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What is the need?
“It doesn't matter who you are or how strong God made you to be, you still need Love.”
– UAB student (class of 2021)
– UAB student (class of 2021)
Here's what we're up against: Young people are leaving the church in droves. Studies are saying that 70% of people do not believe in the True Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. College students face tremendous pressure to succeed in worldly matters, but are often driven to ignore the needs of their souls. Recognizing an ache of emptiness or loneliness inside, compounded by the identity crisis which comes with leaving home and beginning life on their own, they may try to fill that need by turning to alcohol, pornography, compulsive media consumption, or the "ideology of self-invention," all of which numb the human heart to authentic truth, beauty, and goodness. College students at UAB, Samford, and Birmingham-Southern are not immune to this, and each one faces great spiritual dangers of isolation, apathy, and despair regardless of how well they seem to be doing in school. They have a tremendous need to belong in a community where they can encounter the person of Jesus Christ.
How is St. Stephen's meeting this need?
“St. Stephen’s is such an amazing community and is so welcoming. I wish everybody could experience its greatness.”
– UAB student (class of 2022)
– UAB student (class of 2022)
At St. Stephen's we are uniquely equipped to serve the spiritual needs of college students in the Birmingham area. Our chaplain, Father Jerabek, understands very well what young people are going through. He is not only helped by a campus minister, but also a team of five incredible FOCUS missionaries who have dedicated this time of their lives to working full-time with college students through prayer, accompaniment, mentoring, and Bible studies. Our chapel's location at UAB gives unparalleled access for students who seek a spiritual home, and both the student center and chapel are available at all hours of the day and evening for students to pray, study, and experience fellowship with one another. Each of the three primary campuses we serve has its own student group as well as adult leaders specifically dedicated to the spiritual care of their students.
This year at St. Stephen's, we have seen amazing growth in our students both on a community and individual level, sometimes rapidly and sometimes gradually, in ways that show that the Spirit of the Lord is at work in them. Frequent reception of the sacraments; participation in retreats, prayer groups, and Bible studies; official and unofficial student meals; and student-led initiatives such as the Awakening Retreat, "Abide and Adore", and volunteer projects show that our students are developing not only as faithful Christians, but as Catholic leaders.
This year at St. Stephen's, we have seen amazing growth in our students both on a community and individual level, sometimes rapidly and sometimes gradually, in ways that show that the Spirit of the Lord is at work in them. Frequent reception of the sacraments; participation in retreats, prayer groups, and Bible studies; official and unofficial student meals; and student-led initiatives such as the Awakening Retreat, "Abide and Adore", and volunteer projects show that our students are developing not only as faithful Christians, but as Catholic leaders.
How can I help?
"[I had] just one main question: Am I enough? And I can honestly say ... events during this past week have proven to me that I am enough. It was everything that I needed to hear and experience. God took all of my pain and brokenness, and showed me how much He loves me, despite all of that. I could not be more thankful."
- Samford student (class of 2019)
- Samford student (class of 2019)
If you would be willing to join our support team to help our campus ministry program grow, please click here to set up a recurring donation. Our annual campus ministry expenses are about $140,000 / year, but the fruits are extraordinary. With your gift and prayers, we can give young souls the help they need to live incredible, happy, and faith-filled lives both during and after college. Thank you so much for your generosity.
For more information, and for other ways to help, please contact our Campus Minister, Mary Beth Yaeger (marybethcm@stephenthemartyr.com).
For more information, and for other ways to help, please contact our Campus Minister, Mary Beth Yaeger (marybethcm@stephenthemartyr.com).