Spiritual health is about so much more than religion. Spirituality involves pursuing answers to key questions like: 'Who am I? Why am I here? What's the point?' It's the foundation of overall health and well-being. The Spiritual Care Facilitator at St. Lawrence College, is available to all students, regardless of denomination, faith tradition or spiritual conviction. We want to walk alongside you as you seek meaning in life, heal from past hurts, and figure out what comes next. We're here to encourage, support, and cheer you on.
What is our role at SLC?
To nurture the spiritual health of SLC students by providing a safe space to ask big questions about self, purpose, and the future.
To create a welcoming, non-judgmental, safe space for students on all our campuses regardless of beliefs or background.
To help build a community where students can thrive, belong, be unconditionally accepted, grow, and be encouraged.
To provide information about and connections to College and local faith communities.
To provide one-on-one mentoring, encouragement and support for students struggling with any and all issues.
To partner with other SLC services to ensure student success and wellness.
Kathy Doering is our SLC Spiritual Care Facilitator. Kathy is an Associate Pastor at Living Waters Anglican Fellowship in Kingston and has a B.A. (Hon), B.Ed. and M.Ed. in Counseling. Kathy runs small groups, provides one-on-one support and mentoring to students at SLC tri-campus. Perhaps most importantly, when we’re not remote, she always has candy in her office!
"I had the pleasure of meeting Kathy Doering two years ago in my first year at SLC. When I saw Kathy for the first time, she approached me smiling, and introduced herself. Kathy is the happiest person I know! She helped me explore church options around Kingston and was very helpful in finding resources fit for me."
anonymous
"In my second year at SLC, I joined Huddle Group and had Kathy as my leader. It was so easy to talk to Kathy and I soon became very close with her. Kathy is a fantastic leader but also an amazing listener; she encourages me to let my feelings show and not to be ashamed of it. I am very blessed to have Kathy in my life not only as my chaplain, but as my friend!"
anonymous
"When I first met Kathy and joined a huddle I was nervous. I’m not a huge fan of meeting new people cause it’s hard for me to feel comfortable with people I don’t know. Little did I know that it would be the best decision I’ve ever made. I immediately felt comfortable with her and knew that she was someone I could really trust. It took a little while to open up, but she was always so patient and encouraging that before long she became a super valuable person in my life."
anonymous
"Kathy’s helped me with so many things, and so many issues that I couldn’t figure out a way out of for years but because of her help I’m getting through them now. It’s been so important to me to have the consistent support that she’s provided."
anonymous
"My school semester would have gone completely differently without her support and being able to meet with her. Because of her encouragement and continued support in my life this semester I got some of the highest grades I’ve ever gotten in the 2.5 years that I’ve been at SLC. There’s no underestimating the value that her position provides to the students at SLC."
anonymous
"One thing that all the young students have in common is that we all can feel stressed or anxious whether from studies, exams or social and personal problems. For most of us, it isn't easy to find someone who you trust and makes you feel better. Speaking out can feel like a burden. [Spiritual Care] Services at SLC are one of the most reliable services on campus."
Anonymous
"Personally, as an international student, I found it hard to be in a different country with a very different culture. I struggled socially, a lot. So when I received an e-mail from Kathy saying if any of the students are stressed or anxious we can reach out to her and talk, it seriously made me feel a lot better. Talking with Kathy about everything I've been going through plus the advice she gave me helped me have an easy social life while living here."
Anonymous
"If you are too shy, or too afraid to talk about your problems, whether social or mental health, you can ask for [Spiritual Care] and you'll never regret meeting the smiley face of the lovely Kathy."
Anonymous
"Kathy has been my friend, moreover being a mentor. Sometimes for no reasons, I will feel like meeting with her and we will have a great time together. She has always been a text message away. The small safe groups we formed started with people who never knew each other. The fact that we all became good friends is the greatest blessing."
Anonymous
"[Spiritual Care] Services/Kathy has been a huge help for me, a true blessing in my life. In the darkest time of my life, I reached out for help and lucky for me Kathy responded. Not only is she amazing at what she does but she does it in a way that is true to who she is. Caring, empathetic, a great listener, encouraging, trusting, just to name a few."
Anonymous
"Kathy’s combination of skill and character has provided a safe place for me to talk through life’s difficulties, gain perspective, much needed support and encouragement. Which in turn has rekindled a sense of hope in my life. I am very grateful to have met Kathy and for the help and support she provides."
Huddles are small student-led groups of five or fewer students who meet weekly to chat and do life together. Organized around your schedule, huddle groups provide a guaranteed safe space where you can give and receive support, laughs and encouragement. Huddles build resilience and well-being as students grow friendships, enjoy snacks and thrive with a weekly topical chat, a personal check-in and confidential non-judgmental encouragement. Sign up for huddleshere!
There are different types of huddles depending on where you’re at and what you need:
THRIVE Huddles (including 2SLGBTQIS+ Huddles) to make friends and contemplate life in a safe place.
Faith-based Huddles to make friends, ponder life’s questions and grow in the context of your personal faith and beliefs.
Student Leadership
Our strong student leadership team works together to run huddles and community events on all three campuses while developing deep and meaningful friendships with each other and the students they serve. We believe strongly in mentoring and we encourage and help our student leaders to never stop growing. We provide lots of fun opportunities to learn and develop your gifts and skills. Join our leadership team!
One-on-One Support
The Spiritual Care Facilitator is here to help you thrive during your time at SLC. We would love to connect with you one-on-one to provide you with support and encouragement during your college experience.
Spiritual and Religious Supports
Are you looking for a church? A mosque? A gurdwara? A temple? Finding a spiritual community of like-minded people while you study can provide a wonderful source of community, peace and support. Please reach out to Kathy for help finding a religious community within the school or in the community in which you live.
We need each other to live joyfully and authentically in our busy world. We need YOU! We’d love to have you join our community. Join THRIVE.
We use cookies to ensure you the best navigation experience. By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more about our privacy policy.
View & Accept Our Privacy Statement
We use cookies to ensure you the best navigation experience. By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more about our privacy policy.
