First-year students are invited to attend these events hosted by organizations affiliated with the Office for Religious, Spiritual & Ethical Life:

Friday, August 15

Jewish

  • Shabbat Services, 5:15 p.m., WashU Hillel, 6300 Forsyth Blvd. Join us for your choice of services to usher in Shabbat at WashU! Please RSVP by Friday, August 8 for Reform or Conservative options, subject to interest. Hosted by WashU Hillel.
  • Bear Beginnings Shabbat Dinner, 6 p.m., WashU Hillel, 6300 Forsyth Blvd. Celebrate your first college Shabbat with your family and meet new friends at a festive Hillel dinner! Dinner is free for first-years, $30 per additional family member. RSVPs are strongly encouraged by Friday, August 8, as very limited walk-in space is available. If cost is an issue, please email hillel@washuhillel.org. We would be pleased to welcome you. Hosted by WashU Hillel.
  • Move-In Shabbat Dinner for New Students, Parents & Families. Optional 6 p.m. Candlelighting & Davening, 7 p.m. Shabbat Dinner, Chabad House, 7018 Forsyth Blvd (steps from the South 40). Join hundreds to celebrate move-in weekend with a full Shabbat experience of meals, services, and connection. Students will meet new friends and mentors; parents can connect with other WashU families, the Chabad Team and university leadership. RSVP here. Hosted by Chabad at WashU. 

Roman Catholic

  • Assumption of Mary Holy Day Catholic Mass, 5:30 p.m., Catholic Student Center at WashU, 6352 Forsyth Blvd. Roman Catholic Mass for the Assumption of Mary Holy Day. First years, come take a tour of the Catholic Student Center with your parents and attend this Holy Day of Opportunity! Hosted by Catholic Student Center.

Saturday, August 16

Jewish

  • Bear Beginnings Shabbos Morning Minyan & Lunch. Minyan 9:30 a.m., Lunch 12 p.m., WashU Hillel, 6300 Forsyth Blvd. Shabbos day at WashU Hillel is a special time for students to come together for davening, learning, and of course, food. First-year students and family are invited to get a taste of what has become the highlight of the week for our Shabbat observant students. Come for traditional services or just kiddush and lunch. Kiddush and lunch are free for first-years, $30 per additional family member. RSVPs are appreciated by Friday, August 8. If cost is an issue, please email hillel@washuhillel.org. We would be pleased to welcome you. Hosted by WashU Hillel.
  • Shabbat Day Davening Open House Lunch, 10 a.m. Morning Services, 12-1:30 p.m. Open House Shabbat Lunch, Chabad House, 7018 Forsyth Blvd (steps from the South 40). A relaxed, open-house-style lunch with plenty of food and friendly faces.  All are welcome — come as you are. Special welcome to students who were involved in youth groups during high school. Hosted by Chabad at WashU.
  • Afternoon Open House, 3-5 p.m, WashU Hillel, 6300 Forsyth Blvd. Take a break from move-in or stop by during your afternoon walk to grab a cool treat and learn about Jewish life on campus. Meet other new students, families, and the Hillel staff, and see our beautiful Hillel home. Bear and Brookie, the WashU Police Department’s adorable therapy dogs, will also be stopping by! Refreshments served. No reservations required. Hosted by WashU Hillel.

Roman Catholic

  • Move-In Vigil Mass & Reception for New Students & Family, 4 p.m., Catholic Student Center at WashU, 6352 Forsyth Blvd. Roman Catholic Mass for all new students and their families. It will be a Saturday Vigil Mass that fulfills the Sunday obligation. A light reception will follow Mass to welcome all new students and their families. Hosted by Catholic Student Center.

Sunday, August 17

Jewish

  • Subs, Schmooze & Axe Throwing, 5-6:30 p.m., Chabad House, 7018 Forsyth Blvd. Grab a sub, toss an axe, and jump into lawn games with 100+ future besties. Free dinner, epic giveaways, and good vibes guaranteed. Hosted by Chabad at WashU.

Protestant Christian

  • Back to School Worship, 10 a.m., Grace United Methodist Church, 6199 Waterman Blvd. Sunday worship with back-to-school blessing. Hosted by Grace UMC and LuMin St. Louis Ecumenical Campus Ministry.
  • Worship at Eighth Church of Christ, Scientist, 10 a.m., 6221 Alexander Dr.
  • Worship at First Church of Christ, Scientist, 11 a.m., 500 Westminster Place.
  • Worship @ The Cascades, 4-5:30 p.m., meet at the DUC South Entrance to walk over together to The Cascades in Forest Park (on Lagoon Drive). Come join us for a time of worship by the waterfalls at The Cascades in Forest Park. Let us get to know you as we walk over together from the DUC and hang around after for some fun & games! More info: Katie Holloway, Campus Ministry Director (acts.stl.ministry@gmail.com). Hosted by the Association of Christian Truth-Seekers (ACTS).

Roman Catholic

  • Sunday Mass, 11 a.m., Catholic Student Center at WashU, 6352 Forsyth Blvd. Roman Catholic Mass. Hosted by the Catholic Student Center at WashU.

Monday, August 18

Jewish

  • Popsicle Pop-Up, time TBD, South 40 near the Clocktower. Cool off with free popsicles and meet new friends and familiar faces! Rain date TBD. Hosted by Chabad at WashU.

Protestant Christian

  • S’mores Welcome Fellowship, 9-11 p.m., Thomas Eliot Lawn. We would love to “sweetly” welcome you to Washu and share a s’more with you around our fireless campfire. Hosted by Association of Christian Truth-Seekers (ACTS). More info: Katie Holloway, Campus Ministry Director (acts.stl.ministry@gmail.com).

Tuesday, August 19

Protestant Christian

  • Burgers & More, 5-7 p.m., LuMin St. Louis Campus House, 7019 Forsyth (Big Bend & Forsyth). Join us for a welcome to St. Louis BBQ that will include chicken and vegan burgers, beverage, dessert & community. Hosted by LuMin St. Louis  Ecumenical Campus Ministry.
  • Board & Card Game Night, 9-11 p.m., Louderman 458. All are welcome to join us for some board game & card game fun! Take a break from the heat and feel free to BYO Snack. Hosted by Association of Christian Truth-Seekers (ACTS). More info: Katie Holloway, Campus Ministry Director (acts.stl.ministry@gmail.com).
  • Sundaes on the Swamp, 9-11 p.m., South 40 Swamp. Ice cream sundaes and yard games on the South 40 swamp. Hosted by Storyline Church (Southern Baptist). More info: maddie@thestorylinechurch.com.

Wednesday, August 20

Jewish

  • Falafel Fest / Meet the Israel Fellow, 5–6:30 p.m., Chabad House, 7018 Forsyth Blvd. Come meet our new Israel Fellow and connect with students who share your love for the Holy Land. Israeli food, warm vibes, and great company. Hosted by Chabad at WashU.

Protestant Christian

  • Frozen Custard from Ted Drewes, 9-11 p.m., meet at the DUC South Entrance & rides will be provided to Ted Drewes (6726 Chippewa Street). Enjoy a small frozen custard ON US, from this local St. Louis gem that has been open for over 90 years. Rides will be provided. Hosted by the Association of Christian Truth-Seekers (ACTS). More info: Katie Holloway, Campus Ministry Director (acts.stl.ministry@gmail.com)

Thursday, August 21

Jewish

  • Bear Mitzvah: a Mixer for WashJews, 9:30-11:30 p.m., Risa Commons (Zetcher House). Join new students to celebrate like it’s your B-Mitzvah! Enjoy dessert, music, and more…you won’t want to miss it! Text MITZVAH to 314-334-4080 to speed up check in! Hosted by WashU Hillel.

Roman Catholic

  • Mass on the Swamp, 6 p.m., South 40 Swamp recreational field. Roman Catholic Outdoor Mass for all new and returning students on the South 40 Swamp (rec field). Inclement weather location: Mudd Multipurpose room on the South 40. Hosted by Catholic Student Center at WashU. 

Friday, August 22

Jewish

  • The Official Pre-Classes Shabbat Dinner, 6:00 p.m. Davening, 7 p.m. Dinner, Chabad House, 7018 Forsyth Blvd. Join a warm, home-cooked Shabbat with new faces and old friends. This is the largest weekly gathering for Jewish students! RSVP via the Cha-bot. Text SHALOM to 314-886-6111 to get started. Hosted by Chabad at WashU.
  • First Years Shabbat Dinner, 7 p.m., WashU Hillel, 6300 Forsyth Blvd. Take a break from the hustle of Bear Beginnings activities and enjoy a relaxing and delicious Shabbat dinner with new friends, returning student leaders, and the Hillel staff. Come as you are (casual attire welcome)! Walk over to Hillel directly or meet up at the South 40 Clocktower at 6:45pm to walk over for dinner. RSVPs are strongly encouraged but walk-in space will be available – text FIRST YEAR to 314-334-4080. Hosted by WashU Hillel

Muslim

  • Jummah Prayer, 1:30 p.m. in Lopata House basement prayer room, located in the northwest corner of campus. Hosted by Muslim Students Association.

Protestant Christian

  • 9-Square on the Swamp, 9-11 p.m., South 40 swamp, next to volleyball court. All levels of expertise welcome to join us for 9-Square! (Hint: Think 4-Square rules, but overhead). Hosted by the Association of Christian Truth-Seekers (ACTS). More info: Katie Holloway, Campus Ministry Director (acts.stl.ministry@gmail.com).

Roman Catholic

  • Movie Night at the Catholic Student Center, 9 p.m., Catholic Student Center at WashU, 6352 Forsyth Blvd. First year students are invited to come to relax in the beautiful Catholic Student Center for an evening movie night (including snacks and movie popcorn) with our Catholic Student Union leaders. A 5-7 minute walk from the South 40 dorms. All students are welcome to attend. Hosted by the Catholic Student Center at WashU.

Saturday, August 23

Jewish

  • Shabbos Morning Minyan & Lunch. Minyan 9:30 a.m., Lunch 12 p.m. WashU Hillel, 6300 Forsyth Blvd. Join us for student-led morning minyan, followed by kiddush and lunch. Please RSVP here. Hosted by WashU Hillel.
  • Shabbat Day Davening Open House Lunch, 10 a.m. Morning Services, 12-1:30 p.m. Open House Shabbat Lunch, Chabad House, 7018 Forsyth Blvd (steps from the South 40). A relaxed, open-house-style lunch with plenty of food and friendly faces. Hosted by Chabad at WashU.
  • Seudah Shlishit with Rav Shlomo & Kyra Ashkanazy (OU-JLIC Directors), 7 p.m., OU-JLIC home (Address provided upon RSVP). Come together at the end of Shabbos at the OU-JLIC home. There will be food, singing, sharing of Torah and overall good vibes. Please RSVP here. Hosted by WashU Hillel.
  • Post-Convocation Havdalah on the East End, around 8:30 p.m., East End of Campus
    End your first Shabbat at WashU with a soulful Havdalah under the stars.
    Hosted by Chabad at WashU.


Sunday, August 24

Jewish

  • Bagel Brunch, 12-2 p.m., WashU Hillel, 6300 Forsyth Blvd. Join your Hillel community for the first Sunday Bagel Brunch of the year! Stop by anytime to enjoy bagels, schmear, and lots of lox. Bear and Brookie, the WashU Police Department’s adorable therapy dogs will also be stopping by around Noon! Walking groups with student leaders will be meeting at the South 40 Clocktower at 11:45 AM and 12:45 PM. Hosted by WashU Hillel.

Protestant Christian

  • Meet InterVarsity International Friends, 2:30-4:30 p.m., DUC 232. If you enjoy meeting people and learning from cultures around the world, meet InterVarsity International Friends with international snacks, drinks, and more. Hosted by InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. More info: jessica.gray@intervarsity.org.
  • Prayer Time Fellowship, 4-5:30 p.m., DUC 239. We would love for you to join us for a time of prayer: for YOU, for the coming school year, and for the world. If you can’t make it but have a prayer request, feel free to send it to us and we will pray for you. Hosted by the Association of Christian Truth-Seekers (ACTS). Contact: Katie Holloway, Campus Ministry Director (acts.stl.ministry@gmail.com)
  • Welcome Home Worship & Dinner, 5:30 p.m., Rockwell House, 7023 Forsyth Blvd. We will have a communion service in the Episcopal tradition, followed by dinner. All faith traditions welcome. We are an LGBTQ affirming community and we can’t wait to see you! Hosted by Rockwell House Episcopal Campus Ministry.
  • Sunday Night worship, 7:30 p.m., LuMin Campus House, 7019 Forsyth Blvd. All students welcome to contemplative worship with communion in the upper room at the campus house. We’ll have fruit and dessert fellowship afterward. Hosted by LuMin St. Louis. 

Roman Catholic

  • Welcome Back Mass, BBQ & Festival, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Catholic Student Center at WashU, 6352 Forsyth Blvd. All students are welcome to join us for our first 4:30pm Sunday Mass of the school year, followed by a BBQ & festival at 5:30pm. Free food, inflatable bounce fun, tours of our beautiful chapel and center, games, music, and you can even sink Fr. Brian in the dunk tank. Hosted by the Catholic Student Center & Catholic Student Union.