<p>Notre Dame seems like a great school, but I was just wondering how much of a religious vibe is on campus and is the student life there influenced notably by religion? Thanks!</p>
<p>I believe 83% of Notre Dame students are Catholic. This makes it obviously religions. In addition there are several churches on campus and crucifixes in classrooms. There is a theology class requirement. I don’t know anything personally as I have never been there, but these are facts from research I have done on it.</p>
<p>That statistic sounds about right. However, I’d say only about half of those go to mass regularly. You’ll find just about every kind of Catholic at ND, from those who think Vatican II is silly and we should go back to Latin mass, to those who haven’t seen the inside of a church since their first communion, and everything in between. You’ll also find a healthy dose of atheists, agnostics, Lutherans, and other assorted protestants.</p>
<p>Also, there are crucifixes in every classroom, chapels in every dorm, a beautiful basilica, and a lot of religious imagery around campus. And as sjn mentioned, there is a theology requirement. Religion does have an undeniable presence on campus. So, if you hate Catholics, then by all means, run far far away.</p>
<p>However, if you are looking for them, there are many different spiritual opportunities on campus that are hard to beat. Tridentine masses for the old schoolers, groups for all kinds of Catholics and protestants alike, and retreats that even the non-religious can enjoy.</p>
<p>On the other side of things, if you don’t want to have anything to do with religion or spirituality, you don’t have to participate in any of this. You’ll still have to take 2 theology classes (not necessarily on Catholicism though) and see crucifixes everywhere, but you don’t have to participate in any religious activities that you don’t want to.</p>
<p>Religion is definitely a part of the Notre Dame experience, but students are generally pretty accepting of one another and you won’t be pressured into anything. Spiritual opportunities are plentiful, but totally optional. And whatever your personal religious beliefs or lack thereof, you will probably be able to find a group of like-minded people on campus.</p>
<p>Ditto shellzie, with the caveat that one of your theology classes will be on Judeo-Christian theology; the emphasis towards or away from Catholicism will vary a bit based on the professor, though. Your second Theology class can be basically whatever you want. (ND’s class search is public: go [url=<a href=“https://was.nd.edu/reg/srch/ClassSearchServlet]here[/url”>https://was.nd.edu/reg/srch/ClassSearchServlet]here[/url</a>] and search for classes in all departments with the “THE2” Attribute if you want to look at the range of options.)</p>
<p>The religious “vibe” is definitely unavoidable - remember, this is an institution that is named after the Mother of God and put a golden statue of her on top of its main building - but how much you make religion part of your life is very much up to you. Certainly no one will think twice if you’re a cafeteria Catholic who never goes to Mass.</p>
<p>If you expand a bit on what you’re looking for (or not looking for) at Notre Dame, perhaps we can talk a bit more about the religious life.</p>
<p>Thank you for all your help. I decided not to apply to Notre Dame, because I am definitely looking for a non-religious campus vibe, and based on your descriptions it definitely does not fit that haha! But it still is a great school and I really appreciate all your input!</p>
<p>Fair enough! Glad we could help, even if that means you won’t be applying.</p>