Need a Catholic Bestie? How to Make Faith-Based Friendships in College
Depending on the town you grew up in, you might have felt like the only young Catholic in the world. You may have enjoyed spending time with older members of your parish, but found it difficult to connect with peers who shared your faith. Even if you and your friends had similar interests—like music, sports, or hobbies—you might have noticed that conversations about faith were often avoided.
Even if that wasn’t your experience—maybe you had a solid group of Catholic friends growing up—you might still feel this way now that you're in college. Moving away from home means starting over when it comes to building your faith-based community.
You're Not Meant to Walk Alone
Whether you're a man or a woman, our walk with Christ is not something we're meant to do alone. The disciples didn’t learn from Jesus in isolation. They spent three years in community, carefully listening to and modeling the teachings of their Rabbi, Jesus.
Of course, not all your friends need to be Catholic, but there’s real value in surrounding yourself with others who are also striving to grow in faith. In this article, we’ll explore a few actionable ways you can build meaningful Catholic friendships during college.
1. Get Involved with Campus Ministry
Most colleges have a campus ministry or a chapter of the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), a national outreach program inspired by Pope John Paul II’s call for a "new evangelization." Whether or not your school has a FOCUS team, it’s still a great idea to get to know other young adults at your parish and find ways to serve together. Many hands make light work—and what better way to serve your community than with friends?
Here are some event ideas to get started:
Holiday-Themed Events: Plan gatherings like a Halloween party, Friendsgiving, or Easter brunch. Food and fellowship are a powerful combination for creating community.
Rosary Walks: Pick a time and location on campus where students can walk together while reciting the rosary’s mysteries. It's a peaceful and spiritually enriching way to bond.
After-Mass Hangouts: Depending on the most attended Mass among college students, consider planning a post-Mass activity such as game night, movie night, Catholic trivia, or even scrapbooking. Consistency is key—choose a regular day and time and give people plenty of notice. Most parishes are eager to support student-led events, so don’t hesitate to get involved!
You never know what beautiful friendships could form when you step out and show up.
2. Join A Bible Study
Bible studies are a great way to deepen your understanding of Scripture and grow closer to others through shared reflection. Usually led by a facilitator, Bible studies explore specific topics, ask thoughtful questions, and encourage participants to reflect personally on Scripture. FOCUS also offers detailed Bible study guides to make it easier for leaders to get started. From personal experience, Bible studies can lead to some of the deepest and most genuine friendships in college. These are the people who take their faith seriously and want to grow. Scripture offers guidance for choosing your inner circle:“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools suffers harm.” — Proverbs 13:20. You don’t need all your friends to be Catholic or Christian, but be mindful of those who influence you toward behaviors that don’t align with your faith.
3. Go on an Adventure
Sometimes, the best way to build lasting friendships is to get out of your routine. Here are three “adventure” ideas your parish or campus ministry can plan together:
Retreats: If your parish can financially support it, plan a weekend spiritual retreat at a nearby location—or even host one locally at the parish. Invite guest speakers like a visiting priest, a sister from a nearby convent, or a trusted Catholic leader. Include prayer time, small group discussions, and sessions on topics like the sacraments or overcoming temptation with wisdom from the saints.
Pilgrimages: A pilgrimage doesn’t have to mean flying overseas. You could organize a local pilgrimage by walking or driving to several churches in your area. A powerful tradition during Holy Week is Visita Iglesia, where Catholics visit seven churches on Maundy Thursday to pray before the Altar of Repose. This practice—common in the Philippines and in parts of the U.S.—helps the faithful meditate on Christ’s Passion and real presence in the Eucharist.
Road Trips: Visit your state’s cathedral or a historic Catholic site with your friends. Long car rides are perfect for bonding—bring snacks, play music, pray a “car rosary,” and spend quality time getting to know one another. These trips often lead to lasting memories and friendships
Final Thoughts
Building a strong Catholic community in college won’t always happen automatically, but with a little intention and openness, you’ll find your “Catholic Bestie” in no time! God calls us to community for a reason—He knows we grow best together. So show up, reach out, and take those first steps toward building faith-based friendships that last.
Works Cited:
“FOCUS.” Seton Hall University, 21 Mar. 2025, www.shu.edu/campus-ministry/focus.html.
The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1991.
