University of Notre Dame - Dome Yearbook (Notre Dame, IN)

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God Country, Notre Dame. The architecture above the entrance to Scared Heart Basillica depicts the atmo- sphere at Notre Dame. A Special Place Many students find refuge at the Grotto, our own replica of the grotto at Lourdes, France.

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ooking Out For Each Other A unique charactaristic of life at Notre Dame is the life of the students. Unlike most colleges and universities, Notre Dame has no fraternities or sororities. Instead, the ties that students have are to their dorms. Dorm life is a Greek system in itself. Although students don ' t choose which dorm they will live in, there is still a distinct personality for everyone who lives in the dorm. Even though a strong majority of students stay on campus for all four years, there are those who feel the need for more independence. The South Bend Mishawaka area offers many apartment complexes for students to live in. Off-campus students get to enjoy the benefits of more freedom and saving money while still having a sense of family with the many other students living around them. One of the many benefits of life at Notre Dame is the beautiful campus setting. After the long cold winter, warm spring days are like a gift from God. Students take full advatage of these rare days by spending them out on the quad. 11

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photos by: Luke Woods and Mark Pledger A Ray of Light. Walking through campus, one is continually reminded of the spiritual presence at Notre Dame. Looking hard enough, one can find statues in obscure places. Togetherness. Students find that dorm ser- vices are convenient, as well as a unique opportunity to bond with dormmates in a spirtual setting. piritual Life ATimeToPray Regardless of faith, the opportunity to enjoy a spiritual life is available to all at Notre Dame. However, the degree to which spirituality is present in one ' s life is determined by the indi- vidual. As a Catholic university, Notre Dame is uniquely devoted to the spiritual maturity of its students. It is through daily activities and service participation that the individual obtains a better understanding of his or her faith. Notre Dame stresses service as a primary expression of faith. The Center for Social Con- cerns, individual dorms, and various other groups organize a variety of volunteer efforts at area schools, soup kitchens, and homeless shelters. Another important aspect of spiritual life at the university does not occur in any specific en- deavor. This expression is present in the attitude of the student body. People are encouraged to share their own beliefs and understand those of others. The spirituality Notre Dame students leave this institution with provides a solid moral background from which they may pattern their lives. Students are more respectful of others, and take this respect into their new communities. At Notre Dame, there are spiritual oppor- tunities for everyone, and for those who choose these avenues the rewards are great. But even an individual not actively participating is likely to be affected by the close community around them. Notre Dame is a community of faith with equal members. Students develop their relationships with God and one another in a spirit of acceptance that welcomes all into the Notre Dame family. Thus it is said Venite Ad Me Omnes. - Luke Woods and Mark Pledger Student Life 13