Religious Life FAQs

What does religious life have to do with a liberal arts education?

Building lives of purpose with distinction: That is the mission of Heidelberg. What is your purpose? How will you achieve distinction in your life? Students are attending a liberal arts school that was built to transform society. We started out training teachers and preachers in the Reformed Christian tradition. Now, we are much broader in our scope and related to the United Church of Christ, a progressive, activist movement. We are still committed to an education to make a positive impact in the world while supporting all students from a variety of faith/spiritual traditions.

What is the background of Heidelberg’s Chaplain, and what is his purpose?

Paul Sittason Stark is an ordained United Methodist Elder with membership in the West Ohio Annual Conference. He also works very closely with the Norwest Ohio Association and the Ohio Conference of the United Church of Christ. He is present for everyone as a chaplain to encourage students in their spiritual quest. Roman Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, Agnostic, Atheist? He supports our students. At the same time, in shaping global citizens he wants students to be aware of religions, beliefs and practices beyond what they’ve learned through family and community cultures.

What is religious life like on Campus?

At Heidelberg, we have a Religious Life Council meeting monthly that seeks to oversee religious life on campus. Beyond that, we have five campus groups:

'Berg UCC
Campus Fellowship
Catholic Newman Club
Cultural and Spiritual Club
Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Where are the sacred spaces at Heidelberg?

We have three designated sacred spaces: Rickly Chapel in University Hall seats 600 people; Herbster Chapel in Pfleiderer Hall seats 100 people; and the Dorothy Castanien Parsell Quiet Room in Campus Center for prayer and reflection.

What worship services are hosted on campus?

Matters of Faith is a time for weekly music and a message from noon to 12:20 p.m. each Thursday in Herbster Chapel with guest speakers, students, staff and faculty. Campus Fellowship has another student-led Christian Worship service at 9 p.m. Monday nights in Campus Center Great Hall. Catholic Newman Club sponsors a monthly mass at 7 p.m. on Sunday nights in Herbster Chapel.

What else does Campus Ministry and Religious Life sponsor?

Retreats, studies on social justice, vocational discernment and scripture studies.