Students at two of Arizona's universities appear to be more interested in joining religious organizations than in years past, although the reason why seems to differ between UA and ASU.

While a religious leader at Arizona State University attributes the increase to students' need for religion and a sense of belonging, UA leaders simply consider the rise a result of increased advertising.

In recent years, and continuing this year as well, the Catholic Newman Center has seen a steady increase in the number of students who have become involved in the various organizations within the parish, said the Rev. Albert Felice-Pace.

The church has been "packed" since the beginning of the semester, Felice-Pace said.

He attributed the increase in part to the center's many outreach programs on campus as well as to the notices sent to incoming students regarding the Newman Center.

Felice-Pace did not acknowledge the possibility of students' increased need for religion as a reason for the increase in involvement.

However, Gary Kennedy, president of ASU's Interfaith Council and pastor of First United Methodist Church of Tempe, said that the increase there is due to students' need for religion.

"This year we were just swamped," Kennedy said.

In addition to the Catholic Newman Center, the Hillel Foundation at the UA has also noticed an increase in student interest and involvement.

Michelle Blumenberg, director of Hillel, said that over the last several years, there has been an increase in the number of students involved in the various organizations within the Hillel Foundation. Blumenberg equated this rise to an increase in the foundation's advertising and the higher quality of the advertising.

The International Students Fellowship has also seen an increase of about 5 to 10 percent so far this semester. William Salzman, faculty adviser, said that this increase is beyond the usual turnover of students that occurs every year.

While many of the religious groups on campus have seen an increase in popularity and student involvement, others, such as the Latter-day Saints Student Association, have had a steadily strong membership.

"It's a strong and active group," said Ralph Price, the association's faculty adviser.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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