Chapel re-envisioned as a shared place of peace

Christ King Chapel, located in the lower level of Notre Dame Hall, has been redesigned as a shared interfaith space that students of all backgrounds and faith traditions can enjoy. Faculty, staff and students were invited to provide name suggestions for the refreshed space and the new name was chosen out of 90 entries, many of which contained the word peace.

The new name, “Place of Peace,” named by student Sophie Smetana Wagner, was revealed as part of the opening ceremony held in spring. Several local faith leaders visited campus to bless the space and set the intention for peace and unity.

“In honor of our mission to provide development for the whole person, we opened a space that welcomes all to reflection and prayer,” said S. Joan P Penzenstadler SSND, Vice President for Mission and Identity. “The School Sisters of Notre Dame believe that prayer brings the whole of life into focus and supports the rhythm of our lives.”

(This ceremony was held and photographed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and campus closure.)