Spiritual Life Programs and Organizations
CATHOLIC SPIRITUAL LIFE
In addition to Holy Day and Sunday Masses, Bentley College provides Catholic students, faculty and staff with opportunities to socialize and enrich their faith through worship, prayer retreats, and days of recollection, and celebration of sacraments.
Charitable projects, food and clothing collections and outreach to the poor and those in need help to integrate Bentley's Catholic community with the larger community. Liturgies, programs, discussions, social and cultural activities, counseling and peer ministry all encourage the personal development of students as they integrate their college experience with their Catholic identity.
One particular organization-Catholic Campus Connections (formerly known as the Newman Club) unites Catholic students students in a common search for mutual support and friendships.
PROTESTANT SPIRITUAL LIFE
The purpose of Protestant Fellowship is to provide students faculty and staff with spiritual support and guidance in the college environment. The Protestant Chaplain seeks to encourage spiritual growth through weekly worship services, prayer services, Bible studies, fellowship nights, community services, and pastoral counseling.
Students are provided opportunities to celebrate seasons on the Christian year such as Christmas, Lent, and Easter. Communion is celebrated the first Sunday of each month. The Protestant Chaplain also recognizes and celebrates denominational differences with regards to worship services, and provides referral services for local Protestant churches.
The student groups which supports Protestant spiritual life on campus is the Bentley Christian Fellowship. To access the Bentley Christian Fellowship, please click on the line below:
JEWISH SPIRITUAL LIFE
Hillel serves the social, cultural and religious needs of Jewish students and staff at Bentley. Activities include periodic Sunday brunched, holiday gatherings, Zedakah social justice activities, Friday Night dinners, and fourth Friday Kabbalat Shabbat services. Other opportunities include direct participation in the activities of the Spiritual Life Center.
Jewish students and staff also have a standing invitation to participate in all activities, including daily morning services, at Waltham's Temple Beth Israel (on Harvard Street, behind the Victory Supermarket). As well, they are encouraged to explore intercampus activities and trips sponsored by the Hillel Council of New England. For more information, please click on the link below:
BUDDHIST SPIRITUAL LIFE
Buddhism is a relatively new philosophy in America, and even newer to the Bentley campus. As interest develops, we are happy to offer dharma talks (discussions of Buddhist ideas), one-on-one meetings, and field trips to Buddhist events in the Boston area. Books and articles on the various forms of Buddhism are also available.
One of the fundamental practices of Buddhism is seated meditation, and all Bentley community members interested in reflection, contemplation and quietude are welcome to join our meditation sitting group. There are sittings twice a week, with instruction always available. Check with the Spiritual Life Center for the current schedule, or stop by the Sacred Space any time. The sittings are free, so grab a zafu (meditation cushion) from the closet and join us.
MUSLIM SPIRITUAL LIFE
The Muslim adviser, on a requested basis, assists students, faculty and staff with both individual and collective Islamic development. The adviser can provide information on:
- local masjids
- local vendors who sell halal products
- local eid celebrations
The aim of the Muslim Umma (community) at Bentley College is to strive to better serve The Most High, Allah (SAW). As an umma, it attempts this through:
- regularly scheduled Jumma prayer
- Ramadan observance: an aftar (daily breaking of fast) and mahgrib prayer
The Muslim Student Association also addresses a variety of Islamic needs on campus.
THE BENTLEY GOSPEL CHOIR
The Bentley Gospel Choir was founded in 1996 to celebrate the rich heritage of gospel music with the Bentley community. Director Beverly Mosby holds rehearsals each week at a specified campus location. In addition to singing at various functions on and off campus, the choir give annual concerts in the winter and spring.
