Religious Life

Centre has always been dedicated to the development of the whole student. Since 1819, when the institution was founded by Presbyterian leaders, the College has recognized the importance of the full intellectual, social, physical, and spiritual development of its students. The religious programs on campus are a crucial component of the College's effort to achieve this goal. Centre’s Religious Life Office is maintained by the College chaplain, whose office is in Crounse 452. Ministers from local churches also maintain ties with the College. The Religious Life Office works to 1) promote vital religious life and greater religious understanding on campus; 2) encourage and coordinate the work of campus religious groups; 3) strengthen students' links to their own religious traditions by facilitating the student ministries of local congregations; 4) enhance the College's mission to educate its students as morally and socially responsible citizens; 5) provide pastoral care and religious counseling for the campus community; and 6) advise students considering religious vocations and divinity school programs. In addition to retreats, speakers, worship services, service projects, dinners, and discussion groups, the Religious Life Office sponsors events such as the Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols, Lenten observances, Passover Seder, Eid dinner, and Baccalaureate. Religious groups on campus include Baptist Campus Ministries, Centre Christian Fellowship, Jewish Student Organization, Meditation Centre, Muslim Student Association and Newman Club (Catholic). The Religious Life Office also sponsors CentrePeace, a campus peace and justice group, and CentreFaith, an interfaith dialogue group that also plans festivals and educational events from a variety of religious traditions. While the College is proud of its Presbyterian connection, Centre is governed by an independent board of trustees and offers much religious diversity. The religious groups with the largest representations on campus are Catholic, Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, and Episcopal.