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The short answer is no; you do not have to be of Catholic faith to attend a Catholic university. However, attending a Catholic university has many benefits and opportunities to provide students to explore and learn about faith, service, values, and community. As someone who is currently attending Marian University as a non-Catholic student I have personally witnessed and experienced these things firsthand. One thing that has stayed with me throughout my time here at Marian was the faith-based environment.
To understand what faith looks like at Marian, we first must understand its roots. Marian was founded by the Sisters of St. Francis in Oldenburg, Indiana. Their faith and hard work laid the foundation for Marian to be a university of purpose, not just programs. Marian offers students the opportunity to not only explore their careers but also explore their faith alongside them.
On campus, there are multiple opportunities and spaces specifically made for worship, including an all-campus mass. Anyone is welcome to these events, even people who are not Catholic, which makes me feel accepted and included. Students who are not Catholic can use these events as opportunities to learn something new while still feeling welcomed, I also appreciate that attending mass is optional, allowing students to choose whether they want to participate. Outside of mass and prayer, another important part of Marian is its values.
As a Catholic Franciscan university, here at Marian students, faculty, and staff are guided by our four Franciscan values. These values shape daily campus life, learning, and service. The four Franciscan values are:
As a Catholic Franciscan University, Marian takes pride in these everyday values and incorporates them into day-to-day student life. Marian’s mission is to be a great Catholic university dedicated to achieving excellence in learning, which is achieved through teaching, research, and scholarly activities in the Franciscan and liberal arts tradition.
Marian welcomes students of different faiths through places like its multi-faith prayer room and religious organizations and programs such as the San Damiano Scholars program. These opportunities allow students to learn, connect, and explore their faith while also experiencing and upholding the Franciscan values that help shape Marian University.
Service is one of the many ways Marian puts its Franciscan Values into action. Students have the opportunity to serve both on campus and in their community. Marian provides different events and programs that allow students to give their time and support to others, connecting with those around them. Some of these opportunities include the STARR Program, the University Ministry of service, Annual day of service, and the Community of Care Program.
These events and programs give students the opportunity to participate within Marian regardless of their religious background. You do not have to be Catholic to be involved in your community or to help others. These events and programs also give students a chance to connect with each other to bond and support while also making a difference.
Another important part of the Marian experience is the sense of community. Not once since I have been attending, have I felt because of my religious background or anything else that I was not welcomed. Marian creates different spaces and opportunities for students to engage and connect with one another and the environment around them.
Marian’s various student organizations offer students the chance to get involved and connect with others who share the same hobbies and passions as life. Another way to engage in the community at Marian is to frequent certain spots around campus. One of my favorite spots on campus is the Unity Center. The Unity Center is just one of many spaces where students of different backgrounds can come to feel welcomed and supported. Residential life is also an amazing way to connect and build long-lasting relationships outside of the classroom.
One benefit of attending a faith-based college or university is being part of a supportive environment. As a non-Catholic student, I have been able to participate in the Marian community without feeling pressured to change the way that I am or my religious beliefs. Instead, I have been welcomed and offered countless opportunities to learn about a different faith while still being respected for my own.
Another benefit is being surrounded by strong values. Marian’s Franciscan values really ground me and provide me with lessons and values that I can live by beyond the classroom and into my everyday life.
Attending a faith-based university can also provide room for spiritual growth and service. Students can learn about different faith traditions, give back to those around them, and participate in worship if they choose. These experiences are valuable to students regardless of their religion, which is one of the reasons I believe a faith-based university can benefit students from different backgrounds.
Being a Catholic Franciscan University means that faith, service, and values are a core part of the Marian experience. However, being a part of that experience does not require every student to be Catholic or of faith at all. Marian has created a very welcoming environment with multiple opportunities for students to learn, be of service, and build community while exploring their own beliefs and being respectful of others.
As a non-Catholic student, I have learned that attending a Catholic University does not require me to change my beliefs. Instead, I have been given the chance to experience and explore a different faith while still feeling accepted as myself.
