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Rooted in Mission, Growing in Impact
By Fr. Tim Holeda
There’s something unmistakable about the Catholic Student Union at the Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More. Step through its doors, and you’ll find more than just a ministry—you’ll find a community filled with the Spirit, full of life, and grounded in joy.
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For nearly a century, CSU has offered students a refuge from the noise and pressure of college life. It’s a place where young adults encounter Christ in the sacraments, in one another, and in the quiet stirrings of their hearts. From daily Mass and Eucharistic adoration to late-night study sessions and spontaneous moments of friendship, CSU has helped generations of students discover their purpose and deepen their faith.
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And we’re seeing the fruits.
With nearly 1,000 students registered in campus ministry this past year—our highest ever—our spaces are stretched to the limit. Masses are full, meeting rooms are booked, and quiet corners for prayer and conversation are hard to come by. In response, we’re expanding.
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The vision is bold and beautiful: a new student center that brings everything under one roof—a sacred chapel, a large auditorium for retreats and gatherings, welcoming study lounges where faith and friendship can grow, and private rooms for spiritual direction and mentorship.
A new rectory will offer our priests a true home, allowing them to walk even more closely with the students they serve. Improved parking and added restroom facilities at the church will make our campus more welcoming and accessible for all.
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This expansion reflects the reality of today’s campus life. College students are facing unprecedented levels of stress and loneliness. They’re searching for meaning, connection, and hope. CSU is answering that call—not just with programs, but with presence.
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When an armed man terrorized our campus in May of 2025, students, regardless of their faith traditions, ran to CSU.
One student who sheltered at CSU wrote:
“Thank each and all of you who were present that day, and who made sure that we were all comfortable and safe. I hope you know how much you helped make an experience that was very tough, much less stressful for me and my friends who hid there.”
In every generation, CSU has been that kind of place—a home, a refuge, a light. And now, we’re building for the next one.