Western Kentucky University and Murray State University students attend a retreat at Gasper River Catholic Youth Camp and Retreat Center in Bowling Green in this undated photo. COURTESY OF CAMPUS MINISTRIES
Campus Ministry Woven into Students’ Daily Lives by ‘Ministry of Presence’
BY CHARLIE HARDESTY, OFFICE OF YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
Across the Diocese of Owensboro, campus ministry is thriving and transforming lives through presence, community, and encounter with Christ.
At Brescia University in Owensboro, ministry is woven into the daily rhythm of student life. This means it is common to see chaplain Fr. Mike Williams and director of campus ministry Sr. Pam Mueller, OSU, at student life events while also accompanying students and offering consistent opportunities for Mass, Adoration, and service. This ministry of presence builds trust and opens doors for deeper spiritual growth with the students they encounter daily.
Student members of Murray State University’s Catholic Newman Center play 9 Square in the Air in this undated photo. COURTESY OF CAMPUS MINISTRY
At Western Kentucky University’s St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center in Bowling Green, chaplain Fr. Jason McClure has hired Katie Bickers as a full-time campus minister to serve alongside the mission team from FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students). This year more than 100 students actively participated in the Newman Center, with 10 entering full communion with the Church. Katie said: “Seeing these students choosing to live their faith fully alive in the college world is one of the most encouraging and inspiring experiences we get to witness each day here at WKU’s Newman Center.”
Meanwhile, at Murray State University in Murray, Philomena Hempel shifted from part-time to full-time campus minister this year to collaborate with the mission team from FOCUS and they have seen a surge of engagement which has created a dynamic culture of discipleship. With 22 weekly Bible studies and over 100 consistent participants, students are leading, inviting, and growing together. They were excited to welcome nine students into the Church, including one who encountered Christianity for the first time through a peer’s invitation. Philomena added, “The students are thirsty to learn more, and are asking about further opportunities for formation, service, and meaningful time to come together as a community.”
Fr. Mike Williams, the chaplain of Brescia University in Owensboro, visits with students attending Vegas Night in spring 2025. COURTESY OF CAMPUS MINISTRIES
As a diocese, we support these ministries through funding these campus ministry efforts and the work of FOCUS each year. This is no small investment, but certainly one that yields incredible fruit.
These ministries reveal a powerful truth: when young adults are invited into authentic community and sacramental life, they respond with openness, leadership, and a deep desire to follow Christ.
Please pray for our campus ministry efforts and if you are interested in supporting any or all these campus ministry efforts more intentionally, please consider giving via the information below.
Campus Ministry at Brescia University: https://www.brescia.edu/give/. Donations earmarked to “Campus Ministry.”
St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center at WKU: https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/919307
Newman Center at Murray State University: https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZDH9/campaign/C-147PT
Originally printed in the Diocese of Owensboro’s 2025-2026 impact report in June 2026.
