Spiritual EngagementPrograms and Resources

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The Office of Spiritual Engagement provides a multitude of opportunities for you to practice your faith or connect with community in a welcoming, inclusive environment.

Weekly Events

Pasta Night

Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 30, 2024
Chaplain's Residence, 630 S. Main Street

Students gather for conversation, fellowship and a pasta meal. The evening format is simple: prayers of thanksgiving, prayers for others, prayers for ourselves; eating supper in a safe, socially distant setting. RSVP by noon the day before each gathering to pastanight@hws.edu (RSVP required).

Kosher Shabbat Dinner

Fridays 6:30 p.m.
Abbe Center for Jewish Life

Email shabbat@hws.edu to get on our email list to receive safety information on protocols, weekly menus, and RSVP reminders.

roman Catholic Mass

Sundays, 4:30 p.m.
St. John's Chapel

Service of Holy Eucharist (Protestant Episcopal)

Sundays, 7 p.m.
St. John's Chapel

Muslim Prayers

Fridays, 1:30 p.m.
Demarest 117A

Hillel Board Meeting

Email hillel@hws.edu for more information about getting involved with the Hillel board.

Open Chapel

St. John's Chapel is open for contemplative prayer and meditation every day from early morning to late evening as long as the chapel is not being used for regular worship service or special event, or the Colleges are closed the week between Christmas and New Year’s.

 

Pass the Plate

HWS is committed to addressing food insecurity through Pass the Plate, the community food and personal item pantry. Located in Demarest Hall 012 and operated through the Office of Spiritual Engagement, any student or HWS community member can access non-perishable foods and personal hygiene products throughout the semester.

Donations are always welcome. The drop off box is located right next to the Chaplain's Office. For monetary donations, click on "Give" at the top of our webpage and designate your contribution to Pass the Plate Food Pantry.

Pantry Hours:
Monday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Tuesday: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Thursday: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Simply come to Demarest 22 for assistance.

Those needing extra meal swipes can register for Swipe Out Hunger by contacting Sarah Mullins (mullins@hws.edu) in Campus Life.

Contact spiritual@hws.edu for more information. 

Sign Up for Swipe Out Hunger

 

Labyrinth for Spiritual Restoration

Students construct a labyrinth
Labyrinths have long been used in spiritual practices throughout cultures and religions around the world, connecting mind, body and spirit. Because of its presence in many traditions and cultures, the labyrinth fits well with the inclusive culture HWS seeks to build and the multifaith emphasis of the Office of Spiritual Engagement.

Through donations, HWS created a memorial labyrinth south of the Richard S. Perkin Observatory off Kings Lane nears the Colleges’ arts campus.

Students performed the majority of construction and will perform minimal maintenance work throughout the labyrinth’s lifetime.

 

Muslim Life Center

With the nearest mosques located in Rochester and Syracuse, the Muslim Life Center was created to provide a space that enriches the religious and cultural diversity on campus and a place to pray that is easy for students to access. With a designated wudu station for ablutions in Demarest 007, the Muslim Life Center in Demarest 117A hosts weekly Friday Prayers from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m., and serves as a hub for events and discussions.
 

Spiritual Resource Center

Established in the Fall of 2023, the Spiritual Resource Center in Demarest 011 is open to all HWS Students, Staff, and Faculty. This is a quiet and private space for anyone to use for their personal spiritual, meditative, or other practice. The Spiritual Resource Center is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please contact spiritual@hws.edu or visit the Office for Spiritual Engagement in Demarest 22 to be given access.

 

Music, Meditation and Munchies

Enjoy some classical music, reflect on your life and enjoy treats each Wednesday during the semester during Music, Meditation and Munchies.

Colleges’ organist MaryAnn Hamilton plays music from around the world while guest speakers provide thoughts to reflect on.

Past performances

See More Performances