Spiritual Life

Sundays @ 10:30 a.m. | Crisp Visual Arts Center (Henderson Auditorium)

Service Leader: Dr. Raegan Russell

This service invites participants to focus on the present moment and the interconnectedness of living beings. Sessions introduce various meditative techniques and group conversations that allow participants to control and manage external stress and difficulties within their everyday life and that introduce the core ideas that are shared by various Buddhist schools.

Sundays @ 10:30 a.m. (off campus) | Joining Interdenominational Christian Chapel

Service Leader: Dean M. Lynn Rasch

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

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

Service Leader: Mr. Josh Brown

This service option is designed to help students choose their own meditation practices. It is based on a variety of traditions. The focus is on mindfulness, self-reflection, self-regulation, and empathy for others.

Thursdays @ 7:00 p.m. | Admissions Lounge

Service Leader: Rev. Dr. Sam Boys

This service involves traditional puja, recitation of prayers, studying of sacred texts, and discussion. It helps students integrate mind, spirit, and body to cultivate and live a pure and authentic life that is an extension of their faith.

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. | Main Guard Conference Room

Service Leader: Dr. Nur Islam

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 @ 10:30 a.m. | Admissions Lounge

Service Leader: Mrs. Kristen Counts

In this small group, students learn and practice a specific freewriting process that utilizes the flow of writing first thoughts. Writing without self-judgment and with introspection are incorporated. Students discover and acknowledge insight and wisdom in the flow of this writing practice.

Sundays @ 10:30 a.m. | Outdoors (meet on lakeside of Legion); in inclement weather, meet in Eppley (Eileen Dicke Theatre)

Service Leaders: Ms. Jill Strange & 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 (Forum)

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. Bill Meininger, 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, distributing the Eucharist, 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 @ 9:00 a.m. | Vierson Gym

Service Leader: Dr. Raegan Russell

This 45-minute yoga practice incorporates breathwork, meditation, and intentional movement to promote overall well-being – mind, spirit, and body. This service involves embodied movement as well as learning yoga philosophy.

Sundays @ 9:00 a.m. | Crisp Visual Arts Center (Toots Henderson Auditorium)

Service Leader: Ms. Jen Cerny

We often assume that science and spirit are two distinct – even opposite – undertakings, probably because we associate spirit with religion. But could science and spirituality actually be seeking some of the same things? There is a great deal of research that hopes to reveal what causes or contributes to health, wellness, happiness, belonging, connection, meaning, and purpose which are all markers of a ‘good human life.’ This spiritual life offering will explore these topics so that students can develop a better sense of the relationship between mind, spirit, and body.