Hi everyone,
I am waitlisted at BC but it is my first choice. However, I was wondering what you guys think of BC’s religious traditions and what exactly they do for students to promote the religion itself. I am from a Jewish family but I am not highly religious…would this negatively affect my experience or make me feel somehow outcasted at BC?
This site has many great discussions on this same question. Do an advanced search (advanced so you can select the BC section only) and you’ll get some great discussion.
Some good replies include:
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/discussion/comment/17082812#Comment_17082812
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/discussion/comment/15285521/#Comment_15285521
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/discussion/comment/15563902/#Comment_15563902
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/discussion/comment/14639367#Comment_14639367
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/boston-college/1264548-what-does-really-mean-bc-jesuit.html?highlight=religion
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/boston-college/1301903-religion.html?highlight=religion
In short, it’s a non issue.
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
Absolutely, you can find a religious base. You will love the music director. Many retreat opportunities- that are very well attended-48 hours retreat for first year students is not to be missed and please have your son or daughter sign up right away to get on the wait list for the Kairos retreat. You will get picked to go on a random weekend during your time there. It was life changing for my D. At these retreats there is usually not a dry eye in the room at many points. They are much needed breaks and well done by Campus Ministry. You will find those of all religions at the retreats!
Exactly. BC and the Jesuits are welcoming to all faiths, (and those with no faith), particularly if the practice scholarship, loyalty (to others) and service.
My D’s religion/theology teacher was Jewish; one of the students in the class was atheist. She said It made for wonderful discussions and different points of view on the bible.
yes, and yes. But then no one bats an eye about those that “sleep in”, either.
@3rdXsTheCharm, my daughter says she would like to be welcome to practice her Catholic faith without 1) it being all encompassing at the school, 2) it being exclusionary of non-Catholics, and 3) still getting to experience a variety of cultures and people.
Thank you everyone!!
By the time our son reached 10th grade, he was so sick of the Catholic church, he never wanted to set foot in a church again. He went to BC, oblivious to the school being Jesuit or what that word even meant.
Then near the end of his sophomore year at BC, he called home after a retreat (Kairos or one of the others) and said “I am so thankful I went to a Jesuit school.”