Religious communities abound at USM

The University of Southern Mississippi houses many options for students searching for a spiritual community.

The campus life website boasts 22 established organizations, ranging from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Student Organization to the Jewish Student Union/Hillel House, as well as several different Christian denominations.

Students interested in joining can locate contact information for the groups on the USM website.

Among the largest groups on campus is the Baptist Student Union. The group meets at 6:01p.m. every Tuesday night for Bible study and worship, and at 12:01p.m. on Thursdays for lunch.

Amber Reaves, a junior T.V. production major, said she joined it her freshman year for their annual Survival Weekend in which students can learn more about the university and the BSU.

"The BSU is a huge doorway for freshmen," Reaves said. "I met a ton of people through the BSU and it made me feel more comfortable my first week at college."

For those interested in joining a church community, Hattiesburg sees a religious pluralism rare in most Southern cities.

While Baptist churches represent a majority, students will find venues for Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist, Seventh Day Adventist, and other non-denominational Christian churches within walking-distance of campus.

Jewish students can find Temple B'Nai Israel in downtown Hattiesburg. The Islamic center is located just across 49th street. Students willing to make the drive can even find a Neo-Pagan center in Richton, about 30 minutes from USM.

Another organization that hosts many programs and events is the Catholic Student Association, stationed at St. Thomas Aquinas church on 4th Street.

The CSA encourages USM Catholics to attend the student masses at 6p.m. on Sundays and Wednesdays. The CSA provides dinner in the student center following each mass.

Sophomore Joey Tramuta, a member of the CSA board, said this is the highest number of students attending the first mass of the school year they've had. He said so far the CSA has participated in a canoe trip, held a park day at Paul B. Johnson national park, and had at welcome back luau.

"The summer before my freshman year, I was looking for a way to improve my spiritual life," Tramuta said. "I wanted to stay involved in my faith, and what better way to do it than with a student religious organization?"

Reaves added that she always encourages new freshmen to join student organizations, religious or secular.

"The community it offers has kept me involved with the university," she said. "The people are very accepting and it's a great way to make friends when you're new to the school."