Christendom College in Front Royal welcomed a record-setting
student body to campus last month with an opening Mass celebrated by Bishop
Michael F. Burbidge for the 2020-21 academic year.
Christendom brought 525 students to campus over orientation
weekend, a new enrollment record for the college. In the midst of a challenging
year, students sought out Christendom’s Catholic liberal arts education more
than ever, according to director of admissions Sam Phillips — a strong
indicator of the continued demand for Christendom’s in-person educational and
cultural offerings, especially in 2020.
“Christendom’s educational apostolate can only truly be offered
in person, with our students studying together and challenging each other to be
better leaders and better Catholics,” said Phillips. “Our students are eager
for that kind of learning environment where they can learn the truth, live the faith,
and truly thrive, and many have expressed their gratitude to Christendom for
the opportunity to study in person this fall.”
Christendom worked hard to ensure that students could return to
campus while also meeting health and safety protocols.
“We have prudently planned and are taking measures for the health
and safety of our community,” said Timothy O’Donnell, Christendom president. “But
we are also going to do all we can to preserve the integrity of our in-person
instruction and community life to the extent that we can.”
The success of the Christendom’s "Zero Federal Funding"
campaign, which was begun at the start of the COVID-19 crisis, also ensured
that students facing financial difficulties due to the virus were able to
return this fall.
Echoing the words of Bishop Burbidge, the students, faculty and
staff of Christendom are now moving boldly forward in prayer, united as a
community in the hopes of a fruitful and safe fall semester.