Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

The Newman Connection, a program of the national non-profit organization Newman Ministry, aims to connect college students with Catholic campus ministries. This initiative is designed to maintain young adults' engagement with their faith during their college years.

Research indicates that 82% of students involved in Catholic campus ministry continue their participation in the faith after graduation. Conversely, Pew Research shows that 79% of Catholics who disaffiliate do so by age 23, typically during or shortly after their college years.

Students who participate in campus ministry are significantly more likely to remain active in church life post-graduation. They are six times more likely to regularly engage in sacramental activities, five times more likely to consider a religious vocation, and eight times more likely to stay connected with parish life. Additionally, these students tend to contribute financially to the church at a rate four times higher than those who do not attend Mass during college.

Since its inception in 2014 with just 71 students, thousands of names have been submitted to Newman Connection from local Catholic graduates. In one recent year alone, over 1,400 student names were submitted from the Archdiocese of Louisville.

To utilize this outreach service, individuals can email the St. Serra Club of Louisville with a student's name, college details (including city and state), and any available contact information. The club will then facilitate connecting the student with Catholic leaders on or near their campus.

This service also applies to students attending Catholic colleges or universities who may not disclose their church affiliation on applications.

For further information or to submit student names, contact Chuck Lynch at 442-9302 or ChuckLynch4782@gmail.com. Chuck Lynch serves as president of the St. Serra Club of Louisville. F. DeKarlos Blackmon is vice chancellor for pastoral services for the Archdiocese of Louisville and director of the Diaconal Ministry.