Interfaith Partners and Resources
The Mission and Ministry Center staff is committed to providing spaces for ALL to explore their relationship with what is sacred and to deepen their understanding of what guides them in leading a purpose driven life.
We want to highlight people and groups that are doing great things for the SMC community. In particular, we would like to call attention to amazing student groups and staff on campus, as well as rich resources in the wider community. In the spirit of social justice, these people and groups are celebrating, raising awareness, practicing their faith, and/or participating in interfaith work.
Scroll down to learn more about these groups.
Muslim Student Association
The Muslim Student Association is a warm, wonderful environment that aims to identify and unify the growing Muslim community. They welcome everyone regaurdless of the religion, race, and sexuality. Unifying and educating, the MSA informs and dispels misconcpetions and sterotypes about the Muslim community.
(Adapted from the mission statement)
Our Lady of Guadalupe
"Every year on December 12th people worldwide celebrate our Lady of Guadalupe. La Virgen has been revered and recognized all over Latin America. In particular, she has been part of the Mexican identity for almost 500 years. She has been the source of hope for the poor, the oppressed and the marginalized; and has bestowed her love, compassion, help, and protection to all who call upon her and confide in her.
At St. Mary’s College, the Our Lady of Guadalupe Committee was first established in 2011 by devout students seeking to live their faith and culture. Over the years, this committee has been devoted to honoring La Virgen through our annual Our Lady Of Guadalupe Celebration. During this week-long celebration (that takes place during the first week of December), all students, faculty and staff at SMC are encouraged to participate in various events such as our movie night, human rosary, procession, mass, and our grand fiesta!
Our hope as the Latinx Ministry and Our Lady of Guadalupe Committee is to share with everyone our love for La Virgen through food, dance, thought, culture, spirituality, and faith."
- Ana Gomez (Lasalian Peer Minister for Our Lady of Guadalupe, 2021)
Southern Asian Society
SAS helps to raise awareness about South Asia. They "celebrate diversity, tradition, and spread cultural awareness." We recommend them particularly because of the work that they do around these principles. They hold fantastic events around many different cultures and holidays.
(Adapted from the mission statement)
Center for Engaged Religous Pluralism
"The Center has been a leader in developing educational programs that address interfaith leadership in business and the professions and religious diversity in governmental institutions."
Committee for Interfaith and Religious Cooperation, Learning and Engagement
CIRCLE is a CCIE committe committed to increasing advocacy and informing policies and practices around religious diversity.
"We, of ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, are dedicated to treating all people with dignity and respect in ways that acknowledge and engage diverse backgrounds and ideas. Our policies, practices, and behaviors foster a safe and inclusive community and promote learning that is equitable, collaborative, and inspired by the presence of God in and among us."
Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County
The is an outstanding resource for our SMC community. This is a coalition of faith traditions in Contra Costa County that collaborate to address issues of social justice and deepen our understanding of the many ways we orient around religion, faith and spirituality to make our community a better place. Go to their website to sign up to receive the monthly newsletter of key events and reflections.
Interfaith America
Another key partner for Mission and Ministry Center staff and student leaders is . Interfaith America has provided our community with training and resources to increase our interfaith awareness, appreciation, and understanding and helped us forge critical collaborations locally. Since 2016 small teams of staff and student leaders have participated in the annual in order to bring more religiously diverse programming to our campus.
Islamic Network Group
Islamic Networks Group (ING) is a peace-building organization providing face-to-face education and engagement opportunities that foster understanding of Muslims and other misunderstood groups to promote harmony among all people.
Do you know a group or resource that should be listed? We'd love to hear from you.