Spiritual & Religious Life at Lakeland University

Moral & Spiritual Growth

At Lakeland University, we are committed not only to academic growth, but also to moral and spiritual growth. Religious and spiritual life activities at Lakeland are designed to create a safe place for students to grow in faith, encounter new religious traditions, and even ask questions about their own faith. The Office of the Chaplain is committed to respecting and supporting all spiritual and religious traditions represented on Lakeland's campus. Lakeland is the perfect place to explore your faith and nurture your spiritual life.

AUGUST 2022

  • 1
    • Lammas - Christian
    • Lughnassad (Lammas) * - Wicca/Neo Pagan
    • Fast in honor of Holy Mother of Jesus - Orthodox Christian
  • 6
    • Transfiguration of the Lord - Orthodox Christian
  • 7
    • Tish'a B'av - Judaism
  • 11
    • Raksha Bandhan - Hindu
  • 15
    • Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary - Catholic Christian
    • Dormition of the Theotokos - Orthodox Christian
  • 19
    • Krishna Janmashtami - Hindu
  • 29
    • Beheading of St. John the Baptist - Christian
  • 31
    • Ganesh Chaturthi - Hindu

SEPTEMBER 2022

  • 1
    • Religious year begins - Orthodox Christian
  • 8
    • Nativity of Virgin Mary - Christian
  • 11
    • Ethiopian New Year - Rastafarian
  • 14
    • Elevation of the Life Giving Cross (Holy Cross) - Christian
  • 23
    • Fall Equinox * - Wicca/Neo Pagan
  • 26
    • Navaratri Begins - Hindu
  • 29
    • Michael and All Angels - Christian

OCTOBER 2022

  • 4
    • St Francis Day - Catholic Christian
    • Blessing of the Animals - Christian
    • Navaratri Ends - Hindu
  • 5
    • Yom Kippur - Judaism
  • 6
    • St. Thomas Day - Orthodox Christian
  • 10
    • Sukkot begins - Judaism
  • 16
    • Sukkot ends - Judaism
  • 17
    • Shemini Atzeret - Judaism
  • 18
    • St. Luke, Apostle & Evangelist - Christian
    • Simchat Torah - Judaism
  • 20
    • Installation of Scriptures as Guru Granth - Sikh
  • 24
    • Diwali (Deepavali) - Hindu
  • 25
    • Vikram New Year - Hindu
  • 26
    • Birth of the Bab * - Baha'i
    • Rosh Hashanah begins - Judaism
  • 27
    • Birth of Baha'u'llah * - Baha'i
    • Rosh Hashanah ends - Judaism
  • 28
    • Milvian Bridge Day - Christian
  • 31
    • All Hallows Eve - Christian
    • Reformation Day - Protestant Christian
    • Samhain - * Wicca/Neo Pagan
    • Deep Diwali - Jain

NOVEMBER 2022

  • 1
    • All Saints Day - Christian
  • 2
    • All Souls Day - Catholic Christian
    • Crowning of Emperor Haile Selassie - Rastafarian
  • 12
    • Birth of Baha'u'llah * - Baha'i
  • 15
    • Nativity Fast begins - ends Dec. 24 - Orthodox Christian
  • 20
    • Christ the King - Christian
  • 21
    • Yule - Winter Solstice - Wicca/Neo Pagan
  • 24
    • Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahdur - Sikh
  • 26
    • Day of the Covenant * - Baha'i
  • 28
    • Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Baha * - Baha'i
  • 30
    • St. Andrew's Day - Christian

DECEMBER 2022

  • 6
    • St. Nicholas Day - Christian
  • 8
    • Bodhi Day (Rohatsu) ** - Buddhism
    • Immaculate Conception of Mary - Catholic Christian
  • 12
    • Feast day - Our Lady of Guadalupe - Catholic Christian
  • 16-25
    • Posadas Navidenas - Hispanic Christian
  • 18
    • Hanukkah Begins - Judaism
  • 21
    • Yule - Christian
    • St Thomas the Apostle - Christian
  • 22
    • Yule/Winter Solstice * - Wicca/Neo Pagan
  • 24
    • Christmas Eve - Christian
  • 25
    • Christmas * - Christian
    • Feast of the Nativity ** - Orthodox Christian
  • 26
    • Zarathosht Diso (Death of Prophet Zarathushtra) Zoroastrian
    • St Stephen's Day - Christian
    • Hanukkah Ends - Judaism
  • 28
    • Holy Innocents - Christian
  • 30
    • Holy Family - Catholic Christian
  • 31
    • Watch Night - Christian

JANUARY 2023

  • 1
    • Mary, Mother of God - Catholic Christian
    • Feast Day of St Basil - Orthodox Christian
    • Shogatsu/Gantan-sai (New Years) - Shinto
    • Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus - Orthodox
  • 5
    • Twelfth Night - Christian
    • Guru Gobindh Singh birthday - Sikh
  • 6
    • Epiphany - Christian
    • Feast of the Epiphany (Theophany) - Orthodox Christian
    • Dia de los Reyes (Three Kings Day) - Christian
  • 7
    • Feast of the Nativity - Orthodox Christian
  • 8
    • Feast of the Holy Family - Catholic Christian
  • 13
    • Maghi - Sikh
  • 17
    • Blessing of the Animals - Hispanic Catholic Christian
  • 18
    • Week of Prayer for Christian Unity - Christian
  • 25
    • Conversion of St. Paul - Christian
  • 30
    • Mahayana New Year 3 days** - Buddhism

FEBRUARY 2023

  • 2
    • Candlemas - Presentation of Christ in the Temple - Christian
    • Imbolc (Candlemas) * - Wicca/Neo Pagan
    • Saint Brighid of Kildare - Christian
  • 3
    • St. Blaze Day - Christian
    • Setsebun (beginning of spring) - Shinto
  • 14
    • St. Valentine's Day - Christian
  • 15
    • Nirvana Day ** - Buddhist
  • 24
    • Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist - Christian

MARCH 2023

  • 1
    • St. David of Wales - Christian
  • 17
    • St. Patrick's Day - Christian
  • 19
    • St. Joseph's Day - Christian
  • 21
    • Norooz (New Year) - Persian/Zoroastrian
    • Naw-Rúz (New Year) * - Baha'i
    • Ostara * - Wicca/Neo Pagan
  • 25
    • Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Christian
  • 26
    • Khordad Sal (Birth of Prophet Zaranthushtra) Zoroastrian
  • 30
    • Magha Puja Day ** - Buddhism

April 2023

  • 9
    • Easter - Christian
  • 14
    • Baisakhi (Vaisakhi) - Sikh
  • 16
    • Theravadin New Year 3 days ** - Buddhism
  • 21
    • First Day of Ridvan * - Baha'i
  • 23
    • St. George's Day - Christian
  • 25
    • Saint Mark, Apostle and Evangelist - Christian
  • 29
    • Ninth Day of Ridvan * - Baha'i
  • 30
    • St. James the Great Day - Orthodox Christian

MAY 2023

  • 1
    • Beltane * - Wicca/Neo Pagan
  • 2
    • Twelfth Day of Ridvan * - Baha'i
  • 3
    • Saints Philip & James - Christian
  • 4
    • National Day of Prayer - USA - Interfaith
  • 24
    • Declaration of the Bab * - Baha'i
  • 27
    • Visakha Puja - Buddha Day ** - Buddhism
  • 29
    • Ascension of Baha'u'llah * - Baha'i

JUNE 2023

  • 9
    • St. Columba of Iona - Celtic Christian
  • 16
    • Guru Arjan martyrdom - Sikh
  • 19
    • New Church Day - Swedenborgian Christian
  • 22
    • First Nations Day - Canadian Native People
    • Litha Summer Solstice * - Wicca/Neo Pagan
  • 24
    • Saint John the Baptist - Christian
  • 29
    • Feast Day of Saints Peter and Paul - Christian

JULY 2023

  • 10
    • Martyrdom of the Bab * - Baha'i
  • 11
    • St Benedict Day - Catholic Christian
  • 13
    • Obon (Ulambana) ** - Buddhist/Shinto
  • 15
    • St. Vladimir the Great Day - Orthodox Christian
    • Saint Vladimir - Christian
  • 24
    • Pioneer Day- Mormon Christian
  • 25
    • St. James the Great Day - Christian
  • 26
    • Asalha Puja Day (Dhamma Day) ** - Buddhism

AUGUST 2023

  • 1
    • Lammas - Christian
    • Lughnassad (Lammas) * - Wicca/Neo Pagan
    • Fast in honor of Holy Mother of Jesus - Orthodox
  • 6
    • Transfiguration of the Lord - Orthodox Christian
  • 15
    • Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary - Catholic Christian
    • Dormition of the Theotokos - Orthodox Christian
  • 29
    • Beheading of St. John the Baptist - Christian

SEPTEMBER 2023

  • 1
    • Religious year begins - Orthodox Christian
  • 8
    • Nativity of Virgin Mary - Christian
  • 14
    • Elevation of the Life Giving Cross (Holy Cross) - Christian
  • 21
    • Fall Equinox * - Wicca/Neo Pagan
  • 29
    • Michael and All Angels - Christian

OCTOBER 2023

  • 4
    • St Francis Day - Catholic Christian
    • Blessing of the Animals - Christian
  • 6
    • Saint Thomas Day - Christian
  • 18
    • St. Luke, Apostle & Evangelist - Christian
  • 20
    • Installation of Scriptures as Guru Granth - Sikh
  • 26
    • Birth of the Bab * - Baha'i
  • 27
    • Birth of Baha'u'llah * - Baha'i
  • 28
    • Milvian Bridge Day - Christian
  • 31
    • All Hallows Eve - Christian
    • Reformation Day - Protestant Christian
    • Samhain - * Wicca/Neo Pagan
    • Deep Diwali - Jain

NOVEMBER 2023

  • 1
    • All Saints Day - Christian
  • 2
    • All Souls Day - Catholic Christian
  • 12
    • Birth of Baha'u'llah * - Baha'i
  • 15
    • Nativity Fast begins - ends Dec. 24 - Orthodox Christian
  • 24
    • Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahdur - Sikh
  • 26
    • Day of the Covenant * - Baha'i
  • 28
    • Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Baha * - Baha'i
  • 30
    • St. Andrew's Day - Christian

DECEMBER 2023

  • 6
    • Saint Nicholas Day - Christian
  • 8
    • Bodhi Day (Rohatsu) ** - Buddhism
    • Immaculate Conception of Mary - Catholic Christian
  • 12
    • Feast day - Our Lady of Guadalupe - Catholic Christian
  • 16-25
    • Posadas Navidenas - Hispanic Christian
  • 21
    • Yule - Christian
    • Saint Thomas the Apostle - Christian
  • 22
    • Yule/Winter Solstice * - Wicca/Neo Pagan
  • 24
    • Christmas Eve - Christian
  • 25
    • Christmas * - Christian
    • Feast of the Nativity ** - Orthodox Christian
  • 26
    • Zarathosht Diso (Death of Prophet Zarathushtra) Zoroastrian
    • St Stephen's Day - Christian
  • 28
    • Holy Innocents - Christian
  • 30
    • Holy Family - Catholic Christian
  • 31
    • Watch Night - Christian
Definitions

Lakeland University is committed to nondiscrimination, diversity, inclusiveness and support for its students, faculty, employees and staff, regardless of religious affiliation or non-affiliation, in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations. Because of its connection to the United Church of Christ and its values and welcoming spirit, Lakeland University seeks to be a hospitable and supportive community for students from all spiritual and religious traditions. For this reason, the university has established a Religious Observance Policy to support students seeking accommodations for religious observances.

If a student requires an accommodation for a religious observance, the student must complete the following required steps:

  • At least five business days prior to the requested accommodation, the student presents a written request (via email or hard copy) for an exemption due to Religious Observances. Requests submitted within less than five business days will be considered, but approval cannot be guaranteed due to the potential short notice given by the student. Retroactive accommodations will not be approved. Students are encouraged to communicate with their advisor about their needs and to get support through the process.
  • The program director or instructor will evaluate the request to determine if it presents an undue hardship. If the program director or instructor has questions about the appropriateness of a request, they are encouraged to contact the University Chaplain. It is expected that the program director or instructor will respond to the request in a timely manner, normally within three (3) business days.
  • If an accommodation is granted for missed class time, makeup work should be commensurate with the class time the student has missed. If the instructor denies the request, a rationale must be provided in writing as to why the request presents an undue hardship.
  • Absences due to an approved religious observance will not be considered an absence and will not result in a penalty.

In the case that a request for an accommodation is denied, the student may appeal the decision through the following process:

  • Within three (3) business days of the notice of denied accommodations, the student should make an appointment with the instructor to discuss the grievance and to seek resolution. If the student does not make an appointment at this time, the appeals procedure comes to an end.
  • If still dissatisfied after the conversation with the instructor, the student may schedule an appointment with the dean of the instructor’s school to appeal the instructor’s decision and seek a resolution. If the appeal is denied, the dean’s decision is final. If the appeal is granted, the dean will work with the faculty member to determine a reasonable accommodation.
Diverse religious shoot

University Services

Join Us At An Upcoming Service

Come, and worship with us!

Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. – Noon

Interactive worship series using scripture, art, music, and prayer to explore the questions: Where are you from? Where does it hurt? What do you need? Where do we go from here?

Our worship is designed to respond to joys and challenges of student life. While Lakeland University is affiliated with the United Church of Christ, our ecumenical worship is designed to appeal to all peoples, regardless of race, gender, orientation, capability, or social standing. All are welcome in Ley Chapel!

  • Ash Wednesday Service, Feb. 23, 11:30 a.m.
  • Pride Week Service, March 31, 4:00 p.m.
  • Holy Week Service, April 5, 11:30 a.m.

Spiritual Life Activities

Ley Chapel

They Ley Chapel, built in 1971, has been a home for Spiritual Life activities for more than four decades. This space belongs to the community, as such, it is open an available for your use from 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. daily. You are welcome to use the sanctuary for personal prayer, devotion and reflection. In addition, an interfaith prayer room is adjacent to the sanctuary and available for all students. 

Should you wish to reserve the sanctuary, interfaith prayer room of the lower level of Ley Chapel for a small group, meeting or service please contact Alli Vanstelle at 920-565-1000 ext. 2621, or by email at VanstelleAK@lakeland.edu to check availability for specific dates.

Reserve Ley Chapel
Ley Chapel at Lakeland University

Follow Us On Social Media!

Stay up to date on all things that are happening with the Chaplain's office. Follow us on social media at: 

  • Facebook: Lakeland University Chaplain’s Office
  • Twitter: @LU_ChapelOffice
  • Instagram: Chaplainsofficelu

LU For REAL

Religious Education, Awareness and Literacy

Lakeland University for Religious Education, Awareness and Literacy

The purpose of this initiative is to provide educational resources and opportunities for educators, churches and others to grow in their religious literacy, awareness of religious diversity and respect for all persons of faith.

Hands of diverse religious shoot

Active Groups

Weekly worship, fellowship and Bible study Tuesdays at 4 p.m. in the campus center.

Check back soon for more information!

The SLC is the student programming board for spiritual life of the Lakeland University community. This group draws together students who have interests that are religious in nature, but diverse in expression. Programs and events hosted by the SCL lift up education, justice, worship, service and friendship.

The Goals of the SLC:

  • To build a community of people who are committed to nurturing spiritual growth;
  • To create an inclusive community that is welcoming to people from all faith backgrounds;
  • To create opportunities for conversation about moral and spiritual concerns;
  • To promote awareness of religious pluralism;
  • To give voice and expression to the religious needs of the Lakeland community;
  • To be in service of our local, regional and global community;
  • To foster stronger ties between Lakeland University and regional/national religious organizations.
Chapel at Lakeland University

Ulrich Center

Faith, Ethics and Justice

The purpose of the Ulrich Center is to invite members of the Lakeland community, and surrounding communities, to explore intersections between faith, ethical discernment and social justice. The exploration of these intersections is guided by Lakeland's Christian heritage and its intentional relationship with the United Church of Christ.

The Ulrich Center is committed to engaging diverse voices and contexts as it champions for the integrity and value of all of the persons, equitable access to the resources all persons need to thrive and faithful stewardship of God’s creation.

Submit A Prayer Request

Fill out the form below to submit a prayer request to Rev. Julie A. Mavity Maddalena.

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