As Many Jesuit Universities Go with Secular Flow, Neglect of Catholic Mission Continues

The conflict that exists at many Jesuit universities between official Catholic identity and practically kowtowing to the secular world was discussed in a recent article in The Atlantic. While Catholic identity abuse continues at many Jesuit universities, several leaders and staff members from Jesuit institutions interviewed in the piece apparently accept the status quo.

“The balance of mission, identity, and modern times—and whether that balance negates the central principles of Jesuit and Catholic education—is what lies at the root of the tensions present for these schools,” wrote Atlantic author Autumn Jones. But the approach taken by some Jesuit institutions in order to expand their brand appeal for a decreasingly Catholic applicant pool can undermine their Catholic identities.

Traci McBee, a fundraising assistant director from Regis College in Denver, reportedly said, “We hide the word ‘Catholic’ from prospective students… We focus on the Jesuit piece rather than the Catholic piece. We’re able to transform a little quicker because we are not waiting for the archbishop to give us permission. We don’t have to ask the Pope when we want to make changes.” Furthermore, as the Atlantic reports, neither “Jesuit” nor “Catholic” is found “in the school’s definition or its brand platform.”  (more...)

As Many Jesuit Universities Go with Secular Flow, Neglect of Catholic Mission Continues