Religious Life
MacMurray College affords rich and diverse opportunities for spiritual growth and religious expression for all students. The Office of Religious Life links students to more than a dozen local churches. Many are within walking distance; others will provide transportation; and some have even been known to provide our students with a home-cooked meal! Further afield, Congregation Temple Israel of Springfield welcomes Jewish students to its High Holiday services, and the Islamic Society of Greater Springfield provides year round activities and religious services for Muslim students.
On campus, a variety of programs draw students, faculty, and staff together in groups large and small in worship, study, and service. Continuing a long tradition, an all-campus Vespers, or evening prayer service, is held six times a semester in Annie Merner Chapel. Other special events might include a multi-media rock worship, an evening of Celtic music, a prayer vigil in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., an inter-faith round table dialogue, or a celebration of Holy Fools Day. Several vibrant student-led groups are active on campus in Bible studies, weekly praise and worship, outreach to schools and nursing homes, community service and mission.
Chaplain and Director of Religious Life
Reverend Kathryn Herring
Phone: 217-479-7126
E-mail: kathryn.herring@mac.edu
Office hours: Weds. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Thurs. 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
The chaplain is available on a part-time basis for pastoral care and program planning. She also serves as a contact and support person for student religious groups, and a link between MacMurray College and local organizations and communities of faith.
Beyond regular office hours, the chaplain is available by appointment to meet with individuals and student groups. She can often be found lunching with students in the dining hall, or rooting them on in the wide array of campus activities.
Organizations
These are the organizations which are currently active on campus; however, if a group of students wants something which is not listed, we can make it happen! Please contact the Director of Religious Life.
Holy Fools
Founded in 1975, the Holy Fools is MacMurray's premiere clown outreach ministry. Each year students create a unique worship experience of skits, songs and mime. Donning costumes and makeup, they become "fools for Christ's sake" (1 Corinthians 4:10) to share God's love in local churches, schools, clubs, and nursing centers. They lead worship on campus on major college weekends, and travel to churches about one weekend a month for ministry outreach and clowning workshops.
Brothers And Sisters In Christ (BASIC)
BASIC, a local affiliate of a national ministry sponsored by the Southern Baptist Convention, is a non-denominational and totally student-led group which meets weekly for fellowship and contemporary worship. BASIC students form close personal relationships, share prayer concerns, sponsor Bible studies, work together in service and mission, and encourage and hold one another accountable as they grow in the Lord. MacMurray BASIC will occasionally cooperate on a special program or project with the BASIC group from Illinois College across town. They can frequently be found making late-night runs to local restaurants for food and fellowship!
Newman Club
The Newman Club is a ministry of the Roman Catholic church, but is open to all students. Illinois College and MacMurray College students have joined together in a club which serves the needs of students from both campuses by offering masses, faith formation, pastoral counseling and service opportunities as a vital part of college life. Sunday night mass at Rammelkamp Chapel is a community event. The club also meets on Tuesday evenings to build community, strengthen faith and fellowship, and engage in service and mission.
