Found the perfect college for you but nervous because it is a Catholic institution? Don’t sweat it—there’s a great misconception that to be part of a Catholic college, you must be Catholic as well. This is simply not true. In fact, the majority of Catholic colleges seek out, welcome, support, and appreciate students of various religious and non-religious backgrounds. While attending a Catholic college in Boston, I've come across a few myths that students believe to be true but need to be debunked. Here's what to know before attending a Catholic college.
Myth #1: You have to attend church services at a Catholic college
Although church services are talked about and promoted often in a Catholic environment, most colleges don't require you to attend any regular church services on campus. It's expected for a school’s Mission and Ministry Office to promote their services, but they do this because they're open and accepting of all students attending Catholic mass, regardless of faith. However, if you choose not to attend, you definitely won’t be left out or ostracized for it. There will be other students who aren’t Catholic and won’t attend church on campus either, plus many other opportunities to get involved in other ways.
Related: 4 Unexpected Benefits for Secular Students at Religious Colleges
Myth #2: You'll have to read the whole Bible for class
As a Catholic college values religion, you may be at least required to take a general religious education course. However, by no means will you have to read the Bible within one semester—or at all. Typically courses about worldwide religions such as Buddhism, Judaism, and Islam are offered in addition to classes on Christianity and Catholicism. Many universities (especially liberal arts institutions) believe having a religion requirement opens up the fields of study to more students and expands their minds and learning abilities. That being said, you will not be forced by your school to focus solely on the study of Catholicism and/or the Bible.
Myth #3: If you’re not Catholic, you can’t join religious clubs or services
If there's one fact I have learned through my time at a Catholic college, it's that my school is extremely accepting and supportive of all students, whether or not they are Catholic. This means if there’s a club, service, or event on campus based on Catholic teaching or belief and you’re interested in taking part, you 100% should. No, this is not trying to convert you; instead, it’s expanding your college experience, where you are meant to be experimenting and learning about other people's backgrounds. You may not be as knowledgeable about the religion as other students, but you will be able to gain new information as well as offer insights from a different perspective.
Related: How Is College Life Different on a Catholic Campus?
Myth #4: Catholic colleges only have religious activities
In reality, Catholic institutions accept all interests and hobbies, which adds to the diversity of campus. Colleges promote and encourage students to join clubs and groups that are enjoyable and engaging, not adhering to a certain belief system. There may be visual or performing arts–based clubs, academic groups such as science or psychology clubs, student groups focused on other religions, club sports like Ultimate Frisbee, or anything in between. If your school doesn't already offer an extracurricular that piques your interest, many universities allow students to create and start new clubs, especially if you know other students are interested in the same activity. With e student-run organizations, college is truly a time to evolve and explore new opportunities.
Myth #5: Nuns or monks live on campus
The only people other than students who live on a college campus are the Resident Advisors in every dorm, who may not be current students, and potentially the college president if they have a home on school grounds. Yes, there may be nuns or monks at the school, but they by no means live on campus. Typically we do not refer to the founders or president as nuns but sisters, because that is their formal title. Many Catholic schools were founded and kept up by various Catholic affiliations such as the Sisters of Notre Dame, Sisters of Mercy, Congregation of the Holy Spirit, and Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.
Related: What Non–Religious Students Need to Know About Religious Colleges
With many more myths surfacing on the Internet, remember that Catholic universities do have a Catholic mission but are accepting and celebrate all of their students’ religious statuses. The college will allow those of all different backgrounds to participate in campus-wide events, even if they have a central focus of Catholicism. Catholic universities are not here to convert you but instead promote the spread and gain of knowledge that others will not receive without attending a Catholic college.
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