Carrie Feistner

“A great place to worship, pray, play and study!” is how the poster describes the Catholic Campus Parish (CCP) at SDSU.

The Pius XII Newman Center Catholic Campus Parish is located one block south of Brown Hall. It is open all the time and is here to serve the needs of students on campus, Father Scott Traynor said.

“Our mission is primarily to serve Catholic students and staff in the campus community and to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” Traynor said. “We want to help people to grow in their relationship with God.”

The center offers sacraments for Catholics, service opportunities, social activities and educational opportunities. Activities include Bible studies, Praise and Worship, intramural sports, movie nights, spring break mission trips, retreats, socials and mini-courses.

“I think that both students and resident families offer tremendous amounts of creativity, generosity and energy to build the community and serve,” Traynor said. “It’s very exciting to be part of. There is tremendous opportunity for growth.”

Masses are held Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. There are also weekday masses every day except Monday.

CCP is a recognized student organization and has over 500 registered members. It caters to two groups: Catholic members and local families, and those that don’t have a church home.

“Everyone is most welcome. We want to offer them the experience of a church home. God has something for them here,” Traynor said. “They are needed and important for the church’s mission in the third millennium.”

The CCP is a great place for students to grow in their faith, meet people with similar values and is a great environment to study and hang out, Traynor said.

“Anyone who is in desire to serve the community or have questions, my staff and I are eager to talk with them,” he said. “College students find a time of questioning their faith and we’re happy to meet with them.”

Graduate student Alex Dobbs regularly attends CCP and leads a Bible study. Dobbs said the CCP is a great place to explore your spirituality and meet new people.

“I decided I wanted to make faith life the most important thing in my life and decided to get involved right away,” Dobbs said.

“It’s a great faith community. I’ve learned the importance of sharing spirituality with friends,” he said. “You go that much deeper in a friendship when you add spirituality.”