Campus, community offers several options for students exploring faith

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Students can also explore different faiths while at college exploring their professional and personal preferences.

Among the on-campus places of worship are His House Christian Fellowship, 211 W. Broomfield St., St. Mary’s University Parish, 1405 S. Washington St., Wesley at CMU, 1400 S. Washington St., and Christ the King Lutheran Chapel, 1401 S. Washington St. CMU also has several registered student organizations for students of other religions to learn and celebrate.

Hillel at CMU is an RSO focused on the Jewish faith.

“Our goal is to appreciate Jewish life and meet other Jewish students on campus,” said Abi Liepshutz, Hillel’s president for the 2010-11 school year.

The Franklin junior said Hillel promotes Judaism on campus.

“We’re a laid-back group.” Liepshutz said. “We have programming three to four times a month.”

Some of its events include celebrations of Jewish holidays, which often fall during the week, because it is difficult to get home, Liepshutz said.

“Fridays are Shabbat (the day of rest) and we try to get together for this once a month,” Liepshutz said.

Hillel meets bi-weekly Mondays at 8 p.m. in the Down Under Food Court of the Bovee University Center.

About 350 to 400 people gather in His House to celebrate their faith every Sunday of the academic year.

“It is a place for people to seek God and to help others draw near to Christ,” said Leslie Collins, a CMU alumna and His House office administrator.

Collins said His House also holds gatherings Thursday nights in Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium where about 250 to 600 people worship.

“We encourage members of His House to contribute to the community in something they’re passionate about,” Collins said.

Mount Pleasant Community Church, 1400 W. Broomfield St., strives for an accepting environment, said Mitchell Sheahan, director of college ministry.

“(MPCC) has no expectations,” Sheahan said, “we just want you there to check things out.”

A group of college students comes together to worship with the main components of a church service without the service at weekly uNite meetings in addition to Sunday gatherings, Sheahan said.