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)

WEEKLY SCHEDULE: Our regular schedule of gatherings, including in-person and online options, is underway! See the schedule below for a list of events, and check out SkidSync for specific information or just email orsl@skidmore.edu and tell us what you're interested in and we'll send you all the links and updates.

Spring Semester 2021

Where are we? Online: ORSL staff are available online via email and Zoom. See our "meet the staff" page for contact information. Online office hours include Mondays 2-4 with Parker. In-person: ORSL staff are working a mix of on and off campus hours. In-person meetings can be set up as policies allow. You can find us at Case Information Desk (2nd floor of Case Center) usually on this schedule: Monday afternoons - Parker Diggory, Tuesday afternoons - Jennifer Schmid-Fareed, Wednesday mornings - Martina Zobel. The Case desk is staffed by us, our colleagues from Campus Life & Engagement and other Student Affairs offices every weekday 8:30-12 and 1-4:30. Quick contact: orsl@skidmore.edu

Ramadan: Students observing Ramadan who have not yet connected with ORSL should email us (orsl@skidmore.edu). With our partners in the Skidmore Muslim Students Association (MSA) and faculty advisors we have a number of opportunities to share, inclduing care packages to help with those late night food needs, iftar and taraweeh gatherings (online opetions available, in-person plans to be shared as alert levels allow), and more! We also welcome sign-ups to help with Eid preparations. Ramadan Mubarak! May this month be fruitful and blessed.

More Holidays and Observances: This semester we have worked with students, clubs, and colleagues to plan online and, when possible, in-person observances for holidays and special observances including: Ash Wednesday, Lent, Purim, Maha Shivaratri, Nawruz, Passover, Palm Sunday, Holy Week, Easter, Ramadan, and more! Want to be sure you know the plans for an observance or want to help with planning with these or other observances? Connect with relevant clubs or ORSL to be added to email lists, check out ORSL and clubs on SkidSync, or just get in touch with our office.

See this page for more on accommodation policies and a calendar-in-progress. Questions about an upcoming holiday? Wondering what's happening on campus? Contact us: orsl@skidmore.edu .

Sign-up for updates (New and returning students): Programming updates will be posted soon as schedules become available. Let us know your interests (specific religious groups, holidays, interfaith work, mindfulness, etc) and we'll be sure to update you. New and returning students can use this form to tell us what you'd like to hear about.

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!

Clubs: Clubs have been doing wonderful work to connect students online and in person this year! 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. Is your club missing? Want to start a new one? Let us know!

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 this semester, 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

Facebook

Visit the Page

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
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 mm. 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.

Weekly Schedule Summary

Contact orsl@skidmore.edu with questions, to sign up to receive regular emails with links and updates, or for information including accessibility and accommodations. Unless otherwise noted, gatherings are open to Skidmore students, staff, and faculty.

Note: In person gatherings are subject to cancellation or change according to health and safety policies. Sign up for updates or RSVP to events to receive change notices.

MONDAY

Yoga: 9:00-10:00 am, In-person at Wilson Chapel, RSVP required on SkidSync. Led by Skidmore Mindfulness student staff. Space is limited. Asana with attention to breath and contemplative practices. Contact jschmidf@skidmore.edu to sign up for updates and reminders.

Christian Prayer: 12:15-12:35 - Online. Prayer from a range of Christian traditions. Newcomers always welcome. See SkidSync or email kdiggory@skidmore.edu for links.

Ranting with the Divine/Hitbodadut - 12:30-1 pm, Online (with in-person option starting late February) Did you know there are many long held traditions about being angry with God? A gathering for catharsis and community. Led by Martina Zobel, Coordinator of Jewish Student Life. Email Martina at mzobel@skidmore.edu for links and more information.

Open Hours at Wilson Chapel: 2-4 pm, In-person. Students only. Hang out, take a break, study, meditate, pray, just be. Hosted by ORSL student staff. No need to RSVP.

Office Hours: 2-4 pm - Online. Office hours with Parker Diggory, Director of Religious and Spiritual Life. See SkidSync or email us for link information. Additional hours available by scheduling or emailing orsl@skidmore.edu if a convenient time is not clearly available.

Mindfulness & Meditation:
4:00-4:20 pm, In-person at Wilson Chapel and online. RSVP on SkidSync if you plan to attend in-person. Guided meditation moment with attention to breath and mindful presence. Newcomers always welcome. Led by the Skidmore Mindfulness Program of ORSL. Links on SkidSync or email jschmidf@skidmore.edu for updates and reminders.

Tea, Text, Torah:
4:30-5 pm - Online (with in-person option starting late February) Led by Martina Zobel, Coordinator of Jewish Student Life. Email Martina at mzobel@skidmore.edu for links and more information.

Newman Club: 7-8 pm, In-person at Wilson Chapel and online. See SkidSync to RSVP and for links and contact information or email orsl@skidmore.edu. Weekly gathering for Catholic students and any interested in Catholic life at Skidmore. Gatherings will alternate between general/social meetings and bible studies.

TUESDAY

Yoga:

12-1 pm, In-person at Wilson Chapel and online. RSVP on SkidSync required for in-person attendance. Led by Jennifer Schmid-Fareed, Coordinator of Skidmore Mindfulness. Asana with attention to breath and contemplative practices. Email jschmidf@skidmore.edu for updates and reminders.

Open Hours at Wilson Chapel: 2-4 pm, In-person. Students only. Hang out, take a break, study, meditate, pray, just be. Hosted by ORSL student staff. No need to RSVP.

Mindfulness & Meditation with OP and ORSL
In-person at Wilson Chapel and online. RSVP on SkidSync if you plan to attend in-person: 4-4:20 pm. Guided meditation moment with attention to breath and mindful presence. Newcomers always welcome. Led by the Skidmore Mindfulness Program of ORSL. Tuesdays are cohosted by ORSL and the Opportunity Program (OP). Links on SkidSync or email jschmidf@skidmore.edu for updates and reminders.

WEDNESDAY

Tefilah Drama: 12:30-1 pm, Online (with in-person option starting late February) Exploring prayer through the dramatic arts. Led by Martina Zobel, Coordinator of Jewish Student Life. Email Martina at mzobel@skidmore.edu for links and more information.

Open Hours at Wilson Chapel: 2-4 pm In-person. Students only. Hang out, take a break, study, meditate, pray, just be. Hosted by ORSL student staff. No need to RSVP.

Mindfulness & Meditation:
4:00-4:20 pm In-person at Wilson Chapel and online. RSVP on SkidSync if you plan to attend in-person. Guided meditation moment with attention to breath and mindful presence. Newcomers always welcome. Led by the Skidmore Mindfulness Program of ORSL. Links on SkidSync or email jschmidf@skidmore.edu for updates and reminders.

Zen Meditation: 7-8 pm, In-person at Wilson Chapel. Led by ORSL student staff. Will include seated and walking meditation practices. Newcomers welcome. Stay afterwards for open time at Wilson Chapel! Email orsl@skidmore.edu for updates or more information.

Open Hours at Wilson Chapel: 8-10 pm In-person. Students only. Hang out, take a break, study, meditate, pray, just be. Hosted by ORSL student staff. No need to RSVP.

Christian Fellowship - BibleStudy: 7pm. See Skidmore Christian Fellowship on SkidSync for information and to join the club's email list.

THURSDAY

Yoga:

12-1 pm, In person at Wilson Chapel and online. RSVP on SkidSync required for in-person attendance. Led by Jennifer Schmid-Fareed, Coordinator of Skidmore Mindfulness. Asana with attention to breath and contemplative practices. Email jschmidf@skidmore.edu for updates and reminders.

Open Hours at Wilson Chapel: 2-4 pm, In-person. Students only. Hang out, take a break, study, meditate, pray, just be. Hosted by ORSL student staff. No need to RSVP.

Mindfulness & Meditation:
4:00-4:20 pm, In-person and online. RSVP on SkidSync if you plan to attend in-person. Guided meditation moment with attention to breath and mindful presence. Newcomers always welcome. Led by the Skidmore Mindfulness Program of ORSL. Links on SkidSync or email jschmidf@skidmore.edu for updates and reminders.

Christian Fellowship - BibleStudy: 8pm. See Skidmore Christian Fellowship on SkidSync for information and to join the club's email list.

FRIDAY

Jummah: Connect with the Muslim Students Association or contact us at orsl@skidmore.edu to connect with online opportunities for Khutba and Salaat ul-Jummah. In-person gatherings will be added when possible as the semester continues.

Yoga: 3-4 pm, In person at Wilson Chapel, RSVP required on SkidSync. Led by Skidmore Mindfulness student staff. Space is limited. Asana with attention to breath and contemplative practices. Contact jschmidf@skidmore.edu to sign up for updates and reminders.

Mindfulness & Meditation:
4:00-4:20 pm, In-person at Wilson Chapel and online. RSVP on SkidSync if you plan to attend In-person. Guided meditation moment with attention to breath and mindful presence. Newcomers always welcome. Led by the Skidmore Mindfulness Program of ORSL. Links on SkidSync or email jschmidf@skidmore.edu for updates and reminders.

Shabbat: Challah pick-up, Pre-Shabbat check-in, in-person and online Kabbalat Shabbat services, Havdalah gatherings, and more! See Hillel on SkidSync for updates and events. Sign up for email reminders by "joining" Hillel on SkidSync or by emailing Martina Zobel, Coordinator of Jewish Student Life: mzobel@skidmore.edu.

Ignite! (Christian Fellowship weekly big group meeting): 7pm - See Skidmore Christian Fellowship on SkidSync for more information and to sign up for the club email list.

SATURDAY

Yoga: 5-6pm pm, In person at Wilson Chapel, RSVP required on SkidSync. Led by Skidmore Mindfulness student staff. Space is limited. Asana with attention to breath and contemplative practices. Contact jschmidf@skidmore.edu to sign up for updates and reminders.

Havdalah - Monthly(ish) gatherings for Havdalah with a mix of online and in-person opportunities. Sign up with Hillel on SkidSync or email mzobel@skidmore.edu for updates.

Sunday

Church/Mass attendance: As health and safety conditions allow, students attend services at a number of local congregations. Contact orsl@skidmore.edu for more information and see Newman Club on SkidSync for specifics about attending Catholic Mass. Online options available all semester.

Sound Heeling at Wilson Chapel 6pm. See updates from Skidmore Mindfulness for more information or contact Jennifer Schmid-Fareed (jschmidf@skidmore.edu).

Open Hours at Wilson Chapel: 7-9 pm, In-person. Students only. Hang out, take a break, study, meditate, pray, just be. Hosted by ORSL student staff. No need to RSVP.

More to come! Want to request additional times or types of gatherings? Let us know: orsl@skidmore.edu or drop in to office hours or stop by Wilson Chapel during open hours starting soon!

Schedule subject to change. See SkidSync or contact us for information or to find out about additional opportunities and local services.