“I never wanted to be a campus minister,” said director of campus ministry Mr. Dave Neeson. 

A promoter at popular night clubs, he would travel across the country bartending at extravagant celebrity gatherings, flipping bottles at high-profile galas.

“We all have a part of us that is searching for something,” Neeson said. “We try filling it with popularity, money, things, and we find out that the hole just gets deeper. I followed money, fame, fortune and I was full of isolation. I didn’t understand it. I never wanted to work for the Church, and then I started working for the Church.” 

A priest approached Neeson and asked him to fill in during a hiring search, and it was during this unexpected time that he found that what he loved was impacting students at a pivotal time in their lives when they were in search of guidance that they were not receiving. Neeson said, “I found that to be really appealing, but it wasn’t intentional.” 

“Twelve years ago, if you would have told me, ‘by the way, this prestigious Catholic institution wants you to direct their campus ministry,’ I would have been like ‘yeah, no.’” 

A friend of his predecessor of 20 years, Mrs. Charlene Witka, Neeson was first introduced to Cathedral when he served as a youth minister for Saint Louis de Montfort. He had just recently moved to the Indianapolis area and was exploring numerous local schools, but the Hill in particular piqued his interest. “What interested me (about Cathedral) is the fact that you can speak to so many people who come from different backgrounds and hear amazing stories,” Neeson said. “That to me was very appealing. It’s hard to turn down the opportunity to grow personally through encountering others.” 

While his position has undoubtedly had many unexpected twists and turns, Neeson said what has surprised him the most is how much people give to the campus. “Look at all the educators and students and how much they put into this. (Cathedral) becomes this heartbeat, and it’s really crazy to watch. That’s probably the most shocking thing — how incredibly dedicated everyone is.”

Neeson said his new role has kept him very busy. “I have never come into my office and been bored.” 

Whether it is addressing seniors during the activity period or speaking to their parents to help the counseling department, his role is one of support. 

“Outside of supporting students and staff, it’s helping guide what ministry can be,” Neeson said.