Worship & Bible Study | Many Spiritual Traditions | Presbyterian Traditions | ACtivators | Staff
In addition to Wynne Chapel Programs like Worship, Bible Study, and the ACtivators, Austin College students participate in a variety of Christian organizations including Baptist Student Ministries, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, and Young Life as well as organizations comprising students from a variety of other religious traditions.
“Austin College and especially Rev. John Williams are amazing and are open to students from all different faiths. I have never felt pressured or felt like I can’t practice my religion here. Austin College is a Presbyterian affiliated school and that label I believe makes it an even better place because Rev. John Williams and the Religious Life staff try to make sure that students of all faiths can practice their religion. They even go out of their way to make sure that other religiously affiliated students’ needs are being met.” –Umme Lalani—President, Muslim Students Association
Religious Dates and Festivals 2023-24
BUDDHIST STUDENTS
“My ability to study religions at Austin College from an objective perspective mirrored the Buddhist truth of non-attachment. Furthermore, my ability to compare and contrast these ideas and ideals with those of the West (particularly the sciences) made my Austin College experience especially holistic.”
— Ariel Ketcherside, Buddhist
The Austin College community includes Buddhist students and faculty members who meet together for study, meditation, and support. Many also frequently visit worship sessions in local Buddhist Centers in the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex.
For more information, contact Dr. Ivette Vargas-O’Bryan, or Chaplain John Williams (903.813.2220).
HINDU STUDENTS
“I never thought that coming to a small private school in Sherman with a religious affiliation would lead me more to my religion, but there is such openness and it embraces diversity.”
— Parth Shah, Hindu
“They don’t restrict things at Austin College; there are Hindus at Christian things and Christians at Muslim things. …And all the professors are open to hearing your questions or your opinions.”
— Swathi Anantha, Hindu
Most Hindu students at Austin College are members of the Indian Cultural Association (ICA). The largest student organization at Austin College, ICA sponsors an annual Masala dinner as well as several events related to Hindu festivals including Diwali, Garba, and Onam. Hindu students at Austin College are part of various Hindu temples in the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex.
For more information, contact Chaplain John Williams (903.813.2220).
JEWISH STUDENTS
“Being at Austin College has given me the opportunity to interact with a large number of students with diverse backgrounds. As a member of the Austin College community, I have learned a great deal about my own religion and the perspectives of the many different groups on campus.”
–Carly Rosemore, Jewish
Most Jewish students at Austin College are members of the Jewish Students Association. Members of that group gather regularly for informal fellowship, meals, and Torah study. In addition to participation in campus-wide interfaith dialogue, Jewish students at Austin College attend a Yom Kippur break fast in the home of President Hass and help plan and lead a Seder dinner in the Wright Campus Center each Spring.
While some Jewish students participate in services at Temple Beth-Emeth in Sherman (903.892.9326), others are active in synagogues in the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex.
For more information, contact Dr. Aaron Block or Chaplain John Williams (903.813.2220).
MUSLIM STUDENTS
“During my sophomore year, I joined Chi Tau Chi, an ecumenical brotherhood. XTX is a fraternity based on Christian beliefs, and for someone Muslim to join the group was an interesting transition. But the openness of all my brothers for different religious beliefs and the understanding that the gist of the message was one and the same was fascinating.”
— Redwan Hoque ’10, Sunni Muslim
Most Muslim students at Austin College are members of the Muslim Students Association (MSA). MSA activities include weekly meetings, participation in services at the Texoma Central Mosque in Sherman, social events, Friday afternoon prayers in the Wynne Chapel Small Chapel, and campus-wide activities such as Eid Dinner, Interfaith Dialog Dinner, and Islam Awareness Week.
For more information, contact Chaplain John Williams (903.813.2220).
ROMAN CATHOLIC STUDENTS
“I am a member of ACtivators and will be a chapel intern next year. These opportunities have given me the chance to develop my faith through personal experience as well as discussing faith with others.”
— Ashleigh Johnson, Roman Catholic
The Austin College Catholic Students Association (CSA) meets regularly on campus for Bible Study, discussion, and fellowship. CSA students attend mass at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Sherman (903.893.5148) or St. Patrick Church in Denison (903.463.3275). St. Mary’s Parish in Sherman holds noon mass in Wynne Chapel at Austin College on Ash Wednesday and weekday Holy Days of Obligation.
For more information, contact Dr. Hank Gorman, Kim Snipes, Michelle Filander, or Chaplain John Williams (903.813.2220).
UNITARIAN-UNIVERSALIST STUDENTS
“Austin College is an amazing place for knowledge. There is no shortage of resources for learning, and you can always find someone to have an intellectual discussion with. People are very open and willing to discuss ideologies. I think the strongest way of defining your own faith comes from understanding what else is out there.”
— Coral Kennelty-Cohen, Unitarian-Universalist
Austin College has several students and faculty members who attend Red River Unitarian Universalist Church in Denison (903.465.5515).
For more information, contact Chaplain John Williams (903.813.2220).