CRU in SRU

Religion from a different perspective

Last night, at 8.04pm, I stepped into a room in the Advanced Technology and Science Hall that I could have never imagined myself in before coming here. Every week a group of 150 or more students come together for an hour to meet up and have fun. This is all because they have one thing in common - GOD. 

I would be lying if I said I was a very religious person right now, but up until a couple of years ago I regularly attended Mass and prayed like any other Catholic school girl. I attended an all girls Catholic secondary/high school which I spent some of the best years of my life, Don't get me wrong, having a Nun/Sister teaching my class was a bit daunting but we were never forced to do anything majorly religious. On big events such as Ash Wednesday or St.Brigid's Day we went to Mass/Church. I was in the school choir and usually played the Organ during these special days but I still didn't call myself a huge religious person. I just did it because I was asked and I liked to perform during these big school events. 

Over the last couple of years I have fallen out of touch with Mass. I still go on big days like Christmas and Easter but I don't go every week like I used to. It just got too repetitive and somewhat boring for me. I have two uncles who are priest, two grand uncles and one grand aunt who is a Nun. It's still an important part of me and I definitely consider myself still religious just not as active. 

However, looking at last night and how the CRU members have build this community of worship and trust is amazing. At home being religious isn't considered 'cool' or 'normal' for a college student but now I ask myself why not? Everyone is entitled to be whoever they choose to be in life and who are we as a society to judge the decisions of others. This probably sounds a bit over the top but I have defiantly found something very interesting and lovable about this group. Don't get me wrong it was a bit daunting at the beginning, everything is at first, but once I saw some familiar faces(that you wouldn't expect to see at first) I felt calmer and less anxious. Everything from the band to the speakers and just the general vibe was refreshing and honestly really enjoyable. I even openly sang the songs which I had never heard before! That just shows how comfortable I felt in there.

One thing that I've realized is that maybe if Mass at home wasn't the same repetitive hour every week and more fun and open like CRU, I may have continued to practice my beliefs into my college years. This is a lovely group with amazing people who have incredible courage to share their beliefs in a society that isn't always encouraging. 

Don't be afraid to check it out, I'd highly recommend it!