St. Patrick, Whitewater

Working in campus ministry, Noelle Javurek finds daily opportunities to surrender to God’s work in her life. This surrender opens her up to freedom and joy and toreal encounters with the people around her.

  • She is the youngest of Cory and Christine Javurek’s three children
  • She has a Bachelor of Social Work from Loras College
  • Originally from Rockford, Illinois, and St. Bridget Parish in Loves Park, Illinois
  • She works as the coordinator of campus ministry for Warhawk Catholic at UW-Whitewater

Could you describe a moment that changed your relationship with God and/or made you the person you are today?

The Lord worked in many ways through my youth group in high school. It was the first place I heard that the Lord desired a personal and unique relationship with me. It was a place where my authenticity as a daughter of God was welcomed to grow and be child-like. This experience influenced my desire to continue seeking out genuine and encouraging Catholic community throughout my life. Praise God that I found that at Loras College and now Brew City Catholic/Warhawk Catholic!

How does your Catholic faith inform your daily life?

Working in ministry, the Catholic faith is my life. I am challenged to surrender whatever the day may bring to the will of the Father. And with that surrender brings so much FREEDOM. Freedom to live joyfully and with a child-like spirit that abandons one’s self to curiosity and receptivity of fellow creation, most often taking shape in the people I encounter each day.

Tell me about your experience of parish life.

Parish life is generous. The community of St. Patrick is so generous with their time and resources. In particular, they love to make sure our college students never go hungry! Often donating food to community nights or offering a space to gather over a good slice of pineapple upside down cake.

What is something that inspires you?

Mothers. Mothers are a beautiful witness to sacrificial love. The way their hearts are able to expand to not only receive their own family but also care for those around them in  a unique way.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Running a half marathon last fall. This was the hardest physical accomplishment of my life to date, and it was beautiful to see what my body could do as well as the community that came together to cheer me on to the finish line.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Noelle Javurek, second from left, gathers with her college roommates and close friends Josie, Maria and Grace. Javurek, Coordinator of Campus Ministry at UW-Whitewater’s Warhawk Catholic, credits Catholic community with helping deepen her relationship with God. (Submitted photo)

Find your Paul, your Barnabas and your Timothy. Someone to mentor you, someone to walk alongside you, and someone to walk with as a mentor.

If you could recommend everyone adopt one daily practice, what would it be?

Praying the Morning Offering. I’ve picked up this habit in the last few months, and it’s beautiful to just lay your day at the Lord’s feet. I’ve especially made sure to pray it before even touching my phone, and that offers a whole new slowness to my mornings, which sets me up for a good day.

What’s a place you’ve been to that was particularly impactful, and why?

Knock, Ireland. When I studied abroad in Dublin, one of the local parishes was hosting a pilgrimage to Knock. I had never even heard of this Marian apparition site before I studied abroad. I spontaneously decided to sign up, and it was beautiful! It’s a beautiful shrine in rural Ireland that offered a quiet space for prayer, reflection and contemplation. It was much needed during my time away from home. Mother Mary really just held me so close as she drew closer to her son.

What podcast(s) have you been enjoying recently?

An encouraging and very much “Catholic girlie” podcast: “The Daily Nothings” with Courtney Roach and Meghan Day.

Who are some of your favorite saints?

St. Martha, St. Joseph, St. George, St. Teresa of Avila

What book are you reading? 

“Demon Copperhead” (Barbara Kingsolver) and “Story of a Soul” (St. Therese of Lisieux).