Faith-based housing at NDSU: Fargo’s virtuous living option for college students

Recent studies have shown that 78% of Catholics who leave the faith, do so by the age of 23. This is an alarming statistic. In order to preserve the faith in our young adults, we as Catholics must ask ourselves how we can combat the increasingly relativistic and secular society we live in. How can we draw young adults to Christ?

That is at the heart of Newman Living’s mission. Newman Living residents are encouraged to delve into their faith through an active life of prayer, fellowship, and formation. Our current residents and staff are reminded, as the Proverbs 27:17 says: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

Residents live that out every day. We’d like to highlight their stories:

“I cannot talk highly enough about my experience so far here at NDSU with the Newman Center and Newman Living. I have truly found the community I had been desiring for so long, a community that has encouraged and supported me to dive deeper into my faith. The community here has been one of the greatest graces received, and I can see the effects that it has had on my faith and prayer life. No matter what event is happening, daily Mass, or Adoration, there is always someone ready to tag along.” –Mary Heil, student at NDSU

Students like Mary are given ample opportunities to delve into their faith in their college years. Through this community, they form virtuous friendships that last a lifetime. The Newman Center’s new housing complex, dedicated towards strengthening faith, authentic friendship, and Catholic values is changing lives. It is intentionally faithful and set apart from other college communities. At Newman Living, students in the tri-college area are able to enter into this strong culture, away from the typical secular on-campus living experience. In its time, Newman Living has created the ideal environment for residents to learn more about their faith, their community, and themselves.

The students have the opportunity to experience life together. Whether that’s by borrowing a can opener from a neighbor, studying with roommates, or participating in the housing activities, faith surrounds them. Residents feel safe and encouraged to welcome God into their lives in new ways, and begin exploring the life he has in store for them. Newman Living has the capacity to house 82 students in three, four, and eight bedroom apartments. Each unit includes furniture, a full kitchen including a dishwasher, in unit laundry, and all utilities included!

Cardinal Muench Men’s Hall
Aloisius Cardinal Muench served as Bishop of Fargo from 1935 to 1959 in addition to service as Apostolic Nuncio to Germany from 1951 to 1959. He worked tirelessly to promote vocations during his time in North Dakota and “considered the education of priests his primary responsibility and concern.” It is in the spirit of Cardinal Muench’s love for the People of God and their spiritual care that this Men’s Hall is established.

The purpose of the Men’s Hall is to provide an opportunity for college men to live together in an intentional community so they can better pursue growth in their human and Baptismal vocation. Through the experience of common prayer, shared commitment to acts of service, and enjoying leisurely activities together, the men are encouraged to grow in their vocation to be Fratres in Christo—men of God and loyal brothers to each other.

“My favorite element of living in the Cardinal Muench Men’s Hall is the constant presence of God and authentic Catholicism in my own life and in the lives of the men surrounding me. I had a tendency to overlook how God is intricately working wonders in my everyday life, but ever since I started living with these seven other God-driven men, I can’t help but see just how much of a role God is playing in our lives. Every interaction we have together, God is always included. Another part of everyday life I highly cherish is the sense of community and fraternity I have with my brothers. Every night we gather to say night prayer, invite priests over weekly for a community dinner, and often plan and participate in events together like playing basketball at the wellness center.” –Ashton Lacko, student at NDSU

Ashton has been able to enter into the Newman Living community and experience the numerous graces that flow from living a healthy lifestyle centered on prayer, discernment, and fraternity, he has been encouraged to allow the Lord to work in his life. The fruits have been immeasurable.  

There are a limited number of spaces open for the 2022-2023 leasing term. Visit www.bisoncatholic.org/housing to apply today!