Editor’s Note: Stephen is President of the St. Peter Canisius Society

Creighton University cannot succeed without that certain spark that only its students give. Student organizations particularly have helped create relationships, structure, and purpose towards something greater than just themselves, actions which have left their mark on the very identity of this university. Although no single student group is essential to Creighton, the groups of Roman Week 2009 represent a crucial piece to creating a more complete experience of Catholic life on campus— a life that is a part of all Jesuit university environments.

First, though, who are the groups participating in Roman Week? They are student led and run organizations comprised of students of various ages, backgrounds, geographic locations and career choices who have come together to participate in Catholic life on campus. The groups are- Rosary Club, Adoration Club, which focuses on offering the opportunity for a communal recitation of this ancient prayer, St. Peter Canisius Society, formed to offer education through invited speakers on the reasons behind Catholic beliefs and practices and to foster fellowship with its members, Knights of Columbus, an organization for Catholic men who seeks fraternity under the name of Jesus Christ and who live His love through public service; and Creighton Students for Life, who, though not Catholic per se, seeks to promote the intrinsic dignity of every human life, a fundamental value in Catholicism.

Because the organizations possess such qualities that are truly in sync with Creighton’s own character, having events to showcase themselves and express what they are about is extremely fitting: thus, Roman Week 2009. Over these past few days, every weeknight has showcased an event put on by one or all of the organizations. Although the events have been formed partially for attracting new members, the meaning behind Roman Week lies deeper: cultivating solidarity with each other for Catholic self-expression and creating a sense of synergy, that being allied together under a common purpose provides a better opportunity to fulfill the witness to the Catholic community experience here at Creighton University.

Some of the groups of Roman Week have not been without controversy: attesting to some of the less popular aspects of Catholicism often carries such a price. It is true that not everyone at Creighton will agree with the Catholic beliefs these groups promote or agree with their work, as is their right as free citizens.

Yet, in the past, some have mistreated these groups by stealing or ripping banners and flyers approved by the Student Activities Office, making unfair accusations against one or more of the groups, or in general opposing the creation of at least two of these groups. Such actions without fully understanding each group is the archetype of intolerance and a profound sign of disrespect to every student in these organizations and to the very identity Creighton has chosen.

If you are curious about these organizations, ask. If you want to understand why they think they are important, ask. There is no better way to eliminate ignorance and its children, intolerance and fear, than by being in open dialogue. And although we all have different ideas on truth and values, honest communication can be a common point of identity for us all.