Arizona State University’s All Saints Catholic Newman Center received a record 52 students into the Catholic Church during a Nov. 30 Mass.
The group, composed of students from ASU’s main campus, completed the Rite of Reception, the liturgical process through which candidates are baptized or received into full communion with the Church, at the Newman Center in Tempe.
“The Mass was easily one of the most beautiful witnesses I have ever seen” Ben Power, the program director for OCIA, told CatholicVote Dec. 2. “OCIA in general is inspiring to not only me, but all Catholics. Seeing 52 students become Catholic warms our hearts.”
The celebration drew an exceptionally large crowd, Ryan Ayala, the director of the Newman Center told CatholicVote. It was standing room only as more than 600 people filled the 450-seat church.
He credited the large group in part to the coordinated outreach of Newman Center staff, who he said are responding to a rising desire for faith among students.
“College students, Gen Zers, are hungry for truth, belonging, and an unwavering Catholic faith,” he said. “Our campus ministers, missionaries, and priests see that and have committed to meet this moment with passion and urgency.”
No call or email from students goes unanswered, according to Ayala, who said he expects a similar number of student converts in the spring cohort.
“We want ASU students to know we truly care for their souls and want them to know Jesus Christ,” he said.
The event’s reach extended well beyond the campus. A video announcing the record-breaking turnout circulated widely on social media, accumulating more than 92,000 views on X and drawing messages of support from Catholics across the country.
Ayala said the Newman Center’s work is rooted in the Church’s broader call to invite people into the faith.
“This mission runs deep in the Church’s essential call to make disciples of all nations,” he said.
“It was a beautiful day,” he added, “and we anticipate a similar number of converts to be fully initiated at the Easter Vigil in the spring.”
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