Spirituality & Religion

Office of the Chaplain & SPARC – The Spiritual & Religious Life Center

SPARC provides space for regular prayer, scripture study, and meditation sessions for individuals and groups. Spaces can be reserved or used on a drop-in basis. There is always space set aside for meditation and prayer (including daily Muslim prayer space) and students can come by to hangout, study, or take a nap. Chaplains are always nearby to offer support or space to talk.

Student Religious Organizations

Below is a partial list of student religious organizations. Visit the Office of the Chaplain Student Organizations page for a complete list.

The Christian Association

The Christian Association at Penn is an ecumenical resource that advocates for cultural diversity, interfaith education, and peacemaking.

Christian Union Martus

Christian Union Martus provides students at Penn with access to in-depth Bible study, Christian leadership training, fellowship, and support.

Hillel at the University of Pennsylvania

Penn Hillel is a welcoming campus Jewish community where students celebrate Jewish life, explore Jewish ideas, and build community.

Hindu Jain Association

Penn HJA was started in the fall of 1999 as a University-wide organization with a goal to create an awareness of the Hindu and Jain faiths on campus.

Lubavitch House at Penn

Founded in 1980 by Rabbi Menachem and Chava Schmidt, the Chabad Lubavitch House at Penn is a Chabad on Campus organization, offering deep insights into the heritage of the Jewish people.

Muslim Life Program at the University of Pennsylvania

The Muslim Life Program provides sustainable institutional support for Muslims on campus. Under the leadership of a full-time Muslim Chaplain, the Muslim Life Program seeks to create a welcoming environment for students and community members that provides opportunities for intellectually and spiritually engaging with Islam.

Muslim Students Association

The Penn Muslim Students Association seeks to strengthen the Muslim community at Penn and the greater Philadelphia area and create meaningful relationships with other student groups on campus through interfaith initiatives.

New Spirit of Penn Gospel Choir

As a group focused on ministry, the New Spirit of Penn Gospel Choir celebrates and shares their faith through musical performances at and around the University.

Penn Catholic Service Association

The Penn Catholic Student Association was formed to provide a University-sponsored forum for Catholic community service and dialogue on faith and social justice.

Penn Newman Catholic Center

The Newman Center participates in the mission of the universal Roman Catholic Church at Penn and in West Philadelphia.

Penn Cru

Penn Cru is a Christ-centered organization dedicated to Bible study and nurturing a supportive faith-based community.

PRISM Interfaith Group

PRISM is a student interfaith group dedicated to advancing knowledge about religious life and promoting interaction among the various religious groups on campus.