North Central College Office of Faith & Action

I’ve been wrestling with the words to capture my feelings in this moment but keep coming up short. Succinctly, after 10 years of ministry, I am leaving North Central College. Next week, I will be joining American University in Washington, D.C. as the University Chaplain and Director of the Kay Spiritual Life Center. As a proponent of the theological idea of kairos, I recognize that this season draws to a close and a new chapter begins for both me and for NCC.

In a final chance to connect, everyone is invited to stop by for coffee and sweets at a Send Off-Social on Wednesday, August 14, between 4:00 and 6:00 PM in the Koten Community Gathering Room (Kiekhofer Hall, 129 E. School St.). After all the coffee chats I’ve had with so many of you, I wanted to have one last moment to gather and talk.

Over the last decade, it has been my distinct joy to celebrate and dream with you, to grieve and struggle with you, but mostly, to listen and learn with you. I appreciate the patience of my colleagues in Student Affairs and Athletics, the encouragement from our faculty and staff, the support of our alumni, and the boundless enthusiasm of our students. Much of what I share up in my public messages, prayers, and postings is your wisdom and care reflected back for you to see.

So the best words I can use for my feelings is bittersweet - filled with incredible memories while already missing the Cardinal family. Blessings of light and truth on you all!

Peace,
Chaplain Eric

A long overdue moment to celebrate!

Congratulations to all those who have stayed in the fight.
Grief for those who had to abandon their call to protect themselves.
Hopefulness for what God will do as we move forward together.

40-year ban on gay clergy struck down In an emotional morning, General Conference has eliminated the ban on “self-avowed practicing” gay clergy. Following the vote at break, delegates and observers sang hymns in joy.

Chag Pesach sameach!

Passover is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the Biblical story of Exodus — where God freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It starts at sundown on April 22 and runs for eight days.

The central celebration is the Seder, a ritual feast where the food and conversation explores the Exodus story as well as modern calls to justice and spaces for liberation.

The NCC Seder is coming up on Thursday. Contact Chaplain Eric ([email protected]) if you want to join us.

Eid Mubarak! Celebrating end of Ramadan, Eid-al-Fitr is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Islam. Your Muslim friends would probably love to catch up with you over lunch or a cup of coffee as we all get ready for the end of the academic year!

Holi is is the Hindu Festival of Colours, Love, and Spring.

Celebrated on March 25 in India, the Naperville community will celebrate on Saturday April 6.

Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting and prayer, starts today. A resource guide to local worship service, food services, and more, is available at the Office of Faith & Action in Kiekhofer Hall.

Faculty and staff can find more information about supporting students through the bio link or by contacting Chaplain Eric Doolittle.

Join us for a special "Faith & Leadership with Dr. Anita Thomas" Tuesday, February 27, 2023. We're filming in Koten Chapel at 11:45 AM and everyone is welcome to sit in. After the taping, there's a Q&A time and then discussion time next door at the Coffee Lab.

Today is Ash Wednesday, a holy day of prayer and fasting in many Western Christian denominations. It is preceded by Mardi Gras/ Shrove Tuesday and marks the first day of Lent, the six weeks of penitence before Easter.

Ash Wednesday is traditionally observed with fasting and abstinence. Many people choose to either give up certain indulgent pleasures like meat, sweets or caffeine, while others take on additional spiritual disciples, like Bible reading and prayer time. At NCC we want to offer a understanding of intentional living and spiritual disciplines - EcoLent.

EcoLent sets this time aside to remember God's creation and the impact our lives have on the earth. If your interested, look for one of the EcoLent booklets available at the Office of Faith & Action (Kiekhofer) or the WAC Front Desk. You'll also see posts on our social media.

Whatever tradition you follow this Lent, may this season of intentional reflection prepare us to celebrate Easter more fully.

Embrace the eco Lent journey with our sustainable calendar, weaving the threads of faith and sustainability together. 🌿✝️ Let’s reflect, renew, and respect our planet as we walk this path of mindful living. 🌎💚

Ash Wednesday is February 14, 2024. It is the traditional start of Lent within Western Christianity. Many Christians choose to receive the mark of ashes as a reminder of their commitment to Lenten disciplines such as fasting and prayer for the next 40 days.

Anyone can receive ashes from Chaplain Eric at the times listed or at the brief noon service in Koten Chapel. Roman Catholic masses also run throughout the day at Saints Peter & Paul.

Tonight is the start of the Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival in China, Tet in Vietnam and Seollal in Korea. It is a major cultural festival celebrated in several Asian countries that often incorporates religious elements from Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. The two week celebration is widely celebrated by diaspora communities around the world and on our campus!

笑口常开 – May your year be filled with an abundance of smiles and laughter!

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