New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

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Spiritual life center to begin hosting open religious services

Starting this Wednesday, NYU’s Catholic Center will hold open religious services every other week for rest of the semester.

The Catholic Center is housed within NYU’s new Global Center for Academic and Spiritual Life that opened earlier this year. The evening services will be hosted by the Episcopal campus ministry, Canterbury Downtown, but will be open to all NYU students.

“It’s an open invitation to all who wish to gather a candlelit service of song, silence and prayers,” said the Rev. Mary Catherine Young. “It’s done in an Anglican tradition. It’s really beautiful, prayerful and meditative.”

The organizers said they are expecting about 15 to 20 students. The singing will be led by members of a student choir, and Young will lead the spoken portions. The student choir present at the services will be comprised of four leaders and other volunteers.

In addition to providing an opportunity for an ecumenical gathering, Young hopes the event will offer a chance for students to unwind on campus during a strenuous fall semester after Hurricane Sandy was stressful for many.

“It’s something ,” Young said. “It’s an option for people to come in sit, listen, rest, be quiet and pray.”

LSP freshman Julia Vittore said she would attend the services if she could find time.

“I think that’s a great idea and makes sense for a school as interesting and diverse as NYU,” Vittore said. “Something as open-ended as a simple prayer service sounds perfect for this school and perfect for this city.”

LSP sophomore Melina Cary said she is skeptical of the open-minded nature of the gathering even though she admits it is a nice sentiment to want to include students of all faiths.

“I am interested in how much of it can be nondenominational since it’s being held by an Episcopal group, and they are a certain denomination,” Cary said.

The services will be held every other Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. There will be only three services between now and the end of the fall semester, but Young said they would like to continue the gatherings in the spring semester. The services may become a weekly event, Young added.

A version of this article appeared in the Tuesday, Nov. 13 print edition. Emily Bell is a staff writer. Email her at [email protected]

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