The Murray State Newman Catholic Center’s full daily Mass chapel is seen in this undated photo. COURTESY OF MURRAY STATE NEWMAN CATHOLIC CENTER
Fundraising campaign for Murray State Newman Center continues
BY SHAWN TOUNEY, SPECIAL TO THE WESTERN KENTUCKY CATHOLIC
In the midst of a transformational fundraising campaign, St. Leo Parish and its Newman Catholic Center, through FOCUS ministries, continues to see significant, positive growth as recent student data and updates indicate.
A February 2025 report from FOCUS shared with St. Leo Parish in Murray revealed that students who are participating in bible studies are the highest total when compared with past Februarys, dating back to prior to 2020. Through bible studies, a variety of parish and campus programs, Mass attendance and more, student involvement and engagement has been steady throughout the academic year at Murray State, which began in August and concluded in May.
According to its website, FOCUS has a nearly 30-year history in helping college students seek meaning and purpose at a critical point in their lives. Based on the 2024-25 academic year, there were a total of 210 college campuses in the United States with which FOCUS has a presence, with its Catholic missionaries bringing the light of truth, and helping lead students on the path to a strong adult faith. This past academic year, St. Leo Parish had four FOCUS missionaries.
Three students who are involved with the Newman Catholic Center at St. Leo Parish in Murray entered the Catholic Church this Easter. Eight Murray State students attended the SEEK conference in Salt Lake City. And over the nearly 15-year relationship between FOCUS and Murray State’s Newman Catholic Center, multiple students who are now alumni have been ordained to the priesthood, are serving in religious life, or are currently serving in FOCUS capacities.
“So much of the good in my life has come from the Murray State University Newman Center. Not only did it provide me with a strong group of Catholic friends to practice my faith with, it has honestly been a major factor in helping me grow deeper in my faith through the opportunities of bible studies, student Mass, and a chapel where I can visit the Lord whenever I want,” said junior Cecilia Broxon.
“Seeing the unprecedented growth of our Newman community this year has truly been one of the greatest highlights of my job as campus minister. I have seen students blossom from shy and quiet to true, virtuous, and faithful leaders of others. My greatest privilege, though, is watching students come to a realization of who the Eucharist truly is; to hear them speak, after a retreat, of their moment of recognizing and knowing Jesus in Adoration. That makes all the long days and late nights worth it for me,” said Philomena Hempel, campus minister.
In 2023, the “All Things New” campaign to build a new Newman Catholic Center initiated, with a goal of raising $1.75 million to construct a new building, as the existing building has long outlived its service and has inadequate space to serve students.
The proposed new building will be a 5,000-square foot facility featuring a gathering space for approximately 100 students and a chapel that is 150% larger than the current one and will seat more than 70 students for Mass. There will be a library/reading room which can serve for bible study and is 65% larger than current space. Included will be a reinforced safe area in the event of severe weather, attractive study and meeting rooms, office space for the director and FOCUS staff, a modern kitchen for cooking meals, and larger, separate bathrooms.
Thanks to the abundant generosity of many, including the Diocese of Owensboro, St. Leo parishioners, parishes throughout the diocese and region, Knights of Columbus councils, Murray State alumni, and many more, the campaign has received $1.25 million in pledges, including $845,000 cash in hand as of July 2025.
An important fact: nearly every parish in the Diocese of Owensboro has a Murray State student, many of whom are part of the Newman Catholic Center. We’re all in this together as we help support all of these students, as well as future students from your own home parish who will benefit from the many graces of the Newman Catholic Center.
We need your help in getting us to the finish line! Each parish or parishioner in our diocese is encouraged to prayerfully consider making a gift as we approach the goal amount. Give online at catholicracers.org/all-things-new, or by mail at St. Leo Catholic Church, 401 N. 12th St., Murray, KY 42071, Attn: All Things New Campaign.
St. John Henry Newman, intercede for us!
Individuals can learn more, view video testimonials, and make a gift to support “All Things New” at catholicracers.org/all-things-new.
Originally printed in the August 2025 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
