A new space to connect, reflect and belong

UM’s Spiritual Care office has moved to a new location of 521A/B UMSU University Centre and they are excited to officially welcome the UM community to the new Multi-Faith Centre with a week-long open house!

From October 17 to 21, the centre is hosting several activities to celebrate this expansion and providing an opportunity for the campus community to discover the many ways that Spiritual Care provides support in spiritual well-being, regardless of someone’s spiritual or religious background.

“We know that many faith-based communities do not have spaces to call their own, or to gather. It is our hope that  student communities can find a sense of belonging and rooting in this space,” says Edgar French, Spiritual Care Coordinator. “Perhaps now, more than ever, contemplative and quiet spaces to recharge and be grounded are needed. We hope the Multi-Faith Centre can be that for many students.”

One of the new options at the Multi-Faith Centre is the ability to smudge within the space at designated times. “We all need spaces to cultivate our individual sense of community and belonging,” French says.

Beyond this, French and the Spiritual Care staff are also excited to see how the new centre, as a physical space, will foster connections between students of all faith backgrounds and worldviews, and allow students to learn from each other.

For a community as diverse as the one at UM, French affirms that we also need “spaces that transcend our community distinctives and bring us together, forums where differing groups can engage with each other, grow in respect for one another, and discover they have a lot more in common than they realize.”

Spiritual Care has remained committed to providing support to the UM community especially throughout the pandemic, and being able to gather and enjoy the Multi-Faith Centre at this point in time is a rewarding experience – and they are delighted to share it with you.  

The upcoming events and activities are as follows:

• Faith and Ritual: Celebrating the Diversity of Spiritual Traditions through Photography, will debut on Monday, October 17^th at 11:00 am showcasing the artwork of local freelance photographer Colin Corneau. As the perfect start to the upcoming week of events and activities, Corneau will speak about the inspiration behind his work and share the beauty of his photography. The exhibit will then run until the end of the Fall term and will be open on Mondays from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm in 521A/B UMSU University Centre.

• On Tuesday, October 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Fireside Chats: Talks on Indigenous Knowledges will take place on Zoom and provide an opportunity for all to learn from Elders and Knowledge Keepers.

• John’s College and Lutheran chaplains are gathering a Wellness Group for conversation and connection about your week and the academic experience. Join the group on Wednesday, October 19 at 10:30 a.m. in 521 A/B UMSU University Centre and have refreshments afterwards!

• Enjoy a pizza lunch at the Menno-Office Pizza Gathering! Enjoy toppings of your choice, meet some members of the community and hear how the Menno-Office can support students on Wednesday, October 19 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

• The Multi-Faith Centre Dedication Ceremony will be streamed on YouTube on Thursday, October 20 at 9:00 a.m.. The multi-faith community gathering will be led by a diverse group of UM and external community faith leaders, marking the offering of a new space and service on campus.

• Join Bouncing Back to the Beat – Drum Circle Drop-in on Friday, October 21 at 12:00 p.m. in 521 A/B UMSU University Centre for a fun and creative way to de-stress. The drop-in drum circle will help attendees make connections, learn the basic of drumming and feel great! No drum experience required, and drums will be provided.

If you have questions, please send the Spiritual Care office an email. 

Francesca Espiritu