Catholic Discourse: An Ethnographical Study on the Impact of a Dedicated Meeting Space Influencing the Success of a Discourse Community

My research consists of the impact of a designated meeting space on the U-Catholic discourse community. The question being answered is, “How did a designated meeting space positively impact the U-Catholic discourse community?” To answer this question, I relied on personal observations, interviews (specifically with the president of the U-Catholic community), and analysis of the community’s growth after the Catholic Center was introduced. This allowed me to explore both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the community's development. From new events to new members, this center has opened up a plethora of opportunities for all students on campus to come explore this discourse community and feel welcomed when doing so. In addition, this catholic center served a pivotal role in solidifying U-Catholic as an organization and allowed its members to recognize each other as such. Overall, the establishment of the Catholic Center proved to be a key factor in the success and growth of the U-Catholic discourse community. This research suggests that physical spaces are vital for fostering communication, engagement, and identity within any group. The insights gained can be applied to a wide range of organizations looking to build stronger, more connected communities.