207.581.1406
FAX: 207.581.4215

Religious Communities at The University of Maine Student Affairs office serves as an interface between University students and the religious community. The Associate Dean of Students, Ángel Martínez Loredo provides information, assists individual students, student groups, local clergy, and encourages the participation by the different faith groups in University activities. Dean Loredo convenes, a monthly meeting with all leaders and advisors to the different faith groups participating with the University of Maine community. The meeting takes place on the second Tuesday of the month at 9am in Student Affairs Conference room located on the upper floor of the Memorial Union.  The Associate Dean is located on the third floor of the Memorial Union. For more information, contact Dean Loredo by email at loredo@umit.Maine.edu.  and/or by phone at 581-1406. The following is a listing of the religious communities at the University of Maine   Statement on Religious Activities at the University of Maine B'nai B'rith Hillel Foundation Campus Crusade for Christ International Hindu Prayers Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship Pagan Campus Organization (PaCO) The Catholic Community: The Newman Center Our Lady of Wisdom Parish The Navigators The Wilson Center - A Protestant Campus Ministry UMaine Muslim Student Group UMaine Pentecostal Student Fellowship Off-Campus Religious Communities Top Statement of Religious Activities at the University of Maine As a public institution, the University affirms the Constitutional right to the free exercise of religion by all its members. The University may not abridge the rights of individuals to believe and worship as they please, nor may it sanction particular forms of religious expression to the exclusion of others. The University has, however, an obligation to insure that religious groups using the facilities of the University are willing to abide by those standards and values which apply to all groups. Such values are rooted in the University's commitment to free inquiry, for diversity, and freedom from coercion, and are related to its primary mission of offering an educational environment in which the pursuit of truth and knowledge is honored and affirmed. Groups promoting particular religious traditions express their beliefs, serve students, faculty and staff, and have access to, and use of, University facilities and services at the discretion of the University. Groups wishing registration as student organizations may seek to be recognized by Student Government/The Association of Graduate Students. Student Affairs publish annually a listing of campus religious organizations and nearby churches which offer their facilities and services to the University community. Top B'nai B'rith Hillel Foundation Hillel is a student-run organization serving the University of Maine's Jewish community. It provides Jewish students, faculty, and staff a means to network amongst themselves. Hillel organizes celebrations, worship ceremonies, and social activities revolving around Jewish life. All persons interested are welcome to become involved. In addition to on-campus activities, Hillel links the University of Maine to the surrounding Jewish community of Greater Bangor. Whether you are interested in connecting with other Jews within the community or simply learning more about Jewish traditions, contact: Prof. William Small, 214 Little Hall, (207) 581-2095, e-mail: wsmall@Maine.Maine.edu Top Campus Crusade For Christ International Campus Crusade for Christ is a worldwide student movement dedicated to helping fulfill the "Great Commission." The last command of Jesus before leaving earth was "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations..." We want to influence positively every student with the claims of Christ, to make Christ an issue on the college campus, have positive impact in the entire campus environment, and have a significant part in influencing the entire world for Christ. It is our goal to provide an environment for men and women to know God in a personal way and grow in that relationship. Our activities include: The Maine Event (Bible topics, fun, and friends), Bible studies for those who want to grow deeper in their relationship with God and develop deeper friendships, discipleship groups for those who want to be trained in evangelism and leadership skills, conferences and overseas summer projects. We also have lots of other activities such as parties, sports nights, videos, and just good times. Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC) is an interdenominational Christian student movement. It is not affiliated with any specific denomination or church. We encourage participation in a local Biblically-based church. Please feel free to check out our First Class Conference; also feel free to attend any of our activities. Palmeter@Maine.Maine.edu Top Hindu Prayers Please join us and taste the nectar of devotion! Our activities include: Hindu prayer meetings, worshipping, singing, congregational chanting, teachings from the Bhagavad-gita ("The Divine Song") and other Vedic texts and Bhakti-yoga (the system of cultivation of pure devotional service). We also organize gatherings to celebrate Hindu festivals like Diwali ("The Festival of Lights") and Krishna-Janmashtami ("The Birth of the Lord Krishna"), vegetarian potluck dinners and other social events. Everybody is welcome to attend any of our activities. If you have any questions or would like more specific information, please feel free to contact Roop Goyal at rgoyal@spatial.Maine.edu Top Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship is an interdenominational group of students, faculty, and staff who seek to follow Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior on the University of Maine Campus. Our purpose is to build and grow a community of Christians that engages the campus in all of its ethnic diversity with the good news of Jesus and develops disciples of Christ who embody biblical values. Our major activities include a weekly large group meeting for singing, worship, teaching and fun, small group Bible studies in the dorms and off campus, a daily prayer meeting, parties, weekend retreats and involvements with the needs of the campus and nearby community. If you have any questions or would like more specific information about Inter-Varsity, contact Daniel Milani or Sarah Junkins, at 866-0866 or 581-3302. Top Pagan Campus Organization (PaCO) PaCO is a group for Pagans, Pagan allies, and all others who are interested in Paganism. We discuss a wide variety of topics, do fun craft projects, and hold social and religious events, including our annual Beltane celebration and sometimes full moon circles. We hope to create a respectful environment in which people can find friendship, lively discussion and support for their spiritual beliefs and development, Pagan or otherwise. We're a diverse bunch, and open-minded people of all belief systems are welcome and encouraged to take part in our group! We meet at 4p.m. on Tuesdays in the Totman Lounge on the 2nd floor of the Memorial Union. Come check us out! =) For more information, you can visit our folder on first class (Campus Conversations -> Discussions -> Religion -> Pagan -> PaCO), our website at http://www.umit.Maine.edu/PaCOweb/ , our livejournal community (x_paco) or contact Mary MacDonnell. Top The Catholic Community: The Newman Center - Our Lady of Wisdom Parish The Newman Center / Our Lady of Wisdom Parish, a Catholic Parish and Campus Ministry Center, is the home of the Catholic Community at the University of Maine.  The Center is a short walk from the Center of campus, located on College Avenue, across from the Buchanan Alumni House.  Fr. Bill Labbe serves as campus minister, and can be reached on First Class (wilfred.labbe@umit.Maine.edu) or by calling 866-2155.  Check out our web address at www.ume.Maine.edu/newman  .  As a campus ministry center, we have a special ministry to University students.  We work closely with the Catholic Student Association, a student organization on campus, and also alongside Student Affairs Office, Counseling Center, and other Campus Ministries in the service of University students.   Students meet for Mass and prayer, weekly suppers, retreats, service to the needy, spiritual development, sacramental preparation, and other social activities.  Each semester we host lectures and discussion groups where students can explore and grow in the understanding of their faith.   There are two Sunday liturgies, 10am (family Mass) and 6:15pm (student Mass). Students actively serve as Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Music Ministers, and Ministers of Hospitality.  The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available by appointment, and at scheduled times during Advent and Lent.  The Campus Ministers are available for guidance, counseling, and Spiritual Direction.  As a University Parish, we have a special mission to the University community - faculty, students, and administration, as well as their families.  We have an active Childrens’ Ministry, Junior Parish, and Youth Ministry Progam.  There are opportunities for students and parents to serve as volunteers, alongside the Director of Religious Education.  The Parish is open year around and also offers ongoing preparation programs for the Sacraments of Initiation and Marriage.  The Newman Center is open every day, from 7:30am to 4:30pm and during the evenings when events are scheduled.  Feel free to stop by the Center to say hello, enjoy a quiet place for study, browse the library for books and Catholic periodicals, pray in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, or volunteer an hour of your time. Top The Navigators The Navigators is an international, interdenominational Christian organization whose purpose is to advance the good news of great joy, the knowledge of Jesus Christ, into the nations through spiritual generations of laborers, living and discipling among the people. We seek to help students on their spiritual journey by serving them, meeting their needs, building relationships, exploring the bible and worshiping God in an environment of grace manifesting compassion and concern for personal wholeness. Our activities include large group gatherings, small group bible studies, individual mentoring, retreats and spring break service projects. We believe in the dignity and value of every person and place a priority on fostering personal growth in the context of a community of love and grace. Our vision is for students to experience the joy of Christian living in such a way that they will go on to live productive and fulfilling lives in whatever vocation with grace, love and truth and an undercurrent of lifelong mission. For more information or to connect with us contact Clay Kirby at ckirby@umext.maine.edu  or Mike Whitney at michael.whitney@umit.maine.edu Top The Wilson Center - A Protestant Campus Ministry The Wilson Center, home of the Maine Christian Association, is an interdenominational student ministry open to everyone interested in exploring the meaning and practice of the Christian faith while at college. We are committed to creating an atmosphere of respect, tolerance, and spiritual support, which celebrates human diversity. We worship every Sunday evening at 6 pm during the academic year when classes are in session. The schedule of events/programs at the Wilson Center varies depending on student interest. We currently provide a Thursday Community meal, bible study and retreats. The Wilson Center sponsors student programs that focus on its commitment to social justice, diversity, and spiritual growth, including SCOPE Projects, The Dorothy Clarke Wilson Peace Writing Competition, and the Elizabeth A. Morris Peacemaker Award. The Wilson Center is located at 67 College Avenue. Here the Campus Minister, Timoth Sylvia, has his office. The "A" frame construction of the facility creates a beautiful cathedral-like room for a variety of functions. The western end of the room is constructed entirely of glass. Depending on the season, the view through the windows of the gardens and Stillwater River can be most inspiring. The Center is open daily for study, meetings, quiet meditation, or visiting with friends. Feel free to call the Wilson Center at 866-4227, or Timoth Sylvia at 299-6250.  e-mail or visit our website at www.uMaine.edu/wilsoncenter. Top UMaine Muslim Student Group The Muslim Student Group is a group of international students who share and practice Islam as a religion. The group's activities include: 1. holding a weekly Friday prayer for the Muslim students as well as Muslims throughout the University community. The Friday Prayer is held between 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m., at the Islamic Center of Maine, 151 Park Street, Orono. 2. The group also holds an Islamic study meeting every Saturday evening at the Islamic Center for the study of the Holy Quran and the Sharia (the Islamic Laws). In addition, the group organizes gatherings to celebrate Islamic Holidays and provides a network for positive fellowship within Islamic teachings. For more information, please contact Dr. Mahmoud El-Begearmi, at 581-3449 or 947-1394 or e-mail mahmoud@umce.umext.Maine.edu Top UMaine Pentecostal Student Fellowship Our campus-based ministry started in 1980 by offering a basic bible course covering the major themes of the Bible. We have now expanded to offer individual and group Christian counseling to students. Our counseling interventions include a Christian Lifestyle Analysis given to students and assessed by a trained Christian psychoanalyst. The (CLSA) will enable a student to get a glimpse of his/her lifestyle. Other features of our ministry include: weekly worship services with Bible preaching/teaching, Christian films, and recreational outings. We meet every Thursday at 7:00 p.m. in the Memorial Union. Students interested in UMPSF ministries may contact: Alston Oliver, Ph.D., LCPC, UMPSF President (207) 394-4311; Rev. Jack Stewart, UMPSF Advisor (207) 794-6394

The University of Maine , Orono, Maine 04469 207-581-1110 A Member of the University of Maine System