Spirituality and Religious Life

Spirituality and
Religious Life
- RIT/
- Center for Campus Life/
- Communities/
- Spirituality and Religious Life
Contact Us
srl@rit.edu
585-475-5932
Schmitt Interfaith Center, First Floor
Suite 1400
A place where you belong!
Spirituality and Religious Life at RIT cultivates engaged and vibrant religious, secular, and spiritual communities that explore deep questions of purpose, meaning, and value.
We work directly with faith-based organizations and collaborate with student-led clubs that support the spiritual and religious community at RIT. No matter what your spiritual, religious, or secular identity may be, all of our chaplains and program staff can provide you with support and guidance.
Our vision is for every member of our campus to experience the welcoming, caring, and fun atmosphere of a supportive community that enables them to grow into their best selves and put their values to work in the world.
Faith Communities
Idunno Zen Buddhist Community
The Idunno Zen Buddhist Community focuses on meditative practice and offers weekly instruction and lively discussion about the various Buddhist, Taoist, and Zen traditions. The purpose of Zen is to develop a clear, centered, and ultimately enlightened mind, which leads to the cultivation of wisdom and compassion toward all living beings. One does not have to identify as a Buddhist to practice Zen meditation, and everyone is welcome regardless of their individual beliefs.
Learn more about the Idunno Zen Buddhist Community
Nichiren Buddhist Community
The Nichiren Buddhist Community offers weekly Dharma discussions centered around the Lotus Sutra, followed by a Buddhist service in the tradition of Nichiren Shu. Different Buddhist concepts are explored to promote peace within ourselves and our communities. Service is practiced to bring happiness and ease and to cultivate loving kindness and compassion rooted in all beings. Everyone of any faith or level of experience is welcome to attend.
Learn more about the Nichiren Buddhist Community
Catholic Newman Community at RIT
Newman is a growing, vibrant, Christ-centered community rooted in the Roman Catholic tradition where all are welcome and invited to know God’s love and mercy. With Sunday, Wednesday, and Holy Day Masses, retreats, community service and social justice projects, small groups, social events, and more, Newman provides opportunities for RIT students to grow in faith, develop leadership and discipleship skills, and be part of a Catholic community that will support them in faith and in life.
Learn more about the Catholic Newman Community at RIT
Cru
Cru is a caring community, passionate about helping you build, communicate, and multiply your faith on campus. Cru is a Christian-based ministry, reaching out to all members of the RIT community and beyond. Cru holds weekly gatherings, which foster a sense of community and support, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Learn more about Cru
Glory House International THE PLUG College Ministry
Glory House International (GHI) THE PLUG is a powerful and contemporary church, located in downtown Rochester. GHI's THE PLUG cultivates faith, freedom, and love through Christ to college communities by disciplining people into worship, devotion, and service. THE PLUG is purposed to provide ministry to college campuses in the Rochester area and encourages the college community to become a part of our GHI family by worshiping with us on Sundays. We are a tribe of diverse people who are passionate about our faith and each other. We desire to be a home church to some and the home church away from the home church to others.
Learn more about Glory House International THE PLUG College Ministry
Hands of Fire
Hands of Fire is the American Sign Language (ASL) sister ministry of Cru at RIT and NTID. Hands of Fire is a place where Deaf and Hard of Hearing students can grow in community as well as grow closer to God, in an inviting and inclusive atmosphere. Like its sponsoring ministry, Cru, Hands of Fire meets weekly.
Learn more about Hands of Fire
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
InterVarsity is a community committed to fostering conversations about who we are, who God is, what God says about who we are, and why it matters. Come and join us as we grow in love for God, God’s Word, God’s people of every ethnicity and culture, and God’s purposes in the world.
Learn more about InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
RIT Progressive Chapel Community
The RIT Progressive Chapel Community (RIT PCC) is a worshipping body of seekers and misfits geared towards the LGBTQ+ community. RIT PCC's chaplain has a weekly on-campus presence, focusing on drop-in/scheduled spiritual counseling and not limiting methods to throwing a frisbee, talking to God, or playing a cooperative game. Every Tuesday evening, RIT PCC holds a rotating worship remix activity, sometimes revolving around Scripture and trauma, sometimes around liturgical practice/music and meaning, sometimes around just a meal with dialogue, and other times around the enjoyment of games. What else could queer church look like on campus? Come and join us, and let us find out together!
Learn more about RIT Progressive Chapel Community
The TABLE Lutheran-Episcopal Campus Ministry
The TABLE Lutheran-Episcopal Campus Ministry at RIT and NTID is a joint ministry of several area congregations with a variety of students from different church (and unchurched) backgrounds. Each Sunday, worship is followed by fellowship and a free dinner provided by a local congregation. In addition to our regular gatherings, we offer additional prayerful and service-related events.
Learn more about The TABLE Lutheran-Episcopal Campus Ministry
Hindu Student Life
Hindu Student Life at RIT is led through the guidance of a trained Hindu Chaplain. Students are guided in understanding their value as a person through led worship, listening in attentive silence, and support of their holistic health. The Chaplain assists with the use of music, visual art, meditation, and non-denominational prayer as a means of finding inner calm and peace. Hindu Student Life at RIT can offer spiritual and emotional support to people of all faiths and belief systems.
Learn more about Hindu Student Life
Interfaith Council
The Interfaith Council consists of student representatives from the various religious, secular, and spiritual organizations on campus, including student clubs and organizations, that collaborate together on exciting, engaging, and dialogical experiences. Such events and activities explore the relationships between interfaith, non-religious, and secular worldviews in order to make connections, form communities, and explore deep questions of purpose, meaning, and value.
Learn more about the Interfaith Council
Chabad at RIT
Chabad offers a strong Jewish community at RIT and aims to be a home away from home for every Jew on campus. It is a hip and exciting place to be, where fun things are always happening! Chabad offers homemade Shabbat dinners and lunches, lively prayer services, celebrations of all Jewish holidays, educational classes, vibrant social events, and more. Many events take place in the Chabad House which is conveniently located adjacent to campus.
Learn more about Chabad at RIT
Jewish Student Life
With a rich history of creating community and programming events since 1954, Jewish Student Life is a pivotal part of the diverse and celebrated makeup of students, faculty, and staff at RIT. Jewish Student Life is supported by a full-time Jewish Student Life Engagement Coordinator and is home to many Jewish-affiliated organizations at RIT offering a variety of spiritual, religious, cultural, and social events for Jewish-identifying community members to connect with throughout the year.
Learn more about Jewish Student Life
RIT Hillel
RIT Hillel knows that a dynamic, pluralistic, diverse, and vibrant Jewish student life is essential to ALL campus members, Jewish or otherwise. Hillel aims to support Jewish students while engaging them in their broader college context. All Hillel activities are open to the entire RIT community. RIT Hillel recognizes and celebrates the wide variety of Jewish identification, belief, and practice that presently exists on campus and will continue to enhance campus life going forward. Much of Hillel's activities take place at Hillel House located within the Residence Hall B.
Learn more about RIT Hillel
Muslim Student Life
Muslim Student Life assists Muslim students by offering a trained Muslim Chaplain to guide and serve students. Muslim Student Life gives students the chance to participate in regularly scheduled worship, service, and education.
Learn more about Muslim Student Life
Pagan Student Life
Pagan Student Life invites RIT community members and guests for educational offerings, celebrations of Pagan holidays, and full moon rituals. Ritual services are led by a trained Pagan Chaplain (High Priestess) who is active in the greater Rochester Pagan community. The Chaplain is available for spiritual guidance and life passage rituals. All are welcome at any rituals and/or events.
Learn more about Pagan Student Life
Please contact Spirituality and Religious Life for more information on additional off-campus faith communities and resources.
Student Clubs & Organizations
Spirituality and Religious Life is committed to providing diverse communities for students to explore deep questions of purpose, meaning, and value by serving as a resource and guide to a wide variety of spiritual, religious, and secular student-sponsored clubs, in addition to the partner organizations above.
Observances and Accomodations
Spiritual holidays and observances are important events for valuable members of the RIT community. Students may request accommodations to observe these holidays. RIT policy D04.0 Attendance states: "Absences, for whatever reason, do not relieve students of their responsibility for fulfilling normal requirements in any course. In particular, it is the student's responsibility to make individual arrangements in advance of missing class due to personal obligations such as religious holidays...in order that he or she may meet his or her obligations without penalty for missing class."
*Please note that some of the observances below dictate that no work be completed on a particular date or set of dates. Regarding assignments, papers, quizzes, and exams, please make every effort to work with students to accommodate these observant requests within reason.
Additionally, employees of the university are also able to request accommodations in writing, alluding to the following statement within the Employee Attendance Religious Accommodation Policy: “RIT respects the religious beliefs and/or practices of all employees and will make reasonable accommodations where such beliefs or practices conflict with an employee’s job requirements in order to eliminate that conflict.”
The list of observances below is not meant to be exhaustive. There are many others based upon the myriad of spiritual and/or religious traditions throughout the world. For descriptions of many of these observances, please visit Harvard Divinity School's Multifaith Calendar. To learn more about many of these traditions, please visit The Pluralism Project from Harvard University.
*Please note that those holidays listed in bold are those where a fast is required, special worship is warranted, or work is forbidden
- Green Corn Ceremony (Aboriginal, First Nation, Indigenous Spirituality): July-August 2024
- Sun Dance Ritual (Aboriginal, First Nation, Indigenous Spirituality): July-August 2024
- H.H. Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso Birth Date (Buddhism): July 6, 2024
- Islamic New Year / First of Muḥarram (Islam): July 7-8, 2024
- Ashara Mubaraka (Islam): July 7-16, 2024
- Martyrdom of the Báb (Baháʼí): July 9, 2024
- Imamat Day (Islam): July 11, 2024
- 'Āshūrā’ (Islam): July 16-17, 2024
- Chaturmas (Hinduism, Jainism): July 17-November 12, 2024
- Āsāḷha Pūjā (Buddhism): July 20, 2024
- Dhamma Day (Buddhism): July 20, 2024
- Buck Moon (Aboriginal, First Nation, Indigenous Spirituality, Paganism): July 21, 2024
- Guru Purnima (Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism): July 21, 2024
- Urs Syedna Hatim Mohyuddin (Islam): July 22, 2024
- Vassa / Rains Retreat (Buddhism): July 23-October 17, 2024
- Pioneer Day (Latter Day Saint movement): July 24, 2024
- Oh-Harai-Taisai (Shintoism): July 30, 2024
- Hopi Snake Dance (Aboriginal, First Nation, Indigenous Spirituality): August-September 2024
- Native Wild Rice Harvest (Aboriginal, First Nation, Indigenous Spirituality): August-September 2024
- Lughnasadh or Lammas (Paganism): August 1, 2024
- Dormition Fast (Christianity): August 1-14, 2024 / August 7-22, 2024 / August 14-28, 2024
- Cross-Quarter Day (Paganism): August 6, 2024
- Transfiguration of Jesus Christ / Feast of the Transfiguration (Christianity): August 6, 2024
- Fravardeghan Days (Zoroastrianism): August 8-17, 2024
- Naga Panchami (Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism): August 9, 2024
- Sea Org Day (Scientology): August 12, 2024
- Tisha B’Av (Judaism): August 12-13, 2024
- Assumption of Mary, Solemnity / Dormition of the Theotokos (Christianity): August 15, 2024
- Naw-Rúz (Baháʼí, Zoroastrianism): August 18, 2024 / March 20, 2025
- Ulambana / Ghost Festival (Buddhism): August 18, 2024
- Blue Moon (Aboriginal, First Nation, Indigenous Spirituality, Paganism): August 19, 2024
- Raksha Bandhan (Hinduism): August 19, 2024
- Birthday of Prophet Zoroaster / Khordad Sal (Zoroastrianism): August 20, 2024 / March 26, 2024
- Arba'een (Islam): August 25-26, 2024
- Krishna Janmashtami (Hinduism): August 26-27, 2024
- Paryushana / Dashalakshani Parva (Jainism): August 31-September 7, 2024 / September 8-17, 2024
- Sunrise Dance (Aboriginal, First Nation, Indigenous Spirituality): September 2024
- Beginning of the Liturgical Year (Christianity): September 1, 2024
- First Parkash Guru Granth Sahib Ji (Sikhism): September 1, 2024
- Birthday of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (Buddhism): September 2, 2024
- Onam (Hinduism): September 5-14, 2024
- Birth Date of H.H. Sakya Trizin (Buddhism): September 7, 2024
- Ganesh Chaturthi (Hinduism): September 7, 2024
- Samvatsari (Jainism): September 7, 2024
- Auditors' Day (Scientology): September 8, 2024
- Nativity of the Theotokos / Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Christianity): September 8, 2024 / September 21, 2024 / May 9, 2025
- Anniversary of the Tatsunokuchi Persecution (Buddhism): September 12, 2024
- Ghambar Paitishem (Zoroastrianism): September 12-16, 2024
- Elevation of the Holy Cross / Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Christianity): September 14, 2024 / September 27, 2024
- Mawlid an-Nabi (Islam): September 15-16, 2024
- Anant Chaturdashi / Ganesh Visarjan (Hinduism, Jainism): September 16-17, 2024
- Harvest Moon (Aboriginal, First Nation, Indigenous Spirituality, Paganism): September 17, 2024
- Pitru Paksha (Hinduism): September 17-October 2, 2024
- Ksamavani (Jainism): September 18, 2024
- Festival of Higan-e (Buddhism): September 19-25, 2024
- International Day of Peace (Interfaith): September 21, 2024
- Shuki sorei sai (Shintoism): September 21, 2024
- Eihei Dogen Kigen Memorial (Buddhism): September 22, 2024
- Mabon or Autumn Equinox (Paganism): September 22, 2024
- Shūbun-no-hi (Shintoism): September 22, 2024
- San Geronimo Day (Aboriginal, First Nation, Indigenous Spirituality): September 30, 2024
- Iroquois Harvest Ceremony (Aboriginal, First Nation, Indigenous Spirituality): October 2024
- Rosh Hashanah (Judaism): October 2-4, 2024
- Navaratri (Hinduism): October 3-12, 2024
- Bodhidharma Memorial (Buddhism): October 5, 2024
- World Communion Day (Christianity): October 6, 2024
- International Association of Scientologists Day (Scientology): October 7, 2024
- Milad Imam-uz-Zamaan (Islam): October 7, 2024
- Durga Puja (Hinduism): October 9-13, 2024
- Navpad Oli (Jainism): October 10-17, 2024
- Yom Kippur (Judaism): October 11-12, 2024
- Dusserah (Hinduism): October 12, 2024
- Ghambar Ayathrem (Zoroastrianism): October 12-16, 2024
- Nichiren Shonin Memorial (Buddhism): October 13, 2024
- Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Aboriginal, First Nation, Indigenous Spirituality): October 14, 2024
- Sukkot (Judaism): October 16-23, 2024
- Hunter's Moon (Aboriginal, First Nation, Indigenous Spirituality, Paganism): October 17, 2024
- Kaṭhina Cībar Dān (Buddhism): October 17-November 15, 2024
- Atmasiddhi Rachna Divas (Jainism): October 18, 2024
- Urs Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (Islam): October 19, 2024
- Karva Chauth (Hinduism): October 19-20, 2024
- Installation of Holy Scriptures as Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (Sikhism): October 20, 2024
- Mehragan (Zoroastrianism): October 20, 2024
- Milad Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (Islam): October 23, 2024
- Shemini Atzeret (Judaism): October 23-25, 2024
- Simchat Torah (Judaism): October 24-25, 2024
- Diwali / Deepavali (Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism): October 30-November 3, 2024
- Reformation Day (Christianity): October 31, 2024
- Samhain (Paganism): October 31-November 1, 2024
- National Native American Heritage Month (Aboriginal, First Nation, Indigenous Spirituality): November 2024
- Bandi Chhor Divas (Sikhism): November 1, 2024
- Lokashah Jayanti (Jainism): November 1, 2024
- Mahavira Nirvana (Jainism): November 1, 2024
- Solemnity of All Saints / All Saints' Sunday (Christianity): November 1, 2024 / June 15, 2025
- Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (Christianity): November 2, 2024
- Govardhan Puja (Hinduism): November 2, 2024
- New Year / Enlightenment Day of Gautamswami (Jainism): November 2, 2023
- Vikram Samvat New Year (Hinduism, Jainism): November 2, 2024 / April 14, 2025
- Twin Holy Birthdays (Baháʼí): November 2-3, 2024
- Birth of the Báb (Baháʼí): November 2, 2024
- Birth of Bahá’u’lláh (Baháʼí): November 3, 2024
- Cross-Quarter Day (Paganism): November 6, 2024
- Gyan Panchami (Jainism): November 6, 2024
- Birth Date of Shrimad Rajchandra (Jainism): November 9, 2024
- Feast of the Einherjar / Ancestors' Blót (Paganism): November 11, 2024
- Beaver Moon (Aboriginal, First Nation, Indigenous Spirituality, Paganism): November 15, 2024
- Birth Date of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (Sikhism): November 15, 2024
- Dev Deepawali / Kartika Purnima (Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism): November 15, 2024
- Parvarana (Buddhism): November 15, 2024
- Nativity Fast / Fast of the Prophets (Christianity): November 15-December 24, 2024 / November 24, 2024-January 7, 2025
- Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary / Presentation of the Theotokos (Christianity): November 21, 2024
- Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (Sikhism): November 24, 2024
- Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (Christianity): November 24, 2024
- Day of the Covenant (Baháʼí): November 24-25, 2024
- Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Baháʼí): November 26-27, 2024
- Native American Heritage Day (Aboriginal, First Nation, Indigenous Spirituality): November 29, 2024
- Advent (Christianity): December 1-December 24, 2024
- Feast of Saint Nicholas (Christianity): December 6, 2024 / December 19, 2024
- Bodhi Day (Buddhism): December 8, 2024 / January 7, 2025
- Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Christianity): December 8, 2024
- Asarah B’Tevet (Judaism): December 10, 2025
- Gita Mahotsav / Gita Jayanti (Hinduism): December 11, 2024
- Maunajiyaras (Jainism): December 11, 2024
- Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Christianity): December 12, 2024
- Aga Khan’s Birthday (Islam): December 13, 2024
- Karthika Deepam (Hinduism): December 13, 2024
- Cold Moon (Aboriginal, First Nation, Indigenous Spirituality, Paganism): December 15, 2024
- Sanghamitta Day (Buddhism): December 15, 2024
- Yud Tet Kislev (Judaism): December 20, 2023
- Pancha Ganapati (Hinduism): December 21-25, 2024
- Yule or Winter Solstice (Paganism): December 21, 2024-January 1, 2025
- Tohji-Tasai (Shintoism): December 22, 2024
- Joseph Smith’s Birthday (Latter Day Saint movement): December 23, 2024
- Nativity of the Lord / Nativity of Christ (Christianity): December 25, 2024 / January 6, 2025 / January 7, 2025
- Hanukkah (Judaism): December 25, 2024-January 2, 2025
- Zartosht No-Diso (Zoroastrianism): December 26, 2024
- Urs Syedna Qutbuddin Shaheed (Islam): December 28, 2024
- New Year’s Celebration (Scientology): December 31, 2024
- Ghambar Maidyarem (Zoroastrianism): December 31, 2024-January 4, 2025
*Please note that those holidays listed in bold are those where a fast is required, special worship is warranted, or work is forbidden
- Gantan-sai (Shintoism): January 1, 2025
- Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God (Christianity): January 1, 2025
- Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh Ji (Sikhism): January 6, 2025
- Epiphany of the Lord, Solemnity / Theophany (Christianity): January 6, 2025 / January 19, 2025
- Linji Memorial (Buddhism): January 10, 2025
- Lohri (Hinduism, Sikhism): January 13, 2025
- Seijin-no-hi (Shintoism): January 13, 2025
- Wolf Moon (Aboriginal, First Nation, Indigenous Spirituality, Paganism): January 13, 2025
- Makar Sankranti / Maghi / Pongal (Hinduism, Sikhism): January 14, 2025
- Old New Year / Orthodox New Year (Christianity): January 14, 2025
- Mahāyāna New Year (Buddhism): January 14-16, 2025
- Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Christianity): January 18-25, 2025
- Urs Syedna Taher Saifuddin (Islam): January 19, 2025
- World Religion Day (Baháʼí): January 19, 2025
- Honen Shonin Memorial (Buddhism): January 25, 2025
- Eid al-Mab’ath (Islam): January 26, 2025
- Laylat al-Isra'wa al-Mi'raj (Islam): January 26-27 2025
- Yawm al-Mab’ath (Islam): January 26-27 2025
- International Holocaust Remembrance Day (Interfaith): January 27, 2025
- Lunar New Year / Chinese New Year (Buddhism): January 29, 2025
- Sadeh (Zoroastrianism): January 29, 2025
- Iroquois Midwinter Ceremony (Aboriginal, First Nation, Indigenous Spirituality): January 31-February 9, 2025
- Hopi Holy Cycle (Aboriginal, First Nation, Indigenous Spirituality): February 2025
- Imbolc (Paganism): February 1, 2025
- World Interfaith Harmony Week (Interfaith): February 1-7, 2025
- Presentation of Jesus at the Temple (Christianity): February 2, 2025 / February 15, 2025
- Vasant Panchami (Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism): February 2, 2025
- Cross-Quarter Day (Paganism): February 3, 2025
- Setsunbun-sai (Shintoism): February 3, 2025
- Nirvana Day (Buddhism): February 8, 2025 / February 15, 2025
- Māgha Pūjā / Chötrul Düchen (Buddhism): February 12, 2025
- Snow Moon (Aboriginal, First Nation, Indigenous Spirituality, Paganism): February 12, 2025
- Tu BiShvat (Judaism): February 12-13, 2025
- Laylat al-Bara'ah / Shab-w-Barat (Islam): February 13-14, 2025
- Mid-Sha'ban (Islam): February 13-14, 2025
- Váli's Blót (Paganism): February 14, 2025
- Ayyám-i-Há / Intercalary Days (Baháʼí): February 25-February 28, 2025
- Maha Shivaratri (Hinduism): February 26, 2025
- Losar / Tibetan New Year (Buddhism): February 28-March 2, 2025
- Alá / Nineteen-Day Fast (Baháʼí): February 28-March 19, 2025
- Ramadan (Islam): February 28-March 29, 2025
- Sri Ramakrishna Jayanti (Hinduism): March 1, 2025
- Monlam / Great Prayer Festival (Buddhism): March 3-12, 2025
- Shrove Tuesday / Mardi Gras (Christianity): March 4, 2025
- Lent / Great Lent (Christianity): March 5-April 17, 2025 / March 3-April 19, 2025
- Ash Wednesday: March 5, 2025
- Clean Monday: March 3, 2025
- Palm Sunday / Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem (Christianity): April 13, 2025
- World Day of Prayer (Christianity): March 7, 2025
- Govinda Dwadashi (Hinduism): March 10, 2025
- Birth Date of L. Ron Hubbard (Scientology): March 13, 2025
- Purim (Judaism): March 13-14, 2025
- Holi (Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, Buddhism): March 14, 2025
- Meena Sankranti (Hinduism): March 14, 2025
- Memorial of Shan-tao (Buddhism): March 14, 2025
- Sikh New Year's Day (Sikhism): March 14, 2025
- Worm Moon (Aboriginal, First Nation, Indigenous Spirituality, Paganism): March 14, 2025
- Hola Mohalla (Sikhism): March 14-16, 2025
- Ghambar Hamaspathmaedem (Zoroastrianism): March 16-20, 2025
- Festival of Higan-e (Buddhism): March 17-23, 2025
- Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Christianity): March 19, 2025
- Ostara or Spring Equinox (Paganism): March 20, 2025
- Poutuerangi (Aboriginal, First Nation, Indigenous Spirituality): March 20, 2025
- Shūbun-no-hi (Shintoism): March 20, 2025
- Shunki-Sorei-Sai (Shintoism): March 20, 2025
- Shahadat Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Talib (Islam): March 21, 2025
- Red Earth Festival (Aboriginal, First Nation, Indigenous Spirituality): March 21-23, 2025
- Solemnity of the Annunciation / Feast of the Annunciation (Christianity): March 25, 2025
- Laylat al-Qadr (Islam): March 26, 2025
- Jum’at al-Wada (Islam): March 28, 2025
- Nav Varsh (Hinduism): March 30, 2025
- Samvatsarādi / Chandramana Ugadi (Hinduism): March 30, 2025
- Eid al-Fitr (Islam): March 30-31, 2025
- Ramayana Week (Hinduism): March 30-April 5, 2025
- Ramanavami: April 6, 2025
- Hydesville Day (Spiritualism): March 31, 2025
- Hanamatsuri (Buddhism): April 8, 2025
- Navpad Oli (Jainism): April 4-12, 2025
- Anniversary of the Founding of the Church (Latter Day Saint movement): April 6, 2025
- Mahavira Jayanti (Jainism): April 10, 2025
- Hanuman Jayanti (Hinduism): April 12, 2025
- Lazarus Saturday (Christianity): April 12, 2025
- Lord’s Evening Meal (Christianity): April 12, 2025
- Pesach / Passover (Judaism): April 12-20, 2025
- Pink Moon (Aboriginal, First Nation, Indigenous Spirituality, Paganism): April 13, 2025
- Theravāda New Year (Buddhism): April 13, 2025
- Vaisakhi / Baisakhi (Hinduism, Sikhism): April 14, 2025
- Easter Triduum / Paschal Triduum (Christianity): April 17-20, 2025
- Holy or Maundy Thursday / Great and Holy Thursday: April 17, 2025 / May 2, 2025
- Good Friday / Great and Holy Friday: April 18, 2025
- Holy Saturday / Great and Holy Saturday: April 19, 2025
- Easter / Pascha: April 20, 2025
- Shrimad Rajchandra Dehvilay (Jainism): April 18, 2025
- Riḍván (Baháʼí): April 20-May 2, 2025
- First Day of Riḍván (Baháʼí): April 20-21, 2025
- Ninth Day of Riḍván (Baháʼí): April 28-29, 2025
- Twelfth Day of Riḍván (Baháʼí): May 1-2, 2025
- Easter Monday / Bright Monday (Christianity): April 21, 2025
- Yggdrasil Day (Paganism): April 22, 2025
- St. George’s Day (Christianity): April 23, 2025
- Yom HaShoah / Holocaust Remembrance Day (Judaism): April 23-24, 2025
- Gathering Of Nations Pow Wow (Aboriginal, First Nation, Indigenous Spirituality): April 24-26, 2025
- The 11th Panchen Lama’s Birthday (Buddhism): April 25, 2025
- Nichiren Foundation Day (Buddhism): April 28, 2025
- Akshaya Tritiya (Hinduism, Jainism): April 30, 2025
- Ghambar Maidyozarem (Zoroastrianism): April 30-May 4, 2025
- Jewish Heritage Month (Judaism): May 2025
- Beltane or May Eve (Paganism): May 1, 2025
- Buddha Jayanti (Buddhism, Hinduism): May 5, 2025 / May 23, 2025
- Cross-Quarter Day (Paganism): May 5, 2025
- Dianetics Day (Scientology): May 9, 2025
- Flower Moon (Aboriginal, First Nation, Indigenous Spirituality, Paganism): May 12, 2025
- Vesak (Buddhism): May 12, 2025
- Lag B'Omer (Judaism): May 15-16, 2025
- Shanja Matsuri (Shintoism): May 16-18, 2025
- Declaration of the Báb (Baháʼí): May 22-23, 2025
- Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh (Baháʼí): May 27-28, 2025
- Solemnity of the Ascension of Jesus Christ / Ascension of Christ (Christianity): May 29, 2025
- Hopi Kachina Dances (Aboriginal, First Nation, Indigenous Spirituality): June 2025
- Iroquois Strawberry Season (Aboriginal, First Nation, Indigenous Spirituality): June-July 2025
- Green Corn Ceremony (Aboriginal, First Nation, Indigenous Spirituality): June-August 2025
- Shavuot (Judaism): June 1-3, 2025
- Hajj (Islam): June 4-9, 2025
- Day of Arafah (Islam): June 5-6, 2025
- Eid al-Adha (Islam): June 6-10, 2025
- Pentecost (Christianity): June 8, 2025
- Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity (Christianity): June 8, 2025 / June 15, 2025
- Maiden Anniversary Voyage (Scientology): June 9, 2025
- Poson (Buddhism): June 10, 2025
- Strawberry Moon (Aboriginal, First Nation, Indigenous Spirituality, Paganism): June 11, 2025
- Jamyang Khyentse Chokyi Lodro Anniversary (Buddhism): June 12, 2025
- Eid al-Ghadir (Islam): June 14-15, 2025
- Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji (Sikhism): June 16, 2025
- Apostles’ Fast / Fast of the Holy Apostles (Christianity): June 16-July 11, 2025 / June 9-July 11, 2025
- Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Christianity): June 19, 2025
- Litha or Summer Solstice (Paganism): June 20, 2025
- Matariki (Aboriginal, First Nation, Indigenous Spirituality): June 20, 2025
- Nativity of John the Baptist / Nativity of St. John the Forerunner (Christianity): June 24, 2025 / July 7, 2025
- Islamic New Year / First of Muḥarram (Islam): June 26-27, 2025
- Ashara Mubaraka (Islam): June 26-July 4, 2025
- Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (Christianity): June 27, 2025
- Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul / Feast of Saints Peter and Paul (Christianity): June 29, 2025 / July 12, 2025
- Ghambar Maidyoshahem (Zoroastrianism): June 29-July 3, 2025
Team
Chaplains
Chaplains are trained to listen, care, and have deep conversations about difficult topics in places where people are often stressed or distressed. Some of these may include the meaning of life, our purpose in the world, personal values and relationships, ethical dilemmas, and many other common human problems, regardless of whether you think of these things spiritually, religiously, or secularly.

Imam Abdur Rauf Bawany, MD
Muslim Student Life Chaplain
rxbcpm@rit.edu
585-281-7941
SMT-2406
*Confidential Resource
Associate Director, Spirituality and Religious Life, and University Chaplain
ancccl@rit.edu
585-475-2137
SMT-1402
*Confidential Resource
#Schedule a Time to Meet In Person or Virtually

Rabbi Yossef Cohen
Chabad at RIT Co-Director
ycccl@rit.edu
347-546-3860
SMT-2410
*Confidential Resource

Rev. Brian C. Cool, Ed.D.
Catholic Newman Community at RIT Director
bcool@admin.rochester.edu
585-275-8523
SMT-1412
*Confidential Resource
Nichiren Buddhist Community Chaplain
clgfaa@rit.edu
716-535-7342
BOO-3446
*Confidential Resource

Rev. Robert Kennedy
Catholic Newman Community at RIT Minister
fr.robert.kennedy@dor.org
SMT-1412
*Confidential Resource

Rev. Sam Kinsman, MFA
RIT Progressive Chapel Community Chaplain
skinsman@ur.rochester.edu
714-299-8420
SMT-1408
*Confidential Resource
#Schedule a Time to Meet In Person or Virtually

Daron Ladson
Hands of Fire Team Member
djlsrl@rit.edu
SMT-1404
*Confidential Resource
^ASL Fluent

Sanjay Mathur
Hindu Student Life Chaplain
sjmccl@rit.edu
201-757-2278
SMT-2406
*Confidential Resource
#Schedule a Time to Meet In Person or Virtually

Rauncie Reynolds
Pagan Student Life Chaplain
lrrsrl@rit.edu
585-953-1957
SMT-1406
*Confidential Resource
Rev. Shūdō Brian Schroeder, Ph.D.
Idunno Zen Buddhist Community Chaplain
bxsgla@rit.edu
585-773-8606
LBR-3110
*Confidential Resource

Pastor Craig Swanson
The TABLE Lutheran-Episcopal Campus Ministry Chaplain
cbscpm@rit.edu
614-477-7699
SMT-1408
*Confidential Resource

Michael Vernarelli, Ph.D.
Catholic Newman Community at RIT Campus Minister
mjvgss@rit.edu
585-750-4821
SMT-1412
*Confidential Resource
Program Staff
Program staff have experience working with young adults, particularly in relation to programming, mentoring, and leadership in spiritual and religious community. They support programs and student leaders within their own religious communities, but do not provide inter-religious spiritual counseling.

Jileen Carter
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship Campus Minister
jlhccl@rit.edu
585-747-0699
SMT-2412

Leah Cohen
Chabad at RIT Co-Director
lcccl@rit.edu
862-222-4859
SMT-2410

Mercy Gbenjo
Cru Team Leader
mgbccl@rit.edu
775-762-7995
SMT-1404

Darlene Giardina
Catholic Newman Community at RIT Business Manager
dsgsrl@rit.edu
SMT-2404
Jewish Student Life Engagement Coordinator
mxgrla@rit.edu
585-475-6833
SMT-2408
#Schedule a Time to Meet In Person or Virtually

Karthik Krishnan
Hindu Student Life Team Member
kxksrl@rit.edu
SMT-1400

Catherine Mast
Cru Team Member
ctmccl@rit.edu
317-777-9076
SMT-1404
^ASL Fluent

Allen Pinkins
Glory House International THE PLUG College Ministry Team Member
ampsrl@rit.edu
585-362-3499
SMT-2412

Sikha Rani
Hindu Student Life Team Member
sxrsrl@rit.edu
SMT-1400

Kristen Smith
Catholic Newman Community at RIT Campus Minister
krlccl@rit.edu
SMT-2404

Dakota Tiger
Hands of Fire Team Leader
dtsrl@rit.edu
217-721-6605
SMT-1404
^ASL Fluent

Heidi Tiger
Hands of Fire Team Member
hatsrl@rit.edu
SMT-1404
^ASL Fluent

Alix Zanibbi
The TABLE Lutheran-Episcopal Campus Ministry Musician
afzsrl@rit.edu
SMT-1408
Support Us
Spirituality and Religious Life’s pastoral care, events, and offerings are critical for student success—academically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.
85% of our staff and programs are supported by donors, foundations, and religious organizations outside RIT. We rely heavily on the generosity of alumni, parents, the local community, and volunteers to provide over 1,200 events and activities for over 17,000 students in ~25 different religious communities on campus every year.
To make a gift to a specific faith community or organization, please use the search function under "Additional Designations."