Interfaith Week Programming

All members of the GW community are invited to join L'Chaim at the Rohr Chabad Jewish Student Center at GW for Shabbat Dinner. 

Presenter(s): GW Catholics & Newman Center

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the central act of worship in the Catholic faith. The Mass is where heaven touches earth, where we offer thanks and praise to God, and it culminates in the celebration of the Sacrament of the Eucharist---the Body of Christ. A Teaching Mass is specifically structured to break open and explain the Mass as it is being celebrated, so that all in attendance can see and understand each part and its significance.

Presenter(s): Multicultural Student Services Center (MSSC) & Tracey L. Rogers, GW Alumnae

This program is organized by the Multicultural Student Services Center as a part of GW's Interfaith Week. Astrologer, life coach, activist and GW alumna Tracey L. Rogers will be speaking about the practical use and application of one's Birth Chart in respect to current Astrological phenomena. This program will explore how the study and interpretation of Astrology can be a useful tool in one's spiritual and life journey by leading participants to develop their own affirmations for themselves and a plan of action/personal commitment towards personal healing and wellness.

Presenter(s): Shawn Shafner, MFA Student in the Corcoran School of the Arts & Design

How do we cultivate feelings of lovingkindess towards others in a time of increasing antagonism? The traditional Buddhist metta practice, meaning "lovingkindness," is an ancient technique for growing our circle of care, starting with ourselves and moving slowly to cover all beings. Join meditation teacher and MFA Social Practice student Shawn Shafner in a guided practice with plenty of time for questions, as we wish our community safe, happy, healthy, peaceful and easeful.

Presenter(s): Office for Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement

We invite all members of the GW community - students, faculty, staff, and alumni - to come together and break bread. We will welcome various DC community members, representing multiple religious and spiritual backgrounds, to engage in discussion, community building, and collective meaning making. We hope those who join us are nourished through food, dialogue, and storytelling.

Presenter(s): Eunice Dollete, Assistant Director for ODECE & Mitchell Foster, Interim Director of MSSC

Intro to Tarot Reading will explore the basics of tarot cards and divination as a spiritual practice. Join us in a hands-on learning experience about the major and minor arcana, tarot spreads, the symbolic relationship between tarot and nature + the environment; and how to use visual art and symbolism to make meaning of any circumstance or situation. RSVP is recommended as attendees will be given their very own Smith-Waite tarot deck to aid in their practical learning as beginners. Attendees can also bring their own tarot deck if there is another version they prefer.

Presenter(s): GW Hillel in Partnership with Community Leaders

A Rabbi, an Imam, and a Priest walk into a bar... but what happens next? Please join us for a lunch discussion with different faith leaders to get a glimpse into how these different faith lenses interpret our life's purpose and the afterlife. Lunch provided.

Presenter(s): Shawn Shafner, MFA Student in the Corcoran School of the Arts & Design

For thousands of years, people have turned to Buddhist psychology and philosophy to better understand the nature of our minds, our reality, and how to work skillfully with life as it is.  In this session, meditation teacher and MFA Social Practice student Shawn Shafner will guide us in a short meditation practice and introduce us to Buddhism's core teachings, The Four Noble Truths, and how they can help us find greater peace in our lives.

Presenter(s): GW Catholics & Newman Center

Tuesday Night Dinner is GW Catholics' weekly community gathering! We share a home-cooked meal and grow in authentic friendship and fellowship with one another. Preceded by the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, where we offer worship and thanksgiving to the Lord, TND is a regular feature of life and community at the Newman Center.

Presenter(s): GW Catholics & Newman Center

Please join GW Catholics and the Newman Center for Adoration & Mass, followed by Tuesday Night Dinner. Adoration begins at 5:00 pm, followed by Mass at 6:10 pm, and dinner at 6:45 pm.

Presenter(s): Office for Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement & GW Dining

Come enjoy donuts and learn about the ways in which donuts are an integral part of multiple religions, spiritual groups, and communities.

Presenter(s): Jameta Barlow, PhD & Maranda Ward, EdD

Rest as resistance is a contemporary movement to resist the capitalistic social pressure, or grind culture, to treat our bodies as objects, machines, and commodities. We have the right to rest and decide not to continuously fight against dominant cultural norms and macro social ills. The decision to rest is not acceptance or internalization of oppression, it is another form of resisting the systems of oppression that suggest we must always fight, struggle and protest. We will share our personal experiences in deciding how to balance our value-based life’s work with the need to unplug and celebrate Black joy and life. We will practice restorative yoga in this session as a coping mechanism for how self-care is a necessity to maintain our dignity, our selfhood, and our means of sustenance. This is important for spiritual, emotional and physical health.

Presenter(s): Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)

Join us for a dynamic workshop where we delve into the intersection of faith and wellness. Exploring how faith, religion, and spirituality can contribute to mental and emotional well-being, and how practices of faith can be integrated into therapy. Through engaging activities, discussions, and reflective exercises, participants will gain insight into the ways in which faith can serve as a source of strength, resilience, and healing in navigating life's challenges.

Presenter(s): Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington (IFC)

This introductory workshop, based on the Human Library concept, will enable participants to learn and better understand different faith traditions and practices through intimate small group conversations with individuals from various religious communities. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions about any number of topics including, faith practice, food and clothing customs, traditional symbols, major holidays, etc. By connecting with the lived experience of other faiths, participants will increase their ability to relate to diverse individuals and communities and to challenge prejudice and stereotypes within their personal and professional spheres.

Presenter(s): Office for Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement & GW Dining

Come enjoy some hummus! Learn about the ways in which hummus is an integral part of multiple religions, racial and ethnic groups, nationalities, and communities.

Presenter(s): Shawn Shafner, MFA Student in the Corcoran School of the Arts & Design

Seeking opportunities to center peace and contemplation this Interfaith week? Join meditation teacher and MFA Social Practice student Shawn Shafner for this introduction to traditional breath-based meditation. We'll learn about the technique and its benefits, practice together, and have time for discussion. No experience necessary!