DIVISION FOR MISSION

RELIGIOUS SYMBOLISM GUIDELINES

AND RECOMMENDATIONS

I INTRODUCTION AND PHILOSOPHY

In order to accurately and appropriately express our identity as a Catholic sponsored institution of higher education, the presence of religious and spiritual symbolism is necessary and desirable. Through symbols we call to mind for all persons -- students, faculty, staff, and visitors -- those intangible and invisible beliefs and core values that guide all that we are and all that we do.

Certain symbols representative of the Catholic faith are present to express the faith of the Sisters of the Holy Cross, founders and sponsors of the College, and are not intended to offend or exclude others. This faith tradition, espousing the dignity of persons, service and social justice, is lived out by all who work here. Spiritual symbols help Saint Mary's College remain true to the mission of the College.

Religious and spiritual symbolism throughout the buildings and grounds of Saint Mary's College expresses the human spirit, and recalls the grace, love, inspiration and healing strength that is revealed to us by God through our work and the beauty of Creation.

II THE RELIGIOUS SYMBOLISM COMMITTEE

The Religious Symbolism Committee of the Division for Mission is an advisory group, brought together at the request of the President, and consists of representatives of the College and Congregation, including faculty, sisters, staff, and students. The Committee formulated these "Religious Symbolism Guidelines and Recommendations" to provide guidance to all departments in planning, selecting and maintaining appropriate religious symbolism and spiritual art throughout all of Saint Mary's College.

III RECOMMENDATIONS AND GUIDELINES

These recommendations and guidelines describe the places where religious and spiritual symbolism should be present and serve as guidelines for selection of religious symbolism and spiritual art.

The purpose of these recommendations is to accurately and appropriately express the Catholic identity of Saint Mary's College and the spiritual dimension of education and community life, through the presence of religious and spiritual symbolism throughout the facilities and grounds of Saint Mary's College.

1.	The Religious Symbolism Committee will oversee a review of religious symbolism of the College on an ongoing basis.
2.	Every departmental office should have a framed Mission Statement hung in a visible and dominant place.
	The department supervisor can obtain a printed copy from the Office of the Division for Mission.
3.	Every classroom should have a crucifix or cross. The words "Spes Unica" on the College seal refer to the cross as our "one hope", and it is fitting to have the cross as a prominent symbol. There is a rich variety of crosses and crucifixes. The Religious Symbolism Committee is responsible for identifying a selection of crosses and crucifixes and will consult with the appropriate departments and building committees regarding installation in their respective classrooms.
4.	Every gathering room and public space should have some article(s) of a spiritual nature.
	The Religious Symbolism Committee is responsible for identifying public gathering areas and assessing the need for religious symbolism in these areas. The committee will consult with the appropriate department or service regarding installation of religious symbolism.
5.	Employees with personal offices are encouraged to express their individual identity and spirituality through meaningful articles of a religious or spiritual nature.
	Employees who share common work space should together select and display religious symbolism or spiritual art of which the meaning is known, shared and appreciated by all. Whenever possible, it is important that religious and spiritual art follow a theme that is consistent with the department or service which is to occupy the new space. The Religious Symbolism Committee is available to serve as a consultant regarding resources for religious and spiritual symbols.
6.	A recognition of the spiritual dimensions of the buildings and grounds should be considered as renovations, relocations and additions that occur throughout the campus.
	A constant effort should be made to ensure that religious symbolism does not become an afterthought. To ensure a timely place in planning, the appropriate administrator should contact the Vice President for Mission and/or Chair of the Religious Symbolism Committee to discuss ideas for integrating religious symbolism in the new space. A representative of the Religious Symbolism Committee should serve as a consultant, liaison to, or member of each project's Planning and Design Committee, as well as of the Historic Preservation Committee and other appropriate committees.
7.	It is important to remember that the French Cross is a religious symbol, as any traditional cross is, and needs to be used with the same respect.

Approved: March 2001 

For questions, assistance with the selection of religious symbolism, or a listing of current members of the Religious Symbolism Committee, contact:

The Division for Mission
Saint Mary's College

131 Le Mans Hall
Notre Dame, Indiana 46556

574-284-4886