What Do I Say?

[MysticCat]

Sorry for the lane-swerve, but these four threads might be of interest:

Religion?

Atheists as members?

Joining an organization and not being religious and here:

Christianity in ritual.

And I do have a hard time imagining a chapter in the South that requires all members to go to Mass. Expecting all members to go the services at, say, the nearby Baptist church, maybe, but a whole chapter of Catholics?

[amIblue?]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

And I do have a hard time imagining a chapter in the South that requires all members to go to Mass. Expecting all members to go the services at, say, the nearby Baptist church, maybe, but a whole chapter of Catholics?

I agree with this, and I wonder if the OP is using mass in place of worship due to her unfamiliarity with Christianity? (Perhaps she is unaware that this is typically used in reference to Catholicism.)

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by amIblue?

I agree with this, and I wonder if the OP is using mass in place of worship due to her unfamiliarity with Christianity? (Perhaps she is unaware that this is typically used in reference to Catholicism.)

Quite possible, and if so, my bad.

[adpiucf]

No one will require you to go to religious services or change your beliefs. You will get a sense of each chapter during recruitment, and whether or not you feel comfortable. If you join a sorority, you will be prepared prior to any sorority rituals about what to expect, and you can address any concerns with your new member coordinator. I assure you that many many women from all walks of life have joined sororities and have not been made to feel uncomfortable because their beliefs differed from the 100+ year old founders' beliefs! Any "religious" connotations in the rituals are historical in basis and it is the values (which are basic values of being a good person and helpful to others) that come out of that background which are the true takeaway. You wouldn't feel obligated to start worshiping Zeus and Poseidon, so don't worry about Jesus.

Any chapter that offers a "mass" or other religious worship or bible study is doing so for benefit of interested sisters and absolutely cannot require all of its members to attend -- your friend is confused or may feel pressured because a lot of girls participate.