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)
Passover, Easter, Ramadan, and more: ORSL staff are happy to connect students and Skidmore community members with resources to observe these traditions wherever they are. Want to know when Skidmore folks are gathering online? On campus and need help navigating dining accomodations? Let us know! Connect with clubs and the ORSL to share in these celebrations across the world and to explore ways to observe these traditions in ever-changing circumstances.
- Passover: Contact Martina Zobel, mzobel@skidmore.edu
- Holy Week, Easter, Pascha: Contact Parker Diggory, kdiggory@skidmore.edu
- Ramadan: Contact Parker Diggory, kdiggory@skidmore.edu
Our support in the midst of challenge: While our classes continue remotely we are also continuing our work in the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life. We're dissappointed we won't get to gather in person for all the wonderful events you had planned, and we're figuring things out as we go along. Get in touch and let us know how we can support you. We're still here and will continue to be resources, just in new and different ways.
Online and remote programming: Connect with ORSL staff and other students and staff as our community finds new ways to support each other.
- Life is Weird, Let's Talk About it: ORSL staff are available to talk online or by phone with students of any religious or non-religious background. Set up a meeting with Parker, Martina, or Jennifer.
- Mindfulness Program: Online meditation gatherings Mondays and Thursdays at 4pm - brief guided meditation gatherings with Jennifer Schmid-Fareed, Coordinator of Skidmore Mindfulness. Yoga: Check out our Instagram on Tuesdays (live at 1pm) for teachings from the Yoga Sutras with Jennifer and sign up for the Mindfulness listserve for Saturday morning messages with links to online yoga asana practices. Contact Jennifer or follow our social media for more information.
- Tea, Text, Torah and Morning Prayer: Mondays and Thursdays at 4:30pm - Tea Text Torah is a (now online) gathering with students and Martina Zobel, Coordinator of Jewish student Life, to explore Jewish texts and questions big and small about life - no need to be Jewish to participate! Martina will also be sharing morning prayer practices that incorporate contemplative and centering practices from Jewish tradition and beyond. Contact Martina or follow our social media for the schedule.
- Christian Prayer and Fellowship: Join Parker Diggory, Director of Religious and Spiritual Life on Mondays and Fridays at 1pm for an online prayer, sharing joys and concerns, and fellowship through Lent, Holy Week, and the Easter season. Contact Parker for more information or to request another prayer time or resource.
- Zen Medtation: Online gathering including guided zazen, walking meditation, and chanting, with instruction for newcomers. Wednesdays at 6:30 pm. Contact Holley Hodgins for Zoom information: hhodgins@skidmore.edu
- Share your pictures and stories: Have you carved out a spot in your family's home for meditation? Want to see how your peers are welcoming Shabbat in different places? Are you on campus and finding new ways to support yourself and others? Send us your pictures and stories and we'll share them with the community.
- And More! Follow our Instagram or Facebook, get in touch with clubs through SkidSync, and let us know what you'd like to see or hear about from the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life.
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
|
Contacting a chaplain or spiritual advisor Connect with the ORSL:
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. |
NOTE: These gatherings are currently suspended but we anticipate a similar schedule for the Fall 2020 semester.
Spring 2020
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.
Mindfulness & Meditation
4-4:20pm, ICC - Case 208 every weeday. Take a break and take a breath. Open to all,
regardless of experience or tradition.
Tea, Text, Torah
4:30 pm, Case 202, Mondays and Thursdays with Martina Zobel. Stop by for a casual
discussion of topics and texts related to Jewish tradition. All are welcome, regardless
of religious background.
TUESDAY
Office Hours
Parker Diggory, 1–3 pm Tuesdays, Case 203. Additional hours available. Email or stop by to chat
or set an appointment.
Mindfulness & Meditation
4-4:20pm, ICC - Case 208 every weekday. Take a break and take a breath. Open to all,
regardless of experience or tradition.
Newman Club
8-9 pm every other Tuesday in Wilson Chapel beginning 1/28. General meeting for fellowship,
fun, and planning. Newman Club is for students interested in Catholic life at Skidmore
and is open to all.
WEDNESDAY
Mindfulness & Meditation
4-4:20pm, ICC - Case 208 every weekday. Take a break and take a breath. Open to all,
regardless of experience or tradition.
Interfaith Cafe
5-6pm Wednesdays, ICC - Case 208. Coffee, tea, snacks, talk. Just hang out or join the conversation. Topics to include:
religion in the nws, interfaith collaboration at Skidmore, campus events, secular
identity, anti-religious bias, and more. Want to suggest a topic or plan a gathering?
Let us know! Open to all regardless of religious or secular perspective.
Zen Meditation
6:25–8:00 pm Wednesdays, Wilson Chapel. All are welcome. Meditation cushions and other
supplies provided. Contact Holley Hodgins for more information.
THURSDAY
Mindfulness & Meditation
4-4:20pm, ICC - Case 208 every weekday. Take a break and take a breath. Open to all,
regardless of experience or tradition.
Tea, Text & Torah
4:30 pm Mondays and Thursdays, Case 202, with Martina Zobel. Stop by for a casual
discussion of topics and texts related to Jewish tradition. All are welcome, regardless
of religious background.
FRIDAY
Jummah Prayer
Friday afternoons, Wilson Chapel, Khutba and Salat gatherings at 12:45 and 1:45, Chapel
reserved for drop-in 12:30–3:30 pm, prayer rugs available on the shelves in the hallway
to the right as you enter the building.
Mindfulness & Meditation
4-4:20pm, ICC - Case 208 every weekday. Take a break and take a breath. Open to all,
regardless of experience or tradition.
Shabbat Services
5:15–6:15 pm Fridays, Wilson Chapel
Student-led egalitarian services with Skidmore Hillel. All are welcome.
Shabbat Dinner
6:30 p.m., second floor of the dining hall unless otherwise announced. Free for students
regardless of mealplan.
RSVP via Hillel on SkidSync
Skidmore Christian Fellowship—Ignite!
7 pm, ICC - Case 208, large group gathering, contact Christian Fellowship on SkidSync for small group and Bible Study gatherings. All are welcome.
SATURDAY
Yoga
5–6:15 pm Saturdays and Sundays, Wilson Chapel - all levels, mats provided. This gathering approaches the practice from the deep sources
of yogic tradition and is open to all regardless of religious, spiritual, or secular
perspective.
SUNDAY
Quaker Gatherings
3–4 pm, Wilson Chapel
every other Sunday beginning January 26th, with members of local meetings. Gatherings begin at
3 with fellowship, followed by unprogrammed worship. All are welcome.
Yoga
5–6:15 pm Saturdays and Sundays, Wilson Chapel, - all levels, mats provided. This gathering approaches the practice from the deep sources of yogic tradition and
is open to all regardless of religious, spiritual, or secular perspective.
...and more! Watch for postings about additional gatherings: holidays, club events, and more. Don't see something for your tradition or interest? Contact the ORSL to find out about additional options or starting something new.
Schedule subject to change. See SkidSync or contact us for information or to find out about additional opportunities and local services.
