Welcome from the Catholic Chaplain

“The gifts Christ gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” –Ephesians 4:11-12

This short passage from Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians is a reminder that we are the modern-day apostles! We are called to embody Jesus’ love ethic, creating community and serving others with our gifts and callings.

The Catholic Chaplaincy at Tufts seeks to “equip the saints” by providing opportunities to ask hard questions about spiritual life, community, racial justice, and what our faith looks like in action. Through liturgy, retreats, meals, community service, the work for justice, small group conversations, and shared spiritual practice, we prepare students for a lifelong journey of faith.

The University Chaplaincy is grounded in an intentional interfaith ethic wherein we learn with and from folks from other religious and philosophical traditions, and folks from no tradition as well. That work begins from a place of genuine curiosity and trust. Our students have the opportunity to expand their religious literacy and to explore the sacrament of interfaith friendship. The saints here at Tufts are always teaching us and we as chaplains are blessed to walk beside them.

Young folks are not just the future of the Church. Young folks ARE the church right here and now. I can’t wait to meet you and learn how your gifts will shape our community!

Warmly,

Catholic Chaplain Lynn Cooper, A02, M.Div., D.Min.

Student Voices

Elaine Garcia, A27 Eboard Member of the Catholic Community at Tufts

I arrived at Tufts feeling completely lost when it came to my spiritual life. I had drifted apart from the Catholic faith and didn’t have anything drawing me back in. I didn’t feel like it was worth it to fight my way back toward a stable relationship with God if I didn’t even understand what it was I believed about him. That is when I first had contact with the Catholic Chaplaincy, which showed me what it was to sincerely preach the words “come as you are.” Time and time again, the Chaplaincy has shown me that I not only have God holding out his arms for me, but that I also have a community of faith there to join me too. Every week brings challenges to my faith journey, yet I know that every Sunday that I walk in through those chapel doors, my community will provide me with a space where I can take an hour to break free from the continuous bustling that accompanies college life—where I can find time to breathe easier as I gather with others and God. The Catholic Chaplaincy has proved to me that I do not need the picture-perfect relationship with God that I had idealized. Every week that I come as I am is another week that I get to see how good God is to have brought me into such an accepting community.

Jose Armando Rodriguez Sanchez, E26 President of the Catholic Community at Tufts

I am thankful to have a community full of stories and support as we reflect, give charity, and go on pilgrimages… knowing that you are not alone.

Sean Moushegian, E21, Former President of the Catholic Community at Tufts

"I’m frequently reminded of our identity – the Catholic Community at Tufts (CCT). No arbitrary choice of words, community describes our essence – both what we are and was what we aspire to be. CCT has the shape and form that it does because of the individual contributions of its members, present and past. Learning from each member of our community – members new, old, and even those who have graduated – is essential to maintaining a robust, adaptable and enriching Catholic community for us all. Welcome!