“The chat feels more like a family. It’s more personal,” said Salvador Cisneros, president of the club. “I love how we all come together, chat and get closer. I’ve been able to get to know members better and share personal experiences.”
The chat group, affectionately called “The Chosen Ones,” is a group message thread on Facebook’s chat feature. Once members are added to the thread they are able to read comments and post on the thread.
While the club also posts content on its group page and profile page on Facebook, Newman Club members like to use the chat feature to keep in touch.
“Right before the Christmas break, people were on the chat making plans, so they could meet,” Cisneros said. “This idea just came out of nowhere, but it has been really positive.”
Club leaders post updates on events and activities being held by the club. Members also use it to spark dialogue on faith topics, share inspirational messages and photos, and use it for fellowship. On any given day, ten to 20 members are active on the chat.
“For me, I’ve been able to find out what the people need and are looking for,” said Daniel Lopez, a member of the CSUSB Newman Club. “When they ask for prayers or are looking for something, and we can respond, I feel like I’m helping them out. It brightens my day.”
The Newman Club meets regularly on Thursdays and Mass is celebrated weekly on campus. Seeking to respond to the call to meet young adults where they are, the Club has been looking for ways to incorporate social networking and newer forms of communication to reach students.
“If someone needs help, if someone needs prayer, if someone has some free time between classes and wants to meet up, they can find it here,” Cisneros said.