As a Benedictine College graduate, I have many thoughts about a recent Associated Press article about “traditional” and “liberal” Catholicism in the U.S. featuring the college.
First, I found it hilariously absurd that food at the Caf (or Dining Hall, as it’s been rebranded) got mentioned in an AP story. Classes come and go, but college student woes about dining fare spring eternal at practically every higher institution of learning.
Second, it’s always interesting to get a look into an outside, secular mirror of the church. To me, this piece highlights hurt found across the breadth and depth of the church. Unfortunately, until we can come into the presence of God and really listen to God and one another, we won’t heal and be coordinated in our mission to “go make disciples of all nations.”
It’s also unfortunate that the article relied on stereotypes for describing the differences found within the church. Solid research into how laypeople perceive themselves and others by these terms should be a preliminary basis for any reporting on this topic — not just subjective, anonymous experiences of Catholicism and references to a couple CARA reports on priests and sacraments.
There’s much more I could say about this article. But honestly, the piece or my thoughts about it probably don’t matter much to most regular people in (or out of) the pews. What matters more is the Christian life, lived.
In other news featuring my alma mater, we ran a piece about how there has been an emphasis on evangelizing student athletes at Benedictine College, and how the majority of converts entering the church there are from that student population. We also noted the Benedictine abbey there in Atchison has been awarded a $5 million grant to help expand local child care capacity.
Good ol’ St. Benedict’s “Ora et Labora” is quite a life motto. Enjoy this week’s OSV News top stories.
Megan Marley
Digital Editor
Class of 2016
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Methodist minister, partner receive same-sex blessing from Chicago parish in video
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Clergy lead the way in safeguarding capabilities
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