By Jacob Brown, Editor-in-Chief
For some Newman University students, college is about more than classes, athletics and campus activities. For members of the Metanoia Catholic living community, college also provides an opportunity to grow in faith while building lasting friendships and a strong community.
Metanoia is a student community based in Beata Hall whose members focus on living lives devoted to Christ. The group is built around the idea that true friends do not let their friends live a life less than what they are made for. There are 19 members.
Senior Anna Lobmayer, a member of Metanoia, said that students in the community commit to five main pillars: Night prayer, adoration, Mass, involvement on campus and virtuous living.
“We’re a group of students trying to grow and live joyful, Christ-centered lives together,” Lobmayer said.
Members gather each night to pray, spend 30 minutes in adoration each week and help with Sunday Mass in the chapel. They are also encouraged to live virtuously and remain involved in the Newman community.
Although Metanoia has existed at Newman in different forms over the years, its current community restarted in 2022. Lobmayer said she has also heard from former Newman chaplain Father Adam Grelinger, chemistry professor Ryan Huschka and admissions director Georgia Drewes that they were involved with Metanoia when they were Newman students.
The group does not have traditional leadership positions such as president, secretary or treasurer. Instead, every member has the same role within the community.
Lobmayer serves as a connection between the community and Fr. Ed Herzog and Anna Engel, assistant director of Campus Ministry. She also serves as a person members can rely on for support and regular check-ins.
Metanoia also focuses on creating a sense of family among its members. Students celebrate birthdays together, plan activities and participate in what Lobmayer described as “side quests.”
“Since you don’t choose the other members, it’s a lot like a family, and you get to know a variety of incredible people you wouldn’t have otherwise,” Lobmayer said.
Grecia Nunez, another member of Metanoia, said that the community is built around everyone contributing to the five pillars.
“Everyone in Metanoia has a role in creating this community, and I try to do my part by being present, involved, and supportive of those around me,” she said.
Nunez said meeting people through Metanoia has been one of the most important parts of the experience.
Nunez is also involved in other areas of campus, including serving as president of the school’s Hispanic American Leadership Organization. She said the responsibilities that come with leadership can sometimes create stress.
“Metanoia gives me a safe space where I can be at ease and take a step back from those responsibilities,” Nunez said. “It allows me to enjoy and reflect on the beautiful things in my everyday life while growing in my faith and spending time with people who support me.”
The community also offers members a housing scholarship that’s financed by donors.
Students interested in joining Metanoia can speak with Fr. Ed or Engel.
PHOTO: Courtesy Photo
