Spiritual Life

Sundays @10:30 a.m. | Eppley Auditorium

Service Leaders: Mr. Scott Sweet-Christian, Dr. Sam Boys

In this service, students learn and practice guided meditations, breathing techniques, and other mindfulness practices. They have the opportunity to rest and rejuvenate while also having some discussion. Everything that is practiced during the service can be taken and used to improve calm and focus in their daily lives. Students who are already established in a practice, share what they know and lead practice as well.

Sundays @ 10:30 a.m. | Memorial Chapel

Service Leader: Rev. Brenda Hafer, Rev. Dr. Sam Boys

The Christian traditions represented by Culver students are as diverse as those of the culture at large. This service embraces all Protestant denominations by staying Christ-centred. Worship involves readings from scripture, a sermon, and time for prayer at every Sunday service. The music is a student-led blend of traditional hymns and praise and worship songs.

Fridays @ 7:00 p.m. | Admissions Conference Room

Service Leader: Dr. Ghada Al Abbadi

Once a week, students gather for the opportunity to learn about Muslim life and practice. Topics include the importance of charity and the significance of religious pilgrimage. Students explore the relevance of the Qur’an and the Prophet’s life to their lives at Culver; they are also given the opportunity to connect with the Muslim community in South Bend.

Fridays @ 7:00 p.m. | Crisp Visual Arts Center (Toots Henderson Auditorium)

Service Leader: Rabbi Joshua Rubin

Shabbat, Hebrew for day of rest, is the most important day in the Jewish calendar. Conducted in both Hebrew and English, this service includes the lighting of the Sabbath candles, the recital of Kiddush, and prayers over wine (juice), bread, and the Sabbath day itself. Discussions concerning Jewish life, practice, and world affairs will also take place as a part of this service option.

Sundays @ 10:00 a.m. | Outdoors (meet on lakeside of Legion); in inclement weather, meet in Eppley (Eileen Dicke Theatre)

Service Leaders: Ms. Shalena Eaton

This service is offered to students who find their spiritual nourishment by connecting with Nature. The service will include meditative walks in the woods and along the lake, as well as ceremonies that celebrate the cycles and seasons of the year. This service honors all the earth-based spiritual traditions.

Sundays @ 10:30 a.m. | Huffington Library

Service Leaders: Ms. Jen Cerny, Ms. Grace McKay

This Spiritual Life offering enables students to reflect on their lives and the lives of others from the standpoint of various philosophical traditions, both ancient and modern. In this service, emphasis is given to respectful, engaging dialogue with those who may have divergent viewpoints. A wide variety of topics are addressed.

Sundays @ 9:00 a.m. | Memorial Chapel

Service Leader: Fr. Stephen Felicichia, Deacon Mike Madison

Mass is the Roman Catholic community coming together to worship and honor God. There are many opportunities for students to be involved in the Mass: helping the priest at the altar, proclaiming the word of the Lord, greeting the worshippers, assisting distribution of Holy Communion, leading the congregation in song, or providing music for the Mass. Holy Days of Obligation and Penance services also enable Culver’s Roman Catholic students, faculty, and staff to celebrate the Sacraments together during the school year.

Sundays @ 10:30 a.m. | Schrage Leadership Center (Chenn Banquet Room)

Service Leaders: Dr. Evan Dutmer, Mr. Don Fox

The Unitarian Universalist service brings together people of many backgrounds and faith traditions as well as students and adults who have no particular faith background.  Unitarian Universalism is grounded in Seven Core Principles.  We are a Welcoming Community, and we believe that wisdom, truth, and meaning can be found in many places and many religions, as well as secular sources.  What we share is a commitment to creating a spiritual community beyond boundaries, working for more justice and more love in our own lives and in the world.   While we begin and conclude each of our services together, there is separate time for Buddhists, Hindus, and those interested in Meditative Free Writing, and students are free to explore each of these options as they choose.

Sundays @ 10:00 a.m. (off campus)

Service Leader: Ms. M. Lynn Rasch

Students are chaperoned by Dean Rasch to the church in Plymouth where they hold services onsite.