Reflections on Easter
One of the perks of belonging to a Catholic college is getting FOUR days off for Easter! Just kidding- I was raised Italian Roman Catholic, so I know the importance of Easter in the Christian world. It's not just about chocolate bunnies and rainbow colored eggs, it's a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus on the third day after His Crucifixion. Easter is a time for reconnecting with family and friends and feasting after a long 40 day Lenten season (during which many Catholics make a sacrifice, such as not eating meat on Fridays or giving up alcohol for the duration).
When I was in high school I was very involved in my church's youth group because my parents were active members of the church- it only seemed natural to attend Mass weekly and even go on weekend-long retreats to pray and connect with other Catholic teens in the area. However, when I left home to attend college, I was given the opportunity to reflect on my religious and spiritual convictions without the influence of my parents and I discovered (through a LOT of soul searching) that my views fell more along the lines of Quakerism rather than Catholicism.
This shift worried me, as I had already made friends through the Catholic organization on campus and I was convinced that they would reject my decision to leave the church. Luckily, the college I attended was very similar to Rosemont- an open-minded and nurturing community. I found that my friends didn't shut me out, but instead, were interested to learn about my new spiritual path! I was thankful to be in a place which allowed such differences.
From what I've seen so far, Rosemont maintains a good balance of promoting and following traditional Catholic teachings, while still encouraging students to explore and practice other religions. The Chapel holds many nondenominational services throughout the year. I've attended a number of events where readings from the Torah, the Koran, and the Bible were each given equal respect. From those experiences, I've learned that many religions are similar in teachings about kindness and love, even though the practices and traditions vary.
It's comforting to know that no matter which religion I chose to follow (even if that means no religion at all!), Rosemont will embrace me as a valuable and important member of the community. I guess that's why Rosemont is dubbed as a "community of learners" and as "Pennsylvania's only Catholic women's college, empowering women of all faiths." I've written those sayings many times on the website without giving them much thought- but... it really sinks in when you actually experience it! Ohhhh.. community! It's cheesy but I love it!
Happy Easter!... or, in the Rosemont spirit of empowering women of all faiths, "Happy Four Day Mini Spring Break!"
The Rosemont Webmonster
When I was in high school I was very involved in my church's youth group because my parents were active members of the church- it only seemed natural to attend Mass weekly and even go on weekend-long retreats to pray and connect with other Catholic teens in the area. However, when I left home to attend college, I was given the opportunity to reflect on my religious and spiritual convictions without the influence of my parents and I discovered (through a LOT of soul searching) that my views fell more along the lines of Quakerism rather than Catholicism.
This shift worried me, as I had already made friends through the Catholic organization on campus and I was convinced that they would reject my decision to leave the church. Luckily, the college I attended was very similar to Rosemont- an open-minded and nurturing community. I found that my friends didn't shut me out, but instead, were interested to learn about my new spiritual path! I was thankful to be in a place which allowed such differences.
From what I've seen so far, Rosemont maintains a good balance of promoting and following traditional Catholic teachings, while still encouraging students to explore and practice other religions. The Chapel holds many nondenominational services throughout the year. I've attended a number of events where readings from the Torah, the Koran, and the Bible were each given equal respect. From those experiences, I've learned that many religions are similar in teachings about kindness and love, even though the practices and traditions vary.
It's comforting to know that no matter which religion I chose to follow (even if that means no religion at all!), Rosemont will embrace me as a valuable and important member of the community. I guess that's why Rosemont is dubbed as a "community of learners" and as "Pennsylvania's only Catholic women's college, empowering women of all faiths." I've written those sayings many times on the website without giving them much thought- but... it really sinks in when you actually experience it! Ohhhh.. community! It's cheesy but I love it!
Happy Easter!... or, in the Rosemont spirit of empowering women of all faiths, "Happy Four Day Mini Spring Break!"
The Rosemont Webmonster
posted by Rosemont Webmonster @ 8:25 AM
<< Home