A Message from Fr. Kevin Kolker | | | | |
Dear friends of Catholic Campus Ministry at SMU,
As we move from October into November, two things have been on my mind: the rosary and Advent (but not yet Christmas!). In the Catholic world, October is the month of the holy rosary, and the last weekend of November is usually the first Sunday of Advent.
As a cradle Catholic, I’ve been fond of the rosary since my childhood. There’s something about thumbing across those beads and invoking our Blessed Mother with the repetition of a little child, asking her to help us to love her Son more deeply.
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Recently, I’ve witnessed the power of the rosary in bringing those seeking Christ home to the Catholic Church. As I’ve listened to the stories of our OCIA students, several of them shared that picking up the habit of a daily rosary was a critical element of their deepening prayer life and of their journey to Catholicism – Mary’s intercession at work!
Now, November is about to begin and that leads us to Advent, a season in which we prepare for Christ’s coming in the flesh at Christmas, as well as for his coming in glory on the Last Day. That preparation to meet the Lord is actually a theme throughout the whole month of November, when we traditionally meditate on the Last Things: death, judgment, hell, and heaven. Contemplating these topics in the light of faith helps us to focus our minds and hearts on what is truly and lastingly important: relationship with Jesus Christ and all those who follow Him.
May this November be an opportunity to refocus on Jesus and to prepare for the day you meet Him face to face. And although the official “month of the rosary” is drawing to a close, there’s never a bad time to pick up those beads and ask Mary’s help to know and love her Son! Please pray for us, and count on my prayers for you.
In Christ,
Fr. Kevin Kolker
In Christ,
Fr. Kevin Kolker
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Alumni Spotlight:
Max Mikkelsen '26
| | Max Mikkelsen ’26 was deeply involved in life at the Catholic Center during his time at SMU. From serving in multiple roles on our Servant Leadership Council to dedicating his time as an altar server, Max was a familiar face around The C and a friend to many in our community. Read below to hear how the Catholic Center shaped his college experience! | | | | |
"When I first came to college, I was searching for truth, purpose, and community. Praise God, Our Lord quickly found me through the SMU Catholic Center, and I was confirmed my freshman year. Looking back, It’s hard to find a part of my life that has not been touched by the Catholic Center over the past 4 years.
One of my fondest memories was serving on the Servant Leadership Council, where I witnessed firsthand the rapid growth the C has experienced. The campus ministry team fostered a real student-led environment, which allowed us to gain real-world leadership experience through our roles.
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I especially loved serving as Liturgy Chair my senior year, where I assisted Father Kolker in organizing and elevating that which most nourishes our ministry, the Holy Mass.
The C was truly my home away from home during my time at SMU, and I’m glad I chose to spend my time with such an incredible community. As I enter parish life and the professional world, I’m extremely grateful for the spiritual and personal formation the Catholic Center offered."
| | Are you an alumnus with a story about how Catholic Campus Ministry at SMU has shaped your faith journey or vocation? We'd love to hear from you! Share your story with us at catholiccommunications@smu.edu. | |
Mustang Catholic Boulevarding
Cheering on the Mustangs and Building Community
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One of our favorite parts of the fall semester on the Hilltop is game day! If you’ve visited SMU on a home football Saturday, you know Dallas Hall Lawn comes alive with tailgate tents and Mustang spirit as students gather to boulevard.
This year, our ministry has a permanent tent spot where students can come together to cheer on the Mustangs and build community. On early game days, we’ve served coffee and Chick-fil-A breakfast, while other Saturdays have featured Raising Cane’s. With good food, lawn games, and plenty of school spirit, Boulevarding is a simple but meaningful way for students to spend time together.
It’s also been a great way for new students to discover our Catholic community and find a place at The C for the first time. We’re so grateful to the students who help plan and host these game day gatherings and create lasting memories on the Hilltop. Pony Up!
| | October Ministry Highlights | | |
Men's Discernment Dinner
On October 16, we gathered with fourteen men at Christ the King Catholic Church for a men’s discernment dinner. Whether actively discerning the priesthood or simply interested in learning more, these men came together for an evening of honest conversation, thoughtful questions, and fellowship. Fr. Kevin Kolker joined Fr. Mark Garrett, Vocations Director for the Diocese of Dallas, to share their experiences and offer insight into the priesthood.
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| The men also had the opportunity to connect with others discerning God’s call, share their experiences, and encourage one another along the way. Please keep these men in your prayers as they continue to discern God’s call for their lives! | | |
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Women's Ministry: Count It All Joy
This year’s Women’s Ministry theme is “Count It All Joy,” inspired by James 1:2–4, which calls us to find joy even in the midst of trials. So far, the women’s gatherings have included a mix of talks, faith formation, and opportunities for fellowship.
They kicked off October by celebrating the Feast of St. Thérèse of Lisieux on October 1. The women learned about her “Little Way” of holiness and made pressed-flower bookmarks in honor of the saint known as the Little Flower.
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Later in the month, Leah Peisert, Associate Director of Parish Engagement at St. Ann, joined the group for a talk titled “A Joy That Lasts.” She explored how true, lasting joy comes from recognizing and receiving the gifts God has given us in the present moment, rather than constantly looking ahead to the next best thing.
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All Souls Prayer Intentions
November - Month of All Souls
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As we enter November, the month of All Souls, we will take special time to pray for the dead and for our deceased loved ones. We would be honored to include your loved ones in our prayers.
Please use the form linked below to submit the names of any deceased family members or friends you would like to be included in our Book of the Dead, which we will remember in prayer throughout the month.
| | Thanksgiving Break Schedule | | |
The Catholic Center will be CLOSED Monday, November 23, through Saturday, November 28, for Thanksgiving Break. Daily Mass, Confession, and Eucharistic Adoration will NOT be offered during this time.
Sunday, November 22 | Modified Mass Schedule
9:00 AM Mass | Perkins Chapel
5:00 PM Student Mass | Perkins Chapel
There will be NO 10:30 AM or 8:00 PM Masses and NO Sunday Supper.
Sunday, November 29 | Sunday Mass Schedule
We will return to our normal Sunday Mass schedule:
9:00 AM Mass | Perkins Chapel
10:30 AM Student Mass | Perkins Chapel
5:00 PM Student Mass | Perkins Chapel
8:00 PM Mass | Catholic Center
Please note that Sunday Supper will NOT be offered on November 29.
| | Help Sustain Our Ministry - Become a Monthly Donor | | |
We invite you to consider becoming a monthly donor to support the work of Catholic Campus Ministry at SMU. Our ministry depends on the generosity of people like you to sustain the programs and services our students rely on every day at the Neuhoff Catholic Student Community Center.
Without consistent support, it becomes challenging to provide the "home away from home" that so many students need—a place where the sacraments are celebrated, Scripture is read daily, and the Gospel is lived out. Your monthly gift is essential to continuing this mission, helping us meet the growing demand for spiritual formation and community at SMU.
Thank you for your consideration. Your generosity will make a lasting difference!
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