From March 23rd on our Spiritual Life Communities will be meeting 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 rolson@bentley.edu with any questions, comments, or to meet virtually for a spirited conversation.
See numerous ways to connect with Chaplains and communities in the tabs 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.
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 a Catholic Chaplain and visiting priests from the Archdiocese of Boston. Opportunities for caring fellowship are available through:
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Prayer retreats held on- and off-campus
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Charitable projects, like food and clothing collections
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Workshops and guest speakers
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Pastoral care
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Bible Study weekly
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The Bentley Catholic Association, a student-led group
Catholic Mass Schedule
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Sundays at 7 p.m. in The Sacred Space, including sacrament of reconciliation (not meeting from from March 23rd following)
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Bible Study weekly: Wednesdays at 8:30pm EST Student-Led
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Adoration every week:
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Mondays, 8-9pm EST Online Adoration
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zoom in any time in the hour
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Lenten Station of the Cross: Fridays 3-4pm EST:
Contact: Chaplain Fr. Ted Brown
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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Fourth Friday Kabbalat Shabbat services, Friday night dinners and Sunday brunches
- Bentley students are invited to participate in all activities at Waltham’s Temple Beth Israel
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 via ZOOM https://bentley.zoom.us/j/741559586
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
Bentley’s Protestant Christian Fellowship is an interdenominational community that gathers for devotion, study and service. A Protestant Chaplain and fellowships encourage spiritual growth through:
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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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A Gospel Choir that performs several times a year
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Student-run evangelical groups, such as Bentley Cru Christian Fellowship and Symphony Church
Protestant Christian Fellowship Schedule
- Sundays at 4:30 p.m. in the Sacred Space
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Communion, once a month
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Celebration of seasons of the Christian year, including Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter
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.
Local Congregation Listing
Religious Observances Calendar
Spiritual but not religious?
We provide opportunities for meaning-making and community for all of our students. Chaplains are also available for pastoral counseling.