A Reflection for the 19th Anniversary of 9/11
“No matter what world we live in now, we are all people of the earth, connected to one another by our mutual humanity.” ~Angeles Arrien, The Four-Fold Way
COVID-19 has changed our lives. We have had to accept a different way of journeying together. We have experienced isolation. We have sheltered-in-place. And as a campus community we have employed safety protocols that still require physical distancing. Yet, WE ARE STILL CONNECTED AT THE HEART AND SOUL. The Laurentian mission put in place long ago, still calls to us. Even in these challenging times, we are reminded of and led by our motto that has guided generations of Laurentians. “We have lit a candle in the wilderness, that will never be extinguished.” May the light that is within all of us, be our guide.
Due to COVID-19, there will be limited access to Gunnison Memorial Chapel for this academic year. Faculty, staff, and students will have access to the chapel from 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m., WITH KEY CARD ACCESS. The key card access allows us to keep a log of who’s entering the chapel, especially if tracing/tracking is ever needed. Only two of the five chapel doors will be accessible this year; the ODY/Handicap Access entrance and the Richardson Hall entrance. Upon entering the chapel, persons must wear masks and employ physical and social distancing of at least 6 feet from other persons. As difficult as this will be, persons outside of the campus community will not have access to the chapel, until COVID restrictions are eased.
The Chaplain’s Office is a resource for students exploring spiritual issues. We deal in matters of faith, spirituality, wellness, diversity and social justice. And we pull these themes together under the rubrics of welcome, inclusion and hospitality. Spirituality is central to our lives. At the heart of living well is listening to yourself and others. Listening to your spirit or nurturing your spirit does not necessarily translate to organized religion, though spirituality may overlap with religion or belief in God. Our working definition of spirituality is “that which moves us toward wholeness.” We invite questions about your faith journey. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have a question or want to talk. Because of COVID-19, the Chaplain’s Office recommends that most appointments/one-on-one meetings be done through virtually through teleconferencing (Zoom, FaceTime, telephone). However, if a face-to-face meeting is needed with the University Chaplain or other chapel personnel, please contact us and we will follow the protocols in place to keep us all safe.