WE’VE GOT SPIRIT: Maybe you go to church every Sunday, or maybe you’ve never set foot in one. Maybe you’d like to deepen your spirituality, or figure out what it really means to you. Or maybe you’re looking for some fun and familiar activities to make a new place feel more like home. “Believe It Or Not” is the slogan of Vassar’s Office of Religious and Spiritual Life—and whether you believe or not, and whatever you believe, Vassar’s diverse spiritual communities have something for you. Student-organized groups include a Buddhist Sangha, Christian Fellowship, Episcopal Church, Catholic Community, Jewish Union, Islamic Society, Pagan Study Group, and several others. The larger communities have dedicated advisors, but all of the groups are student-led. Activities and levels of involvement vary from group to group, but each offers opportunities for students to explore, connect, question, and learn. These photographs capture just a few of the observances and events that occur throughout the year. For more information, go to the Religious and Spiritual Life website.
Vassar’s Buddhist Sangha hosts weekly meditation sessions that are attended by roughly 10-15 students. They also arrange for guest lectures on campus and take periodic trips to local Buddhist centers.
“Challah for Hunger” is one of Vassar Jewish Union’s most popular programs. Every Wednesday, a dozen or so students gather to bake this delicious bread, and then sell it in the College Center on Thursday to raise money and awareness about hunger. The Jewish community also gathers for Friday night services and dinner, discussions, and Israeli dancing.
Vassar’s Catholic Community is one of the largest and most active groups on campus. More than 50 students usually attend Mass, which is held every Sunday in Vassar’s magnificent chapel. VCC also hosts weekly “Prayer and Pizza” meetings.
Attended by anywhere from 20-40 members of the community, the Vassar Christian Fellowship sponsors weekly prayer meetings, small group Bible studies, and retreats.
This candle-lit walking meditation is a non-denominational event that takes place on the library lawn. It was created to encourage students to make time for reflection.
First-year students create a chalk mandala as part of a contemplative practice during orientation.