Communion: A Qualitative Study on the Experiences of Non-Catholic Students in St. Mary’s College Quezon City

Abstract

In 1965, the Second Vatican Council released the declaration “Gravissimum Educationis,” in which Pope Paul VI extended an invitation to non-Catholics to enroll their children in Catholic schools. At present, non-Catholic students comprise a good percentage of most Catholic schools’ populations. In St Mary’s College Quezon City, there are also students with different religious beliefs and are from non-Catholic backgrounds. From here, the question arose as to whether being immersed in an environment that integrates practices different from their personal beliefs affects non-Catholic students, their learning, perceptions, and their overall experience in the institution. For this study, qualitative research was used. The study utilized phenomenology as its qualitative research to discuss the experiences of chosen participants from the population of non-Catholic students in the High School Department of St. Mary’s College Quezon City. Data was collected through individual interviews. The researchers used audio and video recording, transcription, and note-taking as instruments for recording data. The researchers requested the participants’ consent through a letter before any collection of data, and their names were also not disclosed. During the interviews, the researchers followed a qualitative interview guide for their questions, and also added follow up questions for clarification. After transcription, the researchers coded the data to search for patterns and themes in the respondents’ accounts. Themes were derived and were compiled in the researchers’ codebook. These codes were used as the primary means of analyzing data and allowed for the information to be broken down into several sub-categories, thereby allowing a more thorough analysis. Most of the non-Catholic students chose SMCQC with the religious affiliation of the school as a non-factor in the decision to enroll. Positive and negative experiences were mentioned about attending their past schools with different religious affiliations. The respondents claimed that in adaptation, they comply with the practices and regulations of the school in order to adjust. They also declared that the environment does not affect their learning, but some believe otherwise. Their relationship with others was noted to be sensitive and respectful of their beliefs. Furthermore, the religious environment enabled them to gain insights and to feel a sense of inclusion in the community. With the identified results, this study claims that there were varied factors affecting the experiences of non-Catholic students in SMCQC. However, in the overall evaluation and interpretation, non-Catholic students feel a sense of inclusion among the school community. It is relevant to note that the results can be used by the school as reference for future studies, policy improvements or changes, and the basis for implementing desired Marian values.