It started out as a simple Friday afternoon social event so volunteers from the Newman Center and Young Life College could get to know each other at Oregon State University. 

But then organizers expanded their plans and rented a coffee cart. And the May 20 gathering turned into a joint outreach event that attracted 100 students — some students were previously involved with the Catholic ministry or Young Life, but many were not connected to either ministry.

Victoria Renard, director of Young Life College at OSU, said the Newman Center’s location right next to campus was the perfect spot to offer free coffee and conversation. Some students stopped just for the coffee drinks; some stayed for a couple of hours to chat and play board games.

Renard said both ministries focus on proclaiming the gospel and sharing what it looks like to live life with Christ. “We have different methods, but that doesn’t mean we can’t work together to reach our campus,” she said. “And it’s fun to be together. It’s nice to know we aren’t the only ones rebuilding a ministry after the pandemic.”

The Young Life Catholic Relations office launched a new website this spring. It offers more information to help Protestant Young Life staff and volunteers better serve Catholic students and more information to help Catholic parishes and Catholic parents engage with Young Life.

Want to read about launching a WyldLife ministry in a Catholic setting? Want to learn more about the Catholic faith tradition before taking Catholic kids to camp? What is Young Life's role in the new evangelization? And what do Catholic bishops say about Young Life? Check out our website!