Anticipated Dialogue Dinner Aims to Encourage Honest and Courteous Dialogue
Holy Cross College continues to foster open dialogue and understanding among students with its latest event, the Dialogue Dinner. The most recent Dialogue Dinner, hosted by SPEECH Peer Educators on Feb. 13, focused on "What is the role a Catholic college or university plays in sexual education?"
The Dialogue Dinner, which aims to facilitate constructive and civilized dialogue, has a set of rules to ensure a productive and respectful conversation. These include following the Ignatian way, maintaining confidentiality, and allowing students to speak without interruption or judgment.
Patrick Ryan '27, a student at Holy Cross, expressed his support for the Dialogue Dinner, stating it provides a safe and controlled environment for students to voice their opinions on difficult topics. He also emphasised the importance of addressing disabled student accessibility at the event.
However, the Dialogue Dinner on Feb. 12 did not go as planned, according to Patrick Ryan '27, who reported fisticuffs at the event. It is unclear if this incident will affect future Dialogue Dinners.
The Dialogue Dinner is not a new concept at Holy Cross College. Events like "Iftar at Holy Cross" and the "Service Appreciation Program" feature dialogue as a key element, aiming to foster community building, educational and spiritual formation, and impact the campus community in a positive way.
The Dialogue Dinner is open to all students who have topics they would like to discuss. The next Dialogue Dinner is scheduled for Nov. 13 from 6 to 8 p.m., with food provided. The topic for the upcoming Dialogue Dinner has not been announced yet.
In conclusion, the Dialogue Dinner at Holy Cross College is an integral part of the college's mission to promote community, compassion, and dialogue. Despite the recent incident, the college continues to encourage debate and discussion among students, providing them with a platform to grapple with topics they are passionate about and potentially gain new perspectives.
[1] Atlantic Institute SC’s service appreciation program, in partnership with Holy Cross, has included "Dinner and Dialogue" sessions alongside other community-building and educational initiatives. [2] Holy Cross College emphasizes a culture of hospitality and belonging, underscored by its mission to serve others through faith, education, and justice. [4] Such events contribute to a welcoming and intentional atmosphere, encouraging students and participants to engage deeply with each other’s stories, backgrounds, and perspectives. This aligns with Holy Cross’s commitment to making every visitor encounter memorable and meaningful, reinforcing a strong sense of community.
- The Atlantic Institute SC’s service appreciation program, in collaboration with Holy Cross, has incorporated "Dinner and Dialogue" sessions as part of their community-building and educational initiatives.
- Holy Cross College aspires to establish a culture of hospitality and belonging, a reflection of their mission to serve others through faith, education, and justice.
- Such events as "Dinner and Dialogue" sessions, along with initiatives like "Iftar at Holy Cross" and the "Service Appreciation Program", aim to foster community building, educational, and spiritual formation among students.
- Engaging deeply with each other’s stories, backgrounds, and perspectives is encouraged through events like the "Dinner and Dialogue" sessions, contributing to a welcoming and intentional atmosphere at Holy Cross College.
- Participation in events like the Dialogue Dinner provides students with an opportunity to grapple with topics they are passionate about, potentially gaining new perspectives that support their education, personal growth, and self-development within the Holy Cross College community.
