TCU: Where Every Faith Finds a Home
At TCU, faith and community go hand in hand. The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life (RSL) supports students, faculty and staff as they explore purpose, belonging and belief, no matter where they are on their spiritual journey. Across campus, students find not only their own traditions represented but also opportunities to learn with others.
Supporting Spiritual Growth Across Campus
With 29 student religious organizations and campus ministries, students have countless ways to connect spiritually.
“Each one offers a unique way to practice faith on campus,” says Lea McCracken, associate chaplain and church relations officer, noting the variety of worship opportunities, small groups, retreats, prayer services and more.
For many students, that exploration includes discovering what their tradition means to them personally.
Jerry Appel, a communication studies professor, Jewish community advisor and advisor to TCU Hillel, describes the Jewish community as “small but deeply connected,” noting that it offers space for students to engage with Judaism religiously, culturally and personally.
RSL also partners with local churches, mosques, temples and synagogues so students can worship and serve within nearby faith communities.
Daily “RSL Connections” gatherings and weekly support groups provide additional spaces for reflection and care.
“Most importantly, we provide one-on-one spiritual care, meeting each TCU community member wherever they are,” McCracken adds.
Finding Belonging in Every Faith Tradition
“We want all students to feel they can practice their faith on campus and have their needs met,” McCracken says.
Students representing more than 60 religious and spiritual perspectives call TCU home.
Interfaith engagement is central to that mission. Appel notes that Jewish students regularly participate in dialogues and programs with peers of many traditions.
“These experiences help them grow not only as Jews, but as empathetic, engaged citizens of a diverse world.”
He has seen students arrive tentative and become confident leaders, hosting Shabbat, facilitating discussions and representing Jewish life with “pride and authenticity.”
Seventeen students serve on TCU’s Religious Advisory Council, advancing conversations that continue throughout classrooms, residence halls and student organizations.
Signature Events and Traditions
RSL fosters campus connection through a variety of events, but here’s a look at some of students’ favorites
- Frogs First Worship, an ecumenical worship service for all students, and a chance to meet campus ministers
- Blessing of the Animals raises awareness for 'God's creatures'
- Carols by Candlelight, celebrating the holiday season with carols and hymns followed by cocoa and cookies
- Ash Wednesday services
Through Shabbat dinners, holiday gatherings, synagogue visits and service projects, Jewish students find “a sense of home, belonging and continuity,” especially when far from long-held family traditions.
The annual Interfaith Celebration and popular Know Your Neighbor Nights bring students together to share meals, traditions and stories that broaden understanding across communities.
Connecting Beyond Campus & The Whole Person
Local congregations, many within walking distance, offer additional opportunities for worship, service and belonging. Students can visit RSL in Jarvis Hall or email faith@tcu.edu to get connected.
At TCU, spiritual wellness is seen as essential to a meaningful college experience.
As McCracken often reminds students, quoting Malala Yousafzai: “The only way we can create global peace is not only by educating our minds, but our hearts and our souls.”
Grace Hartenstein ’26 is a double major in strategic communication and sociology from Millsboro, Delaware, and is a strategic communication writer for TCU’s Office of Admission.