<p>What is the typical day for a religious Notre Dame student who wants to be involved with his faith? Such as like how often do people go to the grotto, mass, small groups, etc.</p>
<p>ND’s Catholic identity was a big draw for me. From what I’ve read, Campus Ministry has a major presence, sponsoring retreats, service projects, clubs, and all types of liturgical activities. I’m also hoping to get involved in dorm religious life.
When I visit campus (several times a year), I always see students at the Grotto and the Basilica.</p>
<p>Religion can be as much a part of your life as you choose to make it at ND. While it is never forced on anyone, religion has a very noticeable presence on campus. The opportunities to become involved with your faith at ND are endless. However, it is impossible to describe a “typical day” for a religious ND student because there are so many different ways to be a religious at ND. It really is up to you to tailor it to be what you want. Some students may limit their religious exposure to the 2 mandatory theology classes and unavoidable crucifix sightings on campus, while others may literally join the seminary. Just a few examples or what is available:</p>
<p>-The grotto is an amazing place to go to pray/contemplate/sit in silence/whatever. Some people go to the grotto every day or before every big test. Most go at least every now and then. There are also many other great places at ND that encourage prayer and/or contemplation: around the lakes, the outdoor stations of the cross, the Basilica, etc.</p>
<p>-It is incredibly easy to make it to mass- just on Sundays or daily if you like. The masses are timed so that they fit perfectly into a college student’s schedule. There are daily masses available in the morning, around noon, and in the evening and even more options on Sundays. And there are all styles of masses to choose from: casual ones you can wear pajamas to in the dorms, formal ones in the basilica, Latin mass, masses with social gatherings/food served afterwards, etc. And I’d say over half of ND students go to mass at least weekly, even many of the non-Catholic ones. Along the same lines, it is also easy to make it to confession, adoration, group rosaries, or other prayer services. </p>
<p>-It is super easy to get involved in masses on campus. You can volunteer to be a Eucharistic minister (there is a course to get certified on campus), altar server, or lector in the basilica or in your dorm. Or you can get involved with leading music at mass- you can join one of the choirs that sings in the basilica (if you’re at least moderately talented) or in your dorm (which can be much more casual- most require just an hour of practice before mass and you can sing or play whatever instrument you know how!).</p>
<p>-ND has a fantastic theology program. Two classes are required, but you can always take more or add on a minor/major. You can take classes about Catholicism, other world religions, or ethics.</p>
<p>-Campus ministries offers retreats, discussion groups, clubs, service opportunities, and other activities. Vespers and other services for liturgy of the hours are also open to students (though I can’t remember how frequently). There are also resources for you if you are considering a religious vocation. There are really too many opportunities to list here, but they probably have whatever you are looking for. If not, the staff is great and open to suggestions. Often dorms will host bible studies/discussion groups/special prayer services/etc as well. </p>
<p>-If you want to be involved with your faith through service, there are a TON of options for this as well. Again, too many choices to list, but Notre Dame students get really involved with volunteering- in hospitals, with tutoring/mentoring local kids, fundraising runs, leading retreats, etc. </p>
<p>-Also, I found just being at ND and around other Catholic/religious students allowed me to be involved with my faith in ways that I wasn’t able to in high school and haven’t been able to since graduating. There is an amazing fellowship that comes along with the Notre Dame community. Just having the opportunity to attend mass with a large fraction of the student body whether celebrating a football win right after the game or mourning the loss of a classmate, having the ability to ask your roommate/friends down the hall if they want to go with you when you head out to mass/the grotto, or even a drunken discussion of Catholic theology at a house party are things that don’t happen many other places…</p>
<p>Long story short, you can be as involved or uninvolved as you want to be. If you never want to go to mass or be involved in religious activities at all, no one will judge you. If you want to go to mass and say a group rosary daily, sing in the choir on Sunday, go on a retreat every semester, be involved in several service projects, attend a Bible study, major in theology, and more, you can do that too. Most students will fall somewhere in between.</p>
<p>Sorry for the super long post, I hope that answers your question!</p>
<p>Thank you!!! That was incredibly helpful</p>
<p>Omgggg!!! Thank you this is amazing!! I’m applying to ND next fall, and I hope I get in! I’m really interested in taking Theology classes. I pm’d you!</p>