Hello there! Somewhat of an important question (for me, at least) concerning Notre Dame is their religious views. I’ve been interested in the school for sometime, but I’ve always wondered if Notre Dame is a little too pushy with Catholicism (I’ve nothing negative to say about the religion, I’m just not really into the whole thing). Is it “In your face”, or are they a little more tactful about how religion is shown. Also, should you have some sort of pervocial education, prior to attending Notre Dame? If anyone would care to address this, please feel free. I appreciate anything! Thanks!
They say that it is definitely a part of life, but they do not force religion upon you. There are weekly dorm masses, but they are not mandatory, although it’s a good way to connect with your classmates. Currently there is a two course theology requirement to graduate, but that policy is currently under review I think. Remember, it is a Catholic university, meaning that the university generally conducts itself by that belief system and expects its students to accept that. I’m going in with no religious education, so it is not a requirement or even a recommendation really to attend.
Hi, Definitely not too religious! I have a son there now, who was hoping that it wouldn’t be too religious, and he is very happy. That said, my daughter who graduated in '11 thought it was perfect for her and loved the weekly masses etc. It is definitely “there” but also not in your face at all!
I would recommend touring if at all possible. Personally, I found the “Catholic vibe” slightly too strong for my liking when I toured Notre Dame, but that doesn’t mean you would. That being said, I do not attend Notre Dame, so you can take my opinion with a grain of salt!
I second the recommendation to tour ND. I attended graduate school there and found it be pretty darn religious than it’s popular “mainstream” reputation would let on, particularly with the number of masses that seem to take place in pretty much every campus building, and the professor-led, in-class prayers. The university by-laws and code of conduct are also bit troubling to the non-religious person, as aspects of your personal life that in other settings would be deemed entirely appropriate might lead to disciplinary action. Additionally the hierarchy of the university still heavily favors priests; I certainly encountered priest-professors with tenure with questionable academic skills – and the president of the university by rule must be a priest, thereby prohibiting women for the presidency. Overall I do think that ND does a good job with undergraduate education, but is certainly committed to a strong Catholic/religious culture not found at peer institutions.
As people have mentioned, ND is a Catholic university that is very inclusive but committed to its principles. Most students are Christian (not necessarily practicing, though). There is a theology requirement, although I think the theology professors do a good job treating the subject academically. There is no pressure to conver or attend Mass, but some rules are clearly Catholic-based (parietals, lack of birth control on campus, etc.).
I know lots of fellow students who aren’t Catholic (or even religious), and most of them love going here. They ignore the religious aspect and focus on the other things that make ND a great place to attend (academics, sports, dorm life, etc.).
OP, I believe the word you intended to use is “parochial” not “pervocial.”