blessings of God in your life and to strive “more abundantly” to make your own grateful response of radical faith. And we hope that you find gratitude in your heart for Newman, too! We pray the Lord lead you to newness and abundance in your own walk forward with Him. And we hope to see you walking through our doors soon!

We are coming to St. Louis! We are excited that SEEK23 will be in in St. Louis this year. We're planning an all-Newman get-together.

NEWMAN CATHOLIC CAMPUS MINISTRY IN ST. LOUIS

Fr. Daniel Merz, SLD Pastor frdan@comonewman.org

ST. LOUIS

Join Fr. Dan, Lori, Campus Ministry staff, Newman alumni, parents and students attending SEEK23. Location TBD - Wednesday, January 4, 2023, time TBD, but it will be an evening gathering. RSVP to Lori if you would like to attend. We hope to see you there!

Lori Benson Director of Stewardship & Advancement lori@comonewman.org 573-449-5424, ext. 205

A New Twist on this Student Ministry

Same night! Same verse! But Ephesians Three looks a little different! Originally founded by students in 2010, this ministry provided a place for the community to recharge in the middle of the week with praise & worship and talks given by students. Following a conversation about how this ministry can further create a space for students to encounter the Lord in a deeply personal way, a re-envisioned Ephesians Three format was launched.

For the 2022-2023 school year, Ephesians Three runs on a four-week rotating cycle. Week one features a guest speaker from outside the immediate student community, with discussion to follow. Week two is a rowdy community event where students can experience a break from their studies while participating in fun games and fellowship. Week three is filled with three different tracks that students can attend depending on the level of depth they wish to receive. During week four, we finish up the cycle with adoration, praise & worship, and reconciliation that gives students a space to encounter the Lord personally and reflect on how they have grown in intimacy with Him the last four weeks.

Students have voiced their appreciation for the new format; it is a vibrant experience for returning students as well as a low barrier event for new students to attend. At its core, the Ephesians Three Ministry desires for every student “to know the love of Christ” (Ephesians 3:19) that is personally for them. Students belong in relationship with Jesus because of their goodness, and this ministry serves as a foundation for that truth.

MASON ARNESON SOFIA FIORINO

Mason Arneson ('24) is a Jounalism junior from Minnetonka, MN.

The ways in which Ephesians Three has evolved this year is truly amazing. To see how the ministry has brought in an exciting and innovative take on faith and community warms my heart. I'm really excited for what's to come and I'm hopeful that many more people will come to experience Christ's love on Wednesday nights!

Sofia Fiorino ('26) is a Music Composition freshman from West Plains, MO.

I love the way Ephesians Three rotates over four weeks. The Upperclassmen have been open and welcoming, making it feel like a real community. My favorite week has been week three, where I took part in the Cor discussion. This topic really resonated with me. The Cor discussion answered a lot of my “whys”. Why do we do "all the things" and practice our faith the way we do as Catholics? Ephesians Three is deep and meaningful, yet fun and messy depending on which week we’re on.

Scan to check out the Ephesians Three podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcast.

To learn more about Ephesians Three contact Ryan Schnitker at ryan@comonewman.org

Rhea Krumpleman ('26) is a Freshman from Marceline, Mo

IGNITE

FIRST YEAR RETREAT

The Ignite Retreat was a great jumping off point for me with Newman. I got to meet a lot of other freshmen who are excited to live out their faith in college, and got to know more about the upperclassmen from their talks. The people that I met have already become friends that I hang out with, both inside and outside of Newman events.

Going to this retreat helped me put my priorities in perspective and remember that, above all, “God has created us to love and to be loved” - Mother Teresa. Ignite gave me an idea of what growing in my relationship with Christ could look like while I’m in college and I’m very excited to continue that journey!

MEET JIM & BETSY DONOR SPOTLIGHT

We support campus ministry at the University of Missouri, Columbia Newman Center because the Newman Center at Mizzou has truly been a “home away from home” for our three children, Mary, Austin, and Daniel. The Newman Center has been a wonderful opportunity for our children to grow in their faith and continue their Catholic faith journey with activities such as E3, Bible Studies, Awakenings Retreats, and leadership opportunities. Campus Ministry has touched our three children through the personal relationships they have had with the staff at the Newman Center and the FOCUS Missionaries. And sometimes you may even meet your future spouse at the Newman Center like Mary and Joseph have!

Dr. Jim and Betsy Klarsch are the parents of Mary (Klarsch) Lennartz (Mizzou DPT Class of ’20), Austin Klarsch (Mizzou Class of ’20 B.S. Biology, Focus Missionary at The Ohio State), and Daniel Klarsch (Mizzou Class of ’25, Mechanical Engineering)

MEET EMILY

WELCOME NEW focus MISSIONARIES MEET ABBY

Hometown: Overland Park, Kansas

Go to Scripture: John 17:3

Why do you love your job? I love my job becaue I get to know and love others deeply and be known by them in the same way. And, everything about my job as Jesus at the center, who is the only person or thing that has made me truly happy.

Something people would not know about you: I love playing cards or games of any kind. I also love playing music and having jam sessions.

This year FOCUS missionaries at Newman will invite 150 students from the University of Missouri, Columbia College and Stephens College to SEEK23 in St. Louis. Students will be individually fundraising for their registration.

SEEK is the only Catholic conference of its size that brings the heart o the Gospel and modern-day missionary discipleship. Students will hear from amazing keynote speakers like Chika Anyanwu, Sr. Miriam James Heidland, Fr.. Joshua Johnson, Paul Kim, Sr. Bethany Madonna, Fr. Mike Schmitz and more.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHINGS

In September, the Martha Trauth Social Justice Education Board hosted it's inaugural speaker on Catholic Social Teachings. Marie Kenyon, Director for Office of Peace and Justice, from the St. Louis Diocese presented: Forming “Social Poets” in Your Parish: Living Catholic Social Teaching in Meter and Meaning.

Hometown:Cincinnati, Ohio

Go to Scripture: Psalm 23

Why do you love your job? I think it is the single greatest privilege and honor to spend this time of my life sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ on a college campus!

Favorite thing about yourself: My laugh is pretty distinct...you can hear it from quite a ways away!

Something people would not know about you: I really love practicing my Spanish speaking skills!

January 2-6

GRACE RADKE

Grace Radke ('25) is a Strategic Communications and Graphic Design sophomore from Overland Park, KS.

I appreciated Marie's talk because she allowed for the talk to be a conversation which I think is very much what we need when it comes to Catholic social teaching. The conversation showed me how to have conversations with other people, by communicating opinions and then listening.

Your support helps young Catholics integrate faith and knowledge!

In addition to Ephesians 3, retreats and lectures, Campus Ministry and FOCUS currently offers 24 Bible Studies for Undergrad and Grad students, Athletes, and Greeks!

comonewman.org "comonewman" on Facebook & Instagram

Knights of Columbus Council 7231

Proudly serving St. Thomas More Newman Center since 1979

Our Faith Our Mission

Thanks to your support of our activities, in 2020-21 the Mizzou Knights Council gifted over $7,200 to 11 causes, including: Catholic Campus Ministry The Food Bank

Meet Life Campaign CPS-Coats for Kids Military Chaplain Scholarships

Seminarian Support Special Olympics & More!

THANK YOU for your generous support! mizzouknights.org | mizzouknights@gmail.com

lori@comonewman.org.