The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life continues its Big Words series this fall, beginning Monday, Aug. 24, with Big Words: MASK. Each Big Words program offers Cultural Credit along with interesting discussions and activities. The programs present interfaith perspectives on concepts or values important to different religious and spiritual traditions. 

These days, most people probably think of a mask mainly as a way to protect ourselves and one another from the spread of a virus. However, the wearing of masks has a long, rich history in spiritual practice and religious ritual. In this online panel discussion, we will explore some of the roles masks have played in different spiritual settings and how they might be used as a spiritual practice today. 

Speakers will include Kirpal Singh, MD, retired psychiatrist and president of the Sikh Foundation of Central Florida; Sensei Morris Doshin Sullivan, a Stetson chaplain and Zen monk; and other speakers to be announced.  

Big Words: MASK will be on Zoom at 7 p.m. Monday. Cultural Credit is available. For the Zoom link, RSVP at https://stetson.campuslabs.com/engage/submitter/form/start/435010 

The series continues with Big Words: KIND at 7 p.m. on Sept. 21 with Stetson University President Christopher Roellke, PhD. Kindness is an important spiritual value in all major religions, and Roellke has presented it as a pillar of the Stetson University culture. In this event, we will look at the impact kindness can have on our lives and our community. 

On Oct. 12, we will explore the symbolic and ritual importance of water with Big Words: WET. And in November, we will work with gratitude as a spiritual practice with Big Words: THANKS. Details on those events are forthcoming. 

For more information about Big Words, contact the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life at [email protected] or phone 386-822-7403.