Campus Minister West Giffin brings with him more than a decade of ministry experience and a deep passion for walking with others in faith, ready to build a community where all students can encounter God, grow in virtue and find belonging.
After earning his master’s from Notre Dame Graduate Seminary, Giffin “felt called intentionally to walk with young people as a servant/mentor.” His own experiences growing up in youth ministries inspired his desire to build a community committed to connecting with God and one another.
“Having that group of people that can have your back and, at times, hold you accountable to both your own mission and The Mission (of holiness) is pivotal while we are still trying to find the right place for us to flourish in this very large world,” he said.
After years of serving in many parish and diocesan ministry roles, Giffin sought to walk with students in their mission more frequently. He found FranU to be the place for him.
“I was excited because for the first time in my 10-year ministry journey, I can see, meet with and accompany students during all hours of the day whereas before those opportunities were limited to small and infrequent windows. The opportunities to grow our community and be present to that same community each day here at FranU truly inspired me to take the leap and become a part of the FranU family.”
The new campus minister hopes to create an atmosphere of safety and belonging for students through small groups, service opportunities and fellowship.
“I hope to provide a space where students can be free to love our Lord and let themselves be seen, known and loved by Him. I hope the spaces that we can create also foster a deep sense of belonging to both Him and one another.”
Students can look forward to men’s and women’s discipleship groups, Bible studies, worship nights, retreats and service initiatives. Giffin also plans to offer spiritual direction and intercessory prayer groups, along with offsite adventures such as SEEK, pilgrimages to Assisi, Italy and a possible mission to Chalco, Mexico.
“Discipleship groups help foster a deeper and more intentional community than one that is simply out of pure convenience or just "dancing on the surface" of the human experience. Small group communities will allow students to truly enter into the realness of life with one another, but at the same time, open us up to deeper senses of belonging and identity.”
Located on the second floor of St. Francis Hall next to the chapel, Giffin’s door is always open. All he asks is that students come as they are.
“Students can always drop in my office to chat about life, faith, struggles, joys and everything in between. I am happy to answer any question you have about faith as well as accompany you through times of doubt, frustration or times of difficult discernment. One thing you'll find out quickly about me is that I will always cheer you on to do great things and I don't expect anyone to do that perfectly; just come as you are!”
To students who hesitate to get involved, Giffin assures that his events will “speak to the wide range of the human experience” and seeks to reach every student.
He also offers this advice: “For those who struggle to come to the Lord or who may find it difficult to see themselves as worthy enough to go to Him, I invite you to approach the Lord with this simple, yet intentional prayer: ‘Lord teach me to see me as you see me, teach me to know me as you know me, teach me to love myself as you love me’.”
Beyond ministry, Giffin enjoys spending time with his seven-year-old son, Mason, who he says helps him stay grounded in life’s simple joys.
“I am raising my son Mason and teaching him many valuable life skills such as drinking water from the garden hose, helping him adjust his aim with the many different NERF guns in the house, teaching him how to now beat me at UNO and how to throw a decent 4-seam fast ball,” he explained.
When he’s not spending time with Mason, Giffin enjoys cooking, fishing and even coaching baseball with Theology Program Director Dr. Brian Pedraza.
“I am a proud Cajun, and my food is well-seasoned, Cher!”
As he looks ahead, Giffin hopes his time at FranU will inspire students to grow in faith and community.
“I can’t wait to bring others into this mission of evangelization on our campus and see what some of our very own students are capable of when they allow for the gifts of God to come alive in them and help us cast a wider net!”
Apply
Visit