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We are busy here in Goddard Chapel and the Interfaith Center as so many of our traditions' spring observances are underway! You can find more information about our upcoming events and gatherings in this week's issue of enews - plus check out the University's Multifaith Calendar below to learn about many spring observances across traditions. Take good care, Jumbos!
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Special Opportunities with the University Chaplaincy
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Open Mic Night Hosted by Dee-1 with Interfaith Ambassadors
Wednesday, April 23, 7:00 p.m., Goddard Chapel
Get ready! Open Mic Night plus an Album Release Concert is happening on April 23 at 7:00 p.m. in Goddard Chapel. Hosted by Dee-1 and featuring "Ripple Effect" by Ayah & The Barnum Boyz, in collaboration with the Tufts Interfaith Ambassadors. Music, meaning, and a mic — don't miss it!
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Senior Awards Night Save the Date - and Nominate a Senior Today!
Nominations due by Monday, April 21
This year, the University Chaplaincy hosts its fourth annual celebration to honor and uplift the wonderful contributions of our seniors and young alumni across all of our religious and philosophical communities. You are welcome to submit more than one nomination, as well as to nominate yourself. You can nominate anonymously or share your name and email. Sharing your information ensures that you will be notified of the final awards decisions and Senior Award Celebration. All nominees will be honored at our celebration, featuring delicious food and mocktails, at the Interfaith Center on Wednesday, April 30, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Please submit all nominations by 11:59pm on Monday, April 21 through the form below. Reach out to University Chaplain Elyse Nelson Winger with any questions
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Religious and Philosophical Events and Gatherings
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Our events and weekly gatherings are open to everyone in the Tufts community. You can find a calendar and descriptions of our regular events on our website. If you have an idea for a gathering or event, please contact the University Chaplaincy.
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Passover at Tufts Hillel
Passover ends at nightfall on Sunday, April 20
Join Tufts Hillel for all or part of their Passover programming, including Seders, meals, and events. Above is the schedule for all Seders and meals, so mark your calendars! You can find more information on the Tufts Hillel website linked below.
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Good Friday Service
Friday, April 18, 12:00 p.m., Goddard Chapel
Mark Good Friday with a moving ecumenical service at Goddard Chapel on Friday, April 18 at 12:00 p.m. Together with Christians around the world, we will reflect on Christ’s suffering and death through prayer, song, and scripture in the Tenebrae tradition. The service will include the extinguishing of candles, the Arabic Good Friday hymn Wa-habibi, and the veneration of the Cross. Catholic Chaplain Lynn Cooper will preach, and Protestant Chaplain Dan Bell will preside. All are welcome. For more information, contact Protestant Chaplain Dan Bell or Catholic Chaplain Lynn Cooper.
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Celebrate Easter Weekend
Saturday, April 19 - Sunday, April 20, Goddard Chapel
Celebrate Easter Weekend with Tufts' Christian Student Communities! Join us for Holy Saturday Prayer and Reflection Space on April 19th from 7-9 p.m. at the Interfaith Center (58 Winthrop St). On Easter Sunday, attend Catholic Mass from 5-6 p.m. at Goddard Chapel, followed by an Easter Dinner Celebration featuring S-Factor and Ladies of Essence from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Interfaith Center. Please note that Protestant Evening Worship will not be held on Easter. Contact Catholic Chaplain Lynn Cooper or Protestant Chaplain Dan Bell for more information.
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Respite Café: Chai and Snacks
Tuesday, April 22, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Interfaith Center
Join the University Chaplaincy for a time of respite, delicious snacks, and a space to just be as we approach the end of the academic year. Co-hosted by the Buddhist Chaplaincy, Humanist Chaplaincy, and Muslim Chaplaincy. Come and go as you please. For more information email Humanist Chaplain Anthony Cruz Pantojas.
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V.A. Medical Center Donation Drive
Donations due by April 20
The Protestant Students Association (PSA) is hosting a donation drive for the V.A. Medical Center. Join us in supporting the Jamaica Plain campus, which provides essential care to veterans and their families. This location offers a wide range of services, such as primary care, mental health, and substance abuse treatment, and the region's only VA radiation oncology unit. Donations will be accepted at the Easter Dinner or in designated bins located in Goddard Chapel until April 20. For questions, please contact PSA President Lian Juergens.
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Tufts Teach-In on Federal Actions
Thursday, April 24, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Eaton Hall 250
Are you concerned about federal actions? Wondering what you can do? Learn more about what is happening, the impact of federal actions on immigration, trans communities, education, global relationships, and the economics - and what YOU can do. Speakers include Katrina Burgess (The Fletcher School), Hope Freeman (LGBT Center, Women's Center), Meredith McLean (Political Science), David Ekbladh (History), Sam Gebru (Political Science), John Perella (Education Policy), and Michael Klein (Economics, The Fletcher School). Join us for an evening of pizza, discussion, and community organizing. This event is hosted by Tufts Sociology Professor Natasha Warikoo and Education Professor Erin Seaton with support from Tisch College.
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Resources and Opportunities
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Empowering Future Secular Leaders: Apply for the 2025 Secular Student Activist Scholarships
The Secular Student Alliance is thrilled to announce that applications for the 2025 Secular Student Activist Scholarships are now open! This is a fantastic opportunity for bold and brave nonreligious students committed to secular values, church/state separation, and intersectional activism. These scholarships provide not just financial support, but also a vital lifeline and recognition of the importance of their activism. Share this opportunity with students, educators, and youth organizations, and encourage young nonreligious activists to apply today! Learn more and apply at secularstudents.org/scholarships. Help us support the next generation of secular leaders!
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To see more upcoming religious holidays and festivals, including information about seeking religious accommodations at Tufts, please follow the link to the Tufts Multifaith Calendar.
Great Lent
Monday, March 3 – Saturday, April 19, 2025
In Orthodox churches, the first day of Lent marks the beginning of the Great Fast, the final six weeks of a 10-week period leading up to Holy Week and Easter (Pascha). In the churches that follow the Gregorian calendar, Lent is a six-week observance (40 days excluding Sundays) beginning with Ash Wednesday and culminating in Holy Week. It is a time of repentance and sacrifice in preparation for Easter. Observance(s) during this time may include fasting.
Passover (Pesach)
Saturday, April 12 – Sunday, April 20, 2025
Begins at sundown on the first day listed. Passover commemorates the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It is celebrated for eight days with special prayers and symbolic foods at home, starting with the Seder, a ritual meal that re-enacts that ancient deliverance and emphasizes the freedom of the Jews under the guidance of God. The first two and the last two days are holidays. Observances may include limits to participation in academics or work.
Holy Thursday/Maundy Thursday
Thursday, April 17, 2025
Commemorates the institution of the Lord's Supper/the Eucharist by Jesus prior to his arrest and execution. "Maundy" is derived from the Latin text of John 13:34, in which Jesus gives a mandatum novum ("new commandment"). The date observed by Protestants and Roman Catholics often differs from the date observed by Orthodox Christians, but in 2025 the dates are the same for Holy Week and Easter.
Good Friday/Holy Friday
Friday, April 18, 2025
Commemorates the Passion of Jesus Christ, i.e., his death by crucifixion. Observances may include limits to participation in academics or work and may include fasting.
Easter Sunday / Pascha
Sunday, April 20, 2025
Celebrates the resurrection from death of Jesus Christ. It is the oldest and most important festival in the Christian year and initiates the 50-day period culminating in Pentecost. Protestant and Roman Catholic Christians often observe Easter on a different date than Orthodox Christians, but in 2025, the date is the same. Observances may include limits to participation in academics or work.
Ridvan
Sunday, April 20 – Friday, May 2, 2025
Commemorates the 12 days that Baha'u'llah spent in the Garden of Ridvan in the last days of his exile in Baghdad, during which time he proclaimed himself as the one announced by Bab. Work is suspended for the first, ninth, and twelfth days. Observances may include limits to participation in academics or work.
Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day)
Wednesday, April 23 – Thursday, April 24, 2025
Begins at sundown on the first day listed. Holocaust Memorial Day. Memorializes the six million Jews who died as victims of the Nazis during World War II and emphasizes respect for human dignity. Its observance is not limited to Jews.
Beltane
Wednesday, April 30 – Thursday, May 1, 2025
Begins at sundown on the first day listed. The final fertility festival, celebrating the Earth's fecundity and anticipating the power of the sun and the Earth in summer.
Ghambar Maidyozarem
Wednesday, April 30 – Sunday, May 4, 2025
Celebrates the creation of the sky and harvesting of the winter crop.
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Support the University Chaplaincy
Supporting programs at Tufts University in religious, spiritual, ethical, and cultural life is easy and vital to our work. To donate, please click on the button below. Thank you for your generosity.
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The University Chaplaincy is a dynamic hub supporting religious, spiritual, ethical, and cultural life for all members of the Tufts community. We provide spiritual care, support religious and philosophical communities, educate about spiritual and ethical issues in society and the world, and promote multifaith engagement.
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