LETTERFROMTHEDIRECTOR
Greetings from “the Hill!” As the spring semester continues to progress, I am edified to see the love for Jesus that is evident in so many in our St Lawrence family
In January, I was privileged to journey to Rome with 20 students There, we encountered the story of the origins of our Church, we prayed before the relics of our patron saint, and we even got to briefly meet Pope Francis! The successor of St Peter is now officially a Jayhawk!
As the Lenten season began, we were thrilled to welcome well over 2,200 students to our Ash Wednesday celebrations (we had a hard time fitting in the Church!), and I have been very humbled and edified to witness the response of many students who have generously said “yes” to our “Loaves and Fish” tithing campaign Jesus was able to feed thousands when a young man presented Him the small offering of loaves and fish that he had The LORD is going to be able to do much good in and through many of our students because of their o Him and His diocese of E Lenten udents, and LORD is on the 29 Jayhawks to ed in the countered the or graduation community We o witness the h through them His Kingdom e Hill” possible, ing the power of e keep me and we journey
Fr Luke Doyle Director & Chaplain
LivingGenerously
A note from the Advancement Director, Molly McKeithan
Throughout the 2024-2025 school year, we’ve been working on ways to involve students within the advancement office of the St Lawrence Center Our students have shown us that they are committed through their gifts of time and talent, but many have never invested their treasure This probably comes as no surprise, as most college students are putting pennies together to pay rent, afford activities out with friends, and help pay their tuition. So, this Lent, we launched our “loaves and fish” student tithing campaign, inviting them to give what little they have (Matthew 14:17-19) and to create a buy-in of self within the Center
At first, students were very hesitant to give The common responses included being a poor college kid, wondering why we would ask them, laughing, saying they would give after graduation, and many other reasons But, slowly, the hearts of students opened up. We kept sharing that it wasn’t about the amount that they gave but the intention behind their gift. We wanted to create a culture of living generously and creating shared ownership with the students
At the end of March, we had 38 students give gifts totalling over $5,000. We are blown away by their gift of self and buy-in on the mission of the Center As we work to keep growing the future of self gift, we ask that you pray for the students to have the courage and freedom to live lives of radical generosity and continue to say “yes” to the mission of the St. Lawrence Center.
By Olivia Samper SPO Chapter Leader
Transforming Lives Through Deep Relationships
This year has been an exciting and fruitful one for Saint Paul's Outreach (SPO) at the University of Kansas, marked by significant growth and powerful encounters with the Lord. One of the most notable milestones was the official launch of the Household program, a longanticipated step that has created a transformative environment for students seeking an authentic Christian community.
The Household program provides students with the opportunity to live together in an intentional community, where prayer, fellowship, and mission are integrated into daily life This new initiative has already had a remarkable impact Students living in the Household have expressed how the structure of morning prayer, shared meals, and intentional conversations has fostered deeper friendships and a more disciplined spiritual life
Household members are learning to challenge and support one another, encouraging growth in virtue and commitment to their faith.
In addition to the Household program, this year also saw the successful launch of men's and women's small groups These groups provide spaces for students to gather weekly, learn more about being a man or a woman in Christ, and share their lives in a meaningful way
The small groups have created safe environments for students to ask questions, share struggles, and receive encouragement. Many students who previously felt isolated or uncertain about their faith have found these groups to be a place where they feel seen and known The fruit of these small groups is evident in the way students are beginning to take ownership of their spiritual growth and invite their peers into "running the race" of faith along with them
One of the most inspiring aspects of this year has been witnessing God powerfully at work through the sacraments Numerous students have testified about
their transformative encounters with the Lord in Confession and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. In particular, some students who had been away from the Church for years experienced profound healing and renewal through the sacrament of reconciliation Others have shared how spending time in Eucharistic adoration has deepened their awareness of God's love and helped them find clarity in moments of confusion and doubt
These grace-filled moments have not only strengthened individual students but have also sparked a renewed spirit of evangelization on campus Inspired by their encounters with Jesus, students are boldly sharing their testimonies and inviting friends into the life of the Church
As Saint Paul's Outreach continues to build momentum at the University of Kansas, we give thanks for God's abundant blessings and look forward to witnessing even greater fruit in the lives of students as they encounter the transforming love of Christ
L to R: Andrew Raschke, Jackalyn Ballard, Samuel Masek, and Olivia Samper
YOUR VOCATION IS THE FIRST CALL
FR. TIM SKOCH ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS
What were you involved in at St. Lawrence?
During my freshman year, I attended the Koinonia retreat and helped staff the same the following spring. I often went to class on Sunday nights and attended various events, like living stations of the cross on campus After my freshman year, I stayed involved, but more sparingly.
How did the St. Lawrence Center impact your college life?
The St Lawrence Center, in particular, the sacramental life [at the center] provided me with stability amidst the hurry of life. In that community, I made quality friendships, which I still cherish to this day.
How did St. Lawrence impact your vocation?
My work throughout three years in college was as an equipment manager for the men’s basketball team (2013-2016). I remember expressing difficulty to the priest during my Sophomore year was about having all the responsibilities of school, work, and everything that college entailed My main complaint was that I felt like I had no time to pray He said to me honestly: “You can pray while you fold towels.”
From that point forward, I knew that prayer needed to be a priority and that I could pray anywhere.
What called you to the priesthood? It took a long time to discover and understand this, but God created me with a celibate heart Meaning it was not meant for anyone else God alone can do these things as Scripture tells us: “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.” (Jeremiah 1) Several things contributed to me taking the first step, which is applying to the seminary: a FOCUS Seek conference in 2013, altar serving, and my love for the Church However, it was not until year four of seminary that I felt the particular invitation to be a priest of Jesus Christ. This happened while reading Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, during our spring semester silent retreat
What was it like getting ordained and giving your “yes”?
During the ordination rehearsal and on the morning of the ordination, I felt distressed. My brother JohnMarc (also a KU grad) prayed with me in the parking lot at the parish. During the ordination, when the men to be ordained lay prostrate on the ground, one of my nieces from the front row whispered: “Is he dead?” I thought this summarized the importance of that moment: “unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” John 12:24 I loved so many things surrounding a simple “yes”
What would you say to someone in the discernment process?
Keep praying and talk to someone at St. Lawrence if you do not know how to pray (potentially the vocation director). Your vocation is first the call to be loved by Christ, then to love, and then to make a commitment with your life for others!
Fr Tim is currently serving as the Parochial Vicar at St. Patrick Catholic Church and as the Chaplain at Bishop Ward High School.
THE GIFT OF VIRTUOUS FRIENDSHIPS
Reflection on the March 2025 Poland Pilgrimage
Over Spring Break, 26 students, staff, and missionaries traveled to Poland to learn about suffering, hope, and mercy by journeying through the lives of St. John Paul II, St. Faustina, and St. Maximilian Kolbe. For many of the students, this was their second pilgrimage with the center, and they were able to grow deeply in their relationships with Jesus and deepen their knowledge of their faith
Ben Flynn, a junior studying environmental studies, said, “Seeing how these people lived their lives in communion with the Lord was inspiring to say the least. During our time in Poland, our group peered particularly into the life of St. John Paul II.
Seeing where JPII lived, prayed, and was touched by God in his own life was a very special experience ”
As th were and a the tr
Anahi Castillo, a junior studying marketing, said, “One of the heaviest moments was visiting Auschwitz on a beautiful sunny day, where we prayed for the souls of those who lost their lives, that they may rest with God.”
“MY HEART OVERFLOWS WITH GREAT MERCY FOR SOULS, AND ESPECIALLY FOR POOR SINNERS… IT IS FOR THEM THAT THE BLOOD AND WATER FLOWED FROM MY HEART AS FROM A FOUNT OVERFLOWING WITH MERCY.” (DIARY OF ST. FAUSTINA, 1074)
But, even in the heavy and hard moments of the trip, students were able to find immense joy in community with those around them
Sara Grosser, a senior studying education, said, “As m week friend comm with u a new
Did you know that 1 in 5 college students experience a diagnosed mental health disorder and that 75% of mental health diagnoses begin before age 24?
That means for many of our students, the first signs of emotional and mental distress show up while they’re away from home right here at KU. Many college students are navigating something: from making sense of the hard things life throws their way, to anxiety, stress management, body image insecurity, relationship communication difficulties, grief, comparison and social stressors, depression symptoms, pressure to perform, emotional regulation or questions about their worth - college can bring with it some complex experiences that can be challenging to navigate!
At St. Lawrence, we walk with students in the real-life messiness of everyday life. We’ve made it a priority to respond to our students’ mental and emotional needs, not just reactively but proactively
“Take care of your health, that it may serve you to serve God.”
– St. Francis de Sales
For the past four years, we’ve partnered with Lux Counseling, bringing in a team of Catholic therapists to serve our students This investment reflects our mission: to send out free and full disciples of Jesus Christ capable of the greatest vocations so they can live fully and freely as sons and daughters of God
When a student is mentally and emotionally grounded, they are freer to love, to relate, to pray, to live the life God calls them to We believe mental health isn’t just for those with a diagnosis We all have a mind, and our minds need care and attention so we can become who we were made to be
Thanks to the generosity of our benefactors, 32 students received therapy at a reduced cost this year through the SLC Mental Health Scholarship with Lux Counseling We are deeply grateful to our incredible benefactors who have made this possible Your generosity has made a profound impact and we could not support our students in this way without you But as demand has grown, so has the need
The scholarship fund was fully utilized by spring break this year.
23 students are now on a waitlist, unable to begin therapy until funding is renewed We’re not just supporting students through their college years we’re equipping them for life When they leave KU and the pressure of their post-grad jobs hits, or loss comes unexpectedly, or the reality of the demands of family life come, therapy in their college years offers these young adults the tools to lean on so that no matter what life throw their way when they leave their home on the Hill, they can always rely on the “Hope that does not disappoint” (Romans 5:5)
Will you help us meet this growing need?
Your donation gives students the opportunity to receive therapy, experience healing, and grow in freedom and wholeness
Join us in forming the next generation of Catholic leaders mind, body, and soul.
Help fund a mental health counseling scholarship through our partnership with Lux Counseling LLC
STAFF
Fr Luke Doyle
Stacy Cretors
Molly McKeithan
Aidan Setter
Cris Denning
Misty Stephenson
Mark Wertin
Madison Abbott
Jesse Henkensiefken
Drew Kanne
Alli Petty
Aidan Hill
Kelly DiFonzo, FOCUS
Ethan Caligur, FOCUS
Melise Gossen, FOCUS
Thomas Glawe, FOCUS
Brianna Shaffer, FOCUS
Olivia Samper, SPO
Nick Redd, SPO
Andrew Raschke, SPO
Sam Masek, SPO
Jackie Ballard, SPO
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