It can be a struggle for students to find a place of worship near campus for their particular religion. Fortunately, students do not have to look hard.
On studentaffairs.osu.edu, there is a list of Ohio State’s participating faiths as well as contact information for interested students.
OSU’s most immediate religious facilities include the Newman Center for Catholics, the University Baptist Church and Chabad House and Hillel Foundation for those of the Jewish faith. Those who practice Islam can go to the Islamic Society of Greater Columbus.
Although it is off-campus, the Islamic Society is only a few minutes away, said Aiman Farooq, a sophomore in political science. He said he does not feel it is a hassle for him to find a place to worship.
“There are Friday services in Pomerene Hall,” Farooq said.
Natalia Katsman, a sophomore in pharmaceutical sciences, has similar views on finding a place to pray.
Katsman said she is part of Chabad, a Jewish facility similar to Hillel, but more traditional.
“I thought it was open, warm and inviting,” she said.
Katsman was alone when she first decided to explore Chabad, but she “felt at home from day one.”
There are great programs for students, like services and dinners hosted by Chabad on Fridays, Katsman said.
Not all students were as comfortable finding their religious home.
“Lutherans only have church on Sunday, but I can’t go because I have work,” said Patricia Long, a sophomore in international studies.
“I know there is a Lutheran organization on campus, but I’ve never gotten an e-mail, not even on Ash Wednesday,” she said.
There are also plans for an interfaith prayer and reflection room on the third floor of the new Student Union, according to the Ohio Union Project Update.
Long said she is aware of the interfaith prayer room, but does not prefer to pray in environments like these.
For other students, the interfaith prayer and reflection room could be a good opportunity for students who do not have religious facilities, such as the Newman Center to pray in near campus.
Of the interfaith prayer room, Farooq said, “that’s cool, if they have scheduled times for prayer.”
Everdeen Mason can be reached at [email protected].
