By Tim Corso / Jambar Contributor
At Youngstown State University there are numerous religious organizations any student can get involved with.
In total, the university offers 11 different organizations: H2O Church, Bible Study, Bible Talks, Catholic Penguins, Chi Alpha, Delight Ministries, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, IMPACT Campus Ministries, Muslim Student Association, Orthodox Christian Fellowship and Young Life.
Caleb Queen, the coordinator of student involvement, said it’s important for students to have access to a desired organization that aligns with their spiritual beliefs.
“We’re a public institution. Religious freedom — it’s a big thing,” Queen said. “We have quite a few different [organizations]. Our religious [organizations] do tend to be centered around Christianity, but we do have our Muslim Student Organization.”
If there are students who don’t find an organization that fits their beliefs, Queen said they can be created by students.
”If we’re missing anything, these are all student-ran, student-supported, student-created,” Queen said. “So, if we’re missing an [organization] or if you think we’re missing a denomination or religion, that’s something that you can gather people yourself to create that [organization] centered around that religion.”
Queen says these organizations are always looking to expand and engage with students, even if it’s a learning inquiry and not necessarily an interest in joining.
“A lot of these [organizations] might have a similar denomination, but might be part of a different church or a different version within that denomination,” Queen said. “Typically they are working to pull people in that have similar beliefs to them or that want to learn more about those beliefs.”
Catholic Penguins is one of those organizations, housed at the St. John Henry Newman Center. According to student member Lucy Allen, students of any denomination can join the organization.
“We would love anyone to come, especially just to learn about the faith, and just to get to know us,” Allen said.
According to Allen, the group offers opportunities to participate in events such as a potluck dinner after Mass on Thursday, Nov. 21. Students can also socialize while watching the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers game.
While all are welcomed to join, there are restrictions that align with Catholicism that can only be observed by students of the denomination, including receiving Eucharist.
Another organization is Young Life. A Christianity-based organization for young adults that originated in Texas and was brought to YSU. It has numerous organizations across the country.
Emily Smith, president of YSU’s Young Life, has been a member since she was in eighth grade and reflected on her experience with the organization.
“It’s been a huge part of my life, my whole life. I just figured, might as well keep it going kind of thing,” Smith said.
Smith also said Young Life doesn’t embrace a specific religious tradition.
“Whatever denomination you are, you can go. It’s technically Christian-based, we do a little bit of a Bible study, but you can be any,” Smith said.
Contacts: Caleb Queen ([email protected]) 330-941-2329, Emily Smith ([email protected]), Lucy Allen ([email protected]) 330-591-1928
Cutlines: Youngstown State offers numerous religious organizations across campus that welcomes students regardless of beliefs. There are 11 different student-run organizations offered.
Social Media Teaser: Religious opportunities across campus offer a variety of opportunities.
