UCatholic moves in to the ‘heart of campus’ at the University of Miami

By Cristina Cabrera Jarro -

CORAL GABLES| During fall move-in and orientation at the University of Miami, a sign hanging from a building located at 1210 Stanford Drive in the Coral Gables campus caught the attention of students and parents. It read “Welcome to our new home: UCatholic Campus Ministry. We are glad you are here!”

“Once we put up that sign, so many people were stopping by. Parents and students were coming in. It took us by surprise. It was so affirming,” said Michelle Ducker Lopez, director of campus ministry at UM.

In August 2024, the Archdiocese of Miami acquired the former United Wesley building, previously owned by United Methodist Church. Now renamed as the “Catholic Center,” it places Catholic ministry at the heart of campus for the first time in the university’s history.

Previously, the Catholic center was housed in the “Catholic Post”, as students called the significantly smaller, almost discreet location on campus that formerly served as a post office, and an even smaller space prior to that location. Now, they have a two-story building with multi use spaces on the first level, and potential residential apartments on the second level.

Lopez called it a “game changer” for the future of campus ministry.

“Just seeing the great potential of physical, permanent space that we can help be a place where the beauty of our faith can be shared and also seen, it’s an incredible step forward,” Lopez said.

Father Richard Vigoa, pastor of nearby St. Augustine Parish—the spiritual home of UCatholic—called it a significant investment for the Archdiocese of Miami and Catholics.

“This is a very big deal. It's going to be a beacon of light and of hope where we’re going to stand proud and tall. Yes, campus ministry is here, it’s alive, and we want to evangelize,” said Father Vigoa.

Before St. Augustine Parish was founded, a Catholic Student Center was established across the street from the university to serve Catholic students and faculty. Under the spiritual leadership of Archbishop Coleman Carroll, Miami’s first archbishop, the center eventually became a parish. Today, though St. Augustine Parish does not have a parochial school, Father Vigoa explains that, in a way, they remain responsible for Catholic campus ministry at the University of Miami. He says his faith has been edified witnessing as parishioners and donors stepped up to support the new home of UCatholic on campus.

“Everything from remodeling the coffee bar, donating furniture, a new kitchen, new bathrooms, flooring, outdoor lighting, benches, so many things have been donated because of the love that they have for their parish, but also, they believe in what this place will be for college students,” said Father Vigoa.

‘Build community and bring people to Christ’

UCatholic welcomes all students to share a space that is academic and social, as well as ministry and mission driven. The Catholic Center provides the facilities to do that with the comforts of a student lounge containing couches, tables, a large television, offices, restrooms, and a kitchen. To help with spiritual formation, there is Father Mario Avila Vivero, the fulltime UM chaplain, in addition to FOCUS missionaries, bible study rooms, and an adoration chapel accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“Having Jesus truly present in the most sacred sacrament on campus will change so many students’ lives, I know it,” said Leo Morales, a UM undergraduate student from Houston, Texas, who serves as president of UCatholic campus ministry.

There is also a flex space, known as “John Paul II Hall” used for larger gatherings, like Tuesday night “Mass and Meal,” sponsored by St. Augustine parishioners, and Thrive nights on Thursdays, which rotates guest speakers and topics concerning the faith.

“I feel like we’re doing a great job of actually using all these rooms, and that’s why we got the Catholic Center: to use it and build community and bring people to Christ,” said Morales, who is majoring in biochemistry and nutrition with a minor in psychology and film studies.

A grotto has been constructed outside of the building, accompanied by a marble statue of the Virgin Mary that stands with arms wide open, appearing to welcome those who walk or drive by the location.

“To see a statue of our Blessed Mother speaks volumes at a secular, private university,” said Father Vigoa.

“I love Mary and I know that she wants to reach the hearts of everyone on campus, and having such great visibility to a lot of students will surely lead some to get to know her, and ultimately, get to know her son,” said Morales.

Interestingly, the Blessed Mother may not be such a stranger on campus. According to Patricia Whitely, senior vice president of student affairs and alumni engagement at UM, the university estimates that approximately 40 percent of students enrolled in the university are Roman Catholic.

“The new Catholic Center has been well received and celebrated on campus,” said Whitely, who is also a parishioner at St. Augustine.

Sister Elizabeth Worley, chancellor for administration and chief operating officer the Archdiocese of Miami, points out that the property has room to expand to accommodate the growing Catholic community.

“It is a thriving campus ministry. We will be looking for increased donor support to further enhance the building and continuing the program. So far, it’s highly successful,” said Sister Worley.

When Edward Easton, a UM graduate and former member of the Catholic Campus Ministry, heard of the possibility of the Archdiocese of Miami acquiring the new UCatholic property, he was quick to reach out and help.

“We’re going to do something special there, though it’s already special owning that property. I think it can be a guiding light for other campuses that are heavily Catholic. I’m very optimistic that this has unlimited potential. It’s going to help all God’s works, it’s going to be great for the University of Miami, and it’s just a win-win for everybody,” said Easton.

Archbishop Thomas Wenski notes that it can be challenging to reach the youth, especially during their college years. Having on campus ministry presence, like UCatholic and the Catholic Center, can serve as models and reminders of their faith.

“It’s a beginning, and hopefully what will be happening in future months and years at the University of Miami will upgrade a template that will serve us well, not only at the University of Miami, but in other places like FIU [Florida Internation University] and our community colleges as well,” said Archbishop Wenski.

FIND OUT MORE

To find out more about campus ministry and their weekly events, visitwww.saintaugustinechurch.org/ucatholic. UCatholic Campus Ministry can also be followed on Instagram and Facebook @umiamicatholic.