I go to Marquette, and I am not Catholic. There, I said it.

That's right, I'm one of "those." I went to public school and had never heard the word "Eucharist" before I arrived on campus.

But at Marquette I have never felt like one of "those" or like an outsider when it comes to my faith. I was raised in Lutheran and Presbyterian churches, which have stark differences from the Catholic tradition. There is no confession, Communion is only once a month, women can be members of the clergy and prayers don't go to saints.

Before I decided to go to college here, one of my worries was that I would be out of place as a non-Catholic and that Catholicism would be jammed down my throat. I was assured by admissions counselors and tour guides that this would not be the case. Lucky for me, they were right.

I was introduced to Catholicism my freshman year. In fact, the first story I ever wrote for the Tribune was about a trip to Europe taken by Milwaukee Archbishop Timothy Dolan. I didn't know about an archbishop's duties or his significance within the church, but I learned fast because my story depended on it.

I've come a long way since freshman year in understanding Catholicism. I go to Mass with my roommates every week (I am the only non-Catholic out of eight of us.) I really enjoy Mass, especially in the St. Joan of Arc Chapel. I like the order and ceremony of the service, even though staying in my seat during Communion is one of the most uncomfortable experiences ever.

Aside from Mass, I went on Campus Ministry's Marquette Experience Retreat last fall. Going on the retreat was one of the best experiences of my college career, and I strongly recommend it to everyone. The retreat is a reflection on Jesuit ideals, prayer and personal faith. It's also a time to re-focus your life and priorities, and relax away from campus and the stresses of college life.

Most students on the retreat were Catholic, and Mass and reconciliation with a priest were included in the weekend, but I felt right at home among the participants and leaders. Although the Catholic faith as a whole seems rather exclusive and intolerant of outsiders and people with different views, I have found Marquette and its Catholics very inclusive and welcoming.

Many students on campus are Catholic, and Marquette has a lot of students in programs to become Catholic or to be confirmed within the church. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults program, for those interested in becoming Catholic, has 21 participants this year, and the confirmation program has eight, according to Steve Blaha, assistant director of Campus Ministry.

Blaha said Marquette re-started the programs two years ago because of student interest. Like those students, it has been my interest in faith that has led to my growth within the Catholic Church. I have never felt pressured or forced to accept Catholicism or its teachings, and I truly appreciate that.

So here's to you, Marquette. Thanks for respecting all faiths while introducing those interested to elements of Catholicism. I like your religion, and you have helped me on my own spiritual journey.

I'd never become one of you Catholics, though. Your faith is still far too exclusive overall for my taste. You seem to condemn too many actions, and my opinions don't really match the church's on issues like birth control, abortion, stem-cell research and even the transfiguration of the bread and wine.