Faith & Spiritual Life

47% of current students are Catholic and students of all faith traditions are welcome. At CSB+SJU we invite all students to a deeper life of faith from wherever they are coming in their tradition or journey. We offer ample opportunity for one to grow in one’s Catholic faith through Daily Mass, Liturgy of the Hours with the monastic communities, weekly Adoration and Reconciliation, and many retreats, service-immersion, and faith-formation programming that are also open to students of other faiths. Protestant Sunday Services take place every other week on campus and we are building an Interfaith Prayer Space on both campuses. Students can take Theology courses in Comparative Theology, examining other religious traditions, Meditation in philosophy, and more, to gain an expansive understanding of God. Faculty, staff, and students strive for Benedictine values of hospitality, and community and respect for persons from all places of faith. We also recognize that many students may not know where they land on faith when they come to CSB+SJU. You, too, are most welcome here.

CSB+SJU provides a liberal arts education that empowers you to think in broader, more collaborative, more original ways. As part of the innovative Integrations Curriculum, you’ll take classes under the “Purposeful Learning” section that’s focused on exposure to multiple perspectives – theology being one of those perspectives. Two theology courses are required and the “Benedictine Raven” designation is embedded in the curriculum to ensure students develop an awareness of a Benedictine perspective (practices, values and heritage). We often hear positive feedback on the variety of Theology classes provided as part of our coursework.

Absolutely! All Campus Ministry programs provide a variety experiences to deepen one’s spiritual life. The Monastic communities are readily available for conversation and mentorship. Faculty and Staff members also provide such mentorship on an individual basis. A few examples include:

SAINT BEN’S

• The Benedictine Friends program pairs a student with a Sister for a year to share life, prayer and good times!
• First year and Sophomore Bread and Night Blessing once a month – reflecting and sharing on a Benedictine Value and how to live it out each day.
• Bennie Bible Buddies – student led Bible studies to deepen faith through group spiritual conversation on the Sacred Word.
• Mary Monday’s once a month that provide a variety of prayers to our Blessed Mother. Some prayers include Novena’s to the Blessed Mother, Praying the Rosary etc.
• Adoration on Sunday afternoons in the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Blessed Sacrament Chapel
• Social Justice and Spirituality outreach programs that focus on Service and engagement beyond campus.
• There are Sisters available to connect with for spiritual direction through the Monastic Communities’ Spirituality Center.

SAINT JOHN’S

• Johnnie Brothers is a program designed for first-years who are placed in an awesome group with peers and 2 monastic or lay leaders to talk about life over a meal and great conversation.
• The Scripture Circle is an opportunity for Johnnies to be in small groups with upperclassmen Circle Keepers, praying with scripture and engaging the Word.
• Attend a Retreat, Service-Immersion opportunity, Theology on Tap, or any other opportunity by SJUfaith to get to know any member of the staff.
• Faculty Residents live in each residence hall as witness to the spiritual lives of students. Events like “Hot Bread” and “Pancakes at Midnight,” Compline prayer in Flynntown are regularly hosted by the monks, lay leaders, or Campus Ministry Staff
• Come in and set up a time to meet with any member of our professional or graduate student staff.