Student-led Communities of Faith

Spiritual practices and religious identity part of a Vassar education

Listed below are the currently active student-led groups, supported and sponsored by the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life. Whether you're a long-time member of a particular tradition or simply exploring your spiritual identity, all students are welcome at services, discussion groups, and other activities of any of these groups.

To get more information or to get involved, please contact:

Rev. Sam Speers
Director, Religious and Spiritual Life
845-437-5550

(Meeting times and places are subject to change! Contact groups for most current information.)

BUDDHIST SANGHA

Buddhist Sangha (from the Sanskrit for community) is for people who practice or are curious about any sect of Buddhist teachings (dharma). In addition to weekly meditation sessions and periodic trips to local Buddhist centers, the group sponsors dharma talks each semester and provides a forum to share questions, experiences, and information related to any sect of Buddhist thought and practice. Contact Buddhist Sangha.

CATHOLIC COMMUNITY (VCC)

The Vassar Catholic Community (VCC) works to deepen and enrich the religious life of all who identify themselves as Roman Catholic at Vassar. The group is a VSA organization whose activities focus on faith, community life, and social justice, including Mass on Sunday afternoons in the Chapel and weekly "Prayer and Pizza" meetings. Contact VCC or Linda Tuttle, Affiliate Advisor

CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

Vassar Christian Fellowship (VXF) is dedicated to helping Christian students grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. The group is a VSA organization that sponsors weekly meetings for prayer and fellowship, small group Bible studies, retreats, and a Christian a cappella group, "Alive". Contact: VXF or Rosaura Andujar-McNeil, Affiliate Advisor

EPISCOPAL CHURCH

The Episcopal Church at Vassar College (ECVC) sponsors a weekly Episcopal Eucharist on campus, and Tuesday "Free for All" Suppers. Contact: ECVC or The Rev. Jennifer Barrows, Affiliate Advisor

ECUMENICAL PROTESTANTS

Ecumenical Protestants serves students who come from the rich diversity of liberal Protestant traditions. Sunday evening worship services in the Chapel chancel help students link their faith and learning. Contact: Ecumenical Protestants or The Rev. Jennifer Barrows, Affiliate Advisor

HINDU HERITAGE

Hindi Heritage is a group for people who share a practice, heritage, or interest in any sect of Hinduism. Transportation to a local Hindu temple is available monthly. Contact: Hindu Heritage

ISLAMIC SOCIETY (VIS)

The Vassar Islamic society (VIS) is a group for Muslims and those interested in Islam. Transportation is available to Friday prayers at a local mosque. The group discusses issues of concern in the Muslim community and the community at large, and coordinates special meetings and dinners celebrating Muslim holidays. Contact: Vassar Islamic Society

JEWISH UNION/HILLEL

The Vassar Jewish Union (VJU/Hillel) strives to serve the diverse needs of the Vassar Jewish Community. The group is a VSA organization that sponsors weekly Friday night services and dinners, programming for all major Jewish holidays, cultural and educational programs that explore Jewish life and Jewish identity, opportunities for social action, and social events. Visit the web site or contact: Vassar Jewish Union or Rabbi Rena Blumenthal, Rachlin Advisor to Jewish Students

VASSAR PAGAN CIRCLE

Pagan Study Group provides an open forum for discussion of pagan spiritualities and a sharing of interests and beliefs. The group is a VSA organization that offers a variety of social, spiritual, and educational events throughout the semester. Contact: Pagan Study Group.

QUAKER MEETING

Quaker Meeting sponsors a weekly meeting in the manner of Friends for the Quaker community and anyone interested in the rich contemplative and activist traditions of the Society of Friends. Contact: Quakers or Julie Riess, Campus Advisor

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISTS

Vassar's "UU" group engages spirituality and social issues, working to build a welcoming community in the non-creedal traditions of Unitarian Universalists. The group is a VSA organization that meets weekly for creative worship, discussion, and meditation; the group also collaborates with the local UU congregation. Contact: Unitarian Universalists

WHOLISTIC

Wholistic is a coalition of students working to make the life of the body and spirit at Vassar as vibrant as the life of the mind. The group is a VSA organization that provides resources, literature, dinners, workshops and programs to help students live balanced and healthy lives. Contact: Wholistic

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