Faith Forward

Watch the video to learn how it works.

One Movement. One Mission. One Million.

The national movement ensuring no Catholic student walks into their next chapter alone. Faith Forward is a collaborative, Church-wide movement led by Newman Connection to ensure every Catholic student is personally invited and connected—by name—to their next Catholic community before they leave home.

Be Part of Keeping Young People Connected to Faith

Everyone has a role in Faith Forward. Find yours and take the next step today.

I’m a High School Student

You’re stepping into something new—and you don’t have to figure it out alone. We’ll connect you to a Catholic community waiting for you.

I’m a Parish Leader

You’re sending students into the world. Let’s make sure they’re sent with a connection. Free resources for your parish to connect your graduates.

I’m a Catholic High School Leader

You don’t just graduate students, you send disciples. Faith Forward has easy way to make sure they keep their faith connection.

I’m a Campus Ministry Leader

Students are already heading your way. Let’s make sure you know them before they arrive. Build relationships before day one.

I’m a parent or grandparent

You’ve guided their faith this far. We’ll help you connect them with their next Catholic community wherever they are headed.

I want to help

No student should walk into their next chapter alone. Your support makes connection possible.

Why Faith Forward Exists

When Catholic students leave home, many hit what we call the Faith Cliff—the moment faith connection drops off during the transition to college, military service, or a new city.

Not because they don’t care, but because they feel unknown, uninvited, and alone.
This moment is critical. And it is solvable.

The result is a national problem:

Nearly 80% of Catholic college students never engage with their Catholic community
Over half stop practicing their faith —and most never return

This is a connection problem. Faith Forward exists to stop that disconnection.

What is Faith Forward?

Faith Forward is a Church-wide movement led by Newman Connection to make sure no Catholic student leaves home without a personal connection waiting for them.

Before graduation, we unite parishes, schools, families, and campus ministries to connect students—by name—to their next Catholic community. That means a real invitation, a real welcome, and a real place to belong wherever they’re headed after high school.

Four women, engaged in high school outreach, sit outdoors, smiling and chatting in a relaxed manner.

Our Shared Goal: One Million Students Connected

One million students personally connected to campus ministry, military chaplaincy, or a young adult Catholic community—before the drift begins.

We know the moment matters. A personal invitation from a trusted adult makes a young person four times more likely to stay connected to their faith. Faith Forward is the system that makes that invitation happen—intentionally, consistently, and for every student.

The Bridge That Keeps Faith Moving Forward

Together, we’re building a movement that reaches every Catholic student

Endorsed Dioceses

Campus Ministry Partnerships

College Campuses

Students Connected

How Faith Forward Works

Three simple steps. That’s it.

Connect Your Student(s)

Share their information through Newman Connection. We match them to their next Catholic community.

Have a conversation with your students to help them connect through an upcoming class or youth event.

Connection can happen in two ways: Use our Faith Forward Connection Form or submit student names, personal emails, and college plans for your graduating seniors after May 1st.

We Make the Introduction

Once a student completes the form, we connect them with their next Catholic community. We will send you updates to let you celebrate with them as they connect.

Campus ministries personally reach out—by name—before students arrive.

They Arrive Connected

We will collect all the college plans from your school or parish and share the results with you so you know where they are headed next.

Not alone. Not unknown. Already invited into a Catholic community.

Real Lives, Real Faith

Stories of Impact

Faith Forward Stories

Andres: From Student to Catechist

“I went from wondering where I belonged to helping others find their place in the Church.”

Faith Forward Champions

Bishop Toups

“Studies show that the relationships your make in the first 48-72 hours in college are going to be lasting connections.”