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What is Spiritual Development?
Spiritual development refers to those motions of living that
enlarge our soul and spirit. It includes:
- Developing a greater connection to ourselves, others and the world
- Deriving meaning, purpose and direction in our lives
Opening to the presence of the sacred - Knowing what we care passionately about and learning how to bring those dreams and values to our work, relationships and community
- Discovering and healing the hurts and habits that prevent us from living fully
- Taking time for reflection and nurturing our sense
of wonder, awe and gratitude
Throughout history, religion has provided people with the stories, symbols and community for spiritual awakening and expression. For those students who grew up in a religious tradition the college years are a time when students may take the opportunity to:
- Discover the aspects of their faith that are important to them
- Question their religious heritage and its relevance to their life
- Learn about and appreciate the wisdom of traditions other than their own
- Connect with other students asking similar questions
Where can I Worship?
The office provides a listing of places of worship offered by local faith communities. Information about
different religious traditions and holy days is also
available. Please contact the office (or view our places
of worship on our web site.)
Student Involvement Opportunities
The university also has student run faith groups that
work with the Office of Spiritual Development to sponsor
activities and to provide community and support for
interested students. These groups include:
- Explorers (inter-faith)
- Cornerstone (non-denominational Christian)
- Access to Multi-campus Hillel (Jewish)
- Minaret (Muslim)
Meet the Spiritual Development staff
Boris Dolin serves as the coordinator of Jewish Programs, he is currently in his fifth year at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Wyncote, PA. Currently, Boris is the rabbinic intern at Temple Beth El in Punta Gorda, Florida where he has served the congregation since September 2008. He received a masters in Jewish education from the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York. Boris has also served as a chaplain for Jewish Family and Children's Services in Philadelphia, as the song leader at Ramah Poconos Day Camp, and has taught adults and children in local synagogues. Before moving to the East Coast, Boris worked in various congregations in Oregon, and was the service leader and programming advisor of Oregon Hillel. In addition to time fulfilling his programmatic responsibilities, Boris will hold weekly office hours on Thursdays from 11am-2pm beginning Aug. 27, 2009.
Amy Nichols is our campus representative for the Coalition of Christian Outreach (CCO). Amy graduated from Temple University with a BA in Psychology in 2005. She has worked for the nearby Liberti Church as a member of the campus ministry staff for the past four years. She spent her first two years serving at Temple University and most recently has been working with Cornerstone at Philadelphia University. She recently joined the CCO, who in partnership with Liberti Church, "seek to develop men and women who live out their Christian faith in every area of life." Beginning Aug. 25, Amy will hold weekly office hours on Tuesdays from 11am-2pm in addition to her programming efforts.
