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.
- Worship and Meditation: Brown Chapel hosts several spaces for worship, prayer, and meditation. It is open to students most of the day and also hosts campus events such as Greek ceremonies, bible studies and campus-wide discussions.
There is also a meditation/prayer room located in Science Hall on the second floor. - Discussion and Events on Campus: The Chaplain’s Office hosts a number of events on campus over the academic calendar year which include a Blessing of the Backpacks, Interfaith Snacks, Homecoming Memorial Service, Blessing of the Animals, Epiphany Star Words, labyrinth walks, Ash Wednesday Ashes-To-Go, Holy Week prayer stations, Easter Sunrise Service, Baccalaureate and a number of talks and workshops on various topics in collaboration with other departments. Many of our events are made possible by grants through the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Lilly Foundation.
- Service and Learning: The Chaplain’s Office oversees the Food Pantry and Free Store on campus and partners with other departments on campus and non-profits and church congregations in the Jefferson County area. These may include Madison/Hanover’s Ministerium, Prince of Peace Catholic Church, the Salvation Army, House of Hope, Clearinghouse or the Jefferson County Animal Shelter. Students can get to know these various congregations/groups at Hanover’s Student Orgs and Service Fair at the start of every school year.
- 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 Brown Memorial Chapel.
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.).
