Signature Events

Opening Doors Retreat

Our flagship program, the Opening Doors Retreat is held annually in the Spring Semester and is open to all Xavier undergraduates. Interfaith Club members coordinate the activities during the retreat and act as small group leaders during breakout sessions. The retreat starts on a Friday early evening and lasts until a closing dinner Saturday night. Arrangments are made for students wishing to observe Shabbat or practice other religious requirements.

The retreat has group activities ranging from meditation to dance, all while students learn from each other about our religious diversity. The large group also breaks into a few small groups for reflection and discussion between activities. Selected activities during the retreat vary from year to year, so Xavier students are welcome to apply for the retreat each year.

The retreat was the first initiative of the newly formed Interfaith Club, and was simply called the "Interfaith Retreat" for the first years of its existence. It was renamed the "Opening Doors Retreat" in spring 2009 in honor of our predecessor club, D.O.O.R.s.

Academic Day Interfaith Prayer & Service

Every year in the fall the university gathers for Academic Day, a day to celebrate the academic achievements of Xavier and focus on maintaining such success through discussion of issues relevant to academic excellence. The scheduled lectures and panels are geared toward faculty, although classes are cancelled so students may attend.

Each Academic Day opens with an Interfaith Prayer Service, put on by Campus Ministry with the input of Interfaith Club members. After the prayer service the Interfaith Club leads a community service project off campus. Students will participate in community service and then participate in discussion of faith and service moderated by Interfaith Club members. Service locations vary from year to year, as they are available.

Interfaith Immersion Visits

Another foundational element of the Interfaith Club are the Immersion Visits to different places of worship around the Cincinnati area. A similar program was run by DOORS, and we continue in their tradition of direct dialogue with our community neighbors.

About once a month club members visit places of worship around the Cincinnati area, including churches, synagogues, temples, gurdwaras, mosques, and other sites. Oftentimes we meet with a religious leader at the location, and if possible visit during a time of congregational worship. Find out more about different locations we have visted here.