What does religion and spirituality mean for you? Where and when do you experience community and belonging?

At Susquehanna, religion and spirituality are as diverse as the student body. We don’t shy away from this diversity. We embrace and celebrate it. We don’t shy away the challenges that can arise from our differences, either. Instead, seek understanding and cooperation across lines of difference. Our affiliation with the Lutheran church (ELCA) is lived out in a bold affirmation of the religious pluralism of the Susquehanna community.

My work as chaplain is grounded in the belief that each of us is called to use our gifts and talents-our lives-in service to others, particularly the most vulnerable among us. The word vocation comes from the Latin vocare, to call. Discovering your calling means listening: to your own heart, to the wisdom of others and to the needs of the world.

Whatever path you find yourself on, as university chaplain, I will walk with you as you seek your calling and community in God’s beloved world.

Warm regards,
The Rev. Scott M. Kershner

Every Sunday at 11 a.m., we gather in Weber Chapel for a Christian worship service of scripture, preaching, reflection, prayer and Holy Communion.

The service is also live streamed every Sunday at 11 a.m. on the SU Religious and Spiritual Life Facebook page facebook.com/SUReligiousLife.

You can also listen on our SU radio station, WQSU.

Never been to church before? You are welcome here.

LGBTQA? You are welcome here.

Been going to church all your life? You are welcome here.

Not sure what you believe? You are welcome here.

Looking for a non-judgmental community of support and belonging? You are welcome here.

Looking for people who want to learn what it means to love your neighbor as yourself, but don’t pretend to have all the answers? You are welcome here.

We hope you get the picture: You are welcome here!

Student leadership interns work with the chaplain to plan and lead worship, plan retreats and service opportunities and advocate for social and environmental justice.

Leadership Intern for Worship
Grace Winakor ’21 | Portland, Conn. | Religious Studies
Grace assists in the planning and leadership in the Sunday chapel services and also plans and leads Kairos and devotional service on Tuesday nights in Horn Meditation Chapel.

Leadership Intern for Service
Sydney Mastropasqua ’23 | Paramus, N.J. | Psychology
As leadership intern for service, Sydney’s main duty is to plan and execute large service events throughout the year.

Leadership Intern for Spiritual Nurture
Kayla Bush ’22 | Lancaster, Pa. | Creative Writing; English – Publishing & Editing
Kayla will plan and organize the spring religious and spiritual life Lenten Devotional.

Leadership Intern for Social & Environmental Justice
Joseph Martin ’21 | Milton, Pa. | Music Performance – Vocal
Joseph organizes programs and activities for environmental and social justice on campus and around the world. One of his main responsibilities is planning the annual Fair Trade Festival held in the fall.

Leadership Intern for Communication & Outreach
Jonathan Moser ’22 | McEwensville, Pa. | Music – Keyboard
Jonathan assists with the communication side of the ministry of the chaplain’s office, maintaining the social media presence and helping publicize events and activities.

Student Assistant for Chapel Music
Grady Daub ’24 | Denver, Pa. | Music; English
Grady’s duties include accompanying the chapel choir, providing music for services on Sunday, and arranging and coordinating service music and special chapel events.

Student Assistant to the HandBell Choir
Brian Sevison ’21 | Catawissa, Pa. | Music Education – Vocal
As director, Brian leads the HandBell Choir when they perform during chapel service and other special events on campus.

Jewish Life Engagement Associates

Student engagement leaders are designed to dramatically enhance Jewish life on campus. Each assistant is charged with building relationships with uninvolved Jewish students on campus.

Lily Soares ’23, Huntingdon, N.Y.
Music; Accounting

Robert Ness ’23, Cochranville, Pa.
Strategic Communications – Public Relations; Political Science

Samantha Koitz ’22, Rockville, Md.
Communication Arts – Comm Studies; International Studies – Diplomacy

Jewish Life Hagshama Leadership

Samantha Koitz ’22, President
Rockville, Md.
Communication Arts – Comm Studies; International Studies – Diplomacy

Molly Young ’23 – Vice President
Camp Hill, Pa.
Music Composition

We also offer an Interfaith Fellowship Program every semester:

A semester long leadership development program about being an effective, confident and knowledgeable leader in a religiously diverse society.

Susquehanna University provides this list of holidays to help faculty, staff and students better understand the diversity of observances by students. Please note that individual practices may vary.

Use the list for planning co-curricular activities, being mindful of observances or learning more about the rich religious and cultural diversity that exists at Susquehanna.

If a student anticipates a religious/spiritual observance may conflict with academic obligations such as attending class, taking examinations or submitting assignments, work directly with your professor to make reasonable arrangements. Should you require additional support or guidance, reach out to the Religious and Spiritual Life Office or SU Jewish Life.

This calendar is not an exhaustive list of religious traditions, cultural heritage holidays or all days observed by Susquehanna. If you would like to recommend a religious tradition or holiday of significance be added or offer a correction, contact the Religious and Spiritual Life Office for consideration.

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