I find it very interesting that there are so many posts on this and other forums with concerns about whether or not BC is religious. Why do people apply to Catholic universities if they don’t want any Catholic influence? I think OP is in a somewhat different position, as I understand someone of a different religion might wonder if they will find a place for themselves in a Catholic community. But, Jesuit education is very inclusive.
I’ve actually been concerned that although BC is a Catholic university, so many people go out of their way to talk about how religion is not a big deal here, almost like they’re apologizing for being Catholic. We’re looking at Catholic universities because we want a school with a faith basis. In the end of D’s search, once thing that helped make the decision in favor of BC was that it was Catholic; having had two siblings graduate from other Catholic universities, we couldn’t imagine an opening of the academic year or commencement without a Mass.
So my question is this, can you find a religious base at BC if that’s what you want? Is there a population that goes to Church on Sundays? Are Masses treated like something special, with beautiful musics, etc., or is it treated an obligation to get through as quickly as possible? Are students, regardless of their formal religious beliefs, encouraged to explore spirituality in some form?
If this is considered hijacking someone else’s post, please just PM a response. Thanks