Put Your Best Faith Forward

As March Madness starts, men, women, and children start thinking out what teams will make it to the top in their brackets. For those who don’t follow sports, they look at the conveniently number ranking next to the team’s name in the bracket. This makes one wonder. Where are these schools? That school has a good basketball program? What does it mean to say the school is Catholic?

As I looked over my bracket, I realized I had no idea, besides the teams with St. in front of their name, which schools were Catholic. Growing up in a household where sports are very important, and what we watch every day, I should recognize the Catholic schools, right? No. Many colleges and universities do not show their religion in commercials for the school. Why not?

I decided to take a look at Georgetown, a catholic university, and spend a little time searching their website. Established in 1789, Georgetown is the nation’s oldest Catholic and Jesuit University. Georgetown’s website says, “Drawing upon this legacy, we provide students with a world-class learning experience focused on educating the whole person through exposure to different faiths, cultures and beliefs.” Georgetown comes right out, says they are a Catholic university, and even has a cross apart of their seal. Their website has pictures of priests walking with students, articles discussing their Jesuit and catholic identity. Georgetown even discusses further its spiritual enrichment, commitment to faith, and call to service.

Let this be a wakeup call to other Catholic colleges or universities.  Show your pride in your faith and school everywhere, not just in your mission statement. Follow Georgetown’s example, and pay closer attention to commercials for Catholic schools. Do colleges show their pride in their faith everywhere, or just where it seems important? Do you notice Catholic school commercials during March Madness, or any other games?

Click on the following link on read an article discussing the importance of education and fiath together:http://www.americancatholic.org/News/PopeUS/April17/PapalTrip041708-9.asp
Read more on Georgetown:http://www.georgetown.edu/