rmldad

I was surprised to find out that 85% of Notre Dame undergrads are Catholic. I also had not realized that every dorm has its own chapel and holds Mass on Sunday mornings.

My kids attend a Catholic high school and we agree with many of the values of the Catholic Church. In fact, I find features such as single-sex dorms appealing (as a parent especially). We also appreciate the way ND integrates service and ethics into every part of the curriculum. However, living in such a distinct minority will certainly be different from attending high school.

I would appreciate if a non-Catholic student could respond with their thoughts and feelings on their perceptions.

Stonehenge

If your children survived a Catholic high school they will certainly be able to handle the level of "Catholicness" at Notre Dame. In my experience, 85% is being awfully generous. I was raised Catholic but have long since distanced myself from organized religion, and I find that it has never interfered with my peer relationships. There are a lot of people like myself on campus. Yes, a good number of kids go to Mass on Sunday nights for an hour, but I don't mind it because the dorm gets quiet and I can get some studying done.

newdomer93

I am Christian, but not Catholic. I have had no problems as a non-Catholic at ND. I enjoy mass in the dorm on Sunday nights, and find the focus on social concerns appealing. Most of my friends are Catholic, and I find that none of them agrees with every teaching of the church or stance taken by the university administration (probably typical of most universities.) The student body is very tolerant of diverse opinions and lifestyles, and most of my professors welcome discussion that may not always follow Catholic doctrine as long as it is well thought out and respectful. I came for the great education, strong emphasis on ethics, and high-achieving fellow students. I have not been disappointed in those aspects. The lack of tolerance and compassion at the official level makes me sad, but I came here knowing what the university stood for and I respect the many positive things the school does.

rmldad

Thanks for the perspective, newdomer. Your experience is interesting, especially that you enjoyed Mass in the dorm as a non-Catholic.

The school spirit and camaraderie of students at ND has definitely impressed me.

bradison

As a parent of a ND junior who went to public grade school/ junior high and then catholic high school--I can tell you that my son has had zero problems acclimating to ND. And he was not a lifelong ND fan--in fact the opposite. So it wasn't as if he was going in with rose colored glasses. He simply realized that the ND level of education was what he wanted. No one made him feel like an outsider and I agree with an earlier post--if your son went to catholic HS---it is very likely that he will feel right at home.
Personally--I've also been nothing but impressed with every person I've dealt with at ND. best of luck to you.