Campus religious groups cater to students’ spiritual needs

Spiritual growth and development can help students stay grounded and contribute to overall academic success. Having a place to gather and worship can also make the transition to college life easier.

That is the message from leaders of campus religious organizations and students themselves. Whether looking to connect with those who share their faith or seeking something new, students can find a welcoming group at FIU.

“Being a student on campus is a very critical time,” said Rabbi Levi Friedman of ChabadFIU. “It’s the first time you’re independent, and it’s a time that previously held religious beliefs are questioned and challenged. It’s a time for students to think and reflect and find their personal way.”

Friedman and ChabadFIU offer Jewish students a chance to deepen both their knowledge of and commitment to Judaism. “We hope to be there to continue the dialogue with them as they explore,” he said.

To meet students’ needs, ChabadFIU holds non-credit classes and “lunch and learn” sessions on campus on a variety of topics and will soon introduce an eight-week program called Sinai Scholars that will offer an in-depth look at Judaism. Weekly services and Shabbat dinners are held just a half-mile from the Modesto A. Maidique Campus (MMC), as will be services for the upcoming High Holy Days. For the annual Festival of Sukkot, which begins on Sept. 30, a sukkah – a decorated, three-sided dwelling – will be erected on campus.

Catholic Panthers gather for mass.

Catholic students on MMC can join the aptly named Catholic Panthers to enjoy campus activities such as intramural sports and football tailgates as a group.

They also meet to study the Bible and share dinner over guest lectures, gather for coffee and discussion at nearby St. Agatha Church and plan off-campus picnics and other social events. Weekly mass is held on Wednesday in the Graham University Center, an opportunity that students – approximately 15 attended on a recent afternoon – say they value in the middle of a hectic week.

“It completes my day,” freshman Melissa Tabares said. “If I could go to mass everyday, I would, but it’s usually at 7 a.m. at my church. So this compensates.”

Mass also helps her find a comfortable niche within the bustling campus. “Around young people, you always think that you are the only one that believes and respects God,” she said. “When I come here to mass, I realize I’m not the only one looking to connect with God.”

Less traditional religious groups, such as the nondenominational Christian FIU-MDC Wesley and Cru offer community-service opportunities and ways for students to work for social justice. Wesley worship takes place on Monday night and features live music. Cru holds weekly gatherings and will host an off-campus retreat in October.

In the end, just having a faith community to which to belong makes a difference for many students.

“It’s fun and I get to be with people around my age,” sophomore Julian Prieto said. “I’m probably happier and not as much stressed out.”

Click here for contact information for all religious groups serving the FIU community.