Benedictine College Questions

  • Thread starter Thread starter Tedster
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
T

Tedster

Guest
My son, who is a senior this year, has applied and been accepted to Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. Can anybody offer insight to this school? Is it loyal to the Magesterium of the Church? How well does it do academically? Etc. Thanks.
 
I have adear friend who has a freshman at BC. It is a wonderful place for her daughter. Supportive of everything Catholic, you won’t be disappointed in BC. Benedictine got good reviews from National Catholic Register as well. Check out the average SAT/ACT scores of the freshmen classes over the past several years to see what the academic caliber is of the students who are accepted and go to BC. Then look at schools like Notre Dame’s scores, and you can draw your own conclusions about how high powered the BC students are. Or compare it to a nearby state school, whatever sort of school you feel is a benchmark for your comparison. But regardless of that, even a good Catholic can lose their faith at Notre Dame. BC would help preserve it and supports a Catholic parent’s values too.
 
Yes, BC is one of the few Catholic institutions of higher learning that is listed by the NCR to adhere to the teachings of the magisterium. Meaning, I think, that all professors sign the agreement to teach TRUTH and not their “personal” version of it. The community is very orthodox and faithful.

I live in Kansas and Atchison is not so far away. It’s a very small town and the school and monastery are great. The college enrollement is fairly small in number and the community is very close. I know so many graduates of BC and many of whom are married to each other. 🙂 I also know the campus chaplain of BC personally and have for many years. He is remarkable in talent (opera-trained singer and concert pianist but uses his talents for the glory of God) and extremely faithful to the magisterium. He is wonderful with students and a very humble man. He’s been at BC for as long as I can remember.

I too applied and was accepted at BC when I was younger and wanting to go to college. However, I went to KU only because they had the number one special ed program in the country at the time.

I know a young man who went to BC and has now entered the monastery and taken his first vows. The faith community at BC is just amazing. There is also a large population of students who spend their summers in evangelization for a program called Totus Tuus (Totally Yours). I met a number of BC people this way when I did the program several summers ago. It’s a group of college age kids who break into teams of four and spend their summers doing catechesis for a number of parishes and their children across several states.

A new pregnancy help center just opened up in Atchison and college kids from BC are helping to staff it and counsel women in need. It’s a great opportunity to share their faith and give back to the community.

My husband and I are hoping our children choose BC someday. 🙂 We are only pregnant with our first, so we have a ways to go, but it really is that great.
 
I can’t say enough positive things about Benedictine. Both my husband and I graduated there in 2003 and loved our experiences and time at BC. It’s a small - around 1,000 students - and because of the nature of the college (residential is one of the four pillars of BC) it’s very tight-knit and very much a true community experience.

The school is faithful to ex corde ecclesiae and very much faithful to the Magisterium. There are some terrific professors especially in the theology and philosophy departments. My first year, I was a double major in pschology and journalism. Then I took my first theology class with Dr.Sri and changed my majors to religious studies and youth ministry mid-semester because it was so much more fascinating and deep than classes in my majors at the time. I grew so much in love for God, Mary, the Church and developed a love and understanding for different vocations. Plus, there’s so much support and guidance for discernment in vocations to marriage and religious life. Numerous opportunities for service and friendships not only with peers but staff, monks, professors, and alumni.

The friendships I formed there are life-long, and both my husband and I left feeling like it was time to go out and take paths we had been prepared for. When we come back for homecoming and visits it’s awesome - it very much feels like seeing the body of Christ in action, seeing where we are all at and what we’re doing.

Please let me know if you have any more questions - I’d be happy to answer! Best wishes.
 
40.png
goravens:
The school is faithful to ex corde ecclesiae and very much faithful to the Magisterium. There are some terrific professors especially in the theology and philosophy departments.
Click to expand...
That’s what I needed!
40.png
goravens:
Plus, there’s so much support and guidance for discernment in vocations to marriage and religious life.
Click to expand...
That too!
40.png
goravens:
Please let me know if you have any more questions - I’d be happy to answer! Best wishes.
Click to expand...
Thank you.

I would guess by your screen name you are a true B.C. fan!

Thanks for your (name removed by moderator)ut too, Princess_Abby & Cupofkindness. These are the kinds of things we needed to hear.

Our son has had thoughts of Preisthood from an early age, but in adolesence he has started to leans elsewhere. I think if he had a good environement, like BC, he could truely hear God’s call, to the Preisthood or marriage, or whereever He may lead. I just want for him to know what God has planned for him.
 
My husband is from Atchison and graduated from BC in 1994, but started with the class of 1993. The chair of the Philosophy department is our oldest daughters godfather.

My husband was also in the Abbey for a little while, but left while he was still in first vows. He loved BC and talks very fondly about it. We go to mass or vespers at the Abbey every time we are in town, its not a trip to Atchison without it. My husband went to college with Fr. Brendan and Fr. James and loves them both. It is truly a special place! It is orthodox and academically challenging. Everyone my husband went to college with went on to do great things.

Per my husband: “Go Ravens”
 
I wondered about the new leadership of the college. I understand he has just been the President for one year. Why did the last President leave? How “Catholic” is the new President. We looked at a picture of him and his wife. She had a low cut dress on that about went down to her navel. It’s not a dress for modesty.
 
I am just curious why you believe a good Catholic could lose his or her faith at the University of Notre Dame? Anyone can lose his/her faith anywhere and at anytime. However, if this is a slanderous remark against the university, please do us all a favor and research the facts first. I graduated from ND and have strengthened my Catholic faith immensely based on my collegiate experience. Over 35 Masses are said each and every day on the Notre Dame campus, as well as daily rosary, as well as daily confessions (three different times each day). Students at ND embrace Mass together as a community. Of course, we are not perfect either, as is no organization. But, please understand that Notre Dame is a true Catholic university abiding by the appropriate rules sent by Papal authority. We may have strayed ever so slightly, like most Catholic organizations at some point or another, but that is why God sent Fr. Jenkins (the University’s new president) to ensure the school does not deviate from it’s Catholic character. All should rest assured that Fr. Jenkins will make sure Notre Dame stays faithful to the Church’s teachings now and in the future. Now, whoever may read this, please pause and say a “Hail Mary” so Notre Dame beats the Buckeys next week!
 
Hey Domer:

I went to Notre Dame, so did my husband, so I really do speak from experience. Nearly all my sibs went/go to either Notre Dame or St. Mary’s. The ND theology department has some liberal professors who do not teach the Faith in accord to the Magisterum. Let’s hope that the current president can sort things out. Previous presidents have not supported the conservative teachings of the Catholic Church, all in the name of “academic freedom.” As a result of professors like these, certain aspects of the Church have not always been respected at Notre Dame.The result is confusion in the students about key teachings of the Church. Though one can find many wonderful Catholics at ND, for the most part, students graduate and move on to a very luke-warm sort of Catholism. Notre Dame has the glamour of being one of the most sought after universities in the country. ND is an awesome school but it’s not on the list of universities that are faithful to the magisterium, so I’m not so sure that I want my children to go there.
 
I’ve researched the theology department pretty extensively since I’m considering going back for a masters of divinity. I guess you’ll have to just trust me knowing that the times are changing and ND’s theology department is in strict obedience to the magisterium. The only aspect that I believe needs to be reconciled is the removal of Fr. Richard McBrien. I agree that he’s the root to any controversy that has ever happened in that department. But even he does not truly lose touch with doctrine. Unfortunately, he seems to put a controversial twist on things. One good thing is that he does cause people to question their faith and that is the only way to truly strenghthen one’s faith. I don’t think he’s a bad guy. I think he just likes to stir the pot a little too much. But, don’t forget…he’s not a Holy Cross Priest (Diocese of Hartford), so we’ll put the blame on them 🙂

Anyway, I do know for a fact that the theology department is on a swing back to a more conservative route. However, that’s only one department in the entire university. One has to admit that the day to day life of the campus at Notre Dame is truly Catholic. You can feel the presence of Christ’s church simply by stepping on its grounds. Don’t lose that feeling! It is without a doubt, a special place.
 
You speak of this “list” of schools that are faithful to the Magisterium. What is this list? Where is it? Where is it publicized? Honestly, if there is such a list I’d love to see it. If not, it seems to be a matter of opinon. Please research your alma mater more. I would recommend emailing Fr. Jenkins, or Fr. Peter Rocca with your concerns: procca@nd.edu. I think they will help you to sort things out. Notre Dame is undoubtedly the most recognizable Catholic university in the world. We truly need it to be a beacon of light for the Church. I believe that it currently is, and although has its problems, is still on it’s way to being completely and thoroughly true to the Church. But, if more people speak to the administration with concerns, it will only expedite this full reconciliation.

Remember, the worst thing to do is turn your back! If we see problems, we as alumni must fix the problems. Let me know of your thought.
 
Domer:

Do you work at Notre Dame? You sound so defensive of the school that I wonder if you might be an employee. Many fine Catholics of greater status and credibility than I, have discussed these issues with various administrative personnel and Holy Cross priests, but to no avail. Not only are alumni limited in their influence, but so are most faculty and staff. These decisions are made very high up in the line of command.

In any case, the list is published by the weekly Catholic newspaper, the National Catholic Register. Perhaps another member of the forum can shed some light on how you can access this list. And while I agree that ND is the most recognizable Catholic university in the nation, that doesn’t make it 100% authentically Catholic. But I hope that things are changing for the better for Notre Dame. That school has a tremendous influence over thousands of young souls each and every year.
 
Hi,

The results of the National Catholic Register’s survey is available here:

216.147.24.130/admin/archivos_db/survey.pdf

This PDF file lists schools where the theology faculty have recieved the academic mandatum. Notre Dame is not on the list because it does not comply with this.

Here is an article written by Tim Drake which discusses the implications of this:

catholiceducation.org/articles/education/ed0198.html
40.png
Cupofkindness:
Domer:

Do you work at Notre Dame? You sound so defensive of the school that I wonder if you might be an employee. Many fine Catholics of greater status and credibility than I, have discussed these issues with various administrative personnel and Holy Cross priests, but to no avail. Not only are alumni limited in their influence, but so are most faculty and staff. These decisions are made very high up in the line of command.

In any case, the list is published by the weekly Catholic newspaper, the National Catholic Register. Perhaps another member of the forum can shed some light on how you can access this list. And while I agree that ND is the most recognizable Catholic university in the nation, that doesn’t make it 100% authentically Catholic. But I hope that things are changing for the better for Notre Dame. That school has a tremendous influence over thousands of young souls each and every year.
Click to expand...
 
Ack:

Thanks for the links. Here’s a quote from tim Drake’s article: “Notre Dame has, for all practical purposes, decided to evade the mandate,” Father Edward O’Connor said.

I know Father O’Connor to be a Holy Cross priest who has dedicated himself to the Church and to our Lady, Mary the Mother of God. Whatever he says is accurate in this matter, I have no doubt.
 
Like I said earlier, I understand that the theology department has unfortunately strayed away from complete adherence to Rome. I knew that already. I never experienced it in my theology classes or philosophy classes at ND but a good friend of mine had Fr. McBrien for her 2nd year theo class, and he wouldn’t even allow the students to call him “Father” it was “Prof McBrien”.

However, I do know that it is heading in the right direction (theology department) and I would not be surprised if the university’s professors would soon be bound by the mandate.

I just want to point out, that I have never had a professor ever compromise the Catholic Church at Notre Dame. I believe very few ever would. I would also like to point out that very few Catholic universities around the nation have the spiritual atmosphere that Notre Dame has. Students at Notre Dame live in single sex communitites, worship at Holy Mass together, have the option of daily Mass and confessions, and daily rosary. Student at Notre Dame cannot walk five feet and not see a statue of a saint, hear the Basilica bells, or see a priest. Although the theology department needs to tighten things up even a little more, it’s unarguable that the overall atmosphere is indeed very Roman Catholic. Archbishops and Cardinals yearly visit the Basilica to offer Sunday Mass. Students are constantly entering lives of service after graduation to fight social justice issues in our society (10% of all graduates). Mass is not a side token like at many Catholic universities, but a way of life for most students (even the non-Catholics - which I think is great!)

I have visited the Dayton, Xavier, Creighton, Georgetown, Loyola Marymount, Fordham, and although they are all great universities, have not felt the Catholic atmosphere that I have always felt at Notre Dame.

We need to help change what is incorrect about ND, but most importantly embrace what is so right about Notre Dame! The good outweighs the bad 100 to 1.

And no, I do not work for the university, but am considering applying because I truly believe in her mission!
 
I wanted to point out that this thread has been high-jacked to discuss ND University. Please start a new thread if you want to discuss Notre Dame any further. I was really interested in a discussion about Benedictine College since I was considering it for my daughter and I had some concerns.
 
40.png
faith_ful1953us:
I wondered about the new leadership of the college. I understand he has just been the President for one year. Why did the last President leave? How “Catholic” is the new President. We looked at a picture of him and his wife. She had a low cut dress on that about went down to her navel. It’s not a dress for modesty.
Click to expand...
Since my husband is the BC expert, I am turning the keyboard over to him. Here is what he has to say:

I don’t really know why Dr. Carey left. He had been there somewhere between five and ten years, so I suspect he just decided to move on.

I’ve known the new President, Steve Minnis, at least casually for about 10 years. He’s very Catholic, I’ve never met his wife so I cannot speak for her. The Chair of the Philosophy department is as orthodox as they come. Fr. Brendan, Director of Mission, is a college classmate of mine and is likewise very orthodox. All of the members of the Theology department have the mandatum, so I don’t know what more you can ask for there. I do know that Minnis has the staff meet in his office regularly, if not daily, for prayer, at least that is what my sources tell me. I hope I have been helpful.
 
What a great school! In hindsight, I wish I had gone there. The sisters at The Mount practically raised my grandmother, and I have a few uncles that are priests there (or were there at one time), including Fr. Joel Derks and Fr. James Downey, and Abbot Brendan Downey, etc…and also a few aunts (my aunt Sr. Mary Vincent Derks was there until the day she died). I was always so impressed with their faith and devotion. I always felt like I was on sacred ground when I went to visit. You would never think of Atchison as a “beautiful place” unless you have been there.

I think my exposure to them, and to the Mount/Benedictine campus in general, had a lot of influence on how orthodox I remained/became.
 
40.png
faith_ful1953us:
I wondered about the new leadership of the college. I understand he has just been the President for one year. Why did the last President leave? How “Catholic” is the new President. We looked at a picture of him and his wife. She had a low cut dress on that about went down to her navel. It’s not a dress for modesty.
Click to expand...
The last president, Dr. Dan Carey, was there when I was attending BC. He was very nice and personable but I always came away with the impression that he was a schmoozer. He came onto the helm of the college when the school was pulling itself out of an 1980’s financial funk with attendance at a lull. It had always been my understanding that he came on to put the school back together financially and he did a tremendous job of that. The college is very financially solid and experienced growing numbers in students (which continues). He was very much a recognizable figure of BC and went out of his way to talk to people. He and his family were practicing Catholics - we would see them at Sunday Mass - but I did not hear much from him personally on his faith. Once, some of the more liberal sisters on the other side of town wanted to bring in a speaker (also a nun) who was involved with Call for Action and had participated in a “Mass” as a priestess. Dr.Carey presided a student and faculty forum as there was a major uproar, but he allowed her to come speak. Or, he allowed a new residence hall to be named after its donor rather than naming it after a saint as much of the student body wanted. I always felt, as did many students, that he wanted to keep the peace rather than step out in convictions. I would say that while he did not go out of his way to tangibly build up the faith community at Benedictine, he was open to it and allowed it in many ways. And certainly the Catholicism and faith community at BC flourished in his time there.

It was my understanding when he left that he felt he’d gotten BC to where it needed to be financially and took on a similar challenge at another college.

Everyone I know who’s associated with BC has been impressed with Steven Minnis, the new president. He’s also an alum and is much more open about his faith than Dr.Carey ever was. I’ve heard him talk of his love for Jesus, Mary and John Paul II. He has also been very vocal about how Benedictine is participating in the new evangelization and ways he wants to see that grow. He’s started a daily campus-wide rosary which he leads each morning and he’s been present and involved more in the ministry activities on campus. I’ve noticed some small things when we visit campus as well, such as now there is a crucifix hanging over the door in the gymnasium (which my teammates and I had asked for during my time there) and once Dr.Minnis was outside picking up debris off the soccer field from a recent storm.

I don’t know much about his wife, Amy, except that she is a teacher in Catholic schools. I thought the same thing about the picture you’re referring to, though.

I would be happy to answer any other questions you have about Benedictine! Just shoot me a message any time.
 
This is ConcernCatholic’s husband again:

I wasn’t aware that the college was still in financial trouble when Dr. Carey took the helm. He came a few years after I graduated and even after I left Atchison in 1995. I only thought that the college was loosely “catholic” and fairly liberal with a growing number of orthodox catholics in attendance. That trend was beginning to change in the mid 90’s and the collge is fairly orthodox according to my source in the philosophy department.

I was a student at BC in the late 80’s early 90’s and lived through most of the hard times. Dr. Tom James, Dr. Carey’s predecssor, rescued the college from the brink and got the financial situation drastically improved and retired because he was closing in on 70 and I think he was just ready to retire. Steve Minnis was the president of the alumni/ae association when I graduated. I was also a member of the Abbey for a few years in the early 90’s and I got to know him a little back then. But back to the story. by the time I graduated in 1994 there was no more talk of financial trouble, and enrollment was beginning to rise. I have always been under the impression that Dr. James had more to do with that than Dr. Carey. Though Freshman Hall (now Ferrell Hall) was thankfully restored while Dr. Carey was at the helm and I’m not sure about the student union. (we just had the original Roost in the Old Gym when I was there)

The College was not without precedent when they named Ferrell Hall. McDonald Hall was named after the late Abbot Cuthburt McDonald and a relative of his who was a sister at the Mount (I think, but it was named after a living person or persons, of that I am sure). Also, Westerman hall was called the Science Building when I was a student and was renamed because someone gave a ton of money to fix up and update parts of the building. So, there is no big deal there. The Ferrell family gave more than $1 million dollars to the restoration of that wonderful old building so it is not a big deal who they name it after IMHO.

The college, especially a group of sisters, tried to invite a famous photographer who had done a piece on the Abbey for Life magazine in the 1950’s to graduation and give him an honorary degree. There was one small problem, this person is listed as a member of the board of advocates Planned Parenthood. Dr. James held a forum for all members of the college community and ultimately, the photographer did not receive an honorary degree from BC. This was in the spring of 1990. The event you described sounds similar, but the Archbishop should have been notified because there is a policy in the Archdiocese about such speakers on Catholic College campuses. That never should have been allowed to happen…again. Oh well, I have no doubt that Steve Minnis will NOT allow it to happen while he is president.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top