Paula once measured success by her performance in the pool, her grades, and the number of friends she had. Then an invitation from a group of joyful Catholic athletes helped her discover a love that did not depend on her performance and prepared her to lead other women toward Jesus.

When Luke Braden ‘27 invited fellow student-athletes to a Bible study, he wondered whether anyone would come. They did. Now he is offering others the same kind of friendship and formation he found at St. Mary’s.

More than 650 people are taking part in OCIA at St. Mary’s this fall. But that number does not mean 650 conversions or 650 people receiving the Sacraments. Behind it are hundreds of people asking serious questions about Christ and His Church, and a community grateful for the opportunity to walk with them.

Gabe Klement ’27 came to Texas A&M looking for friendships that would challenge him and help him grow in faith. At St. Mary’s, he found a community shaped by the same patient accompaniment that had helped lead his father back to the Church years earlier.

Before Jonathan “JZ” Zabolio ’28 ever arrived at Texas A&M, his family had already made a place for him at St. Mary’s. Years later, he found the same faith and community that shaped his mother and discovered that he had always had a spot here.

Texas A&M freshman Bryce LaRue ’29 traveled to Rome with a bold prayer and a custom Aggie football jersey for Pope Leo XIV. The unexpected encounter reminded him that God invites us to seek Him boldly and trust in His faithfulness.

Mason arrived at Texas A&M searching for something deeper. Through Eucharistic Adoration, Catholic friendship, and OCIA at St. Mary’s, he encountered Jesus and found his home in the Catholic Church.

Levi arrived at Texas A&M learning to make the Catholic faith his own. Through daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and friendships at St. Mary’s, he found direction in Christ and began discerning where God might be calling him next.