Catholic Benedictine Tradition

Character shaped by our founding Benedictine communities

The Catholic character of CSB and SJU is shaped by the Benedictine communities that founded the colleges in the 19th century and continue to foster the academic, spiritual and social life of these institutions. Today, Benedictine women and men remain actively involved in teaching and administration, and their prayerful presence in community life provides the stable sense of home for which CSB and SJU are so well known. By living according to Saint Benedict's Rule, members of the monastic communities cultivate love of God, neighbor and self through the art of listening, worship and balanced, humane living. They challenge students to embrace these values as well.

A tradition of Catholic intellectual thought

As two of the nation's foremost Catholic liberal arts colleges, CSB and SJU share in the rich tradition of Catholic intellectual thought. Students' coursework in theology seeks to promote a deeper understanding of their faith and to lay the foundation for meaningful participation in student liturgies, campus ministry programs, retreats, community service and social justice activities, through which their faith finds expression in the world.

A welcoming community

The Benedictine value of hospitality creates a welcoming community for individuals of all faiths. Students and faculty from many diverse belief systems bring a rich dimension to the academic, cultural and religious experience at CSB and SJU.

Catholic, Benedictine Values in an Educational Environment - an essay by Abbot John Klassen, S. Emmanuel Renner and S. Mary Reuter

Catholic Identity Statement

Learn more about the CSB Campus Ministry Department

Learn more about the SJU Campus Ministry Department