The Rev. John Haugen, Dean Of Campus Spiritual Life

Most peope are surprised—surprised at a chapel full of college-age students singing their hearts out; surprised at the ttraction to daily Eucharistic adoration; surprised at the numbers going on nine domestic and international service trips; surprised that students can raise $70,000 in tithing and charitable fundraising. These are just regular, normal [Loras] college students for whom
faith and spiritual values are vitally important.

Today’s young adults combine sharp intellects, critical thinking skills and a thirst for spirituality. They are exceedingly generous with their time and their enthusiasm. Yet many of these same young adults come lacking knowledge in the fundamentals of the faith or the skills to wrestle with integrating their faith into daily life. One thing is for sure, they are an exciting generation to serve at Loras College!

The challenges of faith-based education are like never before in history. Students come to us from an ever-widening background experience of spiritualities and of Church. Forces within culture and within the Church itself sometimes seek to polarize and to divide people into camps—painting with broad strokes and offering little opportunity for dialogue and understanding. It is precisely at this time in history that our heritage in the Catholic intellectual tradition positions us to be of great service to this new generation of seekers. While it may be easier to narrow our focus in terms of spirituality, theology or ecclesiology, Loras College strives to reflect the true universal experience of our faith, and at the same time being faithful to the Magisterial teaching of the Church.

What does that really mean?  It means placing ourselves in the center of the Catholic faith tradition and accepting students “where they are at.” Although terms such as “liberal, conservative, progressive or traditional” tend to divide and are not always helpful, we have them all, and then some! Yet all are called to see balancing views and teachings through Church teachings and encyclicals, personal reflection and many opportunities for civil discourse—a skill fast disappearing in many sectors of our society today. It means a balanced presentation of spirituality: contemplation and action; personal and communal prayer; worship and service. It also means pondering what faith and values have to do with one’s personal areas of study, and how they need to inform one’s choice of vocational career and goals for life.

It is all about balancing personal faith with the faith of the Church. The Loras faith experience is about appropriating the faith tradition as “my faith tradition.” Loras is brimming with students seeking to make not only a connection, but sense out of Jesus Christ and the world in which they live. The following snapshots will reveal some of the many and varied ways the College is living out its mission. We’re sure you’ll be pleasantly surprised. more on Catholic Identity

Loras College Official Catholic Identity Statement