04/25/2026
Dear UCC community,
Beginning July 6, I will start a new assignment as pastor of a parish in the Diocese of Austin, to be announced on May 10. It has been one of the greatest joys of my life to serve as chaplain and spiritual father here these past six years, and I will miss the UCC tremendously. I have been blessed to work alongside an exceptional group of people, from our staff to our FOCUS missionaries to our student leaders. It has been a privilege to grow this ministry with the help of our generous donors who believe so much in the importance of campus ministry, and to raise up disciples and watch our graduates begin making their mark in the Church and the world.
I’m excited to announce that Fr. Fernando Ricaud will be the new Chaplain of the University Catholic Center, beginning July 6. Fr. Fernando (Class of 2014) called the UCC home during his time at UT, and he served his first year as a priest (2022-23) at the UCC, so he knows our community well. He is an exceptional priest with the heart of a shepherd and a father, and it brings me great joy to entrust this mission to his leadership.
I look forward to celebrating with many of you in the next two months all that the Lord has done here in the past six years. Please pray for me in this transition, as well as for Fr. Fernando, and know of my prayers for each of you.
God bless, and Hook ‘Em,
Fr. Jonathan Raia, ‘02
Chaplain
