Ideas done within the Church

Frequent the Sacraments:

• Frequent the Sacraments:

  • Mass (click for a list of Mass times in the Diocese of La Crosse, or anywhere): Prioritize attending Sunday Mass and, if possible, daily Mass.
  • Confession (click for a list of parishes in the Diocese of La Crosse): Regularly receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation to experience God’s mercy and remain spiritually renewed.
  • Eucharistic Adoration (click for a listing of parishes in the Diocese of La Crosse offering Eucharistic Adoration.): Spending time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is a powerful way to grow in intimacy with Him.

Grow in knowledge of the faith.

• Join or lead bible studies: Many college campuses have Catholic student organizations like FOCUS and Newman Centers that offer Bible studies.
• Seek mentorship: Connect with a priest, deacon, campus chaplain or spiritual director for guidance and support in your faith journey.

Ideas that can be done anywhere

Prioritize your spiritual life

• Daily Prayer & Scripture: Carve out time for personal prayer. Even 5 minutes a day for quiet reflection, Scripture reading, or spontaneous conversation with God will deepen your faith.

Evangelize through witness and action.

• Live Your Faith Boldly: In a college setting, it can be tempting to privatize your faith. Instead, be confident and authentic in your Catholic identity whether through wearing a crucifix, praying before meals, or sharing about your faith in conversations.
• Invite Others: Ask friends to join you for Mass, Adoration, or faith-related events. Even small invitations can plant seeds of renewal.
• Creative Evangelization: Use your talents whether through writing, music, social media, or art to share the beauty of the faith in creative ways.

Serve others in love.

• Corporal Works of Mercy and Spiritual Works of Mercy: Engage in service projects through your campus ministry.
  • Volunteer at shelters or food banks.
  • Visit the elderly or sick in local care homes.
  • Participate in pro-life advocacy or social justice initiatives. See the Office for Ministries and Social Concerns for the Diocese of La Crosse.
  • Mission Trips or Service Retreats: If your school offers mission trips, consider joining one. These are powerful experiences of serving others and growing spiritually.

Be open to your vocation.

• College is a prime time for vocational discernment. Pray regularly about where God is calling you, whether to marriage, religious life, priesthood, or dedicated singlehood.
• Discernment Tools from the USCCB
• “The Catholic’s Guide to Discerning Your Vocation” from FOCUS
• “The 7 Most Common Mistakes You Can Make While Discerning Your Vocation” by Tim Glemkowski
• Seek Guidance: Attend discernment retreats, speak with vocations directors, or connect with religious communities if you feel drawn to that path.
• Visit the Diocese of La Crosse Office for Vocations

Connect with the Global and Local Church

• Stay informed by following Catholic news outlets like Catholic News Agency, Word on Fire, etc. to stay engaged with what’s happening in the Church. Most of these have presence on social media platforms as well.
• Get involved beyond the campus by participating in diocesan events, young adult ministries, or Catholic conferences like the SEEK Conferences.

Learn More About the Catholic Faith

• Listen to Catholic Podcasts or YouTube Channels that cover faith, morality, and Church teaching in relatable ways. Examples are:
• Pints with Aquinas Podcast is a podcast hosted by Matt Fradd, designed for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of the Catholic faith through the lens of St. Thomas Aquinas. The show explores theology, philosophy, and practical aspects of living a faithful Catholic life, often diving into Aquinas’ works to tackle big questions about God, morality, and the meaning of life. Episodes feature engaging conversations with theologians, philosophers, and Catholic thinkers, offering accessible explanations of complex topics while keeping the tone light and relatable.
• Poco a Poco Podcast is hosted by the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. With a mix of humor, humility, and deep spiritual insights, the friars explore topics such as prayer, trust in God, personal struggles, and living a life rooted in love and service. Episodes often include practical tips for cultivating a deeper relationship with Christ and navigating everyday challenges with faith.
• Abiding Together Podcast is hosted by Heather Khym, Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, and Michelle Benzinger. It offers a space for women to connect, share, and grow in their faith. The podcast covers a range of topics, including spiritual growth, personal healing, and practical insights for daily life, all rooted in a Christ-centered perspective.
• Ascension Press has a variety of great Catholic podcasts to choose from.
• Podcasts Offered by the Diocese of La Crosse.

Practical Tips for College Students

• Use your schedule intentionally. Block out time for prayer and faith activities just as you do for classes and extracurricular activities.
• Invite friends to join you for spiritual activities, it strengthens both community and faith. Be a vessel for the Holy Spirit to be present in the classroom, dorm room, social situations, etc.