Lighting the Way: Join Us This Giving Tuesday to Transform Lives
By Rosie Chinea Shawver
Executive Director of CCMA
As the season of Advent begins, we are reminded of the light that Christ brought into the world. This light guides us, inspires us, and challenges us to reflect His love in everything we do. At the Catholic Campus Ministry Association (CCMA), we are privileged to carry this mission forward by supporting campus ministers who bring Christ’s light to students on college campuses nationwide.
Thanks to the unwavering support of generous donors, 2024 has been a remarkable year. Together, we’ve expanded our reach to 327 campuses, empowering campus ministers to guide students on their faith journeys. These ministers are on the front lines, walking alongside students as they navigate the challenges of college life and seek to grow in faith, hope, and love.
But the work is far from finished.
This Giving Tuesday, we are inviting you to partner with us in a powerful way. Our goal is to raise $20,000 by the end of the year to expand impactful programs like LAUNCH, which equips new campus ministers with the skills and support they need to lead boldly and faithfully. With these funds, we can also ensure every campus minister has the tools necessary to meet the unique challenges of serving today’s college students.
Why This Mission is Personal to Me
My journey with campus ministry began in 2002 as a student at UC San Diego's Newman Center. It was an experience that shaped my faith and my understanding of how profoundly God works in the lives of young people. Christ, in this ministry, changed the course of my life. From creating budgets to structuring a budding ministry, I witnessed firsthand the incredible impact a supportive, faith-filled community can have on college students.
It’s a mission I carry with me every day in my work with CCMA. I’ve seen the countless ways campus ministry transforms lives - students finding their purpose, growing in faith, and discovering their call to serve others. It’s not just ministry; it’s life-changing work that builds the Church of tomorrow.
This work is deeply personal to me because I’ve lived it. I’ve seen the tears of joy when a student encounters Christ for the first time. I’ve celebrated with campus ministers who, despite challenges, bring hope to young adults every day. I know the power of this mission because it’s changed my life too.
Your Support Makes All the Difference
When you give, you’re not just making a donation - you’re changing lives. You’re helping a campus minister inspire a student to explore their faith for the first time. You’re ensuring a young adult has a supportive community to turn to during times of uncertainty. You’re creating ripples of transformation that will resonate for generations to come.
How You Can Help:
Pray: Keep campus ministers and the students they serve in your prayers.
Share: Spread the word about CCMA and the mission we serve.
Give: Make a special gift today and help us reach our $20,000 goal. Every contribution, big or small, has a meaningful impact.
Together, we can continue to light the way for thousands of college students, helping them to grow in faith and embrace the hope and joy of the Gospel.
Thank you for being part of this mission. With your support, we can achieve even greater things in 2025.
Let’s make this Advent season one of action, hope, and transformation. Together, we can bring Christ’s light to every corner of the campus—and beyond. Thank you for walking this journey with us!
Give here: https://tinyurl.com/BeTheLightCCMA