A Question about the Role of Law Schools in Great Catholic Universities

A few days ago, I had a very enjoyable conversation with a Notre Dame colleague -- who does not teach in our law school -- about the place of a law school in a university, particularly in a Catholic university that aspires to be "great."  Many of us here at MOJ have thought, and written, about what it means, and why it might matter, to be a "Catholic law school."  I'd like to invite reactions on a slightly different question -- one that necessarily points toward issues sounding in "Catholic legal theory" -- namely, what is the role of a law school in a Catholic university?  Is there something about contemporary culture and institutions -- in America, particularly -- that suggests that any university hoping to be, work, and engage the world in a way that is distinctively Catholic must place special importance on the mission and flourishing of a law school?  Any thoughts?

Rick