A qualitative case study was designed to investigate the prevalence and nature of group initiation rites in Catholic high schools. The strength of this exploratory research was its general probing into initiation practices of four Catholic high schools using an instrument developed for a national study (Hoover & Pollard, 2000) modified for use in Catholic school settings.

          The report described responses of 108 ninth grade students and 46 twelfth grade students from urban, suburban, and single-sex schools. Eleven administrators were interviewed and their responses compared to students’ responses and content of school documents. Comparisons between local data and the national sample were conducted. The results revealed the prevalence of positive community-building initiation activities in most student organizations. Half the number of students expected or tolerated hazing, and 20 percent were either hazed or witnessed it happen to others when joining high school organizations. One third the number of students were hazed, 70 percent of them before the age of fourteen. Seventy-eight percent of students involved with hazing experienced negative consequences affecting interpersonal relationships, academic performance, and emotional well-being. Findings were mixed on the relationship of hazing participation to students’ perceptions of the Catholic characteristics of their schools and to self-reported religiosity. School administrators recognized the prevalence and value of group initiation rites but understated the existence of hazing activities. Students and administrators believed that strong disciplinary measures and education about hazing will help prevent it. Findings differed slightly from the national study. Outcomes from this research provided a broader description of group initiation rites in Catholic high schools, especially the often overlooked practice of hazing.