Distinguished by the diversity of its members, the University of Rochester welcomes people of various faiths from around the world. The Interfaith Chapel is the center at the University that works to support the expression of this mixture of heritages and groups.

Chapel Administrator

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Eileen Bruton
Interim Administrator
Interfaith Chapel and
Community Service Programs
(585) 275-4321
The Administrator of the Chapel oversees the Chapel but does not represent any one religious group. Rather, she works to promote inclusion and cooperation among groups. As well, she works with university and community groups to develop programs on topics of interest and relevance. In her role with community service programs, she works with the PB Jam, Warm Hands, Warm Hearts, Gifts for the Giving.

University Chaplains

Working closely with the Administrator are a group of university chaplains. The university has a long-standing covenant with four faith communities in particular and has established chaplaincies with these communities on campus. University Chaplains and Associate Chaplains are persons recognized by the university, and endorsed by their covenanting communities to minister on a full or part-time basis within the University.

As a group, the chaplains understand that college is a time when students may want to explore and challenge their faith traditions. Such exploration is welcome and chaplains stand ready to help students and others work through new ideas and beliefs, and confront different value systems. This open world view is a trademark of the work of the chaplains who work in this interfaith dwelling. Our welcome to people is hospitality-based rather than obligatory. It is a place where questioning and exploration are welcome; where spirituality and faith are celebrated.

Covenanting Communities

Fr. Brian C. Cool
Fr. Brian C. Cool
Catholic Newman Community
Catholic Newman Community
Named after John Henry Cardinal Newman, this is the Roman Catholic Faith Community at the University of Rochester. The Newman Community is a community that believes that God is present in each one of us, and that we deepen our relations with God and one another when we pray together, and when we are of service and support to one another.
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Joel Miller
Executive Director
Hillel of Rochester Area Colleges
Hillel
Hillel functions as an integrated part of student life at the University. We bring the richness and diversity of Judaism to the college world. Hillel belongs to you, the students, Reform, Conservative, Orthodox or Reconstructionist. We provide the opportunity to experience, explore, and express your identity.
TBA
Muslim Community
The Muslim Community works in conjunction with the Muslim Student Association to run a number of programs and services, including Islamic-Awareness Week. Students use the Meditation Room for daily prayers. Prayer rugs are available.
Rev. Dr. Laurie Tiberi
Rev. Dr. Laurie Tiberi
Protestant Chapel Community
Protestant Chapel Communities
"The U of R Protestant Community reflects a diversity of Christian faith traditions. Two Sunday worship services are offered: one in the African-American Spirit-filled tradition (URCF), and the other contemporary mainline Protestant (PCC). The UR Christian Fellowship and the Protestant Chapel Community offer opportunities to practice faith with people of richly diverse faiths, backgrounds, and styles, all sharing a common journey."
Rev. Greg Parris
Rev. Greg Parris
UR Christian Fellowship
UR Christian Fellowship
The UR Christian Fellowship and the Protestant Chapel Community offer opportunities to practice faith with people of richly diverse faiths, backgrounds, and styles, all sharing a common journey.

Interfaith Fellows

Working with the Dean of Students, Administrator, Chaplains and Religious Roundtable are the Interfaith Fellows. They help develop programs for students and university groups. chapelinterns@yahoo.com

Student Led Groups

Along with the chaplains of the four covenanting communities, the Chapel houses the activities of, and works closely with, a number of distinct student led faith groups. Those groups working closely with the Dean of Students, Administrator and under the Chapel umbrella include:

Hindu Students

Hindu Student Association meets every Sunday in Havens Lounge from 7:00PM - 8:00PM. Trips to the Hindu Temple of Rochester are planned every month. People of all faiths are welcome.
President: Dev Master, '08

Sikh Students

Contact person: TBA

Religious Round Table

Comprised of University students, this multi-faith group sponsors programs on and about religious diversity on campus. Again this year, they will be performing their popular and very powerful program called: Encountering the Spiritual: A Celebration of Religious Diversity.

Contact person(s): Zainab Alwan, Interfaith Fellows

Other programs and contacts:

  • Armenian Church of Rochester, Very Rev. Kegham Zakarian
    621-6941
  • Buddhist Drikung Kagyu Enlightenment Institute
    (Charles Peterson 454-3844)
  • The Zen Center
    (Sevan Ross 473-9180)
  • Christian Science, Doris Cox
    586-7879
  • Eastern Orthodox, Fr. George Savas
    244-1976
  • ISI (International Students Inc.), Len and Mary Rosenberg
    377-8048
  • Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, TBA
  • Korean (Korean UMCH), TBA
  • Mormon , Cary Jenson
    275-8928
  • Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), John and Vicki Cooley
    436-0994
  • Unitarian Universalism
  • Siddha Yoga Meditation Center, Paul Tankel
    275-0936