The UPEI Chaplaincy Centre

The rather obscure, low- lying building situated across the way from the main entrance to Kelley Building has an interesting purpose and history. For more than thirty years, it has been the Chaplaincy Centre and an integral part of the University. It was under the first administration of UPEI’s first president, Mr. Ron Baker, that the decision was made to convert an existing coffee shop/bookstore to the University Chaplaincy Centre.

What is a chaplaincy? That is an interesting question and the answer might vary from institution to institution. However, having a chaplaincy on campus is part ofa long tradition that is well- established on university campuses across North America and Europe as well.

The Chaplaincy Centre at UPEI is an ecumenical place/ space that offers students and faculty a unique opportunity on campus for quiet reflection, prayer and liturgical celebrations. The Centre is strongly rooted in the Christian tradition but it is also frequently used by other faiths and meditation groups. The Centre consists of a number of spaces or rooms: a small chapel, a large worship assembly area, a kitchen, a meeting area with small resource library and offices for the Catholic and Protestant chaplains on campus. The various rooms are adorned with works of art that help create a special atmosphere. For example, the main worship space is adorned with six beautiful quilted tapestries. They were designed by Father Adrien Arsenault, a member of the faculty of St. Dunstan’s (1953-1969), and of the University of Prince Edward Island for fourteen years. They depict a series of wonderful creational themes in bold vivid

It has been suggested that

a primary purpose ofa University is the creation of knowledge and

the communication of that knowledge to others. Such a pursuit is to take place within the context ofa “community of learning as recognized by the mission statement of the University of Prince Edward Island. A chaplaincy centre has an important role to play in the achievement of both objectives: the creation of knowledge and of community. In this way its

purpose is integrally rooted with the purpose of the University.

A simple explanation of the long tradition of a chaplaincy on campus is that it provides a forum for the integration of faith and intellectual pursuit. This is in keeping with the principles espoused by the University of Prince Edward Island to foster critical thinking and service to community among its graduates. The Chaplaincy Centre has enriched students’ knowledge of self and the world around them and has helped create community, i.e. a sense of belonging by serving as a meeting place.

Sometimes we overlook the services that the University provides. Did you know that the Chaplaincy Centre has a well- stocked kitchen that provides foodstuffs— canned goods, pasta, etc.— to students free of charge when resources are running low? Did you know that the Chaplaincy Centre cooks up hot soup or chilli during exam time, so that students can grab a bite in between exams? Did you know that the Chaplaincy Centre helps the University host inter- university conferences, and helps send delegates to regional and national university student gatherings? If you wish to know more about the Chaplaincy Centre, please don’t be afraid to ask. Contact Father Charlie @ 566-0376 or Mr. Bill Wiltshire @566-0574.

Martha Gabriel UPEI Faculty of Education

_ mgabriel(@upei.ca

Phone (902) 566-0503 Fax (902) 566-0416