Recognize Any Of These?
I've attended every type of school at some point: public school, a co-ed secular private school, a public Catholic school (a.k.a. why my father loves Canada), a private all-girls Catholic school, and a co-ed private Catholic university.
Notre Dame, like many religiously affiliated universities, doesn't actually require its students to be Catholic. There are plenty of other reasons students might want to go to a school that operates under the banner of a specific creed: location, sports, a unique program, and so on.
If you're considering a Catholic school, here's a list of things that are totally normal parts of campus life. And if you went to a Catholic college, I'm sure you'll recognize most of these.
Notre Dame, like many religiously affiliated universities, doesn't actually require its students to be Catholic. There are plenty of other reasons students might want to go to a school that operates under the banner of a specific creed: location, sports, a unique program, and so on.
If you're considering a Catholic school, here's a list of things that are totally normal parts of campus life. And if you went to a Catholic college, I'm sure you'll recognize most of these.
You Call Some of Your Professors "Father"
This is one time when you referring to your professor as "Father" isn't some weird kind of Freudian slip; plenty of instructors at a Catholic university are priests.
Oh, and you live with them too. Priests and nuns often oversee dorms, living in a cozy first-floor suite and valiantly tuning out some of the college-age drama unfolding around them.
My favorite priest-teacher was an art professor I had, Father Martin. I took a Drawing class with my roommate, where we were treated to his unorthodox approach to art. For the first two weeks we weren't even allowed to open our eyes when drawing.
Then we had to hold our pencils like wands, making little marks instead of lines: "Imagine your pencil is a teeny, tiny ant, crawling across the page," Father Martin instructed.
Father Martin was awesome.
Oh, and you live with them too. Priests and nuns often oversee dorms, living in a cozy first-floor suite and valiantly tuning out some of the college-age drama unfolding around them.
My favorite priest-teacher was an art professor I had, Father Martin. I took a Drawing class with my roommate, where we were treated to his unorthodox approach to art. For the first two weeks we weren't even allowed to open our eyes when drawing.
Then we had to hold our pencils like wands, making little marks instead of lines: "Imagine your pencil is a teeny, tiny ant, crawling across the page," Father Martin instructed.
Father Martin was awesome.
You Know An Aspiring Nun Or Priest
You're taking classes and hanging out with a guy just like you, except that he's dating Jesus Christ. Young women and men who are considering the religious life are well-integrated into normal student life, showing up at football games and parties. This is for good reason; most orders want young people to be absolutely sure about their call to the priesthood or sisterhood. So they are encouraged to have as much of a traditional college experience as anyone else.
Fish Fridays
During Lent (i.e. the 40 days leading up to Easter), Catholics are supposed to refrain from eating meat on Fridays. Some Catholics skip meat on Fridays year-round. Some say, eh, whatever, and eat meat when they want with impunity.
Except - oh, snap! - your school's not going to give you the option. Fridays in the dining halls were a choice of fish or fish, with some pasta.
Except - oh, snap! - your school's not going to give you the option. Fridays in the dining halls were a choice of fish or fish, with some pasta.
Dating Is...Weird.
Let's have a really honest moment here: dating is super weird at a Catholic school. There are two extremes - either people are just looking to hook up OR one date freshman year turns into a four-year relationship, a "ring by spring" your senior year, and a wedding the summer after graduating.
I actually think it makes perfect sense so many people find the person they want to spend their lives with during college. You're in a place where many people share the same upbringing, ambitions, and value system you operate under.
That being said, I ran fast and far when I sensed someone was looking to wife me after one dinner at the Olive Garden.
I actually think it makes perfect sense so many people find the person they want to spend their lives with during college. You're in a place where many people share the same upbringing, ambitions, and value system you operate under.
That being said, I ran fast and far when I sensed someone was looking to wife me after one dinner at the Olive Garden.
Jesus Is Watching You Learn, Eat, Sleep...
Crucifixes everywhere! In the dining hall, classrooms, and dorms. At first it's a little strange eating your spaghetti directly across from the life-sized likeliness of Christ, but then you get used to it.
I should mention, in all seriousness, that there's something nice about an atmosphere where students can pray openly before a meal, a football game, or even a test.
I should mention, in all seriousness, that there's something nice about an atmosphere where students can pray openly before a meal, a football game, or even a test.
Mass AnYtime, AnyWhere: Pajamas Optional
Mass is almost a social event, and it's not uncommon students to go more than once a week. Services are held in dorm chapels across campus morning, noon, and night, and anyone is welcome.
Our dorm's rectress, Sister C, had a little dog who used to pace in front of the alter, snorting and scurrying at the priest's feet as he delivered the homily.
Plenty of people showed up in their pajamas, along with their boyfriends since here mass counts as a date.
Then after mass everyone adjourns to the basement to eat cake and ice cream.
So, really, these will be the best mass experiences of your life. You can wear elastic-waist pants, sit on the floor, and expect snacks afterwards.
Our dorm's rectress, Sister C, had a little dog who used to pace in front of the alter, snorting and scurrying at the priest's feet as he delivered the homily.
Plenty of people showed up in their pajamas, along with their boyfriends since here mass counts as a date.
Then after mass everyone adjourns to the basement to eat cake and ice cream.
So, really, these will be the best mass experiences of your life. You can wear elastic-waist pants, sit on the floor, and expect snacks afterwards.
No Drinking Allowed...Except BehinD Closed Doors
This isn't necessarily unique to a Catholic school, but the rule was no drinking under age 21, no transporting alcohol in plain site, and no public consumption of alcohol on campus.
So, everyone drank in their dorm rooms with beer they'd smuggled in a backpack from the parking lot.
In other words, the real rule was, "Don't Get Caught."
So, everyone drank in their dorm rooms with beer they'd smuggled in a backpack from the parking lot.
In other words, the real rule was, "Don't Get Caught."
People Who Are Annoyed By How Catholic The Catholic University Is
Because most Catholic universities actively pursue a diverse student body, a good number of students aren't Catholic. While most understand that it is a) their choice to participate (or not) in Catholic practices on campus and b) they are allowed and even encouraged to host their own services, clubs, and events honoring their beliefs, there is always that guy who complains about how Catholic everything is.
I'm just going to state the obvious here: you knowingly applied to and enrolled in a Catholic university. So, expect and accept that some Catholicky things are going to happen.
I'm just going to state the obvious here: you knowingly applied to and enrolled in a Catholic university. So, expect and accept that some Catholicky things are going to happen.
Just One Of Many Options
As I mentioned, I've been to every type of school, so I'm not pushing one over another. Instead, I wanted to highlight some of the quirks, advantages, and potential disadvantages to attending a Catholic university for those who are considering applying.
Just remember: many non-Catholic students have a great time at a Catholic university, while some Catholic students want to go elsewhere. That's fine. Figure out what's important to you in a school and apply somewhere that has all the academic and social outlets you think you need - Catholic or not.
Just remember: many non-Catholic students have a great time at a Catholic university, while some Catholic students want to go elsewhere. That's fine. Figure out what's important to you in a school and apply somewhere that has all the academic and social outlets you think you need - Catholic or not.
