Finding your faith in Kingston

For those belonging to a specific religious tradition, moving away from home presents the choice to carry on in your family’s faith or to choose one for yourself. No matter what path you choose, having a supportive community is always a good place to start—or continue—your spiritual journey.

Although there are students that do come to university already strongly rooted in one religious tradition, University Chaplain Rev. Brian Yealland said that used to be more prevalent in the past than it is now.

“Now most students that do come with a religious background are at this point in their lives starting to ask questions about it, or looking for a different experience,” he said. “A large number of students don’t come with a religious background of their own.”

Attending clubs night and getting connected with on-campus faith groups is one way for students to meet and support one another spiritually. Connecting to like-minded people in the broader Kingston community is an equally rewarding, if challenging, option. There are various vibrant faith communities in Kingston, but not all are housed in one central meeting place. The following guide features some religious Kingston resources near campus and beyond.

Aboriginal
Four Directions Aboriginal Student Centre
146 Barrie St.
613-533-6970, or 4direct@queensu.ca
queensu.ca/dsao/4dasc/4D-1.htm
Nokomis in Residence: Barbara Hooper

Four Directions not only offers spiritual direction for Aboriginal students, but has visiting elders as well as community events for students like this year’s first annual Educational Pow Wow on Sept. 22.

Anglican
St. James Anglican Church
10 Union Street West
613-548-7254, or stjameskingston@cogeco.net
stjameskingston.ca
Rector: Rev. Timothy Vickery

St. James offers many resources for students including a student Bible study at 9 a.m. on the fourth Sunday of each month, an Adopt-a-Student program that pairs students with a St. James’ family for meals, prayer and encouragement. Wednesday morning Eucharist services at 7:30 a.m. are followed by breakfast.

Buddhist
Kuluta Buddhist Centre
182 Wellington St.
613-544-1568, or info@meditateinkingston.org
meditateinkingston.org
Resident Teacher: Gen Delek

All students are welcome to attend meditation classes at the centre at 12:15 p.m. Monday through Friday and Thursday nights at 7:30 p.m.. There are prayers for World Peace on Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. Meditation classes are held on campus either Monday or Tuesday in the JDUC and Wednesday at 12:10 p.m. in the Ban Righ Centre. All classes but those on Thursday and Sunday are free. Thursday classes cost $10 per class or $40 for five classes. Sunday classes will are $5.

Gospel
Bethel Church
314 Johnson St.
613-542-2990, or bethel@kingston.net
bethelkingston.ca
Senior Pastor: Doug Martin

In addition to Sunday services at 10 a.m., Bethel offers small student groups and Bible studies. Bethel also works in co-operation with Queen’s Christian Fellowship to provide students with a weekly Bible study Thursdays in the JDUC.

Jewish
Beth Israel Synagogue
116 Centre St.
613-542-5012, or bethisrl@kingston.net
members.kingston.net/bethisrl/index.html
Rabbi: Daniel Elkin

Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat service is held at 7 p.m. from April to October and 6 p.m. from November to March. The Saturday morning Shabbat service begins at 9 a.m. Beth Israel also owns Queen’s Hillel House at 124 Centre St. For more information on what events and services are offered through Hillel visit queenshillel.com.

Muslim
The Islamic Society of Kingston
1477 Sydenham Rd.
613-542-9000, or president@kingstonmuslims.net
kingstonmuslims.net
Imam: Br Abu Noman Mohammad Tarek

Queen’s students are welcome to attend Jum’a on Fridays at 1:25 p.m. The Centre also offers resources for students in co-operation with the Queen’s University Muslim Students’ Association. More information on events and spiritual support can be found at qumsa.net.

Roman Catholic
St. Mary’s Cathedral
279 Johnson St.
613-546-5521, or smarys@cogeco.net
stmaryscathedral.ca
Archbishop: Brendan Michael O’Brien

Students can attend Saturday Vigil at 5:15 p.m., as well as Sunday Mass at 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m., or 7:30 p.m. St. Mary’s also offers prayer groups and scripture studies.

United
Chalmers United Church
212 Barrie St. (corner of Barrie and Clergy)
613-546-3263, or office@chalmersunitedchurch.com
chalmersunitedchurch.com
Minister: Rev. Dr. Steven Chambers

Sunday worship at 10:30 a.m. Monthly Youth Group meetings, designed for University students, are held after church services.