New Director of Campus Ministry Announced

With the recent hiring of John McGarry, S.J., as Director of Campus Ministry, the organization is prioritizing creating a welcoming, purposeful space for Santa Clara students. McGarry, who has over 30 years of education experience, joins Santa Clara from Loyola Marymount University and plans to keep in touch with the needs of college students.

“We live in a very intense time in the world,” said McGarry. “It can be stressful, even scary. But there is always so much potential for good; to be good, kind, respectful, generous, inclusive and to do good.” 

Campus Ministry, located just outside of Benson, aims to foster the spiritual lives of Santa Clara students. Its programs range from hosting interfaith dinners to organizing catechism classes for students and alumni.

“Campus Ministry is a purposeful place that attracts people who want to live on mission,” says sophomore public health major, Lauren Sundin, who frequently attends the organization’s activities and student masses. “The staff wants to make the world a better place and everyone there is sincerely genuine and welcoming–it’s a great place to find how you can give.”

Campus Ministry has an ongoing effort to assess and address the needs of students experiencing a complex, uncertain world. McGarry is excited to expand upon the organization's current programming. 

“Any campus ministry program must adapt to changing times and needs,” said McGarry, “Let's work for greater unity through the gift of diversity, more peace and commitment to justice, more faith-filled and respectful of people of every culture, language, faith tradition and way of life.”

McGarry’s life work has been centered around supporting people in their service, faith and justice journeys while using humor to keep life light. 

“I love being a priest and sharing with people on the journey of faith and life,” McGarry said. “I am very much a people person, so I like meeting people and engaging in conversation.”