​Greetings!
 
It has been a busy summer in its own way for campus ministry.  As I look back at the activity since the end of the Spring semester, the undercurrent that flows through my prayerful reflections is that of community.  As I mentioned here a few weeks ago, I have had the opportunity to engage in the community of the universal church through my directorship of the Campus Ministry Leadership Institute, in continuing my graduate studies at Creighton, and in prayerful silence and reflection on an 8 day retreat.  In all these experiences, I recognize that I bring along a strong sense of our faith community at Newman.  I have been shaped and formed by this community in so many ways, and with a humble heart, I trust that our efforts in campus ministry provide a space for students to both offer their gifts for the common good of our faith community and to be shaped and formed by our community. 
 
The blessing of community was on full display just this past week.  One of our student members has made the tough decision to leave NMSU and head back East to be closer to family.  While folks are sad to see her go, they also have a clear desire to celebrate her time here and the faithful bonds that have developed and strengthened over the past couple of years.  As the campus ministry community gathered last week to pray, share a meal, and enjoy each others company, it was easy to recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit!
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Peace, 
Sal
 

Dear Newman Community,

It’s hard to believe in just about one month NMSU will be back in session for the fall semester. Soon students will be returning to campus, moving back into dorms and apartments, and trekking to the bookstore (or downloading textbooks).

I don’t know about you, but I really enjoyed school, especially the start of the new school year. There was something special about getting ready for this beginning. Whether it was organizing my shiny new pens, notebooks, and organizer in high school or downloading note taking and calendar apps on my smartphone in college, these rituals of preparation signaled a time of new beginnings and new opportunities.

When I graduated I was so glad to say goodbye to papers, homework, and final exams, however, I did not realize I would also be losing this season of the new! As working adults, we do not have the built in support of the academic calendar, reminding us to pause to take stock at the end of a long summer and look forward to the new season ahead. I hope that as you see students return, whether at Newman or busying the streets in the University area, they can serve as that reminder to intentionally take time for grateful, hopeful reflection. As God is with us in all things, we will surely begin to see His presence the more we pay attention!

Peace,
​Mona

Dear Students and Newman Community, 

Let's cheer on the El Paso Chihuahuas as they take on the Memphis Redbirds this coming Monday, July 18! 

The game starts at 7:05pm, a caravan will be leaving Newman at 5pm. We'll buy tickets when we get to the stadium- if you'd like to sit with us we're planning on the $11 seats. Don't forget extra cash for delicious stadium eats and home team merchandise! 

Peace,
Mona

P.S. It's even a special promotion night Chihuahua fleece blankets to the first 2,000 fans!
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Dear Newman Community,

I hope you all had a pleasant Fourth of July celebration! While it was likely a time for fireworks and cookouts with family, I'd like to invite us to consider it also as an opportunity to reflect on what it means to be both American and Catholic. As we get closer and closer to the November elections, the news seems to be ever more filled with stories about the candidates, polls and political pundits. For some of us this may be interesting and spark excitement at the idea of voting in November, for others of us it may be discouraging and bring a feeling of discontentment or hesitation about the entire process. So why, as Catholics, should we care about any of it? What's the connection to our Catholic faith?