Conversation Opportunities and Vigils

Back at Bates

Some study abroad students find the transition back to Bates to be more challenging than anticipated. Many experience the campus culture in a new light and find it hard to fit elements of their new self into the Bates setting. Some individuals have trouble adjusting to the demands of the classroom; for others, it is the social scene. Some students find it helpful to share memories, reflections and feelings, and to learn ways to go forward from one another.
The Multifaith Chaplaincy, with the support of the Off-Campus Study Office, organizes opportunities for quiet reflection and conversation about these topics. Be in touch with us if you are interested.

Grief group

Going On Together
“A mosaic is a conversation between what is broken.” -Terry Tempest Williams
Each semester the Multifaith Chaplaincy facilitates an ongoing conversation among students, faculty, and staff who have lost loved ones to death over the course of the last year or so. Contact Bill Blaine-Wallace for more information.

Reading Groups

Occasional dialogs about novels, short stories, nonfiction, and particular authors. Some past groups have discussed the short stories of Flannery O’Connor or the writings of Reinhold Niebuhr (called “Obama’s Theologian”).

Vigils

Gatherings in response to determined needs and conflictual campus incidents or national events.

Haiti Memorial Service in the Chapel

Iraq Vigil