Brock University has taken another step forward in its commitment to creating inclusive spaces on campus.
On Friday, Feb. 28, Brock officially opened its new Masjid, a Muslim prayer room located in the lower Thistle Complex (TH158), adjacent to Market Hall. Designed to accommodate daily Muslim prayers, the room adds to Brock's existing list of spaces on campus available for faith and reflection.
The Masjid is a key part of the University's ongoing work to support the spiritual and personal growth of students, faculty and staff from all backgrounds.
The Brock community officially opened its new masjid, a Muslim prayer room located in the lower Thistle Complex (TH158), on Friday, Feb. 28. Attending the opening were Arja Vainio-Mattila (left), Provost and Vice-President, Academic; Binoy Mahmud, Muslim Students Association (MSA) President; Imam Khaled Gebril, Brock's Muslim Chaplain; Brad Clarke, Associate Vice-President, Students; and Zaina Siddique, MSA Vice-President.
"Our new Muslim prayer room, along with Brock's broader Faith and Life offerings, reflects our commitment to providing inclusive, diverse and supportive environments for students of all religious, spiritual and secular identities," said Brad Clarke, Associate Vice-President, Students. "Whether it's through the Masjid for daily prayer, the Rita Welch Meditation Centre for personal reflection or community-building activities within our multi-faith space at the Faith and Life Centre, we aim to nurture a campus where every student can practice and flourish in their beliefs."
The Faith and Life Centre serves as a community hub for students to connect with others from different worldviews and is part of the Student Life and Success team. It offers bookable spaces for group discussions, holy text studies and events supported by Brock's chaplains and religious clubs ratified by the Brock University Students' Union.
Formerly known as Alphie's Trough, the centre is nestled on the Niagara Escarpment and serves as a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of main campus.
It's also home to regular events such monthly community dinners, a winter clothing drive and a frozen meal ministry to meet the practical needs of students.
In addition to the Faith and Life Centre, the Rita Welch Meditation Centre provides a multi-faith space for prayer, meditation and personal reflection. Located next to Sankey Chamber, the Meditation Centre is open to all students, faculty and staff seeking a quiet place for spiritual or secular reflection.
The space hosts weekly mass, meditation, Orthodox liturgy and chaplain-led ecumenical services each semester.
Students, faculty and staff seeking a place to practice their beliefs, connect with others or receive spiritual counselling can find support at Brock's various religious spaces.
The chaplain team includes representation from Christian Reformed, Ecumenical, Jewish, Muslim, Orthodox Christian and Roman Catholic traditions.
"The Faith and Life spaces on campus allow students of all backgrounds to feel supported and part of a community," Clarke said. "From holistic spiritual guidance through our team of endorsed chaplains to spaces for quiet reflection, Brock offers numerous opportunities for personal and spiritual growth."
