Programs and Events

At UPC -

INTERFAITH VIGIL for the victims of the Ft. Hood Tragedy - 5 pm in the United University Church.  All are welcome at this time of prayerful remembrance of the victims and all others near and far who have been affected by this tragedy.

SPIRIT OF THE LAW - November 19 at 12:20 pm at the Law School, room 1.  Speaker, Ted Russell, is senior vice president of litigation for Fox Entertainment Group in Los Angeles where he handles all manner of legal problems faced by Fox's film, television, cable, sports and internet properties.  He teaches Negotiation Ethics at USC Law.

THE SOUL OF MEDICINE -  December 2 on the HSC campus at noon in McKibben Annex - Lecture Hall MCK 249.  Speaker Dr. Erin Quinn is an advocate for broadening the variety of backgrounds of students admitted to medical school.  In this talk, she'll hsare from her own background about turning points in her professional, spiritual and personal journeys.

Yoga @ Fisher

Join us as Religious Life Co-sponsors with USC Fisher Museum, a new series combining visual arts with a restorative and meditative yoga experience.  Meditation and yoga classes through November 16.  Click on the link above for an informational flyer.

SOULJOURNERS

Students exploring the religious diversity in the neighborhood around USC, SOUL SOULJOURN is a chance for USC students to explore the incredible religious landscape in Los Angeles - we'll be visiting mosques, churches and temples every weekend this semester.  If you are interested in attending, email Rev. Jim Burklo at burklo@usc.edu and indicate if you have a vehicle to offer rides.  For the SOULJOURN schedule, click here.

FACE TO FAITH

Will continue for the spring semester between 11 and 1 pm on Trousdale on the following dates: Tues. 2/10, Wed. 2/18, Thurs. 2/26, Wed. 3/11, Thurs. 3/26 and Tues. 4/7.  This is an opportunity for students to learn about world religions from other students.  You are needed - if you would like to share your faith experience with other students of different faiths, contact Rev. Jim Burklo at 213 740-6110.

MEDITATION AND PRAYER MULTI-FAITH GROUP

 Meets every Wednesday at noon:  Rev. Jim Burklo invites all students, faculty and staff to attend any and all gatherings of the Silent Meditation and Prayer Group, every Wednesday at noon in the Little Chapel of Silence, near Town and Gown.   It begins with 30 minutes of silent meditation, followed by 10 minutes of brief sharing among participants who wish to share about their personal experiences of mediation and prayer.  All are welcome to stay for the entire 40 minutes, or to leave after the period of silence if they choose.  The group welcomes people of all faiths, or of no religious affiliation.  The group is committed to confidentiality about what is shared among participants.  The Little Chapel of Silence is open to students and faculty and staff, daily and into the evening, for personal silent reflection and prayer.

INTERFAITH COUNCIL

The student-led Interfaith Council welcomes participants of all the religious clubs on campus, as well as students who just want to learn about spirituality and religion from other students who practice those faiths.  All students are welcome to attend any or all of its meetings, which are held weekly in the University Religious Center on Tuesday evenings at 6 pm for dinner (free). 

The group discusses questions such as these:  What kinds of things do we share in common with people of other faiths?  What exactly is religious pluralism?  What is it like for people of different faiths to pray or meditate?  What happens if we want to date someone from another faith?"  Also, the Interfaith Council (IFC) presents events bringing together students of many faiths for fellowship and learning, such as its Multi-Faith Celebration and its Faith in Fashion show (demonstrating how faith effects choices about clothing and appearance). 

The IFC holds an annual retreat in the fall and its members participate in the weekly SOULJOURN visit to different places of worship in Los Angeles, and in the SHANTI Interfaith Choir.  For more information about IFC, contact its student president, Sara Rabin.

SHANTI Interfaith Choir

Shanti is the Office of Religious Life's interfaith student a-cappella group, that sings the sacred music of the world's spiritual traditions.  SHANTI performs at interfaith events on campus and in Southern California, and at the annual graduation Baccalaureate service.  All students are welcome to join in the joy of singing on Thursdays at the University Religious Center, 5 pm.

WHAT MATTERS TO ME & WHY

 

What Matters to Me and Why" program is in its ninth year at USC, and encourages reflection about values, beliefs, and motivations. It aims to help students and others better understand the lives and inspirations of those who shape the University. Presenters are encouraged to talk about choices made, difficulties encountered, and commitments solidified. They are also free to choose any other topic that fits their definition of "what matters to me and why." Sessions are noon to 12:50 pm in the Ground Zero Coffeehouse. FREE LUNCH!

Fall 2009 Schedule:
  • September 2 - Emily Anderson
  • October 7 - Thomas Ward
  • November 4 - Ralph Fertig
  • December 2 - Heather Larabee
What Matters to Me & Why website

A program on the Health Sciences Campus:

MEDICINE FOR THE SOUL


- will continue next fall