Before Covid-19, Bellarmine only had three all-school masses a year. But for this 2023-2024 school year, Campus Ministry’s goal was to have monthly mass. Despite this plan, because of finals and AP testing in January and May, there are only six all school masses this year. Compared to traditional Catholic practices, that’s a minuscule amount.

Many people in the student body voiced their opinions on the increase of mass this past year. Students were frustrated with this increase as they felt like they could be spending their time better in study hall. Aires Patulot, Campus Ministry Director, responded to this feedback.

Student education should be paired with school identity
A key part of all school mass is the fact that Bellarmine is a Catholic school in the Jesuit tradition. Having masses every so often builds knowledge and appreciation for Bellarmine’s identity as a Catholic school. Patulot thoroughly acknowledges this statement: “As a Catholic school in the Jesuit tradition we’re here to teach the Catholic faith in the Jesuit Tradition. So how do you learn something? Repetition. We are committed to celebrating the Eucharist. We’re committed to helping students and our entire community learn about the treasure of the Catholic faith. We want people to grow in their understanding of how to experience a Catholic liturgy.”

Catholic identity of welcoming
As a Catholic school Bellarmine embodies the idea of Cura personalis, or caring for the whole person. It is their mission to value and welcome everyone who walks in their doors. Having these masses allows everyone to learn and experience what the Catholic faith is about. Without these masses, students would leave Bellarmine with the same knowledge they started with. Patulot said, “I would wonder why we as Catholics would be so ashamed of the heart of who we are. Or that we would think that there are some students here who are not worthy to receive or to be a part that we wouldn’t even invite or say, ‘No, don’t come. Please stay away. This is just for us.’ I feel like that would feel so othering.”