Catholic Studies Club Begins a Year of Faith in Action

After a brief hiatus, the Catholic Studies Club is back and ready to actively contribute to life on campus and beyond. The semester’s first event will take place on Tuesday, October 17, at 6 p.m.

Established in 1998, the Catholic Studies Club has long been a staple of Seton Hall University student life. Candice Davila ’25, a Nursing and Catholic Studies major, is the club president, and she is excited about the possibilities for this year.

"The Catholic Studies Club supports discussion about the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, which is essential for students to learn more about since this is a Catholic university," Davila explained. "Members will be able to grow in knowledge of the Catholic tradition; if they are Catholic, they will be able to grow in their faith. The Catholic Studies Club is open to all and always welcomes new members. Finally, it’s a space where students can grow in fellowship with their peers."

This year, the club is planning to sponsor activities that will have campus-wide reach and impact. Davila shared, “One of the events I am excited about is collaborating with the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine students who are part of the Catholic Medical Association. They will serve as guest speakers at ‘How to Live Out Catholic Ethics.’ This event will provide a platform for us to discuss Catholic ethics and how to keep true to what we believe in while working in the medical field.”

Set to take place on Tuesday, October 17, at 6 p.m. in the Beck Rooms of Walsh Library, "How to Live Out Catholic Ethics" will give students an opportunity for interprofessional fellowship and moral reflection on how to live out Catholic ethics in personal and professional life. This event will complement initiatives in the Catholic Studies curriculum, while also supporting the spiritual and intellectual development of students across campus.

Further contributions to campus life will include reading and discussion of Catholic doctrines and theological texts, as well as movie nights featuring the lives of saints or other religious themes. Additionally, the club hopes to incorporate a service activity. In the spring semester, one of the main events for the club will be Living Stations of the Cross.

"The Catholic Studies Club makes important contributions to our campus life, especially as our University is a leader in the integration of Catholic Intellectual Tradition across the curriculum and across student life," explained Ines Murzaku, Ph.D., Professor of Religion, Director of the Catholic Studies Program, and Founding Chair of the Department of Catholic Studies. "Under Davila’s leadership, the Catholic Studies Club is poised to host a healthy variety of intellectual, spiritual, social, and service activities to extend the reach of our Catholic Studies academic offerings. This is an opportunity for our students across the University to see the Catholic Intellectual Tradition in action."

Speaking of her hopes for the club this year, Davila said, "I aspire to create an environment that stimulates the members’ yearning for knowledge, their desire to grow with others, and their dedication to growing in faith. Adding a service aspect to the club this year will allow us to give back to others in need."

Davila is working to establish a full roster of club members and to ensure that all executive board positions are filled by students who share her passion for contributing to Catholic life at Seton Hall. Anyone interested in joining the club and leading through service should contact the club through the campus-wide Engage platform or email Davila at [email protected].

Categories: Faith and Service