In This Issue:
- Chaplain Update
- Spring Semester Highlights
- Cor Coffee
- FOCUS Missionaries
- Lent at the Newman Center
- Easter Blessings
- Spring Retreats
- Mission in Motion
- Class of 2026
Chaplain Update
Campus-Wide Pandemic: Students are Opting-Out!
Friends, there’s a pandemic going around campus. Students are opting-out of normal life. And they’re becoming Catholic.
I really noticed this phenomenon at our Easter Vigil at the Newman Center. At the Easter Vigil, I had the honor of baptizing and confirming 14 students! These students, along with hundreds of others involved at Newman, decided to “opt-out” of normal life. Living a normal life is apparently not enough. They want to live extraordinary lives, making Jesus the center of their life. Fourteen students stood up at the Easter Vigil in front of their classmates, peers, family and friends and announced, through their baptism, they opted-out of normal life and chose JESUS.
In John 10:10, Jesus proclaimed, “I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance.” Normal life isn’t good enough for Jesus. He wants an extraordinary life for us. For me, personally, the witness of our students at UIC makes me want to recommit to an extraordinary life with Jesus! I’m ready to opt-out of what the secular world says will make me happy.
The St. John Paul II Newman Center is in the business of sending out extraordinary young people who will go on to live extraordinary lives centered in Jesus Christ. This is a mission I am EXCITED to get out of bed in the morning for! Do you want to be a part of it?
I hope this newsletter gives you a glimpse into the incredible things God has been doing in the lives of our students this semester. As you read these stories and see these moments from campus life, I hope you are reminded that your prayers, generosity, and support are truly making a difference. Thank you for being part of this mission with us!
With Love and Gratitude,
Fr. Tim Anastos
Spring Semester Highlights
Pilgrimage to Poland
During spring break, Fr. Tim and our FOCUS missionaries accompanied 16 students on a pilgrimage through Poland, walking in the footsteps of St. John Paul II. Students visited places that shaped his life and faith, including churches, shrines, and the city where he grew up and discerned his vocation. More than just a trip abroad, the pilgrimage became an invitation to deeper prayer, friendship, and encounter with Christ. For many students, it was a powerful reminder that holiness is real, possible, and worth pursuing with their whole lives.
Night of Newman
In April, we gathered for our annual Night of Newman gala, an evening filled with joy, gratitude, and powerful stories of transformation. This year, we were especially honored to recognize Fr. Pat Marshall for his 27 years of faithful service to the Newman Center community. Alumni, parents, students, and friends came together to celebrate all that God is doing at the St. John Paul II Newman Center and to support our mission of helping college students encounter Christ and become fully alive in Him.
Eucharistic Procession
The week after Easter, our Newman Center community took to the streets of campus for our second annual Eucharistic Procession at University of Illinois Chicago. Led by Fr. Tim, students, alumni, and friends walked through the heart of campus accompanying Jesus in the Eucharist with prayer, worship, and joyful witness. As thousands of students passed by, many stopped to watch, ask questions, or join us along the way. It was a beautiful reminder that Christ is not distant from campus life. He desires to walk with every student in the middle of it.
Cor Coffee
Barista Spotlight: Ria
When I first came to UIC, I wasn’t sure where I fit. Campus felt overwhelming, and I struggled to find a place where I felt comfortable between classes. Everything changed when I found Cor Coffee and the Newman Center.
What started as a coffee shop internship quickly became one of the most meaningful parts of my college experience. Through working at Cor, I found genuine friendships, people who cared about me, and a community where I could truly be myself. We don’t just work together. We stay after shifts, study together, talk about life, and support one another through difficult moments.
One moment especially stayed with me after a stressful biochemistry exam, when another student reminded me, “Jesus won’t love you any more or any less because of this.” That simple conversation reminded me that my worth is not based on achievement, but on being loved by God.
To me, Cor is so much more than a coffee shop. It is a place where students feel safe, welcomed, and invited into deeper friendship, community, and faith.
FOCUS Missionaries
This spring semester, our FOCUS missionaries continued to help students at the University of Illinois Chicago encounter Christ through authentic friendship, discipleship, and daily accompaniment. FOCUS missionaries are specially trained Catholic missionaries who serve on college campuses, walking closely with students through Bible studies, one-on-one mentorship, retreats, leadership formation, and evangelization. Their mission is not simply to create programs, but to form lifelong disciples rooted in prayer, community, and the Gospel.
At the beginning of the semester, they accompanied 40 students to SEEK in Columbus, Ohio, joining thousands of college students from across the country for worship, formation, and encounters with Christ. Throughout the semester, they continued leading weekly Bible studies and one-on-one discipleship, helping students grow in prayer, navigate challenges, and learn how to make Jesus the center of their lives. They also helped lead our spring retreat, a retreat provided through the FOCUS national office that invited students to step away from the noise of campus life and encounter the Lord more deeply.
The impact of their work is visible throughout our Newman Center community. Students are growing in confidence, leadership, and holiness while learning how to invite others into the faith as well. Through consistency, sacrifice, and genuine friendship, our missionaries continue to help students discover that they are deeply loved by God and called to something greater.
Lent at the Newman Center
Ash Wednesday
This year, the Newman Center welcomed more than 840 people on Ash Wednesday, making it once again the busiest day of the year for our community. Across four packed Masses, students, alumni, faculty, staff, and visitors filled the chapel to begin the season of Lent together. Students stepped away from classes and busy schedules throughout the day to pray, receive ashes, and remember their need for God. It was a powerful reminder that even on a large public campus, students are deeply hungry for faith, meaning, and encounter with Christ. Ash Wednesday continues to be one of the clearest signs of that desire at UIC
Holy Thursday
Holy Thursday was one of the most beautiful liturgies of the year at the Newman Center as students gathered to begin the Sacred Triduum together. The evening was filled with reverence, prayer, and gratitude as we commemorated the institution of the Eucharist and Christ’s call to humble service. After Mass, many students remained late into the night for Eucharistic Adoration, keeping watch with Jesus in the chapel. In the middle of finals preparation, busy schedules, and the stress of the semester, students chose to spend their evening in prayer. It was a powerful witness to the deep love for the Eucharist growing within our Newman Center community.
Good Friday
Good Friday at the Newman Center invited students into a deeper reflection on Christ’s passion and sacrifice. Throughout the day, students gathered for the Stations of the Cross, spent time in silent prayer, and took advantage of three hours of Confession as they prepared their hearts for Easter. Later that afternoon, students gathered again for the Good Friday service, where students reverenced the Cross and entered into the solemnity of the day together. Afterward, many stayed to watch The Passion of the Christ as a community. In the middle of a busy college campus, students chose to slow down, pray, and walk closely with Jesus through His suffering and death.
Easter Blessings
Welcoming 14 Students Into The Church
This Easter, the Newman Center celebrated something truly incredible: 14 students entered the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil, the largest group we know of on record at the Newman Center.
As the students stood before the altar to profess their faith, surrounded by classmates, friends, mentors, and family members, there was a deep sense that something holy was happening. In a world where many assume young adults are drifting away from faith, we are witnessing the opposite at UIC. Students are searching for truth, purpose, community, and something deeper than what the world is offering them. More and more, they are finding that in Jesus Christ and His Church.
Over the last year, these students have been attending weekly OCIA formation meetings while also coming to Mass and adoration, asking difficult questions in Bible study, going on retreats, and forming deep friendships rooted in faith. Many first encountered the Newman Center through simple invitations from friends and moments of curiosity that slowly turned into openness to God. Over time, the Newman Center became much more than a campus ministry. It became home.
One newly baptized student, who comes from a Muslim family and cannot be named publicly, shared:
“Getting baptized was the best day of my entire life, to be finally adopted, to finally be able to receive the Eucharist! And I am so glad I was able to get baptized at the Newman Center, my home. It’s where I truly got to know the Lord better, found my forever friends, and my godparents! I have so much love for all the people that make Newman what it is: a home for many.”
There has been a lot of conversation recently about the renewed interest in Catholicism among young adults across the country. Some people even call it the “Leo Effect” following the election of Pope Leo XIV. Whatever the reason, we are witnessing something beautiful: God is moving on college campuses, changing hearts, and calling students home.
Spring Retreats
The Father’s House
This spring, students stepped away from the busyness of campus life for our Father’s House Retreat at Mission of Our Lady of the Angels. Centered on the theme of God’s fatherhood and His healing mercy, the retreat invited students to encounter the Lord in a deeply personal way through prayer, talks, community, and the Father’s Blessing. The Sisters welcomed our students with incredible hospitality, creating a peaceful space for rest and renewal. Throughout the weekend, many students experienced profound moments of healing, vulnerability, and prayer. For many who attended, it became one of the most meaningful and transformative experiences of their entire semester.
Convent Crawl
This spring, a group of female students spent a Saturday participating in our annual Convent Crawl, visiting two local convents and learning more about consecrated life and vocational discernment. Throughout the day, students prayed with the sisters, shared meals, asked honest questions, and received a glimpse into the beauty of lives fully given to Christ. For many students, it was their first time stepping inside a convent or meeting religious sisters in such a personal way. The experience created space for deeper reflection, meaningful conversation, and openness to God’s call, wherever He may be leading them in their vocations and future lives.
Seminary Sprint
A group of male students participated in Seminary Sprint, spending the weekend at Mundelein Seminary to learn more about the priesthood and vocational discernment. They participated in prayer, meals, recreation, and conversations about what it means to give one’s life fully to Christ and His Church. The weekend created space for honest questions, deeper prayer, and openness to wherever God may be calling them as they continue discerning their future vocations.
Mission in Motion
Mardi Gras Bingo Night
Our annual Mardi Gras Bingo Night was once again one of the biggest and most joy-filled events of the year at the Newman Center. Students packed the building for an evening of laughter, community, friendly competition, and celebration before the beginning of Lent. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and Catholic companies, students walked away with a wide variety of prizes ranging from concert tickets and gift cards to rosaries and other faith-filled gifts. More than just a fun night, Mardi Gras Bingo created opportunities for students to build friendships, invite new people into the Newman Center community, and experience authentic Christian fellowship on campus.
Coffeehouse
This spring, students gathered for Coffeehouse, one of the most creative and joy-filled community nights of the semester. Throughout the evening, students shared their talents with one another through live music, comedy, puppet shows, poetry, and even traditional Filipino dance performances. The event created a welcoming space for students to step outside their comfort zones, celebrate one another’s gifts, and simply enjoy being together. Coffeehouse was a beautiful reminder that the Newman Center is not only a place for prayer and formation, but also a place where authentic friendships are built and students are encouraged to share the gifts God has given them.
End of the Year Party
The End of the Year Party is a night to celebrate and recognize the students who have generously served our community throughout the year. From baristas and Bible study leaders to altar servers, lectors, and ushers, the evening honors the many students whose dedication helps make the Newman Center feel like home. Students dressed up for a formal evening filled with a nice dinner, dancing, and heartfelt recognition of their hard work. The night was a joyful opportunity to thank students for the many ways they helped lead others closer to Christ.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
This year, we celebrate over 40 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.
Over the past four years, these students have experienced friendships, challenges, prayer, formation, and encounters with Jesus that have shaped the course of their lives. As they graduate, our prayer is that they continue choosing lives centered on Christ and carry the mission of the Newman Center wherever God leads them next.
Bridget
I came to the Newman Center my first week of freshman year, but honestly, I was intimidated. People were welcoming, but I didn’t really know where I stood in my faith, so I kept my distance.
I grew up Catholic, but it always felt more cultural than personal. I went to Mass because I was supposed to. I believed in God, but I didn’t really know Him. Most of my faith felt rooted in obligation, and honestly, a lot of guilt.
That started to change my sophomore year. After a powerful experience in confession and a deeper encounter with my faith during Lent, I began to take things more seriously. I said yes to Bible study, discipleship, and eventually stepped more fully into the community.
What I discovered was completely different than what I expected…Instead of feeling like I had to practice my faith, I started to want to.
I realized that a relationship with Jesus wasn’t about checking boxes, it was about actually knowing Him.
Now, my faith isn’t something separate from my life. It’s at the center of it.
The Newman Center became a place where I could be known, supported, and challenged without pressure. A place I could always come back to. It met me exactly where I was… and helped me become who I’m meant to be.
Julius
Before coming to UIC, I was already practicing my faith. I went to Mass, I prayed, and I understood what the Church teaches.
But when I got to the Newman Center, something deepened.
For the first time, I started going to Adoration. Not just attending Mass, but actually choosing to spend time with Jesus. That changed everything.
I began to seek out time with God in a personal way…praying in the chapel, staying after Mass, intentionally making space for Him in my day.
Through Bible studies, friendships, and eventually altar serving again, I grew in both my faith and my understanding of it. One moment that stayed with me was serving at the altar and watching the Eucharist lifted during Mass, light shining through the chapel. It struck me in a new way: this is real.
Without the Newman Center, I think I would have stayed steady in my faith, but more isolated. I wouldn’t have grown in the same way, or developed the same devotion.
Newman became a place where my faith moved from routine to relationship. A place that felt like home. And now, as I prepare to leave, I don’t see that as the end. I see it as something I’m called to carry forward. To take what I’ve found here, and help build it wherever I go next.
David
When I transferred to UIC, I was coming out of a really rough summer.
Everything felt like it had fallen apart. I was in a new place, living with people I didn’t know, and honestly, I felt pretty hopeless.
The first week of classes, I made it to noon Mass. I hadn’t been in a while. I remember thinking, “Alright Jesus, you win. What’s one Mass?”
So I went. After Mass, people started talking to me. Inviting me in. I stayed, and that one decision changed everything. Before that, my relationship with Jesus felt distant. I saw it as a burden, something imposed on me. But here, I met people who understood what I was going through. They didn’t just talk about faith, they lived it. And they invited me to bring everything I was carrying and give it to God. That changed how I saw everything.
I stopped seeing Jesus as someone I had to appease, and started seeing Him as someone I could actually have a relationship with. From there, I got involved in everything: Bible study, daily Mass, choir, serving, working at the Newman Center. It became a place where I was known, supported, and challenged to grow.
Looking back, I don’t know where I’d be without it. Probably still stuck. Probably still trying to figure things out on my own. But instead, I found something real. A foundation. A community. A relationship with Jesus that isn’t just personal, it’s something I get to live out with others.
Isa
When I first came to the Newman Center, I would stop in to pray, but I never stayed. I was one of those people who just ran in and out.
I knew about Newman. I got the emails. But I wasn’t really showing up. That started to change when I was invited to a Bible study.
Through that, I found something I didn’t even realize I was missing: real friendships. Before Newman, a lot of my relationships felt surface-level. I remember thinking, why can’t I have a real conversation with anyone?
Then I came here, and people actually wanted to know me. As I kept showing up, everything started to grow: my friendships, my confidence, and especially my relationship with Jesus.
Before, I believed in Him, but I didn’t really know Him. My faith felt distant, even a little cold. Now, He’s someone I talk to every day. Someone I want to share everything with.
I’ve grown through Bible study, discipleship, leading others, and serving as Cor Team president, but more than anything, I’ve learned what it means to live a life rooted in prayer and real relationship.
Newman taught me the importance of divine intimacy, and of sisterhood. Of actually loving people, supporting them, and helping each other grow.
