CATHOLIC MINISTRY
The Catholic ministry seeks to serve those who are united in Catholic life and worship, those who are attracted to the Catholic faith and the larger Tufts community. Foremost among its services is the celebration of the Catholic worship, the Eucharist and other Sacraments, along with preparation for the sacramental life of the Church. Pastoral counseling, spiritual direction, retreats, study groups, and prayer groups extend this ministry to the many dimensions of the lives of students and others in the university community. Availability and presence for students in times of crisis, personal loss, and other difficulties is a priority of this ministry. Outreach in service is encouraged through student involvement in the youth and other ministries of the Catholic parishes in the local community. The Catholic chaplain also welcomes the opportunities to participate in the academic study of religion and exploration of ethical issues on both the Medford and Boston campuses.
THE HILLEL FOUNDATION AT TUFTS
Hillel is the foundation of the campus Jewish community. Hillel’s concern is to foster a positive Jewish presence on campus, build Jewish identity and enhance a commitment to Jewish life that will continue beyond the campus years. Hillel is committed to putting the ethical values of the Jewish tradition into practice and providing opportunities for social action and social service, both on and off campus. Hillel is committed to building bridges to the many different religious, ethnic, and cultural groups on campus, promoting inter-group dialogue and understanding. The Hillel staff serves our students in times of personal loss and crisis both through pastoral counseling and by integrating them into a supportive community. Both the Hillel Director/Jewish Chaplain and the Associate Director welcome opportunities for both formal and informal teaching in Judaism as well as the study of ethics in the University community.
PROTESTANT MINISTRY
Operating under the auspices of the University Chaplaincy, the Protestant Chaplaincy at Tufts seeks to ensure that interested members of the Tufts community have opportunities to continue in, or to explore, the Protestant tradition. Recognizing the internal diversity of that tradition, the Chaplain works alongside campus groups and ministries, while providing direct programming consistent with the chaplain’s own tradition. Opportunities include worship, study, social interaction, attention to social concerns, retreat, and spiritual support. All programs offered by the Protestant Chaplain seek to be marked by inclusiveness and respect for all people; by expressions of faith that support equity, peace, and sustainability; by intellectual integrity and critical reflection; by depth of spiritual practice; by openness to what tradition positively offers in today’s world; and by respect in thought, expression, and deed for people and communities of other faith traditions, of no faith tradition, and those in exploration.
MUSLIM CHAPLAINCY
The Muslim Chaplaincy working in partnership with the Muslim Student Association is committed to promoting a positive presence and image of Islam and Muslims on campus through participation in dialogue, social activities, and community service with different religious, ethnic and cultural groups on and off campus. The Muslim Chaplaincy offers pastoral counseling, knowledge sharing, worship in community and celebration of religious rituals and feast days for the students, staff and faculty during the academic year. Participation in retreats, study groups, social services and interfaith activities supports the students as a guide to help them integrate their faith practices into their social and academic setting in the continuation of their life’s journey beyond the campus life. In time of personal loss or crisis, the Muslim chaplain serves as a resource to support the student in counseling and prayers. The Muslim chaplain provides and welcomes the opportunity to educate others about the religious and cultural aspects of Muslim life on and off campus.
MINISTRY OF THE OFFICE OF THE UNIVERSITY CHAPLAIN
The University Chaplain provides interfaith services and programs and serves as an umbrella for all religious life on campus and as the department head for all of the other recognized chaplains at Tufts. The University Chaplain works cooperatively with the Jewish, Catholic, Protestant and Muslim Chaplains and administers Goddard Chapel and the new Interfaith Center, 58 Winthrop St. as university facilities. Special support is provided for traditions not represented by Chaplains, like Eastern Orthodox Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism. The University Chaplain also reaches beyond traditional religious groups to concerns in all aspects of university endeavor and in relations with surrounding communities. This includes teaching, community service, counseling, helping to promote a positive ethical climate for Tufts as a whole and serving in an ombuds role — mediating disputes and making recommendations to the President. The University Chaplaincy upholds the Universalist tradition and commitment to inclusivity.
