Ibrahim Gardner
Franciscan University of Steubenville is a private Catholic university in Ohio, enrolling 3,750 students as of Fall 2023. The university is known for its households, which are groups of three or more students of the same sex who study, pray, and spend time together. Household life is a prominent part of the university's culture, with around 60% of students joining a household. These households are centred around particular devotions or charismatic gifts, with 24 men's households and 26 women's households as of March 2015.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of students enrolled as of fall 2023 | 3,750 |
| Number of students who belong to a household | Around 60% according to Bob Lesnefsky, director of Household Life |
| Minimum number of students in a household | 3 |
| Number of men's households as of March 2015 | 24 |
| Number of women's households as of March 2015 | 26 |
| Number of households as of 2024 | 50 |
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What You'll Learn
Franciscan University of Steubenville's household life
Household life is a significant aspect of the culture at the Franciscan University of Steubenville. The university's household system was established in 1974 by Father Michael Scanlan, TOR, then-president of the College of Steubenville, who announced that the college would be adopting "a new policy of 'household' as the basic principle of residential living." While household membership is no longer mandatory, it is estimated that nearly two-thirds of graduates were once part of a household.
A household at Franciscan University is defined as a Spirit-empowered, Christ-led group of three or more students of the same sex. These households are formed to help members grow mentally, physically, and spiritually through prayer, mutual support, and accountability, as exemplified in the life of St. Francis. Members of households often spend time together, studying, attending Mass, or sharing aspects of their lives, fostering a sense of family and a "home away from home."
Each household is founded upon a written pledge, referred to as the household covenant, which expresses the group's common commitment and spiritual identity. The pledge is composed by Father Plow and serves as a testament to the Holy Spirit's role in the inauguration of households. Households at Franciscan University bear unique names that reflect their spiritual focus, such as the Knights of the Holy Queen, Martyrs of the King, and In His Image.
Although household life is a prominent feature of student life at Franciscan University, it is acknowledged that it may not be suitable for everyone. Participation in a household requires a significant time commitment, and some students may find that other extracurricular activities, such as sports teams, already fulfil their need for fraternity and spiritual enrichment. Nonetheless, for those who choose to join, household life offers a transformative experience, fostering personal growth and a sense of community within the university and beyond.
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Households as a cure for loneliness
While it is difficult to determine the exact number of Franciscan University students who belong to a household, the university's Household Life programme is a prominent part of campus culture. Households are groups of three or more students of the same sex who seek to enrich their spiritual lives through fraternity and spirituality. These communities are formed to help members grow in mind, body, and spirit through prayer, mutual support, and accountability.
The concept of households as a cure for loneliness is supported by research suggesting that social connections are essential for emotional well-being. While living alone does not necessarily indicate loneliness, it is a contributing factor. The rise in single-person households has been accompanied by an increase in loneliness among young people, with 40% of individuals aged 16-24 reporting feelings of loneliness.
The benefits of household life at Franciscan University extend beyond combating loneliness. Members often study, attend Mass, and share aspects of their lives together, fostering a sense of family and brotherhood or sisterhood. This aligns with the university's faith-based foundation and the belief in the importance of community.
However, it is essential to acknowledge that household life may not be suitable for everyone. Some students may find that other extracurricular activities, such as sports teams, already fulfil their need for fraternity and spiritual enrichment. Additionally, the intimacy and closeness within households could be diluted if all students were required to participate.
Ultimately, the decision to join a household should consider individual needs and preferences. While households can provide a sense of belonging and community, they may not be the only solution for loneliness. Other strategies, such as therapy, social activities, and addressing passive technology reliance, can also play a role in alleviating loneliness.
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Households' impact on spiritual life
Household life is a prominent part of the culture at Franciscan University of Steubenville. The university's households are Spirit-empowered, Christ-led groups of three or more Franciscan University students of the same sex. These communities are formed to help members grow in mind, body, and spirit through prayer, mutual support, and accountability.
While household life enriches the spiritual lives of many students, not all students should participate in it. For some, household life can be redundant and pointless, especially if they are already part of a fraternal group, such as a sports team, that emphasizes spiritual struggle through prayer, mass, and other means. Additionally, some students may lack the time to commit to household life due to their involvement in other wholesome and enriching activities.
However, for those who choose to participate, household life can provide a sense of belonging and brotherhood or sisterhood. Members often study, attend Mass, and share aspects of their lives together, encouraging and supporting one another in their spiritual journeys.
The impact of households on the spiritual life of Franciscan University students can be compared to the influence of family life on an individual's spirituality. Spirituality is a powerful source of strength for families, providing direction and unity through shared values and beliefs. Families with strong spiritual lives often share practices such as faith, repentance, forgiveness, and prayer, and engage in activities such as reading scriptures or inspirational literature together and attending church.
Research has shown that spirituality can positively impact the health and well-being of families. Studies have found that religious involvement is associated with lower rates of physical disability, depression, and death. Additionally, elderly individuals who regularly attend religious services tend to have healthier immune systems and lower blood pressure. Spirituality can also help families facing tough situations, such as health problems, by providing a sense of control and restoring meaning to their lives.
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Households' exclusivity
Household life is a prominent part of the culture at Franciscan University of Steubenville, a private Catholic university in Ohio, United States. The university was founded in 1946 and initially consisted of fraternities and sororities. However, under the leadership of Father Michael Scanlan, households were introduced, and Greek life gradually declined, eventually ending in 2016.
Franciscan University households are defined as groups of three or more students of the same sex who are devoted to personal and communal growth through prayer, mutual support, and accountability. These households are centred around particular devotions or charismatic gifts, and members often study, attend Mass, and spend time together. Household life is intended to enrich the spiritual lives of students and foster a sense of brotherhood or sisterhood.
While household life is a significant aspect of Franciscan University, it is not for everyone. Some students may find that it does not align with their spiritual journey or that it becomes a distraction from their personal goals. Additionally, the time commitment required for household activities may not be feasible for all students, especially those involved in other extracurricular activities.
According to Bob Lesnefsky, the director of Household Life, around 60% of Franciscan students join a household. However, it is important to note that not all students who join a household remain in it. Some students may choose to leave due to feeling unwelcome or experiencing gossip within the group. Additionally, students may discover that their spiritual path differs from that of the household.
In recent years, there has been a trend of new household formations, with six new households established since spring 2018. However, this has led to concerns about the relaxed requirements for forming new households and the potential impact on smaller, existing households.
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Households' formation and requirements
Household life is a significant aspect of the culture at Franciscan University of Steubenville, where students can choose to participate in spiritual communities. These households are groups of three or more Franciscan University students of the same sex who unite under a common commitment to their spiritual growth and transformation. While household life is a popular choice for many students, it is acknowledged that it may not be for everyone.
Formation
The formation of a household begins with a written pledge that expresses the shared spiritual identity and purpose of the group. Households are typically formed within residence halls, where students can meet and interact with other households on their floor or hall. During the first few weeks of the semester, Household Information Meetings are held for new students to learn about the different households and decide if they want to join one. If interested, students can express their interest to the student coordinator and take steps to become a member.
Requirements
Household life requires a commitment to shared spiritual activities and mutual support. Members of a household often spend significant time together, studying, attending Mass, and sharing various aspects of their lives. They set aside dedicated time for prayer, fellowship, and other fraternal activities that foster spiritual enrichment. This level of commitment may not suit everyone, and some students may find it challenging to balance household life with other extracurricular pursuits or academic schedules.
Benefits
Household life offers a sense of belonging and brotherhood or sisterhood, creating a "home away from home" for its members. It provides a supportive community for students to grow in their faith and spiritual journey, mirroring the early Christian communities. The relationships formed within households can be transformative, fostering personal growth and a deeper capacity for evangelism in the University, the Catholic Church, and beyond.
Diversity
Each household has its unique spiritual focus, reflected in their names, such as the Knights of the Holy Queen. This diversity of spiritual emphasis within the households allows students to find a community that aligns with their specific interests and ideals, creating a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2015, there were 24 men's households and 26 women's households at Franciscan University. Around 60% of students, or about 2,250 students, belong to a household.
Households are groups of three or more Franciscan University students of the same sex who seek to grow in mind, body, and spirit through prayer, mutual support, and accountability.
No, household life is not mandatory. In fact, some students argue that household life is not for everyone, as it can be redundant and distracting from pursuing true holiness.
