Spiritual Life
The Office of the Dean of the Chapel facilitates and supports the religious and spiritual lives of all students, encouraging you to explore and develop your faith as you develop your minds. Through worship, service, programs and outreach events, Hood students are encouraged to make vital connections on campus and with the wider community.
We believe that exploring and developing your personal values along with your academic and professional pursuits is a vital part of life at Hood College. The rich diversity of beliefs and traditions represented on our campus is reflected in our programming. Whether you serve at a local food pantry, join an Alternative Break trip to Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands, enjoy a Sunday Pancake Potluck Dinner or participate in a student faith group, you’ll learn about “Corde et Mente et Manu”, Hood’s tradition of joining hearts, minds and hands to build a strong community.
Religious Services
A weekly “Reflect and Renew” prayer service is offered weekly in Coffman Chapel when classes are in session. All-campus gatherings are also held in response to local, national and global concerns, lifting up our shared values and commitment to peace.
Services and events celebrating a variety of special holidays are held throughout the year for Muslim Ramadan Iftar, Jewish Sukkot and Yom HaShoah and Christian Ash Wednesday, to name a few. “Holidays at Hood” is a multifaith celebration of winter holidays through sacred readings, music and dance.
Student Faith Groups
Fellowship of Christian Athletes, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Hillel and Muslim Student Association are ongoing, student led groups. If you don’t see your tradition represented, we’ll help you form a new group.
Programs
The Chapel’s McHenry Meditation Room hosts prayer space for all faiths as well as campus mindfulness and meditation groups. * Hood is affiliated with the nationally recognized Koru Mindfulness Meditation program (www.korumindfulness.org)
Alternative Spring Break – Hood students are able to spend their fall and spring breaks learning and working at sites such as the United Church of Christ’s Franklinton Center at Bricks in Whitakers, North Carolina or in Key West or the Gulf Coast working with Habitat for Humanity, and with local agencies like the Frederick Food Security Network. A few of our trips are pictured below.
Partnerships between Hood College, local faith communities and service agencies in Frederick give you the opportunity to learn and grow beyond the college.
The Hood Pantry offers basic food and hygiene items to students who are in need of temporary help. (Chapel@hood.edu)
Reverend Beth O’Malley, Dean of the Chapel, provides a variety of services including:
- Spiritual counsel and pastoral care for individuals and groups
- Weekly worship and mindfulness meditation (Rev. O’Malley is certified as a Koru Mindfulness * teacher)
- Support for student faith groups
- Coordination of Alternative Break service/learning trips
Our Campus Partners
We work closely with other campus resources including Athletics, Campus Safety, Student Engagement, the Student Success team, Hood’s Title IX coordinator, and the Wellness Director to provide students with holistic support.
Contact Us
Rev. Beth O’Malley
301-696-3436
Office location - Coffman Chapel (main floor)
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