Grace Thompson
College is a time of vital decisions and challenges, and for Catholic students, it can be a difficult battleground for their faith. In Aurora Griffin's book, How I Stayed Catholic at Harvard, she recounts her experience at Harvard and provides 40 practical tips for students to maintain their faith in college. Griffin's book is unique as it comes from a recent graduate's perspective and offers a fresh take on holding fast to one's Catholic faith in a secular environment. The book covers topics such as academics, community, prayer, and service, and encourages readers to actively choose their faith and engage with Scripture and Sacraments. It is a valuable resource for students seeking to grow closer to God and build a faithful and fulfilling college life.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Title | How to Stay Catholic in College |
| Author | Aurora Griffin |
| Education | Harvard graduate, Rhodes Scholar |
| Content | 40 practical tips for maintaining faith in college |
| Topics | Academics, community, prayer, service, spiritual warfare, choosing saints to inspire you, joining Bible studies, fellowship, philosophy |
| Target Audience | College students, parents |
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What You'll Learn
College culture may oppose Catholic beliefs
College can be an exciting and transformative time for young adults, offering new experiences, friendships, and a deeper understanding of the world. However, for Catholic students, navigating the college landscape can sometimes pose unique challenges when it comes to staying true to their faith. The college environment often encourages students to question and explore different ideologies, which can be beneficial for personal growth, but it may also bring about a crisis of faith for some Catholics.
The Catholic faith provides a comprehensive moral code and a set of values that guide believers' actions and choices. College, on the other hand, is often a place where students are exposed to a wide range of worldviews, beliefs, and value systems that may conflict with their own. For example, the culture of heavy drinking and casual sex that is often associated with college life can be at odds with the Catholic teachings of chastity and moderation. The pressure to conform to these social norms can be intense, and students may struggle to balance their faith with the desire to fit in and experience all that college has to offer.
In addition, academic freedom and the pursuit of knowledge are fundamental aspects of higher education. While this encourages critical thinking and intellectual growth, it can also lead to challenges for Catholic students. College courses may introduce ideas and theories that contradict Catholic doctrine, leaving students questioning their faith. For instance, topics such as evolution, ethical dilemmas, and the existence of God are often discussed and debated in a secular context, potentially creating doubt or confusion for Catholic students who have been taught a different perspective.
Furthermore, the busy and independent lifestyle of college students can make it difficult to maintain religious practices. Between classes, social activities, and the demands of coursework, it can be tough to find time for prayer, Mass attendance, or participation in Catholic campus groups. The lack of structure and accountability can lead to a gradual drift away from religious practices, especially if a student's peers are not encouraging or supportive of their faith.
It is important for Catholic students to be aware of these potential challenges before they begin their college journey. By recognizing that their faith may be tested, they can actively seek out resources and communities that will support and strengthen their Catholic identity throughout their college years. Staying connected to a Catholic community, whether on campus or off, can provide a vital source of encouragement, accountability, and perspective as students navigate the potential pitfalls of college life while remaining true to their beliefs.
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The importance of prayer and mass
Prayer and Mass are two essential pillars of the Catholic faith that can provide stability and spiritual nourishment during your college years. Here's why they are important and how they can help you stay connected to your faith while at college:
Prayer: Prayer is a direct line of communication with God and is essential for any Catholic, especially during college when you may be facing new challenges and experiences. Prayer allows you to cultivate a personal relationship with God and invite Him into your daily life. It can take many forms, from traditional prayers like the Rosary or the Divine Office to spontaneous conversations with God. Through prayer, you can express your worries, seek guidance, and develop a deeper understanding of your purpose and the world around you. Consistent prayer also fosters a sense of discipline and helps you stay grounded in your values, which can be especially important in an environment where you may be exposed to diverse and sometimes conflicting ideologies.
College life can be busy and demanding, so setting aside dedicated time for prayer is crucial. Consider establishing a daily routine, perhaps praying first thing in the morning or last thing at night. Find a quiet place on campus, perhaps a chapel or a peaceful spot outdoors, where you can go to pray and reflect. There are also many prayer groups and campus ministries that you can join, providing an opportunity to pray with others and find support and accountability in your prayer life.
Mass: Attending Mass is a fundamental practice for Catholics and offers numerous benefits for your spiritual life, especially during college. The Mass is where we receive the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, which is at the heart of our faith. Through the Eucharist, we are spiritually nourished and strengthened, receiving grace and the forgiveness of sins. Regular Mass attendance also provides a sense of community and belonging within the Catholic Church. It connects you to something greater than yourself and reminds you that you are part of a global family of believers. The Mass is also a place of learning, as the readings and homilies offer valuable lessons and insights that can guide your decisions and actions.
Make an effort to locate the Catholic chapels or churches close to your campus and make a note of their Mass schedules. If you can, go to Mass at least once a week, and think about volunteering as a lector or Eucharistic minister to become more involved in the liturgy. Many colleges also have Catholic student groups that go to Mass as a group, which can be a terrific opportunity to meet other Catholics and develop a support network. Attending Mass regularly will provide a sense of continuity and stability in your faith life, even as your college experience brings about changes and new challenges.
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The value of Catholic communities
One such community is FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students), which offers a Catholic in College Survival Guide and organises events like SEEK to bring students together and encourage them in their faith. Joining a Bible study group or getting involved with a Newman Center can provide fellowship and help you grow in your faith. Saints were also once sinners who faced similar struggles, so reading about their lives and asking for their intercession can be inspiring.
Catholic communities can provide a sense of belonging and support, especially when surrounded by anti-Catholic sentiments. College is a time of vital decisions, and having a community that challenges you to live out your faith can help you stay on track. It is also a time of independence, and the people you spend time with will influence you, so choosing friends who share your values is important.
Catholic communities can provide accountability and help you deepen your faith through prayer and support. They can also equip you with tools for evangelization, giving you the confidence to share your faith with non-Catholic friends. Joining a Catholic fraternity or the Fellowship of Christian Athletes can be a way to meet like-minded individuals and maintain a strong relationship with God. Ultimately, as John Henry Newman wrote, community is essential for personal growth as we learn and gain new perspectives from one another.
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The Catholic faith's resilience
The Catholic faith has a long and resilient history, enduring for over 2,000 years. It has faced numerous challenges, from invasions and plagues to political upheavals, world wars, scandals, and persecutions. Despite these trials, the Catholic Church remains a prominent global force with a significant following. This resilience can be attributed to several factors, including the strength of its beliefs, the support of its community, and the ability of its followers to adapt and defend their faith.
One key aspect of Catholic resilience is the commitment of its followers to their beliefs and practices. Catholics are encouraged to deepen their knowledge of their faith and its teachings. For instance, Aurora Griffin's book, "How I Stayed Catholic at Harvard", offers 40 practical tips for maintaining faith in college. It provides strategies for students to reinforce their commitment to daily practices and make conscious decisions to keep their faith. Similarly, Jeff Cavins, in his book "The Activated Disciple," recommends choosing five relatable saints and studying their lives and writings to gain inspiration and intercession.
Another vital factor in Catholic resilience is the sense of community and fellowship among believers. Catholics are encouraged to seek support from other Catholics, whether through campus ministries, Catholic centres, or Newman Centres, as iron sharpens iron. This support network helps individuals stay true to their faith and provides tools for evangelization. Additionally, Catholics are advised to choose their peers wisely, avoiding those who may distract or lead them away from their faith.
Furthermore, Catholics are advised to be well-equipped to defend their faith against anti-Catholic, anti-Christian, and anti-Western ideas. They are reminded that their faith has stood the test of time and that many geniuses throughout history, such as Aquinas, Augustine, Tolkien, and Chesterton, have rigorously examined and affirmed Catholic teachings. Catholics can also turn to philosophical arguments and apologetics to strengthen their understanding and defence of their faith.
The resilience of the Catholic faith is also evident in its ability to adapt and remain relevant in modern times. Catholics are encouraged to seek a personal engagement with Scripture and the Sacraments, making their faith a living, dynamic relationship with God. Additionally, Catholics are advised to seek a vocation, a career, or a spouse with God's guidance, demonstrating the applicability of their faith to everyday life decisions.
In conclusion, the resilience of the Catholic faith stems from the dedication of its followers, the strength of their beliefs, and the support of their community. Through knowledge, fellowship, defence of their faith, and adaptation to modern times, Catholics have endured and continue to thrive, even in challenging environments such as college campuses.
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The impact of peer groups
College is a time of vital decisions and new experiences, and for many students, it can also be a challenging period for their faith. The influence of peers can have a significant impact on one's beliefs and practices, and this is especially true in the context of higher education, where students are often living away from home and forming their own independent identities.
The choice of friends and social groups can either strengthen or weaken one's Catholic faith during college. On the one hand, surrounding oneself with like-minded Catholics can provide a supportive community that reinforces one's commitment to the Lord. This can be achieved by joining Catholic student groups, Bible study groups, or even a Catholic fraternity or sorority. Additionally, seeking mentorship from a priest, religious sister, or trusted lay mentor can provide guidance and accountability in one's faith journey.
On the other hand, some peers may distract or lead one away from their Catholic faith. This could be due to differing beliefs or values, or simply the influence of new ideas and experiences that challenge one's existing worldview. In such cases, it may be necessary to reconsider certain friendships or social groups. While it is important to respect the beliefs of others, it is also crucial to stay true to one's own convictions and not compromise one's faith to conform to the culture or fit in with a particular peer group.
In Aurora Griffin's book, "How I Stayed Catholic at Harvard", she shares her own experiences navigating the challenges of maintaining her Catholic faith at a secular university. Griffin emphasizes the importance of community and friendship in her journey, demonstrating how her faith enabled her to form meaningful friendships and make the most of her college experience.
Overall, the impact of peer groups on one's Catholic faith during college can be significant. By seeking out supportive communities and mentors, one can strengthen their faith and navigate the challenges and new experiences that college life brings. At the same time, it is important to be discerning about the company one keeps and to stay true to one's convictions, even in the face of pressure or differing beliefs.
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Frequently asked questions
The book recounts the author Aurora Griffin's experiences and lessons learned during her time at Harvard as a recent graduate. It provides 40 tips for college students to stay faithful to Catholicism.
The book highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with other Catholics who can support your faith journey. It also emphasizes the need to be well-versed in your faith to counter anti-Catholic sentiments and the importance of staying away from vices that can damage your spiritual health.
In addition to the book, there are other resources available, such as seeking guidance from a priest, religious sister, or trusted lay mentor. Joining a Catholic fraternity or fellowship groups like the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) can also provide a community of like-minded individuals. Additionally, resources like "The Activated Disciple" book by Jeff Cavins can offer guidance on choosing inspiring saints to learn from and emulate.
