<p>How present is the Catholic religion on campus? Are there required Mass services at all, or is it merely a reference to the school’s founders and really holds no weight on campus? Thanks!</p>
<p>On campus, you definitely feel the presence of Jesuits, I’d say. There are a few crucifixes in the rooms, Gothic architecture, etc. But from what I felt on campus, it’s not really shoved down your throat. The Jesuits are there to help you, not convert you. The Jesuit ideals that they try to instill in you aren’t really religious, but more about life in general (nurturing the mind, body, and spirit all together).</p>
<p>The University’s promotional materials make reference to a monotheistic God; there are crucifixes in every classroom and lecture hall; and you may see a few Jesuits walking around. In the business school, we sometimes discuss Jesuit spiritual practices (like the examen) in class.</p>
<p>Catholicism obviously contributes to BC’s philosophy and self-identity, but it is never stuffed down your throat.</p>
<p>And to answer the OP’s question directly: There are NO required religious services. Masses are said every day, but attendance is completely optional.</p>
<p>BC has a sizable number of non-Catholic students (I think somewhere around 1/3 of the student body?), and these include Protestants, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, etc. and even some atheists and agnostics.</p>
<p>Ok, thank you all so much.</p>
<p>How strong is the religious, pro-life presence at BC? Will a non-religious, pro-choice woman feel comfortable there?</p>
<p>Depends on how sensitive you are. You will feel as comfortable there as about anywhere else, its a pretty liberal college environment with little if any judgement.</p>
<p>ColdCase puts it best. Most of the professors are pretty liberal, actually. It is the administration that is conservative, and even then, they even allow gay rights groups to prowl around campus (as long as they don’t sponsor dances on campus, of course!)</p>
<p>Jesuits are generally pretty liberal. (I’m only an applicant but my family has a history with Jesuit schools.) I would be very surprised if someone felt out of place at a Jesuit university for being TOO liberal. Among Catholics, actually, many conservatives specifically avoid Jesuit universities for that reason.</p>