Religion is a major part of the Mercyhurst University tradition and mission. One unique way that students can contribute to this part of the tradition is by attending the student-led Bible study.

Leaders of the religous group include seniors Kylie McCormick and Rodney Dale, sophomore Rachel Cockerham and junior Drew Klobuchar.

The idea for Bible study was first suggested a few years ago. A group of students wanted to create a Christian-based group to build a bond between people with all kinds of religious backgrounds.

Bible study is also a great way to meet new people and take a much needed study break.

Campus Ministry has always felt a need to respond to student interest, and they gave the go-ahead for the current Bible study.

Other groups of Bible studies have come together in the past, such as the Praise and Worship Bible Studies, but this is the first Bible study of its kind at Mercyhurst University.

Each week, participating students gather in the Prince of Peace Chapel on the third floor of the Carolyn Herrmann Student Union.

The sessions begin with one of the student leaders reading a specific passage. Each passage reading takes about 15-20 minutes to read. After the reading of the passage, a discussion with questions is done for the rest of the session. Students answer questions about the passage and discuss their thoughts.

Campus Ministry Director Greg Baker commented on how the Christian faith plays into bible study.

“Christian tradition is diverse. Students of various Christian backgrounds come to this study. It’s not trying to have a single area of Christianity. For some students, it is their first time to think about the Bible on their own,” Baker said.

Student leader and McCormick believes that the Bible study is a good thing for students who can’t always make it to Mass on Sundays.

McCormick said, “Some people are afraid to attend Bible study or Mass because they think their lives are very messed up. However, no matter where you are in life, you are always welcome to our bible study.”

Dale also believes Bible study is a very cool experience because it brings people of various religious backgrounds together.

Bible study meets every Thursday at 8:30 p.m. in the Prince of Peace Chapel in the Student Union. Students are encouraged to come at any time and bring friends.

For more information, visit the group’s Facebook page or contact Kylie McCormick at kmccor20@lakers.mercyhurst.edu or Greg Baker at gbaker@mercyhurst.edu.