Religious and Spiritual Life

The memorial footbridge provides a spot for contemplation. (Photo by Sam Brooks '12)

Wilson Chapel is a place for quiet contemplation, religious and spiritual observance, and gathering in community. (Photo by Sam Brooks '12)

The gazebo on Haupt Pond is a quiet place to relax. (Photo by Sam Brooks '12)

From the Director:

I have found myself using the phrase "in the midst of the whirlwind" frequently to refer to how we are doing in the midst of pandemic, life transitions, local and international strife, and moments of blessing. In the scriptures the Tanakh/Old Testament there is a moment when the Divine speaks to Job out of a whirlwind and simultaneously reminds us that we are not divine or in control while also somehow offering comfort that there is such a force beyond us. In many traditions the force of wind is linked to life-giving breath; the Vedas tell us of Vayu, source of breath/prana and arbiter of wind's destructive or life-giving power. Whatever whirlwinds rage around you and those you hold dear may there also be a stillness, nurturing breath, and a comfort beyond understanding. And may there be the promise of blessing and winds of joy. With love,

Parker Diggory, Director of Religious and Spiritual Life

Congratulations to our graduates and blessings and peace to all our community!

Summer 2020:

Summer contact: The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life (ORSL) will be closed for much of June and July. We are available on a limited basis during the summer by email, and though responses may be delayed we will be happy to hear from you!
Time sensitive inquiries can be directed to the Office of Campus Life and Engagement.
Updates on Skidmore College's policies for COVID-19 and additional campus contacts and information are available from the Skidmore homepage and here.

Online meditation and resources: Check out the Skidmore Mindfulness page for ways to pause and breathe, including guided meditations recorded by our own Jennifer Schmid-Fareed, Coordinator of Skidmore Mindfulness. We will be adding more resources soon!

Incoming and Current Students:

Interest Form: Use this form to tell us about yourself and how you'd like to be involved in religious and spiritual life, interfaith collaboration, and more! You can also use it to share your name with the leaders of student clubs or request information on different ORSL topics.
Clubs: Some of our clubs and groups are active over the summer. Check them out on Instagram or get in touch with us to find out more: Challah for Hunger, Christian Fellowship, Hayat, Hillel, Muslim Students Association, Newman Club
Example programming: Check out the sample schedule below and the Skidmore Mindfulness page for more examples of our programming

To all of our students: Keep in touch with us and with each other. We will be finding ways to connect within and across religious and spiritual communities in the fall, regardless of how that has to happen. As always we are open to your ideas, leadership, questions, and feedback. What practices or programming has been helpful to you? What else would you like to see? What insights have you gained? Let us know!

The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life (ORSL) provides opportunities for members of the Skidmore community to develop their religious and spiritual lives, which are an important part of the educational experience.

We encourage enriching dialogue, meaningful ritual and enduring friendships among people of all religious backgrounds.

We offer:

religious services
holiday observances
contemplative practices
speakers and lectures
educational programs
discussion groups
community-service opportunities
social-justice projects
club advising
individual spiritual counsel

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Contacting a chaplain or spiritual advisor During the academic year, the ORSL staff are available to meet with students (in person or online as possible)regardless of religious, spiritual or secular background. Affiliated advisors and local religious leaders from specific traditions are also available on and off campus. We are happy to help students connect with leaders and communities from their preferred tradition. Connect with the ORSL: to discuss faith, spirituality and religion to connect with faith communities on or off campus for prayer or spiritual counsel to plan events on campus of religious, interfaith, and/or spiritual interest if you’re navigating a time of grief or transition to talk about identity and community when worried about a friend or loved one just to talk Set up a meeting (including online and phone meetings) with Parker, contact any of our staff.
Wilson Chapel Wilson Chapel is a beautiful space for worship and wonder, retreat and reflection. The space does not belong to any one tradition or religion and it can be transformed easily to fit specific ritual needs. When not scheduled for campus events, it is available to the Skidmore community for personal reflection and prayer. Events at the chapel include yoga, meditation, religious prayers and services, and events that explore many forms of spiritual and contemplative practice. When not otherwise reserved, the chapel is normally open from around 6:30 a.m. to around 10:30 p.m. during the school year. Those interested in reserving Wilson Chapel for outside use, including weddings, should consult the External Facilities Rental information from the Skidmore College Scheduling Office.

Spring 2020 Weekly schedule:

NOTE: This schedule is an example from the start of the Spring 2020 semester. We anticipate including similar programming online and in person as possible during the 2020-2021 academic year

Events are open to students, staff, and faculty unless otherwise noted.

MONDAY

Christian Prayer
12:15–12:35 p.m. Mondays, Case Center 203, with Parker Diggory - varied traditions. All are welcome, whether prayer is a regular part of your practice or not.