Ecumenical Chaplaincy - FAQ
What is Chaplaincy?
Chaplaincy is a place that nurtures the Spirit of all members of the McMaster community.
What is a Chaplain?
Chaplains have special skills and training in supporting people through all the ages and stages of their lives. A University Chaplain has a special calling to do this work of Love in a campus setting, reaching out to students, staff, faculty and alumni. But if the word Chaplain or Chaplaincy is new to you, you can think of us as Spiritual Support Workers
What does a Chaplain do?
We listen. We help. Above all, we Love. We offer comfort, support, understanding, acceptance and on a good day, inspiration! We help you find your way. Sometimes we feed you or make you a warm drink. We give you a quiet place in between classes, a place to relax, to be calm, to re-charge or re-set. We’re here for staff and faculty too, because Mac is a community of almost 40,000 souls facing every aspect of what it means to be human.
Where is the Chaplaincy office?
Our drop-in office is in Room 231 in the McMaster University Student Centre (MUSC). We also run programs all around campus and can meet you in various places upon request.
What does the word “Ecumenical” mean?
Ecumenical has a few different meanings. One refers to ‘promoting or tending toward worldwide Christian Unity or co-operation.’ Another is ‘worldwide or general in extent, influence or application.’ What it means at Mac Chaplaincy is both. We are generously supported by the Anglican, Presbyterian and United churches and We reach out to everyone, whatever your faith or belief system. The Ecumenical Chaplain is here for you no matter who you are, what you believe and where you are on your spiritual journey.
What kinds of things do you offer?
We offer a number of programs including Soup and Spirit (free soup and bread) on Wednesdays, Wonder Walks (simple time in nature) on Thursdays, Exam Hospitality (tea, coffee and yummy homemade cookies along with a sympathetic ear and a break from studying) during exams as well as other programs past, present and future like International Student Fall Harvest dinner and the Therapy Dog Program. The CRC and Catholic Chaplains offer programs (and food!) too, so click those links to check out their websites!
We also offer seasonal services including a ‘Blue Holiday’ service for those facing loss, grief or other stressors over the holidays and have offered meditation and bereavement support, as well as of course, rites of passage (weddings, baby dedications, memorial services and funerals) for the McMaster community.
For the most up-to-date information on chaplaincy events, check out our Events page!
Is it religious? I’m atheist/agnostic. Do I have to believe in God to come to Chaplaincy?
Nope. You just need to be a human being. But is you’re looking for a connection to that greater source of Love that many call God, you’ll find that here, too.
But isn’t Chaplaincy about religion?
Chaplaincy is about the big questions of human living, our existence, the meaning and purpose of our lives and how we should treat ourselves, each other and the planet every day. So yes, religion is a part of it but so are many other ways of trying to understand our world.
Traditionally Chaplains have often been Ordained ministers from different faiths. But academics with ministry experience, trained lay people, student leaders as well as many wonderful volunteers help us run our programs.
Who is part of the Chaplaincy office?
In addition to our Ecumenical Chaplain, Rev. Meeks (Anglican), you may also find Dr. Michael (Christian Reformed), Father Gregory and jason greig (Campus Minister) (Roman Catholic), two chaplaincy Interns Rachel and Natasha, and Essey, our Administrative Assistant.
I’m not Christian, I’m Muslim/Jewish/Hindu/Buddhist etc. Can I still come and see you? Or can you connect me to a religious leader in my own faith?
Yes. Of course you are welcome to come and see us any time and talk about your faith or anything else you want to talk about! McMaster Chaplaincy is also part of the Spiritual Care and Learning Centre (room 212 MUSC) headed up by Rev. Andy Crowell which maintains relationships with many diverse multi-faith clergy who are available to support members of the Mac community. Ask any Chaplain or anyone in either office to help you find the support within your own faith you are looking for.
Are you LGBTQ2S+ positive? Will you use my correct pronouns?
Yes, completely. Whoever you are, whomever you love, you are a good gift and you are loved just as you are. And yes - he/she/they/them - it’s your choice.
Is what I share confidential?
Yes, Chaplaincy is a safe place and what you share is held in confidence. The only exception for all adults (clergy or not) is the mandated reporting of abuse or neglect of children. We would also walk with love alongside anyone who struggles with thoughts of self-harm in encouraging them to seek help and make a plan for safety.
Chaplaincy has a Therapy Dog? What’s a Therapy Dog? How are they trained?
A Therapy Dog is a calm dog who has passed the assessment required by an organization (like the SPCA or the St. John’s Ambulance Therapy Dog Program) for temperament and training to be a dog that goes into therapeutic settings like hospitals, hospices, seniors’ homes, dementia wards, children’s hospitals and yes, even colleges and universities to help alleviate stress!
Biscuit the Therapy Dog
What’s Chaplaincy’s Therapy Dog and how can I see her?
Her name is Biscuit, she is a 9 year old Westipoo and was certified by both of the above-mentioned organizations. Just call Chaplaincy or message me on Instagram, or check out the sign outside the Chaplaincy office to see when she’ll be in next!
How do I contact you?
You can send an email to chaplain@mcmaster.ca or fill out the Contact Form!