Religious Life provides religious guidance and worship opportunities for students, faculty, and staff at USI. With Religious Life, students cultivate a personal and communal spirituality, and make a positive impact in the community.
Our main office is located in the Recreation, Fitness, and Wellness Center (RFW) 128.
The Meditation Lounge (a shared classroom space, reservable for any faith group) is located in RFW 133.
A Muslim Prayer Room is located in the lower level of the Rice Library (contact us for room code).
Religious Life is a PLACE of:
Info on all faith-based student organizations are posted in our Spiritual Support Photo Directory.
View a copy online here, or stop by the office to pick up a copy.
To start a new faith-based student organization at USI, download this checklist. Contact us with questions.
Browse a SAMPLE list of classes here.
Find classes for the upcoming semester using this search tool.
Browse places of worship near campus.
If you are a local woship location and you'd like your organization added to the directory, please contact the Director, Anna Schulten, via email: amschulten@usi.edu.
You can find a list of interfaith holidays and USI's policy on religious accommodations here.
Location: Lot B & Whitcomb apartments. This 600-foot path is one of two trails in the woods in this area.
The Beatitudes Trail, also referred to as the Bert Miller Meditation Path, is located between the main campus parking lot B and student housing Whitcomb apartments. The trail’s signs and benches were refurbished in 2024 with the help of some Eagle Scouts from Troop 399, some of which are current USI students. The path features a statue of St. Francis, signs naming the Beatitudes, and benches.
History
Knapp dedicated the path to his grandfather, Bert Miller who died in 1995. Miller passed his love of the outdoors and self-reliance on to hundreds of boys during nearly three decades as a local scoutmaster. When Bert Miller was a boy, he and his friends had big ideas about what a scoutmaster should do to build the ultimate troop. A neighborhood Boy Scout troop was finally organized, and which eventually led to the current vibrant Troop 399 still very active on the Sacred Heart Catholic Church campus. Today, USI students and the public can enjoy the peaceful pathway and reflect on the teachings of Christ.
Meaning of Beatitudes
The Beatitudes were a series of blessings declared by Jesus during His "Sermon on the Mount" found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. These are the Beatitudes listed in Matthew 5:3-10:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the Earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the Sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.”
The Beatitudes encourage humility, compassion, and work for justice. By following these teachings, people of all faiths can find hope for a better future in the midst of struggle, and strive to make a positive impact on those around them.
Follow us on our new Instagram page @usi_religiouslife.
RFW 130