Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Sacred Spaces

chapelGeorgetown is known for its ethnically diverse student body and openness to different religious backgrounds, despite its religious affiliation. For both freshmen searching for religious roots in a new environment and upperclassmen looking to express their faith in new ways, students are presented with numerous opportunities on and around the Hilltop.

The best known services, of course, given Georgetown’s Jesuit roots, are the Sunday evening masses held in Dahlgren Chapel. The chapel also offers Mass and confession all week. For Catholic students, especially freshmen seeking a spiritual experience or religious community on campus, these services are the most convenient. As alumna Gabrielle Soltys (SFS’ 09) says, the familiarity of the services helped her cope with the new and challenging college environment during freshmen year. Of course, Georgetown’s Jesuit affiliation does not limit the opportunities for non-Catholics. Protestant students enjoy a vibrant religious life in programs including The Gathering, Chi Alpha, Intervarsity, Protestant Ministries, Asian Baptist Student Koinonia and several denominational groups tied to local churches.

The university has put much effort into making sure students of non-Christian faiths, especially its Muslim and Jewish populations, can engage in supportive worship communities. Indeed, Georgetown was the first American university to hire a full-time Muslim imam. Muslim students can perform their five daily prayers in a prayer room located in Copley Hall. For students interested in a truly in-depth religious experience, the university offers the Muslim Interest Living Community, located in Alumni Square.

Starting this fall, the Jewish Student Association and the Jewish Chaplaincy will offer Shabbat on Fridays at 6:30 p.m. in a new location between Capital One bank and Cosi in the Leavey Center, marking the start of a long-term renovation of the area for both Muslim and Jewish spaces. The Chaplaincy also holds a series of lectures and courses by visiting rabbis, examining anything from the use of alcohol in the Bible to the study of the Talmud, Reichmann said. The university has also made an effort to provide opportunities and worship services for its Orthodox Christian, Sikh, Latter-Day Saint, Hindu and Buddhist students. Each group holds their own weekly worship or prayer service.

Worship opportunities also abound throughout Washington, D.C. With such a variety of worship options, it certainly isn’t hard for Georgetown students to keep the faith.

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