Concordia’s Multi-faith and Spirituality Centre has a new interim chaplain and coordinator
The Reverend Jen Bourque: “The values of the centre are welcoming people — all people — as they are.”
Concordia’s Multi-faith and Spirituality Centre (MFSC) is welcoming the Reverend Jen Bourque as interim chaplain and coordinator.
In this role, Bourque is a resource for all students interested in exploring their spiritual lives. Her work includes facilitating conversations, events and spaces to promote interfaith connections and religious literacy at the university.
“The values of the centre are welcoming people — all people — as they are,” Bourque says. “The MFSC has always done that in a hands-on, practical, embodied and social justice–oriented way. I’m looking forward to building on that work.”
‘Being welcoming and curious are values at the heart of my spiritual life’
Bourque joins Concordia after extensive experience in spiritual and pastoral care. Most recently, she worked as a spiritual care professional at LaSalle Hospital in Montreal, and before that at the Montreal Children’s Hospital.
In these positions, Bourque provided interfaith spiritual care and supported patients and their families in practising and finding meaning in their own faiths through periods of change, grief, crisis and joy.
She holds a Master of Sacred Theology from McGill University and is an ordained priest in the Anglican Church.
“Being welcoming and curious are values at the heart of my spiritual life, both of which translate well to working with a diverse and dynamic student population,” Bourque adds.
At Concordia, Bourque is available for students seeking one-on-one support, clarifying challenges they are facing and exploring their own beliefs and values. For those looking for guidance in specific religious or spiritual traditions, the MFSC also works in collaboration with a network of religious leaders in the Montreal community.
“In Jen, we are so lucky to have someone with a broad and deep background in religion and spirituality and a sincere interest in students, matched with serious pastoral care skills,” says Andrew Woodall, Concordia’s dean of students.
“I don’t think there’s ever been a time when the Multi-faith and Spirituality Centre was more important at Concordia. Jen brings a great set of skills and experience to the position.”
Concordians can visit the Multi-faith and Spirituality Centre in the Z Annex on the Sir George Williams Campus or in the Administration Building (AD-103.10) on Loyola Campus.
For more information, or to get involved, visit concordia.ca/spirituality or follow the MFSC on Instagram for updates.
