A Ministry of Belonging
by Melanie Sisinni
08/06/2025
At Mercyhurst University, Campus Ministry isn’t just a program — it’s a growing spiritual home. Under the direction of Jesse Spanogle, the ministry has become a place where students encounter faith not just through doctrine but through relationships, hospitality and the quiet witness of someone who genuinely loves the Catholic Church.
When Jesse Spanogle arrived at Mercyhurst, he didn’t set out to build numbers — he set out to build community. His guiding philosophy is rooted in family and faith.
“Youth group kids need an uncle to talk to, a big brother, an aunt, a mom,” Spanogle explains. “I’ve built a ministry according to a family.”
That personal, relational approach has made a profound impact. Jesse and his team, including the assistant campus minister, Jenell Patton, and Sister Natalie Rossi, have opened unexpected doors to faith.
One such door opened for Ava Jones, a student-athlete and double major who met Jesse in a first-year theology class.
“He was talking about going to the Masses on campus,” recalls Jones. “My friend Julia from my field hockey team said, ‘Yeah, we should go.’ So I went — and it was an eye-opening experience. The music, what they were talking about … I really felt at home.”
That sense of belonging grew over time. Ava continued attending Mass and, eventually, decided to receive the sacraments.
“I’m the first in my family — my parents aren’t Catholic, so Jesse was the obvious choice to be my sponsor,” said Jones. “He’s amazing. So uplifting. He makes sure everybody feels welcome.”
Spanogle’s approach to ministry is rooted not in formality but in presence. Spanogle teaches, listens, checks in with students and makes space for honest questions. He also helps lead weekly small groups where students explore their faith on their terms.
“There’s something for everybody,” he says. “If you want to go deeper in your faith, we have Catholic Impact. If you’re Christian and want to do a Bible study, we have our fellowship.”
What began as a few students asking questions has become a community rich with intentional spiritual engagement.
“One student had never walked into a church before coming to Mercyhurst,” Spanogle shares. “She said, ‘I really feel at peace here.’ That’s when you know something bigger is happening.”
On Divine Mercy Sunday, April 27, six students were fully welcomed into the Catholic Church in a joyful Mass celebrated on campus. The date also coincided with a remarkable milestone: the 50th anniversary of priestly ordination for Father Jim Gutting and Father Mark Nowak, who have taken on mentoring roles in Campus Ministry. Father Luke Daghir, another key spiritual guide, administered the sacraments during the Mass.
“We’re celebrating not just the students, but also the priests who have walked with them,” said Spanogle. “It’s a beautiful way to honor what makes this ministry work — relationships.”
For Jones, the day marked a religious milestone and a personal transformation.
“OCIA is over now,” she says, “and I hope to start attending more Bible studies and campus events. It’s been a lot with school and field hockey, but now I want to stay connected. It’s a really special place.”
At a time when many young adults are walking away from organized religion, Mercyhurst University’s Campus Ministry offers a counter-story: one where faith is not imposed but gently shared. Jesse Spanogle doesn’t try to sell the church; he simply shows why he loves it. His steady, relational approach invites students into that same love.
“You always hear bad things about young people leaving the church,” Jesse reflects. “But here’s something that’s working.”
Through relationships, consistency and a deep, authentic joy in his faith, Jesse shows students that the church is not just a set of rules or a Sunday obligation. It’s a home.
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