The Lived Experiences of Undergraduate Students at Catholic Universities with Catholic Mission and Identity

This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of Catholic and non-Catholic undergraduate students at Catholic universities in the northeast United States, focusing on how Catholic mission and identity are expressed through student life and campus ministry programming. The study aimed to describe the lived experiences of Catholic and non-Catholic undergraduate students at three Catholic universities in the northeastern United States. The literature review offered a theoretical framework and a review of relevant literature. The theoretical framework followed the Catholic Dialogue School model to show how Catholic Universities might strengthen Catholic identity and mission. The literature review presented relevant literature on CU's identity and mission in programming. The study employed a qualitative, phenomenological research design, utilizing semi-structured interviews to gather data from 10 undergraduate students across three Catholic universities in the Northeastern United States. The coding process produced and refined 15 codes, which were ultimately organized into five overarching themes: worship and tradition, mission in action, interior spirituality, belonging and leadership, and understanding the Catholic Faith. Participants affirmed the importance of community, service, leadership, and inclusive spaces in their experience of Catholic identity. Catholic mission and identity, as expressed through student life and campus ministry programming, continue to foster dialogue and create spaces where students can engage with one another across lines of difference. Keywords: Catholic universities, religious identity, Interfaith, Faculty and staff identity, Catholic mission

Grantor dc:publisher

Creighton University

Year dc:date.issued

2026

Author dc:creator

• Welch, Peter, Thomas

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Garlough, Katherine

• Catholic mission
• Catholic universities
• interfaith
• religious identity

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright is retained by the Author. A non-exclusive distribution right is granted to Creighton University and to ProQuest following the publishing model selected above.

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Repository record dc:identifier.uri

https://cdr.creighton.edu/handle/10504/163216

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:cdr.creighton.edu:10504/163216