Religious Activities

College years are exciting times of growth and challenge, when a young person’s faith and religious heritage are examined in the light of new experiences and perspectives. While college years are occasionally marked by a “crisis of faith”, they are also frequently marked by a deepening commitment to life-long religious values. The Chaplain, who also serves as the Director of Religious Activities, is committed to assisting in that deepening commitment and strengthening the values of your sons and daughters.

Working closely with the Cadet Chaplain in the coordination of all religious activities are the Cadet Regimental Religious Officer and the Battalion Religious Officers. Additionally, the college is fortunate to have twenty-three campus pastors or ministry directors representing Catholic, Orthodox, Jewish, Muslim and fourteen Protestant denominations and Para-Church ministries. These leaders work together to maintain a strong religious foundation for the ethical and moral pillar, one of the four pillars in The Citadel’s whole person concept. Faith group meetings are held each Monday evening and Para-Church groups meet each Thursday evening for study, fellowship, and worship. While attendance at all chapel or campus religious activities is optional, all cadets are encouraged to explore their faith as a part of the growing process of their development as leaders.

Campus Worship

The inscription on Summerall Chapel, “Remember Now Thy Creator in the Days of Thy Youth” (Ecclesiastes 12:1), becomes very important to cadets who need a source of strength beyond their personal means. Throughout the school year, there are weekly Catholic and Protestant services of worship on Sundays and an Episcopal worship service on Monday evenings. Cadets provide dynamic vibrant leadership in these services. Jewish and Muslim worship services are provided off campus for cadets of these faiths. In addition to regularly scheduled worship, Summerall Chapel is open daily for prayer, rest, and meditation.

Pastoral Counseling

Pastoral counseling is an important component in the overall design of The Citadel’s advisory program. The Chaplain to the Corps of Cadets and the campus pastors are available to assist students with pastoral counseling which includes dealing with life problems in the context of religious faith. With the chaplain and campus pastors, students are assured of care, concern, and confidentiality, whatever their situation.

If you have any questions related to the religious life of the campus or this special time in your son’s or daughter’s life please feel free to contact the Office of the Cadet Chaplain at (843) 953-5049.