Faith and Mission Stories

New St. John’s Trustee Stresses Faith and Devotion

At 13, Rev. Michael M. Nguyen, C.M. ’90CBA set out on a harrowing journey from his native Vietnam in search of a new beginning. The year was 1980, and his country had fallen to the Communists five years earlier. “My parents saw no future there and hoped for a better life in the United States.”

CCPS Graduate Alumna Advocates for the Neediest Populations

Children, immigrants, victims of natural disasters, the impoverished, and refugees of global conflict are all close to the heart of Michelle Amaryllis Centeno ’14GCPS. Ms. Centeno has spent her entire life working on behalf of populations on the margins as a passionate humanitarian, relief worker, and policy activist.

Helping Others Has Shaped Katherine's Life

At St. John the Apostle Church, in Clark, NJ, she and her family regularly took part in the parish’s service activities. Katherine continued to volunteer throughout her years at Union Catholic Regional High School.  

When it came time to choose a college, St. John’s University—and its Catholic and Vincentian Mission—spoke to Katherine in away that other institutions did not.

Campus Minister Inspired by R.C.I.A. Candidates

A self-proclaimed “Cradle Catholic,” Andrea Pinnavaia ’07C, ’08G feels a profound responsibility to the candidates she shepherds through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.) program at St. John’s University. 

Bishop-Elect a Proud Alumnus of St. John’s University

When Rev. Kevin J. Sweeney ’92C received word that Pope Francis appointed him the next Bishop of Paterson, NJ, he was taken aback by the news but knew his path was clear.

Campus Minister Discovered Religious Life through Service

Sr. Patricia Evanick, D.C. ’97GEd, who serves as Campus Minister for Faith Formation and Leadership on St. John’s University’s Queens, NY, campus, recently reflected on how she came to truly know God through caring for others.