By RYAN SCHUCKMAN
Tiger Media Network
On Monday, students gathered at the Comeau Catholic Campus Center for an ice cream social hosted by Catholic Tigers, the Catholic student organization at Fort Hays State University. The event served as both a welcome for new students and a chance for returning members to reconnect before the fall semester begins.
“We want students to meet good, authentic friends while they’re here who can challenge them in their faith, who can love them, and who can pick them up in tough times,” said Fr. Andy Hammeke, chaplain of the Comeau Catholic Campus Center.
Students gather in the lounge of the Comeau Catholic Campus Center to enjoy ice cream. 
A group of girls socialize while enjoying ice cream. 
Emma Elliott (left) and Michaela Giebler (right) laugh while socializing. 
Two students in conversation. 
A group of boys eat ice cream and talk at a picnic table. 
Two students talking.
Catholic Tigers puts on numerous events throughout the year to encourage student involvement, including free meals, men’s and women’s nights, bible studies, mission trips and other activities. Located just outside of campus, students are also encouraged to study, play games, and pray at the campus center throughout the day.
“If there’s one thing I wish for every single student at Fort Hays, I’d be that they leave here knowing how to pray,” said Hammeke. “At the campus center, we do everything we can to provide those two opportunities – to teach students how to pray and make good friends.”
The organization meets at 8 pm every Wednesday night and cycles through four different types of events each month – a fellowship night, a speaker, a candlelight mass, and a night of adoration, benediction, and confession. Students interested in joining can follow them on Instagram or Facebook to stay up to date with upcoming events.
“You’re always welcome inside these doors,” said Hammeke. “There’s all kinds of opportunities to grow in greater fellowship and greater love of our Lord.”