From Our Chaplain: Fr. Tim
Coffee in the confessional is crucial.
That’s a new insight I gained this spring. Around 10:55 AM, I grab a cortado from Cor Coffee and head into the confessional for an hour before Mass. What started as a small ritual quickly became a necessity—because there’s no longer any down time. Confessions have been non-stop. And it’s awesome.
Students are recognizing that they can’t do it on their own—they need a Savior. The hunger for Jesus keeps growing as students return to the Lord—and more importantly, stay with Him. Shame, unworthiness, and resentment are dissolving in the merciful heart of Jesus.
I did some calculations, and since January, around 1,140 confessions have taken place here at the Newman Center. That’s 1,140 personal encounters with God’s Mercy. 1,140 opportunities for re-creation. 1,140 moments of grace, healing, and return.
This school year has been full of grace. Whether through confession, daily Mass, adoration, retreats, Bible studies, or other community events, students are encountering Christ and choosing to follow Him.
The Newman Center is bursting with life—and I’m just doing my best to keep up, one cortado at a time. So if you see me heading into the confessional with coffee in hand, now you know why.
Lent at the Newman Center
Lent at the Newman Center was filled with reverence, community, and powerful encounters with Christ.
We began with a beautiful Ash Wednesday, welcoming over 800 students throughout the day for ashes, Mass, adoration, and confession. From morning until night, the chapel remained full—each person seeking something more. The hunger for God on campus is real, and it showed.
Holy Thursday brought one of the most memorable liturgies of the year. Fr. Tim washed the feet of twelve students during the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, echoing Christ’s love and humility. After, students traveled to seven different churches across Chicago in our annual Church Crawl.
On Good Friday, we prayed the Stations of the Cross and entered into the Passion liturgy. Students lingered in silence and later gathered to watch The Passion of the Christ, continuing their reflection on the suffering and love of Jesus.
Throughout the Lenten season, students led the Chaplet of Divine Mercy each day at 3PM in our chapel.
This Lent, we saw once again that the Newman Center is not just a place to go—it’s a spiritual home. And we are so grateful to walk this journey of faith with such a bold, sincere, and hungry community of students.
Easter Celebrations
At this year’s Easter Vigil, we had the profound joy of witnessing five students receive the Sacraments of Initiation.
Oby and Aaron were baptized, while Stella, Sara, and Emiliano received their First Communion and Confirmation—fully entering into the life of the Catholic Church.
It was a powerful and emotional evening. Behind each moment was a deeply personal journey—marked by questions, discovery, and a growing relationship with Christ. For some, the decision to become Catholic came with great difficulty, even requiring them to go against the wishes of family members or peers. And yet, their faith and courage shined through.
Their stories are a moving reminder of the quiet, transformative work of the Holy Spirit and the boldness of young people responding to God’s call.
Reflection from Aaron
“When I was baptized, I had my head bowed over the water, my eyes closed. The room was silent, and for a moment, it felt like no one else was there—just me, Father Tim, and Jesus. It was as if Jesus was right beside me.
Suddenly, memories and phrases from the past year came rushing back—things I had heard in prayer, things that had once felt like whispers from God. But now, they were loud and clear, as if being spoken directly to me.
As I received the Body and Blood, I remember hearing deep in my heart: “Flesh of my flesh, blood of my blood. You are mine. You will witness and do many things in my name.” It didn’t feel uncertain, like when you wonder if it’s God’s voice or just your own thoughts.
I hadn’t fully processed what it meant to enter the Church until that moment. But I felt an overwhelming peace—powerful and emotional. The best way I can describe it is that it felt like the joy a child must feel when they’re finally adopted.”
Reflection from Oby
“Entering the Church during the Easter Vigil felt like stepping into a sacred moment of renewal. As the flickering candlelight filled the room, I was overcome with a deep sense of peace and a connection to something far greater than myself.
Receiving the sacraments, I experienced a profound sense of being reborn—not just spiritually, but in every part of my being. It felt like I was shedding old layers and stepping into a new version of myself, one aligned with something divine.
The process felt like a moment of perfect synchrony, where everything in my life seemed to fall effortlessly into place, both inside the church and beyond. It was as if all the threads of my existence were finally weaving together, bringing me into harmony with the universe.
Since that moment, my life has felt like a continuous dance of synchronicity, where every event, person, and decision aligns perfectly.”
Eucharistic Procession on Campus
During Holy Week, we had the incredible blessing of hosting the University of Illinois Chicago’s first-ever Eucharistic Procession. Immediately following Daily Mass, over 200 people—including students, priests, seminarians, religious sisters, and community members—joined us in processing through campus with the Blessed Sacrament, offering a powerful and public witness to our faith.
As we walked past academic buildings and student spaces, the presence of Christ in the Eucharist drew attention. Many paused to watch, and several approached with questions. Our evangelization team walked alongside the procession, helping to answer those questions, explain the meaning of the Eucharist, and invite others to join in.
Even more inspiring is that this procession was initiated and led by students. From the original idea to the logistics and promotion, their leadership and love for Christ were evident at every step. They volunteered their time, invited their peers, and helped bring the Blessed Sacrament to campus.
We’re so proud of our students’ bold witness and grateful for the many ways the Holy Spirit is moving at UIC.
You can view more photos from the event at jp2newman.org/wwtk.
An Update from our FOCUS Missionaries
“Jesus has been so good to us! We are ending this academic year with 179 students in Bible studies, with 72 of those students who have said “yes” to intentionally making Jesus Christ the center of their lives through small group discipleship. It has been a joy to walk with students: winning them over to Jesus by pursuing authentic friendship, building them up in the faith by encouraging divine intimacy, and sending them out on mission by teaching them the Little Way of Evangelization. We have been commissioned by Jesus in Matthew 28 to make disciples of all nations, and our students are doing just that. I’m so proud of our students, their great love of Jesus, and their zeal for souls!” – Olivia (FOCUS Team Director)
SEEK 2025
What a gift it was to bring a group of students to SEEK 2025—an incredible gathering of thousands of Catholics from across the country! Each day was packed with moments of grace: dynamic talks that spoke directly to our students’ hearts, quiet encounters with Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration, and powerful, reverent daily Masses. Students stepped away from the noise of everyday life to grow in divine intimacy, build authentic friendships, and be inspired for mission. Our students returned to campus renewed in their love for Christ—and ready to share Him with others.
Belize Mission Trip
This spring, five students and two missionaries said “yes” to going on mission in San Pedro, Belize—and what a beautiful yes it was! They partnered with a local parish and youth group, sharing the Gospel through friendship, service, and prayer. Each day was spent visiting families, bringing food, listening to stories, and simply being present. They painted the chapel and youth center fence, played soccer with local kids, and helped at a preschool. Through daily Mass and Holy Hour, students grew in love for Jesus and discovered the joy of being sent. Lives were touched and hearts were changed.
Pray for Our New FOCUS Missionaries!
Please keep Gio and Leslie, two UIC students, in your prayers as they prepare to serve as FOCUS missionaries! This summer, they will train alongside hundreds of missionaries from across the country before being sent to their new campuses in the fall. We are so proud of their “yes” to this call to mission!
Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
This year, we celebrate over 30 graduating seniors—young men and women who have grown into Catholic leaders during their time at the Newman Center. While we’re sad to say goodbye, we’re filled with hope as they begin new chapters rooted in Christ.
Whether leading Bible studies, serving at Mass, or organizing events, they’ve left a legacy of faith for others to follow. Most of them will remain in Chicago, bringing the light of Christ to their parishes, workplaces, and neighborhoods.
Two of our graduates, Andrea and Karlo, reflected on how their time at the Newman Center shaped their college experiences.
ANDREA: Becoming a Spanish Teacher
I grew the most at Newman by being surrounded by people with similar dreams. We’re all here to glorify God and grow in our faith—and that shared desire helped me come out of my shell and build lasting friendships. Meeting new people, praying together, and having people to walk with made all the difference.
If I could give one piece of advice to freshmen, it would be: soak it all in. Don’t be scared. Just come to the Newman Center—this building radiates light. There’s so much goodness here that, in one way or another, you will be fulfilled.
I’m so excited to be a Spanish teacher at St. Lawrence High School after graduation and help them build a Spanish Heritage Program. It’s thanks to the Newman Center that I’ve grown closer to Jesus and discovered the desire to teach His children in a classroom setting. I want to be a light to my students, just as Newman was for me.
KARLO: Discerning the Priesthood
What I love most about Newman is how seamlessly Christ is at the center of everything. I can study, hang out with friends, pray, participate in the sacraments, and then go back to studying—all in the same place. That’s how life should always be.
Bible study was the most transformative part of my time here. It gave me a space to put on a “serious hat,” dive deeper into Scripture, and grow as friends with Christ at the center. Everyone here is genuinely trying to grow in their faith—and we’re doing it together.
In the fall, I’ll begin my formal discernment to the priesthood as I enter the seminary. It’s because of the Newman Center that I’ve come to desire a life completely centered on Christ. And for that, I’m deeply grateful.
Mission in Motion
Spring Retreat
This year’s Spring Retreat centered on the theme “The Sanctifier,” inviting students to deepen their understanding of the Holy Spirit and His role in their lives. Through prayer, reflection, and small group discussions, students encountered the Holy Spirit in a personal and transformative way. We were thrilled to welcome over 60 students—reaching full capacity for the retreat. Throughout the weekend, many shared a desire to grow in relationship with the Holy Spirit, and the retreat provided a meaningful space for that spiritual growth to take root. It was a powerful and grace-filled experience, one that continues to shape and inspire the faith of our students long after the weekend ended.
Night of Newman
In March, we hosted our 3rd Annual Night of Newman Gala at St. Ignatius College Prep, and it was a memorable evening! For the first time, we introduced a paddle raise and an auction to add excitement and engagement. These fun, interactive elements allowed attendees to directly support the Newman Center and make a meaningful impact. Over 200 people, including students, priests, alumni, and donors, joined us for the event, and we were truly grateful for their presence. Their generosity and support continue to make a difference, helping us fulfill our mission and strengthen the Newman community.
End of the Year Party
Our End of the Year Party was a joyful celebration with over 100 students in attendance! We took time to recognize the incredible student leaders who made this year so fruitful—including our Cor Team, Liturgical Ministers, Baristas, FOCUS missionaries, and staff. The night was filled with delicious food, drinks, laughter, and dancing as we celebrated the many ways God has moved in our community. It was the perfect sendoff into summer and a beautiful reminder of the joy of Christian fellowship. We’re so grateful—and already looking forward to what’s ahead!
