In July, St. Isidore’s welcomed Maria O’Halloran to the staff as the new campus minister. Maria graduated from K-State in 2009 with a degree in secondary edu­cation, and returned to Manhattan this summer after a year of teaching at St. Jude’s Catholic School in Wichita, Kan.

“I am very excited to have Maria here this year. She is a perfect fit for this position,” said St. Isidore’s Chaplain Father Keith Weber. “It was a joy to have Maria here when she was a student, but it is an even greater joy to have her back on staff.”

According to Father Keith, O’Halloran is already working hard to serve the St. Isidore’s community.

“She has already accomplished so much with our students, from social events to praise and worship to organizing students for ministry in the nursing homes and hospital,” Father Keith said.

O’Halloran’s work at St. Isidore’s centers around students. She helps plan, prepare, and facilitate social, spiritual, educational, and service opportunities while developing relationships with students.

“My favorite part of my ministry is get­ting to know the students. It is inspiring to see how willing the students are to partici­pate, give and serve,” O’Halloran said.

She may gain inspiration from the stu­dents, but there can be no doubt about it – the feelings are mutual.

Kelton Stecklein, a junior in physical therapy and kinesiology from Hays, Kan., said O’Halloran is an inspiration to every­one.

“She constantly shines the light of Christ through her genuine concern and care for others,” Stecklein said.

Katie Young, a senior in mathematics and mechanical engineering from Wichita, Kan., agreed.

“Maria is such a wonderful woman,” Young said. “She has an amazing faith that shines through her on so many levels – whether it’s playing piano at Mass, leading Praise and Worship, or just having an open door for people to walk in and talk with her.”

O’Halloran continues to help students develop their faith through several ongoing ministries, such as Praise and Worship on Thursday nights.

“I am really excited about Praise and Wor­ship and the energy that the Praise and Wor­ship band brings to St. Isidore’s,” O’Halloran said.

Adam Clement, a junior in family studies and human services and finance from Over­land Park, Kan., and member of the Praise and Worship band, said O’Halloran is an as­set to St. Isidore’s.

“She emanates a zest for life and her posi­tive attitude reflects on all those who have the privilege of working with her,” Clement said.

O’Halloran also coordinates the hospital ministry and nursing home ministry.

“These ministries are just getting started,” O’Halloran said, “and I am excited to see them develop as we go.”

For O’Halloran, growing in faith isn’t just for college students. She finds comraderie with students as they journey to grow closer to Christ.

“Every student here challenges me to grow in my faith every day,” O’Halloran said.

The St. Isidore’s faith community is cer­tainly glad to have their newest staff member, and O’Halloran looks forward to the future.

“I couldn’t think of a better place to be,” O’Halloran said.