UCatholic students are finding a renewed sense of connection, community, and faith thanks to the recently opened Catholic Student Center. The state-of-the-art facility between Stanford Drive and Pavia Street, which serves as a hub for the University’s Catholic community, is creating ripples of impact that extend beyond its walls, fostering interfaith dialogue, inclusivity, and a vibrant spiritual life on campus.
Leonardo Morales, president of UCatholic, reflected on the center’s mission and success. “It’s been great to welcome more people, build friendships, and share our faith in meaningful ways,” Morales said. He described the center as a space where faith and community intersect, offering a home for students from diverse backgrounds to connect and thrive.
The Catholic Student Center has the potential to become a focal point for interfaith engagement on campus. Morales shared how the lounge has been a welcoming space not just for Catholics, but for students of all faiths. “We’ve met students from neighboring groups, like the Christian Science and Baptist organizations, and invited them to join our events,” Morales said. “It’s not just about being Catholic—it’s about building a space where everyone feels at home.”
One example of this outreach is the center’s collaboration with Hillel for an upcoming event. “We’re planning a screening of ‘Prince of Egypt’ as a way to bring our communities together,” Morales said. “It’s still in the works, but I’m excited about the opportunity to build bridges and cultivate understanding between different faiths.” From watch parties for U.S. soccer matches to Bible study sessions, the center has hosted events that appeal to a wide range of interests while fostering connections rooted in faith.
Father Richard J. Vigoa, pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Parish, praised these efforts. “The students have embraced the call to welcome others and build authentic friendships,” he said. “This is what the Church should be—a place where everyone, regardless of background, feels seen, heard, and loved.”
Morales’ leadership as president of the Catholic Student Association is rooted in his faith. “My goal is to always be centered around God,” he said. “While building friendships is important, we never lose sight of Jesus as the foundation of our community. Every event begins and ends with prayer, inviting his presence into everything we do.”
The center’s opening hasn’t been without challenges. Renovations are still underway, creating some logistical hurdles. “The bathroom situation isn’t ideal, and we don’t have a functioning kitchen yet, but it’s all coming together,” Morales said. Despite these setbacks, students remain optimistic and resourceful, finding ways to make the most of the space.
Father Vigoa commended the students’ perseverance. “They’ve handled these obstacles with grace and patience,” he said. “It’s inspiring to see how they’re turning challenges into opportunities for collaboration and growth.”
Looking ahead, Morales hopes to expand the center’s reach and deepen its impact. “We want to build more interfaith relationships and host events that bring people together,” he said. Upcoming initiatives include an interfaith discussion and pizza night, where students from various Christian denominations and other faiths can engage in meaningful conversations.
Beyond events, Morales is committed to nurturing a sense of belonging for all students. “The center isn’t just about programs—it’s about relationships,” he said. “We’re here to support each other in faith, academics, and life.”
Father Vigoa echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the center’s role as a beacon of hope. “This space is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together in faith,” he said. “It’s a gift to the UCatholic community and beyond.”
As renovations near completion and new programs take shape, the Catholic Student Center continues to thrive as a place of faith, fellowship, and inclusion. “It’s been beautiful to see how this space has brought people together," Morales said. “With God’s help, we’ll keep building his kingdom, one friendship at a time."
