How can I help my college become more Catholic?

[TraderTif]

Ok, so I’m a very part-time (1 class) student at what is probably a very average US Catholic college. In other words, you wouldn’t know it was Catholic, except for the name. Most of the students aren’t Catholic, most of the faculty isn’t Catholic. I’ve only taken 1 “religion” class there, and we spent the entire semester studying psychology, except when they brought in a guest speaker who taught us how to “meditate”.

When I started as a student there (almost 10 years ago now, lol) we did have a weekly mass on campus. But so few students attended; the diocese decided that they couldn’t spare a priest to say mass for 2 students. (Understandably)

When I lived on campus for a few years, I was startled that the school allowed students to sleep over with their girlfriends and boyfriends on the weekends. I was irritated that we were advised to “keep your porn out of the way because the cleaning people don’t like to see it sitting around”. And I was baffled by my roommates coming back with handfuls of condoms from their “health” class.

I got even more ticked off today when I picked up my morning newspaper, and discovered a big commentary article, written by one of my science professors, describing how religion is holding back the educational system, and how we all need to “contemporize” our faith, so it doesn’t conflict with “truth”.

Well, it got me to wondering. Is there anything that I, as a student, can do about this sort of situation? I’m sure that there are plenty of students at these “Catholic-in-name-only” colleges that are fed up with this sort of thing.

What, if anything, can I do?

 

[Trishie]

It sounds tragic. God bless you for your good intentions.

Do you have any friends or acquaintances at the College who share these concerns. Have you shared your concerns with anyone amongst your fellow students? Or have you remained silent, as at least some others may also do.

Would you consider perhaps posting your concern on a bulletin board in the College precincts, with some possible contact number or safe email address, in hope of attracting the interest and cooperation of like-minded students. If nothing else, you could encourage each other in the Faith, and contribute to each others’ spiritual life and growth. Perhaps you could meet for a few minutes prayer at some pre-arranged time.

If you decide to do this, support it with much sincere and faithful prayer.

God be with you, Trishie

 

[LSK]

God bless you for wanting to do this!

I just heard the rebroadcast of a show on Catholic Answers with someone from the Newman Center, talking about the programs going into place to bring Catholic Values to secular colleges.

I bet if you were to contact the radio department, they could put you in touch with this priest and he could give you some great resources.

Meanwhile, pray pray pray…

 

[kmleo]

I think it can start with something as simple as prayer, to get the Holy Spirit to guide you. Start a regular prayer group on your campus. Getting a group of even 2-3 at first to pray for your university can have a big effect. You don’t have to do it in public or make a spectacle. Just pray. Another choice is to start a club that is focused on bringing traditional catholic values back to your school. Either way, get students together and then show the university that you care enough to work with them to bring values back. It’ll be sort of a reverse-Soddom-and-Gomorrah: “Would you not build it back up for the sake of 2 or 3?”

Praying for you!

 

[Dempsey1919]

This is just a thought, but do you think you could ask the administration to promote a more “Catholic” culture? For instance, place statues of the saints on campus grounds and place a crucifix in every class room?

Have you though of founding a “Catholic Society?” You need to find like-minded people and start a prayer group, while also promoting Catholic doctrine and practice. Maybe you could form a sort of Catholic fraternity, or organisation. Ask the college priest about the possibility of doing something like this.

Maybe you should consider writing to the Bishop. He may not reply, but it is worth a try. I would advise you to ask him for suggestions on how to promote Catholicism within the College. You could also ask him to see about providing a priest who is able to cater to the Catholic students.

Investigate the history of the college and see if there are any Catholic traditions that you can restart. For example, maybe there used to be a Corpus Christi procession every year on the campus? You need to reclaim and restart the Catholic culture and practices that your college has lost.

Have you considered asking a group such as Opus Dei to come to your college and establish a presence? Maybe you should see about asking the Legion of Mary? Even the Knights of Columbus would be able to bolster Catholicism within the college. There will be a lot of ways you can accomplish your goal. You just need to ask.

What about starting a pro-life group? You could also invite Protestant Christians to become involved in this. Although this will not promote Catholicism as such, it will ensure that the campus has a stronger Christian presence.

Do you know any faithful Catholic lecturers or professors? You should ask them to become involved in your cause. You need recruit other like-minded students, professors, lecturers, priests etc. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to accomplish much by yourself. You need a sizeable group so that you can gain power and influence. Try to recruit people in positions of power.

It is essential that you get backing from influential individuals. These individuals will be able to use their positions to effect change. Start with your local priest, and then write to the Bishop asking for advice. Write to groups like Opus Dei or the Legion of Mary and ask for assistance. Find as many Catholics as you can, and encourage them to get involved in your prayer meetings and bible study groups etc.

Think BIG but start small. Do something really BIG to change things. Start a group that will last for years and years. Consider all of the possibilities…