VT Catholic Campus Ministry Fall Newsletter

Pour Into Others: Pour Into Others: Coffee House Ministry Coffee House Ministry

This semester our Catholic Campus Ministry received an evangelization grant through the Associates of St. John Bosco (ASJB) RISE Awards to open a donation-based coffee shop, Pour Into Others, every Wednesday after morning Mass during adoration hours! Our main mission is to evangelize by reaching students who come to Sunday Mass but haven’t yet found a deeper connection within our community. We also hope to welcome students who might not know there’s a Catholic community on campus—or aren’t sure how to get involved. Pour Into Others is entirely student run, headed by junior Ashley Clark. “One of my favorite ways to get to know someone— or catch up with a friend—has been grabbing coffee,” said Clark. “Now, we can do that from the comfort of our own Newman House, which is amazing!” Not only do students prepare all of the beverages on the menu, but they also supply a variety of baked goods for students to enjoy with their drinks. “Having a dedicated space to bring people together, especially fellow Catholics, has been extremely fruitful. I have met many new faces and have had wonderful discussions. The coffee is delicious, the pastry’s are exceptional, and the overall atmosphere is just the icing on top of the cake (or pastry).” — Thomas Fiedor. Since its opening in August, the student and community response has been overwhelmingly positive. The shop has become a meeting space for all kinds of CCM needs. Newman “regulars” come to do homework, hang out with friends, and relax between classes. “It’s a peaceful time in my day when I get to visit close friends, have the opportunity to see Jesus in the chapel, and grab a coffee,” said student Angela Drapac. The coffee shop also fosters spiritual growth: it’s a comfy spot for discipleship meetings and Bible studies. For those who aren’t around the Newman House often, it’s a welcoming, casual space to encounter community and be invited to experience our Lord in adoration. Coffee is only served in mugs or mason jars, no to-go cups, to encourage students to linger and build relationships. “The Newman Coffee Shop is such a valuable addition to Catholic life at VT!” said student Kate Dichoso. “I love bringing friends to the coffee shop. Seeing other Catholics my age be in community and choosing to go to adoration has made me feel so seen!” — Dichoso “I’m so pleased with how things have gone so far—seeing new faces, serving morning coffee, and having encouraging conversations has been such a joy.” said Clark. “I can’t wait to see the growth that Pour Into Others will continue to bring to our Newman community by the end of the year!”