Spiritual Gatherings at HDS

HDS supports the separate meetings of nearly two dozen religious and spiritual organizations on our campus. From daily morning prayer in The Memorial Church to weekly yoga classes, and from Friday afternoon Unitarian Universalist services to Tuesday morning Eucharist in the Christian tradition, opportunities abound for students and employees of many traditions to engage in religious observances at HDS.  Some religious services are open to the public and can be found on the Religious Services Calendar. For services open only to students, faculty, and staff, please see the HDS Community Events Calendar on the HDS intranet (HarvardKey login required).

Tuesday Morning Eucharist (ecumenical, in the Christian tradition) 9:00-9:30 AM

An Ecumenical Eucharist is celebrated on Tuesdays at 8:30 am, preceded by silent prayer at 8:15 am in Divinity Chapel. A rotation of staff and faculty preside and preach.

Morning Meditation (every weekday but Tuesday) 9:00-9:30 AM, Multifaith Space

Wednesday Noon Service: Held Wednesdays from noon to 12:45 pm, Noon Service is hosted each week by a different religious community of the HDS campus, and overseen by a steering committee of students and the RSL staff, this service allows all in the HDS community to pray, meditate, and/or engage in rituals with our companions across the boundaries of our many respective traditions. Each service begins and ends with ritual elements led by the Noon Service Steering Committee to gather and send us out with words and movements that can be shared by all. The host community of the week designs and leads the center of the service to share the unique particularities of its tradition as much as possible with those inside and outside their community. Our director of music and ritual oversees the community choir for the Wednesday Noon Service. Vocalists and instrumentalists of all abilities are encouraged to participate in the lively music program of the School.

Student Religious and Spiritual Organizations’ Weekly or Monthly Gatherings for prayer, meditation, worship, and spiritual practice (approximately 25 such groups each year)

Hear and Now: Small interreligious spiritual support and accompaniment groups for students meet every week during the academic year.

Special Annual Multireligious Services: The Office of the Chaplain and Religious and Spiritual Life also arranges special annual multireligious services, such as the Seasons of Light celebration in December and the Commencement Service in May, and supports student groups as they plan special services for holy days and seasons.