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Spiritual Life

Spiritual Life

At NMH, all cultures and religions are respected, and students are encouraged to pursue their own spiritual beliefs and practices. Regular worship services are offered in a number of faith traditions, and the Chaplain is available for student life curriculum sessions, as well as confidential one-on-one or group pastoral counseling for students, faculty and staff.

The Chaplaincy is responsible for supporting the various spiritual and religious groups at NMH, the NMH Board of Deacons, weekly chapel services and special services, and assisting students' programs, outreach, Christian Fellowship, and other discussion groups.

Reverend Michael Corrigan
NMH chaplain Michael Corrigan came to NMH in the Fall of 2005. Corrigan served in a variety of churches and as Episcopal Chaplain at Harvard and Boston University prior to coming to NMH. He teaches in the Religious Studies Department, coaches JV Girls' Ice Hockey and is an advisor in the freshmen girls' dorm. He and his wife Patricia are the parents of three grown children and one who is in college.

Mr. Corrigan's office is located in Social Hall and his phone number is (413) 498-3338.

Sunday Chapel Service at NMH
On Sunday mornings at 11 am during each semester, there is a nondenominational Christian service at Memorial Chapel. Music and hymns are most often accompanied by our excellent pipe organ. The Board of Deacons is made up of committed faculty and students who join the Chaplain in conducting our Sunday worship. Deacons preach periodically and many musical groups and individuals contribute to our Sunday musical offerings. Special services are held on Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, and Good Friday. An observance on Memorial Day is made through a service at the School Pine Grove, a memorial to those who gave their lives in service to their country.

People of all faiths are welcome to the services at Memorial Chapel and a Church School program is offered for the children of faculty and staff during the Sunday service.

Catholic Student Association
The St. Edmund Campion League is comprised of students who identify themselves as Roman Catholics and of those who perhaps are not Catholic but wish in some way to be affiliated with students who are. St. Edmund Campion is one of the better known English martyrs, a brilliant Oxford graduate who became a Jesuit during the reign of Elizabeth I of England at a time when Catholicism was outlawed and punishable by death. St. Edmund returned to England secretly with the intention of encouraging and nurturing the Catholic faithful. He lived in the prevailing culture without yielding his faith to it right up to his torturous execution. 

Postgraduates to freshman make up our league, and the diversity of the NMH student body is well represented in our group. Our most regular event is to attend Mass on Sundays at one of the several local parishes. We also try to observe all Holy Days of Obligation by attending Mass together. We seek to understand the Catholic faith better by practicing devotions and disciplines.  One tradition we have, for example, is to walk to a local cemetery in early November to pray the Rosary for All Souls.

The league also reaches out to the world around us. Each winter term we sponsor a cupcake sale to raise funds for Food for the Poor which provides housing, medical care, and education for the very destitute families and children in the poorest of the Caribbean countries. We also collect loose change during the last week of school to send to the same.  At Christmas, we sponsor gifts for local families in need. 

Unlike some campus groups, we don't have regular meetings or official leadership roles, but there are several students who like to show up for every event and help out. They lead by example rather than title!

Jewish Student Alliance
The Jewish Student Alliance welcomes members of the NMH community who identify themselves as Jewish, though guests are always welcome. We have Sabbath gatherings every Friday evening at 6:45 pm We welcome the Sabbath through singing, prayers, and blessings over wine and challah. It is a time to let go of the week and for Jews to connect with fellow Jews. The Sabbath is a sacred time and by gathering together, we acknowledge that.

On the High Holy Days, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we attend services at a local synagogue. We build a sukkah during Sukkot and have a Hanukkah party. During Passover, we have a Seder around a large table. We also have a Rosh Hashanah dinner and bagel brunches. Recently, The JSA sponsored a film night and welcomed the entire school. The JSA occasionally goes to events at the local synagogue, out to eat, or to other events, such as attending lectures.  We recently invited students from other schools to celebrate the Sabbath with us. We shared a delicious meal and hosted a guest leader of services.

Breakaway
Breakaway is a student-led worship hour that's fun and relaxed. Students gather at one of our school administrator's home each Friday night to relax, eat a home-cooked meal, laugh, sing, hang out, deepen friendships, pray, and explore what Christian faith looks like in today's world in. Every NMH student is invited.

NMH also hosts the following religious or spiritual groups: Chinese Christian Fellowship, Buddhist Meditation, Korean Christian Fellowship, Muslim Prayer Group, Nature-centered beliefs, and Unitarian Universalists. The office of the chaplain can assist students who wish to start new groups on campus.