During the COVID-19 pandemic, our Spiritual Life Communities will meet electronically through Zoom, GroupMe, and social media platforms. As we practice physical distancing, we continue to cultivate spiritual formation, support, and joy in the Beloved Bentley community. Contact Director Rev. Robin Olson at rolson@bentley.edu with any questions, comments, or to meet virtually for a spirited conversation.
Get started with the resources above, and see numerous ways to connect with Chaplains and communities in the sections below.
Spiritual Life
Spiritual practice and religion are an important part of wellness, learning and growth. That’s why we dedicate space, staff and resources for your spiritual journey.
Our campus is home to students from around the world, representing many faiths and worldviews. The Spiritual Life community is a welcome place for all students and their religious affiliation, belief or spiritual practice. We honor the perspective and values our diverse students add to the community.
Accommodation Policies
Resources
Dedicated Spiritual Spaces
Organized worship services and meditations are held on campus several times a week. Additional spaces are reserved for quiet reflection, meditation and prayer. Meet students from other religions, create art and music, or practice mindfulness in a safe, spiritual space.
The Sacred Space
Student Center, Rooms 325 and 335
The Sacred Space is a dedicated place for multifaith worship and spiritual practice. You’re welcome to use the space for quiet reflection, meditation and prayer, or you can attend organized services. You’ll find:
- An altar, for use by any faith
- A resource center with spiritual and religious texts and information
- Zafu and Zabuton meditation cushions
- A Wudu Room for Muslim ablutions
- A labyrinth for contemplative centering
- A baby grand piano
- Tables, chairs and a large screen for group gatherings
The Sacred Space may be reserved by faith-based student organizations and other community members. Questions and reservation requests may be directed by email to GA_spiritual_life@bentley.edu.
Upper Campus Prayer Room
Lindsay 30B
Additional space for prayer, meditation and reflection is located in Lindsay 30B, just down the hall from Koumantzelis Auditorium. Prayer rugs, meditation cushions and sacred texts are available. A gender-inclusive bathroom also serves as an upper campus Wudu room for our Muslim community.
Faith-based Programs
Bentley’s Catholic community is supported by our Catholic Chaplain. Numerous opportunities for caring fellowship and spiritual practice are available through:
- Retreats held every semester, both on and off-campus
- Charitable projects, such as food and clothing collections, blanket making, and service in the Boston area
- Workshops and guest speakers
- Pastoral Care
- Sacrament of Reconciliation
- Adoration
- Confirmation preparation
- Bible Study weekly
- The Bentley Catholic Association, a student-led group
Catholic Community Schedule (all times Eastern)
(post-pandemic, events will return to in-person Sacred Space)
- Mass: Sundays at 7 pm in the Koumantzelis Auditorium in Lindsay Hall and live-streamed
- Zoom ID 967 3272 0090
- Bible Study: Wednesdays at 8:30pm, Student-Led
- Zoom ID: 872 2308 388
- Lenten Stations of the Cross: Fridays 3-3:30pm
- Zoom ID 979 5242 5423
Contact: Chaplain Fr. Ted Brown, m.s.
Our student-led Hillel and Jewish Chaplain support the needs of our Jewish community through:
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Kosher Corner meals, served daily in the 921 Dining Hall
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Kosher-for-Passover enhanced meals
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Zedakah social justice activities
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Holiday gatherings
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Birthright Israel
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Intercampus activities and trips sponsored by the Hillel Council of New England
Jewish Services Schedule
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Kabbalat Shabbat every Friday at 5:00pm via Zoom
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Email Rabbi Foust for zoom ID and passcode.
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- Bentley students are invited to participate in all activities at Waltham’s Temple Beth Israel
Contact: Chaplain Rabbi Jeff Foust
Many students find focus and peace through mindfulness and meditation practices. Our Mindfulness Coordinator can support your spiritual journey through:
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Books and articles in The Sacred Space
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Labyrinth walks
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Walking meditation
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Presentations and one-on-one meetings, incorporating multifaith wisdom and perspectives
Mindfulness Meditation Schedule
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Wednesdays from 2:15-2:45pm
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Zoom ID 932 4278 3967, passcode “awake”
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Contact: Mindfulness Coordinator Jeff Foust
Our student-led Bentley Islamic Community and Muslim Chaplain support the needs of our Muslim community through:
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Monthly fellowship meals with Halal-catered food.
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Information about local masjids, halal products and Eid celebrations
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Connections with the Waltham Islamic Society
The Sacred Space in the Student Center includes a Wudu Room for ablutions, and the Prayer Room in Lindsay 30B is also nicely equipped for daily Salaat.
Jum'ah Prayer Schedule
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Fridays at 1 p.m. in The Sacred Space
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Observances of Ramadan through Iftars and Maghrib prayer
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Eid celebrations
Contact: Director Rev. Robin Olson
Bentley’s Protestant community is guided by our interdenominational Protestant Chaplain and authorized spiritual advisors. Many opportunities for community fun, devotion, and study are offered.
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Fellowship nights and community service
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Prayer gatherings and Bible studies
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Pastoral counseling
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Gospel Choir
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Student-run evangelical groups, such as Bentley Cru Christian Fellowship and Symphony Church
Protestant Christian Fellowship Schedule
- “Ordinary Radicals” Mondays at 7:00pm, via Zoom
- Led by Protestant Chaplain
- Celebration of seasons of the Christian year, including Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter
Contact: Chaplain Intern Alyssa Burleson or Rev. Robin Olson
Non-Religious Spiritual Programs
We provide opportunities for meaning-making and community for all of our students. Chaplains are available for pastoral counseling to students regardless of spiritual or religious identity.
Many programs center students of all religious and spiritual backgrounds, including:
- Art and Soul
- Study Day Retreats
- Interfaith Day of Service
Religious Organizations and the Bentley campus
All groups or persons representing religious or spiritual traditions must be approved by and registered with the Spiritual Life Center prior to visiting campus. No unrecognized religious groups or leaders are permitted on campus. Inquiries should be directed to GA_Spiritual_Life@bentley.edu.