Spirituality and Religious Life

Individual in a black shirt is shown holding a candle at a candlelight vigil
 

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
 

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 spiritual counseling, and not limiting methods to throwing a frisbee and talking God or playing a cooperative game. A few Tuesday evenings a month, RIT PCC worships in the Taizé tradition or holds a Dinner Dialogue meal in which the group talks about theology and eats pizza. 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 at 3018 East River Road).
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.
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

Spirituality and Religious Life is committed to providing diverse communities for students to explore deep questions of purpose, meaning, and value by offering a wide variety of spiritual, religious, and secular partner organizations and student-sponsored clubs. 

Connect with Student Clubs

Spiritual Holidays and Observances

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 holidays 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. 

The list of holidays below is not meant to be exhaustive. There are many other observances based upon the myriad of spiritual and/or religious traditions throughout the world. For descriptions of each of the holidays, please visit Harvard Divinity School's Multifaith Calendar. To learn more about each of these traditions and more, please visit The Pluralism Project from Harvard University.

*Please note that those holidays listed in bold below are those where a fast is required, special worship is warranted, or work is forbidden.

  • Green Corn Ceremony (Aboriginal Spirituality): July-August 2023
  • Sun Dance Ritual (Aboriginal Spirituality): July-August 2023
  • Buck Moon (Aboriginal Spirituality, Paganism): July 3, 2023
  • Chaturmas (Hinduism, Jainism): July 3-November 27, 2023
  • Dhamma Day (Buddhism): July 3, 2023
  • Guru Purnima (Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism): July 3, 2023
  • H.H. Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso Birth Date (Buddhism): July 6, 2023
  • Eid al-Ghadir (Islam): July 6-7, 2023
  • Martyrdom of the Báb (Baháʼí): July 9, 2023
  • Imamat Day (Islam): July 11, 2023
  • Islamic New Year / First of Muḥarram (Islam): July 18-19, 2023
  • Pioneer Day (Latter Day Saint movement): July 24, 2023
  • Tisha B’Av (Judaism): July 26-27, 2023
  • 'Āshūrā’ (Islam): July 27-28, 2023
  • Oh-Harai-Taisai (Shintoism): July 30, 2023
  • Hopi Snake Dance (Aboriginal Spirituality): August 2023
  • Native Wild Rice Harvest (Aboriginal Spirituality): August 2023
  • Āsāḷha Pūjā (Buddhism): August 1, 2023
  • Lughnasadh or Lammas (Paganism): August 1, 2023
  • Sturgeon Moon (Aboriginal Spirituality, Paganism): August 1, 2023
  • Dormition Fast (Christianity): August 1-14, 2024 / August 14-28, 2024 / August 7-22, 2024
  • Vassa / Rains Retreat (Buddhism): August 2-October 28 2023
  • Transfiguration of Jesus Christ / Feast of the Transfiguration (Christianity): August 6, 2023
  • Fravardeghan Days (Zoroastrianism): August 8-17, 2023
  • Assumption of Mary, Solemnity / Dormition of the Theotokos (Christianity): August 15, 2023
  • Naw-Rúz (Baháʼí, Zoroastrianism): August 16, 2023 / March 19-20, 2024
  • Onam (Hinduism): August 20-31, 2023
  • Naga Panchami (Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism): August 21, 2023
  • Birthday of Prophet Zoroaster / Khordad Sal (Zoroastrianism): August 24, 2023 / March 26, 2024
  • Blue Moon (Aboriginal Spirituality, Paganism): August 30, 2023
  • Raksha Bandhan (Hinduism): August 30, 2023
  • Ulambana / Ghost Festival (Buddhism): August 30, 2023
  • First Parkash Guru Granth Sahib Ji (Sikhism): August 31, 2023
  • Sunrise Dance (Aboriginal Spirituality): September 2023
  • Beginning of the Liturgical Year (Christianity): September 1, 2023
  • Arba'een (Islam): September 5-6, 2023
  • Krishna Janmashtami (Hinduism): September 6-7, 2023
  • Birth Date of H.H. Sakya Trizin (Buddhism): September 7, 2023
  • Nativity of the Theotokos / Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Christianity): September 8, 2023 / September 21, 2023 / May 9, 2024
  • Auditors' Day (Scientology): September 10, 2023
  • Paryushana / Dashalakshani Parva (Jainism): September 11-18, 2023 / September 19-28, 2023
  • Anniversary of the Tatsunokuchi Persecution (Buddhism): September 12, 2023
  • Ghambar Paitishem (Zoroastrianism): September 12-16, 2023
  • Birthday of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (Buddhism): September 14, 2023
  • Elevation of the Holy Cross / Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Christianity): September 14, 2023 / September 27, 2023
  • Rosh Hashanah (Judaism): September 15-17, 2023
  • Ganesh Chaturthi (Hinduism): September 19, 2023
  • Samvatsari (Jainism): September 19, 2023
  • Das Lakshana (Jainism): September 19-28, 2023
  • Festival of Higan-e (Buddhism): September 20-26, 2023
  • Shuki sorei sai (Shintoism): September 21, 2023
  • Mabon or Autumn Equinox (Paganism): September 21-September 29, 2023
  • Eihei Dogen Kigen Memorial (Buddhism): September 22, 2023
  • Shūbun-no-hi (Shintoism): September 23, 2023
  • Yom Kippur (Judaism): September 24-25, 2023
  • Mawlid an-Nabi (Islam): September 26-27, 2023
  • Anant Chaturdashi / Ganesh Visarjan (Hinduism, Jainism): September 28, 2023
  • Harvest Moon (Aboriginal Spirituality, Paganism): September 29, 2023
  • Sukkot (Judaism): September 29-October 6, 2023
  • Pitru Paksha (Hinduism): September 29-October 14, 2023
  • Ksamavani (Jainism): September 30, 2023
  • San Geronimo Day (Aboriginal Spirituality): September 30, 2023
  • World Communion Day (Christianity): October 1, 2023
  • Mehragan (Zoroastrianism): October 1-2, 2023 / October 8, 2023
  • Bodhidharma Memorial (Buddhism): October 5, 2023
  • Shemini Atzeret (Judaism): October 6-8, 2023
  • International Association of Scientologists Day (Scientology): October 7, 2023
  • Simchat Torah (Judaism): October 7-8, 2023
  • Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Aboriginal Spirituality): October 9, 2023
  • Urs Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (Islam): October 11, 2023
  • Ghambar Ayathrem (Zoroastrianism): October 12-16, 2023
  • Nichiren Shonin Memorial (Buddhism): October 13, 2023
  • Navaratri (Hinduism): October 15-24, 2023
  • Twin Holy Birthdays (Baháʼí): October 16-17, 2023
    • Birth of the Báb (Baháʼí): October 16, 2023
    • Birth of Bahá’u’lláh (Baháʼí): October 17, 2023
  • Installation of Holy Scriptures as Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (Sikhism): October 20, 2023
  • Durga Puja (Hinduism): October 20-24, 2023
  • Navpad Oli (Jainism): October 20-October 28, 2023
  • Dusserah (Hinduism): October 24, 2023
  • Hunter's Moon (Aboriginal Spirituality, Paganism): October 28, 2023
  • Milad Imam-uz-Zamaan (Islam): October 29, 2023
  • Kaṭhina Cībar Dān (Buddhism): October 28-November 27, 2023
  • Atmasiddhi Rachna Divas (Jainism): October 29, 2023
  • Parvarana (Buddhism): October 29, 2023
  • Reformation Day (Christianity): October 31, 2023
  • Karva Chauth (Hinduism): October 31-November 1, 2023
  • Samhain (Paganism): October 31-November 1, 2023
  • Iroquois Harvest Ceremony (Aboriginal Spirituality): October-November 2023
  • Solemnity of All Saints / All Saints' Sunday (Christianity): November 1, 2023 / June 30, 2024
  • National Native American Heritage Month (Aboriginal Spirituality): November 1-30, 2023
  • Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (Christianity): November 2, 2023
  • Milad Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (Islam): November 4, 2023
  • Birth Date of Shrimad Rajchandra (Jainism): November 9, 2023
  • Diwali / Deepavali (Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism): November 9-14, 2023
  • Feast of the Einherjar / Ancestors' Blót (Paganism): November 11, 2023
  • Bandi Chhor Divas (Sikhism): November 12, 2023
  • Mahavira Nirvana (Jainism): November 12, 2023
  • Govardhan Puja (Hinduism): November 13, 2023
  • Vikram Samvat New Year (Hinduism, Jainism): November 13, 2023
  • Enlightenment Day of Gautamswami (Jainism): November 14, 2023
  • Nativity Fast / Fast of the Prophets (Christianity): November 15-December 24, 2023 / November 24, 2023-January 6, 2024
  • Gyan Panchami (Jainism): November 18, 2023
  • Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary / Presentation of the Theotokos (Christianity): November 21, 2023
  • Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (Sikhism): November 24, 2023
  • Native American Heritage Day (Aboriginal Spirituality): November 24, 2023
  • Day of the Covenant (Baháʼí): November 25-26, 2023
  • Karthika Deepam (Hinduism): November 26, 2023
  • Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (Christianity): November 26, 2023
  • Dev Deepawali / Kartika Purnima (Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism): November 26-27, 2023
  • Beaver Moon (Aboriginal Spirituality, Paganism): November 27, 2023
  • Birth Date of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (Sikhism): November 27, 2023
  • Lokashah Jayanti (Jainism): November 27, 2023
  • Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Baháʼí): November 27-28, 2023
  • Yud Tet Kislev (Judaism): December 2, 2023
  • Advent / Nativity Fast (Christianity): December 3-December 24, 2023 / November 28, 2023-January 6, 2024
  • Feast of Saint Nicholas (Christianity): December 6, 2023 / December 19, 2023
  • Hanukkah (Judaism): December 7-15, 2023
  • Bodhi Day (Buddhism): December 8, 2023
  • Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Christianity): December 8, 2023
  • Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Christianity): December 12, 2023
  • Aga Khan’s Birthday (Islam): December 13, 2023
  • Pancha Ganapati (Hinduism): December 21-25, 2023
  • Yule or Winter Solstice (Paganism): December 21, 2023-January 1, 2024
  • Asarah B’Tevet (Judaism): December 22, 2023
  • Gita Mahotsav / Gita Jayanti (Hinduism): December 22, 2023
  • Maunajiyaras (Jainism): December 22, 2023
  • Tohji-Tasai (Shintoism): December 22, 2023
  • Joseph Smith’s Birthday (Latter Day Saint movement): December 23, 2023
  • Zartosht No-Diso (Zoroastrianism): December 23, 2023
  • Nativity of the Lord / Nativity of Christ (Christianity): December 25, 2023 / January 6, 2024 / January 7, 2024
  • Cold Moon (Aboriginal Spirituality, Paganism): December 26, 2023
  • Death of Prophet Zarathustra (Zoroastrianism): December 26, 2023
  • Sanghamitta Day (Buddhism): December 26, 2023
  • Ghambar Maidyarem (Zoroastrianism): December 31, 2023-January 4, 2024
  • Gantan-sai (Shintoism): January 1, 2024
  • Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God (Christianity): January 1, 2024
  • Epiphany of the Lord, Solemnity / Theophany (Christianity): January 6, 2024 / January 19, 2024
  • Seijin-no-hi (Shintoism): January 8, 2024
  • Linji Memorial (Buddhism): January 10, 2024
  • Hanuman Jayanti (Hinduism): January 10-11, 2024 / April 23-24, 2024
  • Lohri (Hinduism, Sikhism): January 13, 2024
  • Old New Year / Orthodox New Year (Christianity): January 14, 2024
  • Makar Sankranti / Maghi / Pongal (Hinduism, Sikhism): January 15, 2024
  • Iroquois Midwinter Ceremony (Aboriginal Spirituality): January 16-25, 2024
  • Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh Ji (Sikhism): January 17, 2024
  • Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Christianity): January 18-25, 2024
  • World Religion Day (Baháʼí): January 21, 2024
  • Tu BiShvat (Judaism): January 24-25, 2024
  • Honen Shonin Memorial (Buddhism): January 25, 2024
  • Mahāyāna New Year (Buddhism): January 25, 2024
  • Wolf Moon (Aboriginal Spirituality, Paganism): January 25, 2024
  • Ayyām al-Bīḍ / White Days (Islam): January 25-27, 2024
  • Sadeh (Zoroastrianism): January 30, 2024
  • Urus Syedna Taher Saifuddin (Islam): January 31, 2024
  • Hopi Holy Cycle (Aboriginal Spirituality): February 1, 2024
  • Imbolc or Candlemas (Paganism): February 1-2, 2024
  • Presentation of Jesus at the Temple (Christianity): February 2, 2024 / February 14, 2024
  • Setsunbun-sai (Shintoism): February 3, 2024
  • Laylat al-Isra'wa al-Mi'raj (Islam): February 6-7, 2024
  • Nirvana Day (Buddhism): February 8, 2024 / February 15, 2024
  • Yawm al-Mab’ath (Islam): February 8, 2024
  • Lunar New Year / Chinese New Year (Buddhism): February 10, 2024
  • Losar / Tibetan New Year (Buddhism): February 10-12, 2024
  • Shrove Tuesday / Mardi Gras (Christianity): February 13, 2024
  • Váli's Blót (Paganism): February 14, 2024
  • Vasant Panchami (Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism): February 14, 2024
  • Lent / Great Lent (Christianity): February 14-March 28, 2024 / March 18-May 4, 2024
    • Ash Wednesday: February 14, 2024
    • Clean Monday: March 18, 2024
    • Palm Sunday / Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem (Christianity): March 24, 2024 / April 28, 2024
  • Monlam / Great Prayer Festival (Buddhism): February 22-25, 2024
  • Māgha Pūjā / Chötrul Düchen (Buddhism): February 24, 2024
  • Snow Moon (Aboriginal Spirituality, Paganism): February 24, 2024
  • Laylat al-Bara'ah / Shab-w-Barat (Islam): February 24-25, 2024
  • Mid-Sha'ban (Islam): February 24-25, 2024
  • Milaad Imam uz Zamaan (Islam): February 25, 2024
  • Ayyám-i-Há / Intercalary Days (Baháʼí): February 26-February 29, 2024
  • Alá / Nineteen-Day Fast (Baháʼí): February 29-March 19, 2024
  • World Day of Prayer (Christianity): March 1, 2024
  • Maha Shivaratri (Hinduism): March 8, 2024
  • Ramadan (Islam): March 10-April 9, 2024
  • Birth Date of L. Ron Hubbard (Scientology): March 13, 2024
  • Meena Sankranti (Hinduism): March 14, 2024
  • Memorial of Shan-tao (Buddhism): March 14, 2024
  • Sikh New Year's Day (Sikhism): March 14, 2024
  • Sri Ramakrishna Jayanti (Hinduism): March 15, 2024
  • Ghambar Hamaspathmaedem (Zoroastrianism): March 16-20, 2024
  • Festival of Higan-e (Buddhism): March 17-23, 2024
  • Ostara or Spring Equinox (Paganism): March 19, 2024
  • Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Christianity): March 19, 2024
  • Poutuerangi (Aboriginal Spirituality): March 20, 2024
  • Shūbun-no-hi (Shintoism): March 20, 2024
  • Shunki-Sorei-Sai (Shintoism): March 20, 2024
  • Govinda Dwadashi (Hinduism): March 21, 2024
  • Purim (Judaism): March 23-24, 2024
  • Lord’s Evening Meal (Christianity): March 24, 2024
  • Holi (Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, Buddhism): March 25, 2024
  • Solemnity of the Annunciation / Feast of the Annunciation (Christianity): March 25, 2024
  • Worm Moon (Aboriginal Spirituality, Paganism): March 25, 2024
  • Hola Mohalla (Sikhism): March 25-27, 2024
  • Easter Triduum / Paschal Triduum (Christianity): March 28-31, 2024 / May 2-5, 2024
    • Holy or Maundy Thursday / Great and Holy Thursday: March 28, 2024 / May 2, 2024
    • Good Friday / Great and Holy Friday: March 29, 2024 / May 3, 2024
    • Holy Saturday / Great and Holy Saturday: March 30, 2024 / May 4, 2024
    • Easter / Pascha: March 31, 2024 / May 5, 2024
  • Hydesville Day (Spiritualism): March 31, 2024
  • Shahadat Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Talib (Islam): March 31, 2024
  • Easter Monday / Bright Monday (Christianity): April 1, 2024 / May 6, 2024
  • Jum’at al-Wada (Islam): April 5, 2024
  • Laylat al-Qadr (Islam): April 5, 2024
  • Anniversary of the Founding of the Church (Latter Day Saint movement): April 6, 2024
  • Buddha Jayanti (Buddhism, Hinduism): April 8, 2024 / May 15, 2024
  • Nav Varsh (Hinduism): April 8-9, 2024
  • Shrimad Rajchandra Dehvilay (Jainism): April 9, 2024
  • Samvatsarādi / Chandramana Ugadi (Hinduism): April 9, 2024
  • Eid al-Fitr (Islam): April 9-10, 2024
  • Ramayana Week (Hinduism): April 9-17, 2024
    • Ramanavami: April 17, 2024
  • Vaisakhi / Baisakhi (Hinduism, Sikhism): April 13, 2024
  • Navpad Oli (Jainism): April 15-April 23, 2024
  • Riḍván (Baháʼí): April 20-May 2, 2024
    • First Day of Riḍván (Baháʼí): April 20-21, 2024
    • Ninth Day of Riḍván (Baháʼí): April 28-29, 2024
    • Twelfth Day of Riḍván (Baháʼí): May 1-2, 2024
  • Mahavira Jayanti (Jainism): April 21, 2024
  • Yggdrasil Day (Paganism): April 22, 2024
  • Pesach / Passover (Judaism): April 22-30, 2024
  • Pink Moon (Aboriginal Spirituality, Paganism): April 23, 2024
  • St. George’s Day (Christianity): April 23, 2024
  • Theravāda New Year (Buddhism): April 24-26, 2024
  • The 11th Panchen Lama’s Birthday (Buddhism): April 25, 2024
  • Gathering Of Nations Pow Wow (Aboriginal Spirituality): April 25-27, 2024
  • Lazarus Saturday (Christianity): April 27, 2024
  • Nichiren Foundation Day (Buddhism): April 28, 2024
  • Ghambar Maidyozarem (Zoroastrianism): April 30-May 4, 2024
  • Iroquois Strawberry Season (Aboriginal Spirituality): April-May 2024
  • Hopi Kachina Dances (Aboriginal Spirituality): May 2024
  • Beltane or May Eve (Paganism): May 1, 2024
  • Jewish Heritage Month (Judaism): May 1-31, 2024
  • Yom HaShoah / Holocaust Remembrance Day (Judaism): May 5-6, 2024
  • Dianetics Day (Scientology): May 9, 2024
  • Solemnity of the Ascension of Jesus Christ / Ascension of Christ (Christianity): May 9, 2024 / June 13, 2024
  • Akshaya Tritiya (Hinduism, Jainism): May 10, 2024
  • Shanja Matsuri (Shintoism): May 17, 2024
  • Pentecost (Christianity): May 19, 2024 / June 23-25, 2024
  • Declaration of the Báb (Baháʼí): May 22-23, 2024
  • Flower Moon (Aboriginal Spirituality, Paganism): May 23, 2024
  • Vesak (Buddhism): May 23, 2024
  • Lag B'Omer (Judaism): May 25-26, 2024
  • Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity (Christianity): May 26, 2024
  • Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh (Baháʼí): May 27-28, 2024
  • Apostles’ Fast / Fast of the Holy Apostles (Christianity): May 27-June 29, 2024 / June 5-July 11, 2024
  • Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Christianity): May 30, 2024
  • Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (Christianity): June 7, 2024
  • Red Earth Festival (Aboriginal Spirituality): June 7-8, 2024
  • Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji (Sikhism): June 10, 2024
  • Shavuot (Judaism): June 11-13, 2024
  • Jamyang Khyentse Chokyi Lodro Anniversary (Buddhism): June 12, 2024
  • Hajj (Islam): June 14-19, 2024
  • Day of Arafah (Islam): June 15-16, 2024
  • Eid al-Adha (Islam): June 16-19, 2024
  • Litha or Summer Solstice (Paganism): June 21, 2024
  • Poson (Buddhism): June 21, 2024
  • Strawberry Moon (Aboriginal Spirituality, Paganism): June 21, 2024
  • Nativity of John the Baptist / Nativity of St. John the Forerunner (Christianity): June 24, 2024 / July 7, 2024
  • Matariki (Aboriginal Spirituality): June 28, 2024
  • Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul / Feast of Saints Peter and Paul (Christianity): June 29, 2024 / July 12, 2024
  • Ghambar Maidyoshahem (Zoroastrianism): June 29-July 3, 2024

Facilities

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.

Headshot of Imam Abdur Rauf Bawany.

Imam Abdur Rauf Bawany, MD

Muslim Student Life Chaplain
rxbcpm@rit.edu
585-281-7941
SMT-2406
*Confidential Resource

Andrew Cirillo headshot

Andrew Cirillo

Associate Director, Spirituality and Religious Life
ancccl@rit.edu
585-475-2137

*Confidential Resource
#Schedule a Time to Meet In Person or Virtually

 

Headshot of Rabbi Yossef Cohen.

Rabbi Yossef Cohen

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

Headshot of Rev. Brian Cool

Rev. Brian C. Cool, Ed.D.

Catholic Newman Community at RIT Director
bcool@admin.rochester.edu
585-275-8523
SMT-1412
*Confidential Resource

Headshot of Rev. Sam Kinsman

Rev. Sam Kinsman

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

Headshot of Sr. Leandra Kosmoski.

Sr. Leandra Kosmoski, S.S.J.

Catholic Newman Community at RIT Pastoral Associate
laksrl@rit.edu
SMT-1412
*Confidential Resource

Headshot of Daron Ladson.

Daron Ladson

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

Headshot of Sanjay Mathur.

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

Headshot of Rauncie Reynolds.

Rauncie Reynolds

Pagan Student Life Chaplain
lrrsrl@rit.edu
585-953-1957
SMT-1406
*Confidential Resource

Headshot of Rev. Shūdō Brian Schroeder.

Rev. Shūdō Brian Schroeder, Ph.D.

Idunno Zen Buddhist Community Chaplain
bxsgla@rit.edu
585-773-8606
LBR-3110
*Confidential Resource

Headshot of Pastor Craig Swanson.

Pastor Craig Swanson

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

Headshot of Michael Vernarelli.

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.

Headshot of Jileen Carter

Jileen Carter

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

Headshot of Leah Cohen.

Leah Cohen

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

Headshot of Mercy Gbenjo.

Mercy Gbenjo

Cru/Hands of Fire Team Leader
mgbccl@rit.edu
775-762-7995
SMT-1404

Marc Goldman headshot

Marc Goldman

Jewish Student Life Engagement Coordinator
mxgrla@rit.edu
585-475-6833

SMT-2408
#Schedule a Time to Meet In Person or Virtually

Image of a Tiger Head (Headshot placeholder)

Karthik Krishnan

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

Headshot of Catherine Mast

Catherine Mast

Cru/Hands of Fire Team Member
ctmccl@rit.edu
317-777-9076
SMT-1404
^ASL Fluent

Headshot of James Miller Jr.

James Miller Jr.

Catholic Newman Community at RIT Business Manager
jpmcpm@rit.edu
SMT-2404

Headshot Placeholder

Allen Pinkins

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

Image of a Tiger Head (Headshot placeholder)

Sikha Rani

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

Headshot of Kristen Smith.

Kristen Smith

Catholic Newman Community at RIT Campus Minister
krlccl@rit.edu
315-576-3830
SMT-2404

Headshot of Dakota Tiger.

Dakota Tiger

Cru/Hands of Fire Team Member
dtsrl@rit.edu
217-721-6605
SMT-1404
^ASL Fluent

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 1,000 events and activities for over 16,000 students in ~20 different religious communities on campus every year.

Make a Gift

To make a gift to a specific faith community or organization, please use the search function under "Additional Designations."