Community
A faithful friend is the medicine of life and immortality; and they that fear the Lord shall find him. (Sirach 6:16)
“Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell in unity. Like the precious ointment on the head, that ran down upon the beard, the beard of Aaron.” Ps. 132:1
Students live together in Christian fellowship under the guidance of a student foreman. Growing in responsibility and accountability, students must wake up, get to Mass, make their own breakfast and bag lunch, work hard during the day (in the field or in the classroom), and return for a hot, catered dinner together. After dinner students diligently attend to their studies, play music, tell stories, pray night prayer with the Norbertines, and eventually go to sleep so they can do it again the next day. Life is rigorous, and for that reason rewarding!
On Saturdays students prepare for the next week’s academic challenges and may seek extra work. Sundays are reserved for worship and true leisure, the pursuit of things worthy for their own sake: spiritual reading and conversation, fellowship in sport, music, or adventure, or works of mercy.
Our Vibrant Communal Culture Includes:
Athletics
Sports of various types build team spirit and comradery as the men of San Damiano relax through athletics.
Live music
Students share and teach each other folk music, building an authentic culture of live music around campus.
Adventure
From canoeing and fishing to hiking, San Damiano students take leisure time to enjoy the outdoors together.
Leisurely fellowship
The campus culture encourages time for simply sitting and thinking, group reading, and discussion of both small and great mysteries of life.
Works of Mercy
Students have the opportunity to volunteer at local charities, visit the elderly and sick, as well as assist the Canons with their ministries to youth.
