Catholic in Film School

I’m a traitor.

I’m a traitor because I had a jolly good time at JP Catholic on Friday. A part of me was kind of hoping something would go wrong, but I left loving the place, and would encourage all Catholics to look into this school.

Since it’s a new school, currently they only have two majors: communications with an emphasis on either entertainment or digital media, and entrepreneurial business. When I arrived I got the grand tour, and then chatted with the admissions office for about an hour. We talked about all kinds of stuff—myself and my work, LMU, movies, etc. I made it a point to ask about their mission, and I think I can safely tell you that the place is full of proud Catholics who have integrated their faith into their daily living.

Though still in its beginnings, I think the film school is going to be one to rival in the next decade. All of the professors are working professionals, which is standard at most schools including mine, but the vast majority of JP Catholic media professors live in LA. That means they commute two hours down to San Diego once or twice a week to teach. I think that says something mighty significant about this place.

After my facilities tour, I was taken over to visit the most beautiful dorms I’ve ever seen in my entire life. I’m practically living in slave quarters at LMU…but there is no such nonsense at JP Catholic! Granted, they’re not real dorms, they’re apartments that have been leased to the school, but the grounds has a small movie theatre! (You can’t beat that.)

Following that part of the tour, four of the media students took me out to lunch. They were very nice and I enjoyed myself thoroughly. I hope to see them again, and I will keep you posted on their upcoming projects.

I totally forgot my video camera at home, but here’s a couple of pictures of the place…and yes I was in awe:

Pax Christi, Rebecca.