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

Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m.
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. Email pastanight@hws.edu to RSVP the Sunday before each gathering (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.
Coxe Hall, Classroom 8 

Muslim welcome event 

Come meet students involved in Muslim Life on Campus at a reception with light refreshments.  All are welcome.
August 26, 6:30 pm
Cox Hall, Bartlett Theatre

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.

Contact chapel@hws.edu for more information. 

 

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 two wudu stations for ablutions as well as a separate prayer room, the Muslim Life Center hosts weekly Friday Prayers from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m., and serves as a hub for events and discussions. The Center is centrally located on the first floor of Medbery Hall.
 

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