At Hanover College, we strive to provide an environment of hospitality and inclusion for students, faculty and staff. Because of our historical roots and present-day affiliation with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), it is our commission to recognize the inherent dignity and worth of each and every person. We seek to encourage critical thought, open dialog and compassionate listening, welcoming many faith traditions and expressions onto our campus.
Communities & Traditions
Spiritual growth is made possible in both the development of the individual and in the strengthening of faith communit(ies). We provide for students, faculty and staff opportunities for personal formation and connection to greater faith traditions.
Some of these opportunities include:
- Christian Worship: Holy days of the Christian calendar are celebrated throughout the academic year, both in Brown Memorial Chapel and around our larger campus. These include a Backpack Blessings in the CC, Blessing of the Animals on the Quad, Lessons and Carols for Christmas, Ash Wednesday, Easter Sunrise at the Point and a Baccalaureate service in Center for Fine Arts prior to Graduation. Various faith-based student groups also host worship throughout the year.
- Interfaith Worship and Meditation: Celebrating our diversity on campus, there are also Interfaith services open to Hanover students, faculty and staff. The Brown Memorial Chapel is also home to an Interfaith Prayer Room, available every day for private prayer and meditation.
- Discussions and Events on Campus: The Chaplain’s Office hosts speakers and discussions on faith and social justice topics, in addition to student events and activities to promote interfaith literacy, justice education, and moral/theological exploration. 2020-21 events have included weekly interfaith meditations, an October Fair Trade themed Bingo Night, campus communion services outside on the CC patio, a COVID-19 Remembrance Service, Ash Wednesday/Holy Week prayer stations and services, Interfaith Stations in the CC, a weekly virtual prayer box, and conversations around social topics such as purity culture, systemic racism, and interfaith cooperation.
- Service and Learning: The Chaplain’s Office works closely with area non-profits to provide service opportunities for students throughout the academic year. These have included Southwestern Schools, Clearinghouse House of Hope, Healthy Communities Madison, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Jefferson Co. Animal Shelter and the Salvation Army.
- Alternative Winter Break Trips: During Winter Break, students have an opportunity to provide service to a faith-based institution, such as the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (Kinston, N.C.) or CROSS Missions (Charlotte, N.C.). Past trips have also included service to the Appalachian Service Project in Eastern Kentucky.
Student Groups
Hanover College is home to several faith-based clubs and organizations, ready to welcome you.
Active student groups at present include Religion And Diversity, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, CRU, Delight Ministries (bible study for all), and the Catholic Student Organization.
Ball Family Chaplain’s Office
The Ball Family Chaplain’s Office is a resource for students, whether it be a need for a chat, finding a faith community or getting involved in the spiritual life of the campus. The Ball Family Chaplain’s Office is located in the Offices of Student Life, in the Withrow Student Activities Center.
Rev. Dr. Catherine Knott is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Catherine received her B.A. at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, her M.Div. and Th.M. (Pastoral Theology) from Princeton Theological Seminary, and her Ph.D. (Theological Ethics) from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary. She has served congregations in the U.K. and in the Chicago area, and has also served as a hospital chaplain in Evanston, IL. Rev. Knott lives on campus with her husband and three very friendly terriers.
Catherine Knott
Ball Family Chaplain
knott@hanover.edu
812-866-7087
Affiliation
Hanover College is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
