Of the over 49,000 students at Texas A&M University, about 26% of them are Roman Catholic. This means that the ministries of St. Mary's Catholic Center, the Catholic campus ministry at Texas A&M, support the spiritual development of almost 13,000 college students during a critical transitional time of their lives. St. Mary's Catholic Center is contributing to the formation of future leaders for the Catholic Church. At St. Mary's, university students receive a solid spiritual foundation to enable them to make better decisions that will affect themselves and society for decades to come. We seek to bring Christ to the university community through sound theological education both within the Catholic Center and on the university campus. We also sponsor programs of outreach to the surrounding communities and instill in our students a devotion to active stewardship of their God-given gifts and talents.
In 1994, St. Mary's commenced a building campaign to construct its new 30,000 square foot campus ministry center. The project was completed and dedicated in April 1998. Since the opening of the new center, many opportunities abound for students to develop and nurture their Catholic faith. Bible studies, Theology courses, retreats, leadership training, sacramental preparation and small faith groups are just a few of the many opportunities available. The center provides safe and beautiful spaces for prayer, study and fellowship. We are helping to form strong leaders and faithful Catholics for tomorrow.
There are over 130 “Aggie Vocations” to the priesthood and religious life; and the numbers continue to increase every year as more Aggies enter formation.
St. Mary's Catholic Center at Texas A&M University is touching the future of the Catholic Church in our state, in our country, and in our world through its ministries. We are a place of transition for students. We seek to provide a spiritual haven in the midst of the secular university setting, so that they may be guided by their faith through their career and lifestyle decisions. Our Catholic Center is full of students eager to learn the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Sacred Tradition of the Catholic Church. After all, these students are in an environment of learning, at an age of learning in their lives, and we have a unique opportunity to guide them through continuing religious education.
We continue to seek new ways to bring more students to Christ and His Church and to bring the Christ to them in their dormitories, in their classes, and in their hearts. New programs to aid in the transition of our graduates from St. Mary's to their permanent parishes around the world have been initiated. It is our hope that our students will take the spiritual gifts they have received through our ministries and share those gifts with others wherever their careers and vocations lead them. The impact they can have is tremendous!
