What Do Parents Think?
Jean and Pat Zenk with their son Jason
As we think about the St. John Paul II Newman Center, two thoughts immediately come to mind- an answer to prayer and hope. We are thankful for the many people throughout the Archdiocese who have supported JPII Newman so that our son had a place to thrive in college.
Our prayers were answered. As we sent our son, Jason, off to college, we pondered how would he continue to live out and grow in this Catholic faith. In a world that tries to remove God from all areas, where could he turn to find friends who shared his values and beliefs? The Newman Center provides a place for students to share their Catholic values and see that they are not alone in the desire to live out their faith. Students are involved in bible studies, service projects, retreats, Catholic Conferences such as SEEK. Most importantly, Jesus is right down the hall in a beautiful chapel that provides Mass and Adoration.
It is an answer to prayers of many parents. I often hear of stories from parents sharing that for the first time their child has found friends in the students at the Newman Center. The Newman Center is a place for students to feel belonging-it is like a family and they look out for each other. We know because we have seen it firsthand, in our son and among his friends. It doesn’t matter where you came from, where you go to college in Omaha, or even it you are not Catholic - the Newman Center includes everyone.
We have hope for a new generation of Catholics on fire for their faith. We have listened to their stories and have seen the love for God demonstrated in the way they live their lives. Our churches and parishes will be blessed because the Newman Center fanned the flame burning in their hearts at this critical time in their faith journey.
Our son recently graduated from UNO and the Newman Center will always have a place in our hearts. It gave our son a home, it gave him courage to go out and talk about his faith on campus, and it gave him a place to continue to grow in this Catholic faith. We are filled with hope as we see where the Lord takes him next.