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Ash Wednesday set up at Goddard Chapel
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A Reflection from the University Chaplaincy
Dear Jumbos,
Have you heard of the Global Day of Unplugging? It’s coming up this week! From sundown this Friday, March 7, to sundown on Saturday, March 8, people around the world are invited to take a break from screens. This campaign to unplug coincides with the weekly Jewish observance of Shabbat and is happening during the holy seasons of Ramadan, Lent, and the Nineteen Day Fast. In fact, all religious and philosophical traditions uplift the importance of “unplugging.” It might be through sacred observances, such as fasting, prayer, and worship, or other spiritual practices like deep breathing, meditation, and walks in nature.
In my Christian tradition, Lent begins today with Ash Wednesday services, which take place in Goddard Chapel at noon and 5:00 p.m. This holy day, as the name implies, involves the unusual ritual of placing ashes on people’s foreheads in the shape of a cross, with the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
No matter how we identify religiously or spiritually, this reminder of our mortality is especially relevant in light of our digital lifestyles. After all, studies show that about a third of many people’s lives are happening behind screens. That leaves a third left for everything else, including another third (give or take!), for sleep.
Annie Dillard writes, “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” So, what if we took seriously the challenge to unplug, for an hour a day, or a day a week—or even once a month—to be with others, in nature, and by ourselves, device-free? This is very difficult, I realize, since so much of modern life involves being on computers and phones. Yet it is worth every second gained to be more deeply connected with people, the earth, and our authentic selves. If you would like support to figure out how to meaningfully unplug, the University Chaplaincy is here for you.
Blessings,
Dan
The Reverend Daniel Bell
Protestant Chaplain
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| Upcoming Signature Programs
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Leading with Love: Learning from Histories and Imagining Futures with Rev. Dr. Emma Jordan-Simpson and Rev. Dr. Patrick B. Reyes
Wednesday, March 12, 2025, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Goddard Chapel
The University Chaplaincy looks forward to welcoming two innovators in spiritual leadership, Rev. Dr. Emma Jordan-Simpson and Rev. Dr. Patrick Reyes, our Russell Lecturers for 2025. Russell Lecture is the oldest endowed lectureship at Tufts, and each year we bring a speaker (or two!) to offer a spiritual perspective on this historical moment. Coming to Tufts from Auburn Theological Seminary in New York City, Dr. Jordan-Simpson and Dr. Reyes have distinguished themselves as public intellectuals, working at the intersection of community organizing and research.
Please plan to attend on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., in Goddard Chapel. The event recording will be available soon after March 12. You can email the University Chaplaincy with any questions or accessibility needs and register below.
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Wendell Phillips Award Speaker Auditions
Monday, March 10 at 4:00 p.m., Goddard Chapel
Join us to hear from our four 2025 Wendell Phillips Speaker finalists: Alison Cedarbaum, Ayomide Oloyede, Krystal Mutebi, and Nikhil Vootkur. The Wendell Phillips Award was established in 1896; the award is given annually to a senior who demonstrates both marked ability as a speaker and a high sense of public responsibility. Selected by the Committee on Student Life, the winner is the one graduating senior invited to offer a speech at the Baccalaureate Ceremony, which takes place during Commencement Weekend. The four finalists will give their respective speeches at the Audition, and all are welcome to attend. A light reception will follow.
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Interfaith Ambassador Information Session and Dinner
Wednesday, March 5, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Mayer Campus Center Room 203
Have you attended an event hosted by the Interfaith Ambassador Team and want to learn more about how to become a part of this student leadership team? Are you a curious and creative person who is interested in interfaith community and programming for our Tufts community? Then come and hear from current Ambassadors about the work that they do and how you can bring your passions and ideas to this work! All current undergraduate first-years, sophomores, and juniors are invited for dinner and discussion. All interested students may apply for the position via Handshake between March 5 and March 23. Interviews will take place the week of March 24, and offers will be made the following week. Please register for dinner and contact University Chaplain Elyse Nelson Winger for more information.
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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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Ash Wednesday Services
Wednesday, March 5, 12 p.m. and 5 p.m., Goddard Chapel
On Ash Wednesday, many mark the beginning of Lent by honoring the ancient call to be rooted in our truest selves through prayer, reflection, and acts of discipline. It is a call to journey through the wilderness as we move towards the Cross and the Empty Tomb. All are welcome to join in this ecumenical Liturgy of the Word with prayer, singing, reflection, and the optional imposition of ashes, hosted by Catholic Chaplain Lynn Cooper and Protestant Chaplain Dan Bell. For questions or more information, contact either chaplain.
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Community Iftars with the Muslim Students Association (MSA)
MSA will be hosting multiple Community Iftars over the course of the month! Most iftars will be held in the Interfaith Center (58 Winthrop Street, Medford, MA) unless otherwise noted on the calendar. As a general note, please come a little early to help with setup and stay a little late to help with cleanup! We cannot put these iftars together without your support. Contact Muslim Chaplain Khan Shairani with any questions.
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Misa bilingüe en ingles y español
Domingo, 9 marzo (cada segundo Domingo del mes)
Cada segundo domingo del mes, vamos a celebrar la misa bilingüe. Nosotros queremos que ustedes nos ayuden en planificar con la selección de música, cantando o participar en el coro, leyendo escrituras, y escribir oraciones. Nuestra guía de adoración proporciona la lectura en ambos idiomas, con toda la música y lecturas en español y la homilía en inglés. Estos contribuciones son una bendición para nuestra comunidad y nosotros tenemos la esperanza que vas a traer sus espíritus de tradiciones a Tufts. Contacte a Jose Sanchez para aprender más o para inscribiste para ayudar!
Spanish/English Bilingual Mass
Sunday, March 9 (every second Sunday of the month)
Every second Sunday of the month, we celebrate Bilingual Mass. We would love for you to help us plan with music selection, singing/performing in the choir, reading scripture, and writing prayers. Our worship aid provides the readings in both languages, with all music and readings in Spanish and the homily in English. These services are such a blessing to our community, and we hope you will bring the spirit of your traditions to Tufts! Email Jose Sanchez to to learn more or sign up!
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Small Art, Big Wisdom: Call for Artists
Submissions due by Monday, March 24
Get inspired by poems of Buddhist nuns and create a small-scale artwork to be presented in April at the Buddha Day Celebration at the Interfaith Center. Contact Buddhist Chaplain Vineetha Mahayaye or Associate Dean of Student Life SMFA Alyssa Baker with questions. Submit by March 24.
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Department of Religion Open House
Monday, March 10 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m., Eaton 171
The Department of Religion would like to officially welcome you to their new home on the first floor of Eaton Hall. Join the open house to chat with faculty and current students to learn more about the department, upcoming fall course offerings, and majoring or minoring in religion. All are welcome and there will be food!
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Upcoming Religious Celebrations and Observances
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.
Nineteen Day Fast
Friday, February 28 – Wednesday, March 19, 2025
A designated 19-day period of fasting each year immediately before the Bahá’í New Year. The fasting is seen as a period of spiritual preparation and regeneration for the new year ahead. Observances may include fasting.
Ramadan
Friday, February 28 – Sunday, March 30, 2025
Begins at sundown on the first day listed. Approximate date (moon dependent). The Holy Month of Ramadan is the month of fasting during which Muslims who are physically able do not eat or drink from the first sign of dawn until sunset in honor of the first revelations to the Prophet Muhammad. The evening meal is celebrated with family. Observance(s) during this time may include fasting.
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.
Ash Wednesday
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
A special day of repentance observed by Protestant and Roman Catholic Christians to mark the beginning of Lent, the 40-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance, and self-denial preceding Easter. The name derives from the practice of marking of the faithful with ashes to signify penitence. Observances may include limits to participation in academics or work and may include fasting.
Fast of Esther
Thursday, March 13, 2025
Begins at dawn. A minor Jewish fast from sunup to nightfall. Observance(s) during this time may include fasting.
Purim
Thursday, March 13 – Friday, March 14, 2025
Begins at sundown on the first day listed. Celebrates the rescue of the Jews of ancient Persia from a plot to destroy them as related in the Book of Esther, which is read at this time. Purim is a joyous holiday, celebrated by wearing of costumes, giving gifts to friends, giving to the poor, and socializing. Preceded by the Fast of Esther, Purim is a day of feasting.
Holi
Friday, March 14, 2025
A joyous spring Hindu festival that is dedicated to Krishna in some parts of India; in other parts of India, it is dedicated to Kama, the God of Pleasure. People throw colored water or colored powder in celebration. Observances may include limits to participation in academics or work.
Ghambar Hamaspathmaedem
Sunday, March 16 – Thursday, March 20, 2025
Celebrates the creation of human beings and honors the souls of the deceased.
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Support the University Chaplaincy
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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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