The UMB Interfaith Campus Ministry celebrated their 20th anniversary on Thursday. The ceremony was led by Ms. Margaret Cahill, the UMB Catholic Chaplain and Rev. Adrienne Berry-Burton, the UMB Protestant Minister. The ceremony included prayers, story telling, and the songs “Amazing Grace” and “This Little Light Of Mine.” Students participated with prayer, responsive readings and Scripture.
University greetings were given by associate Provost Peter Langer and the Director of Student Life Joyce Morgan, who spoke at length about the ministry and the chapel, describing it as “a respite.”
Rev. Adrienne Berry-Burton spoke about her experience with the Interfaith Ministry of Boston. She talked about working at UMB with people from all over the world, as well as about the chapel, saying, “this has been a safe space.”
The Executive Minister of the American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts Rev. Dr. Linda Spoolstra gave a communal prayer of rededication for the chapel.
Mr. Samuel Mendales, the executive director of the Hillel Council of New England, was also present. The Hillel Council is a foundation for Jewish campus life, and the self- proclaimed largest Jewish campus organization in the world. Mendales did not speak at the ceremony; he played a rather humorous song on his guitar, while singing about a snail and its transgender abilities. His song included the lines “The way the good lord made me I can be your husband or your wife.” His song went over well with the audience, it seemed to help liven up the ceremony and make people laugh a bit.
Mendales was the only non-Christian representative present at the ceremony, but the emphasis of the campus ministry on being interfaith was maintained throughout, holding to the statement of purpose and philosophy, which reads in parts, “the Chapel is a comfortable, inviting, spiritual place for students to relax and meditate upon God in their own way.”
The Director of Campus Ministry for the Catholic Archdiocese of Boston Rev. Richard Clancy attended, and shared a reflection about when he worked at UMB as the Catholic Minister, which included a lot of memories about Sister Sarah Small.
Throughout the ceremony many spoke about Sister Sarah Small, who started the ministry but has since passed on. “Sister Sarah prayed this ministry into existence,” said Reverend Richard Clancy.
The ceremony was followed by a reception, where food and refreshments were served.
Margaret Cahill commented the day after the ceremony that “Reverend Adrienne and I where thrilled with the celebration. It was nice for us to plan and experience last evening with people who have represented our roles in the past.”
The chapel was originally dedicated March 30, 1982. Since then the overseers have been primarily Catholic chaplains supported by the Boston Cambridge Ministry in Higher Education. BCMHE supports ministers at five campuses in the Boston-Cambridge area, including UMB.
The UMB Campus Chapel is located in the Ryan lounge on the third floor of the McCormack building. The chapel is open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Thursday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Several Catholic services are offered, including Catholic Mass, Catechetical services, Bible studies, faith sharing, weekend retreats and Catholic Student meetings. The Protestant ministry offers Bible study and praise and fellowship. Islamic faith is supported by a Juma Prayer room, located in the McCormack Hall, room 420 on the fifth floor.