Faith Communities and Groups

Each of the College chaplains has faith-specific responsibilities, but each is available to every member of the College community.

Catholic | Jewish | Protestant | Unitarian Universalist

There are several religious and spiritual student clubs and organizations at Connecticut College. The list is updated each fall and throughout the academic year by the Office of Student Life as new groups form, depending on students' interests.

Catholic Community

The Catholic community at Connecticut College provides opportunities for worship and the formation of a personal vision of the Gospel and its place in one's life on a college campus and beyond. The Catholic community at Connecticut College is a service which the Diocese of Norwich exercises in conjunction with the College. Father Laurence LaPointe, has been the Catholic Chaplain at Connecticut College since 1979, and is on campus on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons and evenings for pastoral counseling, prayer services, and mass. Visit the Catholic community's website, "Conn Catholics".

Mass is celebrated at 5 p.m. every Saturday (Sunday vigil) at Harkness Chapel, and on holy days when the College is in session.

The liturgies are an expression of the community of believers and rely on and encourage the involvement of those from academic community. Opportunities abound in folk music, traditional music, dance, art (banners, vestments, etc.,) reading, and assisting in the distribution of communion. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available upon individual request and at periodic communal celebrations of the Sacrament.

Students who may have missed the opportunity to receive the sacrament of Confirmation may prepare for the sacrament here and be confirmed locally. Individual spiritual guidance is available by appointment. Telephone Father Larry at 860-439-2452.

During the 2009-2010 academic year, the Catholic Community reflected on Living Faith: Mind, Body & Soul - Heroes of Faith.   Father Laurence LaPointe incorporated this theme into his homilies and distributed a brief biography and excerpts from the writing of a particular saint after the celebration of the liturgy each Saturday.

Jewish Community

The religious and cultural needs of Jewish students at Connecticut College are served by the Jewish chaplain Rabbi Aaron Rosenberg and Hillel. A wide variety of religious, educational, cultural and social events are available for Jewish students: weekly Shabbat dinners, holiday observances such as a festive Chanukah celebration and a lively Passover Seder. Hillel-sponsored activities include brunches, lectures, movies, study breaks, and trips. Some campus events sponsored by the Jewish Chaplain and Hillel bring students, faculty, and staff together to explore a wide range of topics.

Various academic departments and College offices sponsor programs of interest to Jewish students and faculty. Professor Roger Brooks, Elie Wiesel Chair in Judiac Studies, and other Connecticut College faculty, offer courses in Judaic subjects. To be on the Jewish community mailing list and/or Hillel's mailing list, call the ORSL office.

Rabbi Rosenberg is available for pastoral counseling. Reach him at the College at (860) 439-2453; or at Temple Emanu-El (860) 443-3005. For more information on Hillel, contact Rachel Sheriff, Hillel Advisor at (860) 443-0291. Also visit the Connecticut College Hillel website.

Protestant Community

The Protestant community provides opportunity for spiritual enrichment and personal growth through monthly worship, small group Bible studies, prayer, service projects and pastoral counseling. Protestant Worship and Fellowship are held throughout the year in Harkness Chapel when classes are in session. For more information contact chaplain Aracelis Vazquez Haye on campus at 860-439-2901.

CC Unitarian Universalist Campus Ministry (UUCM)

UUCM meets with Reverend Carolyn Patierno and a UU lay leader for fellowship and exploration of a young-adult UU identity. As well, UUCM engages in a service project for the College community. Gatherings are open to all the student community and are held weekly each Sunday at 6:00 p.m. in Harkness Chapel, Room 12 when classes are in session. Contact Reverend Carolyn Patierno, College Chaplain, at 860-439-2451 or at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Congregation 860-443-0316.

Visit the student clubs and organizations page to learn about other opportunities for religious, spiritual and personal growth.