Our Newsletter
Download or Sign Up for our quarterly newsletter, Perspectives on the Journey, for inspiring stories, insights and information, with reflections by our staff, Marybeth Leis and Jeff Druery and by students.
From Isolation to Connection
“I don’t like it when people say we’re so connected today through social media and technology. It’s communication but not real connection,” declared Dara. Find out how students are finding connection through service, meaningful interactions with their peers, and through opportunities to reflect on their life and spiritual journeys.
Student Open Circles Turns 10!
Anniversaries are a time to look back and notice – how we got to where we are, what’s happened along the way, and how it’s made a difference. As Student Open Circles turns 10, we reflect on the journey to where we are today as well as our hopes and dreams for the next ten years.
Longing for a Better World
"I am only 22 and I weep for the future," says Michael, a McMaster student who shares at a on campus discussion about social justice issues that they are passionate about.
Tutors Help Youth Stay in School
"The only reason I'm able to stay in school is because of the help you give me at the Homework Club," shared 'Abdul' a recent immigrant youth. Read about how Student Open Circles is making a difference within the needs and opportunities of the inner city and on the McMaster campus.
Stories from the Tech-Free Zone
Students talk about why they are giving up their cellphones and laptop computers for two hours each week. Through this event they are becoming aware of issues such as poverty in our own community, as well as engaging in conversation and creative expression that helps them to gain a renewed perspective amidst the many pressures and distractions that they face.
Holding Space
"Open Circle has provided the foundation for me to begin my spiritual journey. Had I not been ready, it would have not touched me so deeply, but had it not been there, I would not have grown so profoundly. The most wonderful thing about Open Circle is meeting a diverse group of people who share in the commonality of spiritual practice and the realization of something deeper in life. These qualities result in powerful interactions that serve to restore faith and hope for our world."
Student Stories
Catch a glimpse into the hearts and minds of McMaster students through:
- Elisa's musings on the ubiquity of cell phones and the need to "connect without the outlet"
- Marisa's campaign to raise support for a community centre in an under-serviced neighbourhood in Hamilton
- an art show by Open Circle's weekly Creativity Circle
- pictures of students serving in the community
The Gift of Time
Participating in Community Volunteer Action has opened my mind, and heart, to the infinite number of ways that I may impact my neighbours in the greater Hamilton community. I have learned the importance of giving another person my time, and how many people are in need of another's simple attention.
Whose Helping Whom?
At my placement, my duties described on paper may be restricted to academic guidance for elementary youth, but in reality, I believe my role in the lives of the individuals I help and their role in my life, are ultimately much greater.
Get Out of the Bubble
First year students often still see themselves as kids. In just a couple of months time, I've already noticed changes in these volunteers as they cross the threshold into seeing themselves as adults with responsibility for their actions in the world.
Hunger for Real Things
"These young people want to move beyond the "community" they find on-line or the buzz of shopping to engage in real conversations, experiences, and spaces for listening, knowing deep down that there is nothing better than people in a room together."
Learning Through Service
Like waking up at 6:00 on Saturday mornings? Not a lot of people do. The Wesley Soup Kitchen starts at 6:45 a.m. on Saturday mornings and may discourage a lot of people from volunteering
Questions and Quotations
"If someone were to write a memoir of your life, what would you want them to say were your guiding principles?" asked 'Melissa' following a reading she had brought to our Spiritual Journey Circle. Each participant in this weekly discussion group periodically brings something that they have been reading or reflecting on. After sharing the reading, they give the group a question to journal about that prompts further reflection.
Who Are Tomorrow's Leaders
Much of what we do within Open Circle is to invest in the development of future leaders. By this I mean that through their participation in the Open Circle community they are formed and encouraged in their commitment to live intentionally and to use their influence towards the creation of a more just and peaceful world.
Creativity and Compassion
Stories of how students are discovering a spiritual connection through creativity along with pictures and quotations from student volunteers.
Listening to our Lives
Stories of how students are discovering a spiritual connection through creativity along with pictures and quotations from student volunteers.
Taking Down the Invisible Wall
"It sometimes seems to me that we are all surrounded by invisible walls built up by our own individuality and culture. These walls may help to define who we are and how we are unique, but ultimately, they make it very difficult for us to understand other people. (Janice)"
Making a Difference, Sharing our Journeys
Two students share stories on...
Making a difference: "Participating in weekly volunteering groups ... allows us to know that the world is bigger than us, bigger than our studies and our degrees, and know that we have a place in it all; and with that, a certain responsibility to ignite positive change in our environments." (Steph)
Sharing the Journey: "There were times in the past where I had felt a spiritual connection with life, but in this discussion group I was able to share my experience." (Deirdre)
More than a Buzzword
"I've never experienced community before!" admitted "Keith" during a small group discussion at a recent Open Circle retreat. This "light bulb moment," inspired by the experience of community throughout the weekend, reflected both sadness and the hope of having discovered that it is possible to find truly embracing community.