St. Michael's College in Vermont: Catholic?sourceSt. Michael's College in Winooski, Vermont is well known in New England. Founded by the Edmundites in 1904, its mission statement reads:
It is the mission of Saint Michael’s College to contribute through higher education to the enhancement of the human person and to the advancement of human culture in the light of the Catholic faith.
In light of the Catholic faith. Hmmm. Last week Bishop Matano, Vermont's new Bishop fired a warning salvo over the bow of St. Michael's. In an interview with the Bishop concern is indicated about the president of St Mike's who, according to the Vatican, is supposed to be Catholic. The President is a gay Unitarian. Though I don't blame the strong pro gay atmosphere of St Mike's on the president, rather his selection is only further evidence of it. The Bishop is also concerned about events like proabortion rallies on the College campus.
The Edmundites' influence at St. Mike's is waning right along with their numbers. There are currently 41 priests worldwide left in the order. One former priest- Fr. Many was accused of child abuse, though no longer a Catholic priest he is "pastoring" for Dignity in Vermont. (But please repeat there is no connection between child molestation and homosexuality). Many claims that the accusations against him are a witchhunt. Regrettably I disagree.
In a student op-ed, some statistics are being given about how Catholic St Mike's is. The numbers are hard to refute:
57% of students call themselves Catholic
11% attend Mass weekly
15% believe they are more religious than when the entered St Mike's
26% say they are less Catholic
Amazing isn't it what Catholic parents are getting with their $35,000 tuition and room and board. Really I don't think you can put a dollar value on it.
I should point out, regarding my previous post, that St Michael’s now has a new president.