The Catholic Student Union at Florida State University utilizes a number of traditional genres of communication to interact, understand and practice faith with one another. For example, the organization of Catholic students use prayer, holy texts, song, verbal communication, and religious congregation to facilitate spiritual growth and community. With CSU boasting over 300 registered members, they rank among the most successful Catholic student organizations in the nation. We will be examining traditional communication used by CSU in the way that modern technology is not necessary for these connections to be made and these practices have been present in the Catholic religion since its formation.
Song is a ubiquitous genre of communication as soundtracks play in the background of clothing stores or pedestrians quietly hum to themselves. Within the first moments of spending time with CSU, the importance of song is evident. Singing is a common practice within mass and events called spirit night which are held by the organization. The songs are often used to express the stories of biblical figures, praise God and express devotion to the religion. The participants pray between verses, lift their hands and are even so moved at times that they shed a tear. Members of the community are truly invested in this genre of communication as they close their eyes and sing passionately. This devotion and passion serve as a basis for relationships within CSU between both members and their own personal concept of God. To the Catholic Church, song is a holy and spiritual practice which expresses facets of human emotion that that cannot be done justice by simple words. Coming together on a common purpose and chorusing as one builds a community atmosphere. (Hawn 57)
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Further, another traditional genre of communication used by the Catholic Student Union is prayer. Prayer comes in various forms within the Catholic Church. Prayer is the way of communication to God or the saints. During mass, everyone participates in a group prayer which is led by the Priest. Prayer can be led by the leaders of CSU and can directed at a certain person. Prayer often opens and closes a meeting, creating a sense of direction for where the conversation will go and what to keep in mind as you leave. The body language associated with prayer is often a bowed head and clasped hands. In addition, prayer often occurs when kneeling between the pews. Prayer can also be an individual practice as people will just pray in their heads or quietly to themselves. Prayer is both intimate and public, all at once. Communication with a higher being in a group setting makes participants feel as if they are a part of something bigger than themselves. This allows for communication to enter a realm beyond reasoning and worldly understanding. To have a group of people believe in anything based off pure faith and be able to communicate that is powerful. Even to an outsider, there is a level of appreciation of prayer and a respect for those who participate in it. Prayer promotes some form of unity in the reaching for God or a higher being. To know that everyone around you is aiming for a similar purpose is often times comforting and reassuring.
The use of holy text is the basis for Catholicism. The stories of the Bible are the foundation of the Catholic Church and allow for the concept of organized religion to exist to the members of CSU. During Mass, the priest had a topic in mind and discussed from the Catholic perspective using textual evidence from the Bible. The Bible’s Old Testament is said to date back to 1445 B.C. (Slick) This archaic written resource is the epicenter of the church and students of today still use this work as topic of discussion and evidence for their passion. The Bible has played a pivotal role in the history of the human race, often a source of controversy, a greatly admired text and a tool for evangelical goals. In addition, the Bible is a physical piece of validation for CSU. The Bible is an object someone can hold in their hands and to many works to keep members faithful. It is fascinating to see such a monumental piece of history be interwoven into the lives of today’s young adults. The cathedral also offered books which went through the service’s topic, reference, prayers and songs. This allows for anyone to be able to comprehend and participate in the service. Having the lyrics to the song being sung allows for a newcomer to feel in some way included. This not only promotes attendance, but creates an environment of open-arms. The genres within the mode of the written word serve as a gateway for the Catholic Student Union’s progress both in presence in the community and individual faith.
Religious congregation in its self, a form of communication. A large range of the way we communicate is nonverbal. Simply attending a service or meeting sends the message that there is some interest in Catholicism. Standing, praying, and singing along in this group setting shows involvement and appreciation for the organized religion. If someone doesn’t attend often or doesn’t participate, members of the group perceive these actions and draw conclusions based off of what they observe. Simply hearing or being told isn’t as impactful as seeing or experiencing. Within a congregation, this is amplified because we become aware of who is a part of the group and are more likely to interact with them based off this common interest.
In terms of verbal communication, CSU uses this genre constantly to communicate. In Kathleen Robert’s informative report courtesy of Loyola Marymount University, there is extensive analysis regarding interpersonal communication in the Catholic community. The piece focuses on genres of communication that consist of one-on-one dialogue. The author works to address how connections among human-beings allow for the Catholic community to advocate for social justice and self-respect, in a higher education setting. Upon arriving at the Catholic Student Union, someone will introduce themselves and offer conversation, which makes someone entering the space feel as if they are somewhere hospitable. Having simple moments of speaking with members of the community leaves one of the most impactful impression. Coming across a friendly member or finding someone with a common interest puts one in the position to want to come back and engage in this organization. Public speaking is also the basis for Mass as Father Christian explore topics by speaking to the congregation. This particular service he also pulled quotes from Pope Francis’s recent services in honor of him coming to America. The most memorable part of Father Christian’s speaking was when he shared he shared the fact that even if you have gone against the Scriptures like remarrying, that you are still apart of this family and that you will not be kicked out. That is what community is about and his acceptance was honestly moving. Hearing him talk was enough to truly express what CSU is about.
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In contrast, these forms of communications do not always engage or capture interest of the college-aged crowd. According to the Catholic Library Association the reality of Catholicism today is, “Empty pews, declining numbers of religious and clergy…” (Boice). Despite the church’s attempts at accepting and open-armed pubic image, Catholicism is becoming a minority, specifically in the university environment. LifeWay Research shows that 66% of college-aged students stop attending church regularly (Hill). Could these aged genres of communication be holding down the church potential to obtain a larger scale of participation? The traditional approaches to the maintenance of faith may not be current enough to remain present in the fast-pace of college student’s lives today.