Meet Haley
Flashback to August 2019: Haley’s cousin invited her to the JPII Newman Center’s back-to-school barbecue. It was this exposure to FOCUS missionaries, Newman students, and the greater community that changed her college experience. To Haley, “everyone at Newman was very welcoming and kind even though I had never been here before!”
As a senior at the College of Saint Mary (CSM), Haley appreciates “the opportunity to connect with students who are faithful not only at CSM, but other universities as well.” When Haley first entered the Newman Center, she couldn’t tell you the last time she had gone to Mass or prayed. “Fast forward two years, and I am so blessed to have had such a radical transformation in my faith. I have met people who have helped me grow in my faith, and now I am prepared to help others do the same.”
Inspired by the JPII Newman Center’s welcoming culture, Haley felt called to start a small group to reach more CSM women. She was taken back by the number of women interested in joining! “I extended an invite and then embarked on finding a time that would accommodate everyone.” Haley currently has a thriving small group with women ranging from freshman to juniors.
What happens at a small group?
Haley’s group starts in a very real way: students share a few “happies and crappies” of their week. After acknowledging where each person is coming from, they open in prayer and invite the Holy Spirit to guide their conversation for the night. Haley is currently leading the women in a study titled The Crux. “It is a 5-chapter study that talks about who we are, what we are created for, and more.” The study evokes questions that lead to great discussion. Haley says that “each week we are growing not only in faith, but also friendship.”
“God does not call the equipped, he equips the called.”
Leading a small group is not always smooth sailing. Last year, Haley tried to start a small group but struggled to maintain participants and was discouraged. But, through prayer, mentorship, and trusting in God’s plan, Haley has seen the number of women in her small group double! Haley says, “I have grown in confidence and have a deepened passion to lead others in faith.” Now, her small group of women is especially unique with a mixture of Catholic, Presbyterian, and nondenominational women. God was equipping her to be in this setting to share the Catholic faith with those who aren’t familiar with it.
You are welcome here! A note from Haley to College Students:
“Please do not be afraid to come to the Newman Center. When I first came, I was so anxious and nervous that everyone was more Holy than me and that everyone was going to know that I wasn’t an avid churchgoer. That was far from the truth. I could not imagine how my life would be if I did not go to the College of Saint Mary and stumble upon the Newman Center. All it takes is a simple “hello” and your life could be changed forever.”