“You are not one, you are a thousand. Just light your lantern.” – Rumi
Dear all, we hope this newsletter finds you in great health and spirits! A month filled with refreshing beginnings and countless possibilities, March invites us all to rejuvenate our spirits and realize our boundless potential. This issue of our newsletter is overflowing with updates, contemplations, and commendable contributions from our treasured community members. We will be highlighting two critical occasions that celebrate diversity and empowerment – International Women’s Day and World Day to Combat Islamophobia. We’re also delighted to showcase a collection of opportunities for professional and personal growth, complete with fresh additions and tried-and-true favourites.
Now, let’s dive right in — the moment you’ve all been eagerly awaiting has arrived with this edition of iConnect… We’re thrilled to mark the commencement of enrolment for our Spiritual Development and Ministry Training. Rest assured, every detail you need has now been refreshed and is readily accessible within the pages of the Training Menu on our website! This year, we are proud to introduce the Birch Pathway as a new branch of our Aspen Pathway, which continues to be an entirely online curriculum designed for your convenience. Enrolment is officially open NOW – and will close on the 30th of September, with the training beginning in October! Remember that we do Early Bird specials… so if you’re interested, get that application in early to receive a discounted tuition rate!
And that’s not all — you will have the unique opportunity to engage with Annie, our passionate tutor, who is dedicated to guiding you through this transformative journey. Annie will host all of our Intro Days this year, so you’ll have the unique opportunity to spend time with her ahead of the training. Her expertise and support are just a part of what makes our learning experience so special. Stay tuned for what promises to be a remarkable and enriching chapter with us! We’re equally excited to share a wealth of enlightening resources, illuminating the immersive nature of our training and the extensive benefits it encompasses. So, get ready to embark on this exciting journey with us!
Do you have an offering for our community? Have you recently published a book? Want to simply say hello? Drop an email below!
OneSpirit’s Professional & Personal Development Offerings
Enrolment Now Open: Embark on Your Spiritual Journey with OneSpirit’s Ministry Training Programme!
We’re thrilled to announce that enrolment for the Birch Pathway 2024, our fully online Spiritual Development and Ministry Training programme, is officially open! With over 25 years of pioneering spiritual education, OneSpirit invites you on a transformative journey to explore deeper consciousness, compassion, and interconnectedness in our contemporary world.
Why Join the Birch Pathway?
- Be Part of a Vibrant Community: Join a community of over 1000 diverse individuals who have chosen to grow their unique personal ministry with us.
- Holistic Development: Our curriculum offers a comprehensive journey through self-awareness, empathetic listening, and the exploration of inclusive spiritual practices, preparing you to serve your communities with heart and authentically.
- Fully Online, Dynamic Learning: Engage in live weekly webinars, interact in our bespoke online classroom, and connect via a dedicated student communications platform, all designed to nurture your personal and ministerial growth.
Our Vision and Mission: We envision a world awakened through inclusive global spirituality—embracing love and life for all. Our mission is to evolve consciousness globally by nurturing open-hearted individuals towards inner leadership and fostering reconciliation, forgiveness, and peacemaking.
Key Features:
- Two-Year Online Journey: Delve into the heart of your spiritual practice and community service through our dynamic and experiential learning environment.
- Six Interwoven Strands: Our rich curriculum covers Faith Paths & Worldviews, Ceremony & Ritual, Deep Listening Skills, Ministry of Spiritual Accompaniment, Psycho-Spiritual Development, and Spiritual & Pastoral Service in the Community.
- Supportive Learning Experience: Benefit from personal mentorship through 1-1 meetings, engage in study groups with peers and enjoy a wealth of resources in our online classroom.
Hear from our current students across the various training pages. Students such as Audrey, who say, “I am finding new ways of interacting with colleagues at work. More conscious of the beauty of listening. More conscious of life’s broken wings. More conscious of the light that can be fanned or dimmed with my thoughts, my words my way of communicating.”
Ready to Take the Next Step? This is more than training; it’s an invitation to transform yourself and the world around you. If you feel the call to deepen your understanding and express your spirituality, we welcome you to join us on this sacred journey. One key aspect of the training period is the Introduction Period with three different date options. Students only need to attend one of these three:
- October 15th from 6-9 pm
- October 20th from 3-6 pm
- October 22nd from 6-9 pm
In addition to attending on one of the above dates, attendance is mandatory for all students on October 27th from 3-6 pm. Mandatory weekly webinars will begin on November 5th.
For more details and to apply, visit OneSpirit’s Ministry Training Overview. Let’s embark on this beautiful journey together!
Want to learn more about our Spiritual Development & Ministry Training?
Are you curious about the Birch Pathway and eager to explore our online training offerings? Join us at one of our complimentary Intro Days! These sessions provide a perfect opportunity to engage directly with our Birch Pathway Tutor alongside current students and OneSpirit ministers.
This year, we’re excited to host 6 Introductory Days from April to September 2024, all accessible online through Zoom. To accommodate everyone’s schedule, we’re offering both Saturday morning and Tuesday evening sessions. With an understanding of how precious your time is, we’ve decided to approach this year’s Intro Days differently. Annie Heppenstall, the dedicated Birch Pathway Tutor (find out more about Annie here!), will personally lead each session, ensuring you have the chance to meet your future fellow travellers on this spiritual journey. Join one of our dates:
- Saturday 6 April 2024, 10am – 12:30pm
- Tuesday 14 May 2024, 6:00pm – 8:30pm
- Saturday 22 June 2024, 10am – 12:30pm
- Tuesday 16 July 2024, 6:00pm – 8:30pm
- Saturday 3 August 2024, 10am – 12:30pm
- Tuesday 10 September 2024, 6:00pm – 8:30pm
There is no charge to attend, nor is there any expectation that your attendance will lead to applying, we’d simply love to meet you and share more about the Birch Pathway. Head over to our Intro Days page to book your place!
Explore More with the Spiritual Practice Circle
Ignite your spiritual journey with OneSpirit’s refreshing “Spiritual Practice Circle.” A vibrant meeting spot created for mindful reflection and interactive dialogue. Perfect for OneSpirit Ministers looking to amplify their spiritual development, or any community member yearning to enhance their inner connection. Connect, empower, and bolster resilience among like-minded spirit seekers to nourish your spiritual disciplines. The flexible “drop-in” nature of the Circle lets you join whenever it aligns with your voyage. Tap into this distinctive safe haven remotely, for our monthly meetups kick-starting in 2024!
Guided by Guest Tutor, Christopher Marcus, uncover six imperative practices that enrich your spiritual comprehension in our online engagements. Look forward to these transformative sessions on the last Tuesday of every month (from 7 PM to 9 PM), over six months.
Session Fees:
- ROSIM Members/OneSpirit Students: £20
- Non-ROSIM Members: £25
Embark on your spiritual quest today! Click here to take the next step.
Join our free & enlightening Anti-Racism Reading Group
Join us on Monday, March 18th 7.15 – 8.45
A few of us met the other week to talk about how this group might work in practice. As all of us have different ways of learning and engaging, we decided that everyone coming to the group will explore an issue of race and racialisation in the way that suits them best and share their reflections with the group at the next meeting.
For the March meeting, some people will be watching and reflecting on the new film The Colour Purple by Maya Angelou. Some will be practising the embodied exercises on racial trauma in My Grandmother’s Hands by Resmaa Menakem. Others will explore the poetry of Langston Hughes and the work of Audrey Lourde.
Everyone is welcome to join the next meeting. You might want to look at one of these sources yourself or find something that speaks to you. Whatever sources we use, we will be using self-reflective practice to focus on our own responses to the issues of racialisation and racism that arise. We come together to support each other in being courageous, making a non-judgemental space where we can begin to recognise and come to terms with the impact of racism in our own lives.
If you want to find out more or have a chat before coming along to the meeting, email Sarah here. Or find the Zoom link here. This group is open to all ministers and students of One Spirit and is offered free of charge.
Click here to read the full post!
Notes from the First Meeting...
First Meeting Summary
Date: 12/02/2024
Attendees: Chloe Greenwood, Una Devine, Sarah MacDonald, Sue Cockerill
Objectives: The group aims to confront and reflect upon personal, deeply ingrained racist tendencies and ideologies. This introspection is seen as vital to deepening connections with oneself, others, and the divine, aligning with the core of their spiritual practice.
Approach: The meeting underscored the challenges of confronting internalized racism and highlighted a commitment to mutual support, empathy, and compassionate dialogue. It emphasized maintaining values aligned with their roles as One Spirit Ministers and students, including challenging assumptions through non-violent communication.
Structure: Diverse methods of exploration were agreed upon, including scientific and sociological literature, novels, poetry, films, and embodied practices like guided meditations. Participants will individually explore selected materials and share insights in subsequent meetings.
Contributions: Sarah and Sue will watch “The Colour Purple” as interpreted by Maya Angelou and read “My Grandmother’s Hands” by Resmaa Menakem, focusing on sections relevant to people racialised as white; Chloe will delve into Langston Hughes’ poetry; and Una plans to read works by Audrey Lourde.
The group agreed on potential openness to additional OneSpirit ministers and students, considering coordinating through iConnect for broader engagement.
Next Meeting: Monday, 18th March, 7.15 – 7.45
Story, Self, and Spirit: Weave the Narrative of Your Inner Voyage to Spiritual Growth
Back by popular demand… now is your chance to embark on an enriching 5-week virtual expedition exploring self, spirituality, and the storytelling craft. Guided by our own OneSpirit Minister and master storyteller, Tim Ralphs, you’ll journey through the realm of global folktales and ancient myths, connecting your personal narrative to the world’s spiritual storyline:
- A Mythical Prelude
- The Art of Personal Storytelling
- World Folktales: A Journey of Identity
- Unravelling Ancient Myths
- Crafting Your Spiritual Narrative
Join this illuminating series via our Online Learning Platform starting on Tuesday 23rd April 2024 (7-9:30 PM). This course, open to both OneSpirit Ministers and newcomers, fosters personal growth, creative expression, and spiritual enlightenment.
Course Fees:
- ROSIM & OneSpirit Students: £32
- Non-ROSIM Members: £40
Hungry for transformative growth and self-discovery? Enrol here and spin the tale of your spiritual journey!
Learn more about Tim, his journey, and his inspiration at his blog post, Resourcing from Myth… you can also witness the captivating storyteller in action in the video below!
Kindle Evolution with Sacred Activism: Living Non-Violence
Tune into inner transformation and world harmony with our dynamic 5-week online voyage. Unlock the essence of Sacred Activism, appreciating non-violence’s pivotal role in personal growth and broader spheres. Traverse weekly themes unravelling violence’s varied shades, countering with non-violence as a sacred activist’s tool, and equipping you to cultivate justice and tranquillity:
- Dissecting Violence
- Battle Personal Violence
- Global Violence Examination
- Unveiling Non-Violent Solutions
- Shaping Pledges
Embark on this enlightening journey via Zoom on five upcoming dates in May and June 2024 (10 AM – 12 PM). Led by Sarah MacDonald, this course is an inviting platform for both OneSpirit Ministers and novices, fostering an atmosphere of deep contemplation and emotional evolution.
Course Fees:
- ROSIM & OneSpirit Students: £32
- Non-ROSIM Members: £40
Keen on impactful growth? Click here to enrol. Plunge into Sacred Activism and sculpt a non-violent future!
OneSpirit’s Community Offerings + Announcements
*most sections below are ‘clickable’ links, meaning, if you click anywhere within the text or image, it will take you to a page where you can learn more!
Redefining Interfaith: A Call for Inclusive Spiritual Tolerance
In an exhilarating leap towards enriching our modern understanding of spirituality, OneSpirit’s newest blog post presents a refreshing perspective – redefining interfaith to be holistic and more inclusive! Gone are the days when interfaith was considered merely as the intersection of traditional religions. This enlightened perspective celebrates spirituality in all its forms, extending beyond the realm of conventional religious expressions.
In a world that can often feel divisive, OneSpirit’s vision is one of unity and recognition, honouring the myriad spiritual experiences that foster our shared human connections. Through these expansive conversations, we are awakened to each other’s spiritual truths, forming a compassionate, loving community that offers a sense of belonging to every spiritual seeker. Eager to immerse yourself in inclusive spiritual conversations that enrich our collective wisdom? Let’s redefine interfaith together, embracing the beautiful diversity of our spiritual journeys. Dive into our latest blog post here…
Breaking Barriers, Building Bonds: The World Day to Combat Islamophobia 
OneSpirit joins the world on March 15th to honour the World Day to Combat Islamophobia, aiming to disperse the shadows of misconceptions looming over the Islamic faith.
Embodying unity, diversity, and love, the call is to build an inclusive society by educating oneself about Islam, engaging with Muslim voices, promoting dialogues, resisting hate crimes, and sharing stories of unity. On a quest for an empathetic world, uniting in shared values forms a cornerstone. Amplify understanding, cultivate connections, and foster peace. Let’s #UniteAgainstIslamophobia to ensure respect for every faith and universal embracement of humanity. Check out our latest blog post on some tips to help us connect and support our Muslim community. Read the post here!
Along the way, with the Coat of Hopes 
In the stirring article, we’re invited to join a meaningful journey across our land, tapping into personal pilgrimage and gentle activism. The Coat fosters connections and intimate conversations about our home’s hopes and sorrows amid the environmental crisis. The Coat begins its walk anew on February 18th, from Newcastle Cathedral, and winds its way to York for Easter tide. Everyone is encouraged to accompany this emblem of unity, even if for a brief mile or an extensive week.
The Coat has shared countless stories. It has provided comfort to a grieving man, joy to fishermen, empathy to women in a library, and solace to a woman recovering from surgery. In the author’s experience, the Coat uniquely merges the interior work of personal growth with the external work of fostering community connection. The Coat embodies a profound message. It extends warmth and connectivity, while subtly reminding us of our duty to nurture such values. With every step and song, the Coat encourages hearts to expand, taking in and sharing more love and hope. In the face of the challenges 2024 may bring, if you seek comfort, hope, and a vessel to nourish and unlock your heart’s potential, consider joining this pilgrimage with the Coat of Hopes. Learn more about the journey, and OneSpirit Core Tutor, Sarah by reading the full post…
In her latest update, Sarah invites you to explore the pilgrimage of the “Coat of Hopes” with her latest reflections on this unique interplay of ecological activism and community journey.
Quotations From Various Faith
“Creation”
O SON OF MAN! I loved thy creation, hence I created thee. Wherefore, do thou love Me, that I may name thy name and fill thy soul with the spirit of life. ….. Veiled in My immemorial being and in the ancient eternity of My essence, I knew My love for thee; therefore I created thee, have engraved on thee Mine image and revealed to thee My beauty……
— The Baha’i Faith, Hidden Words of Baha’u’llah
The Dao gave them birth; The power of the Dao reared them, Shaped them according to their kinds, Perfected them, giving to each its strength.
— Daoism. Daode jing, 51
Nothing whatsoever exists without me or beyond me. The atoms of the universe may be counted, but not so my manifestations; for eternally I create innumerable worlds.
—Hinduism. Srimad Bhagavatam, 11.10
God, it is who created the heavens and the earth, and that which is between them, in six days. Then He mounted the throne.
—Islam. Qur’an, 32.4
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
—Judaism and Christianity. Genesis, 1.1
The mind which gives life to all the people in the world: Such is the very mind which nourishes me!
—Shinto. Moritake Arakida, One Hundred Poems About the World
These interfaith quotes have been passed over to us from our dear friend George. ‘The views expressed in our content reflect individual perspectives and do not represent the official views of the Baha’i Faith. The official website of the Baha’i Faith is Bahai.org. The well-being of Mankind, its peace and security are unattainable, unless & until its unity is firmly established. Baha’u’llah’
This is How it Starts, This is How it Ends… A White Man’s Response to BLM 
We’re proud to highlight in this newsletter, an enlightening piece titled ‘This is How it Starts, This is How it Ends… A White Man’s Response to BLM.’ This insightful composition, penned by our very own OneSpirit Minister, Stephen Wright, is an earnest and perceptive exploration of racial discrimination. Delving unflinchingly into racial prejudice’s roots, Rev. Stephen traces its historical context, giving readers a nuanced understanding of how such deep-seated biases originate and persist in society. The piece employs a detailed investigation into racism’s overt and subtle forms worldwide. It throws light on the systemic discrimination institutionalised in our societies, as well as more covert microaggressions, unravelling the multiple ways racism manifests.
Rev. Stephen doesn’t shy away from tackling the profound impacts of these biases on both individuals and communities. He details the emotional, psychological, and socioeconomic fallout of racial prejudice, laying bare the multifaceted effects of this injustice. Crucially, ‘This is How it Starts, This is How it Ends…A White Man’s Response to BLM’ is not merely a diagnostic tool — it’s a guide for transformative action. Rev. Stephen lays out a comprehensive range of strategies and initiatives to confront and challenge racial discrimination head-on, actively calling readers to contribute towards cultivating an inclusive, equitable space for all, irrespective of race. This sincere narrative is indispensable for those seeking to play a constructive role in breaking down racial prejudice barriers and fostering awareness, empathy, and dialogue. Don’t miss out on this invaluable guide to understanding and combating racial discrimination, an essential read for our collective journey towards creating a more inclusive society.
Read the entire piece here & learn more about Stephen here.
“Northern men, Northern mothers, Northern Christians, have something more to do than denounce their brethren at the South:
they have to look at the evil among themselves.” – Harriet Beecher Stowe, Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
OneSpirit Responds to the Potential Inter Faith Network Closure
Facing significant economic and operational challenges, the critical interfaith organisation, Inter Faith Network for the UK (IFN), sets into motion their regrettable but necessary closure process. Despite numerous efforts and support, financial uncertainties have brought about an end to their impactful work since 1987. This not only marks a loss but also a call to action for interfaith communities across the UK, including OneSpirit. The closure prompts us to reflect on our shared mission, acknowledge the gap it will create, and exploratively look to the future. We recognise this crucial moment as a turning point for strengthening local interfaith bodies, developing strategies, and leveraging volunteer resources to uphold the interfaith legacy. As we navigate these changes, we welcome your thoughts, ideas, and personal experiences influenced by IFN’s work. Join us as we strive to continue the legacy of promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding!
For more details and to join the conversation, read the full letter here.
Announcing the Women’s Effortless Meditation & Wellbeing Retreat: 
Are you longing for time… space… nourishment? Is your being crying out for creativity… nature… rest & play? Are you intrigued by meditation or searching for an accessible practice you can adopt in life? Are you yearning for the ocean… the mountains… some wildness? Then come retreat with us!
- Nourish your whole self with rest & play, meditation, nature & creativity. Just across Loch Alsh from the Isle of Skye in the stunning Scottish Highlands.
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- 4 days, 3 nights, fully catered.
- Held from 21-24 March 2024
- Places limited.Learn an Effortless Meditation practice you can adopt in life and come out of the cave of Winter into the Spring at Ostara… the Spring Equinox… with Creativity in Nature and Forest Bathing workshops with the wonderful Ellis O’Connor & Isabel McLeish
Find out more and book your room now! www.revjoroyle.co.uk/retreat
~ From Rev Jo
Honouring Essence and Diversity: Celebrating International Women’s Day 2024
On International Women’s Day, OneSpirit celebrates and honours the indispensable impact of women through the ages. Recognising women of every background, the foundation reiterates the importance of women’s unifying power, echoing compassion and connection across cultures and faiths. Voices, actions, and prayers of women are acknowledged as key to transcending divisions and achieving inclusivity. This day is a moment to unite, honour female leadership, and back the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice. OneSpirit calls for continual support for women’s rights, emphasising the collective elevation of women as pivotal to lifting humanity. #EmbraceEquityPhenomenal Woman
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. 
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I’m telling lies.
I say,
It’s in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
– Phenomenal Woman, by Maya Angelou
Nickie Aven Supervisor Spotlight 
What year were you ordained? 2010
What inspired you to pursue training with OneSpirit? Initially, a desire to hold ceremonies in a way which deepened connection and meaning. I also loved the sense of community and shared endeavour, albeit we worked according to our individual understanding of Life.
How can clients get in touch with you? Email me here, or contact me via my website – www.nickieaven.com
What motivated you to expand your ministry by becoming a Supervisor? I mentored Interfaith student ministers for 2 years and was inspired by bearing witness to their transformation. Being a supervisor allows me to be a small part of someone’s growing understanding.
Why do you believe supervision plays an essential role in developing and deepening a minister’s practices? I have been in supervision since 1994 when I was training as a homoeopath. It would not occur to me, 30 years on, to work without the sounding board and clarity of a supervisor alongside me, to ensure that I am safe, ethical and clear – and accompanied. In supervision, we can share our concerns and our mistakes, without fear of judgement. We are less lonely and isolated in our work, we have a place to work with our ‘blindspots’, and we have someone who cares about us and will celebrate with us.
What do you consider the most rewarding aspect of being an ordained interfaith minister? My ministry is a vehicle for my love, my understanding and my skills. That I have the opportunity to use these in service to Life, is a deep privilege.
What do you consider the most rewarding aspect of being an accredited supervisor? Bearing witness to the unfolding of a person’s understanding and clarity is a joy.
What sets your ministry apart from others?I think everyone’s ministry is unique. We have all acquired skills and wisdom along the way and I believe that every minister puts their heart into their work. I am no better or worse than anyone else but the two major strands of my work are listening and grief. I have listened, held space, born witness to people within individual sessions and groups for 30 years. it remains the cornerstone of my work. Secondly, since a child, I have known grief, worked with it for many years as a homoeopath and then as a minister and more recently experienced a profound loss of my own. I bring all this experience to my ministry.
Read more from Nickie here & meet all of our Accredited Supervisors here.
John Doherty Supervisor Spotlight 
What year were you ordained? 2020
What inspired you to pursue training with OneSpirit? I wanted to integrate many years of exploring different faith paths and develop my spiritual counselling practice.
What motivated you to expand your ministry by becoming a Supervisor? I have been a Supervisor for 18 years, starting with a Masters degree in 2006. I wanted to support people in the caring professions as I had witnessed a lot of burnout and poor self-care. I also wanted to develop my own skills in this area.
What services do you provide? I offer a wide range of services, Supervision, Spiritual counselling, Mindfulness Retreats and courses and workshops on spirituality and Spiritual Wellbeing.
How can clients get in touch with you? Accessing this link here. You can also learn more about me on my OneSpirit Minister Profile here.
What inspires you to do this work?I am inspired by my own experience of supervision as an essential tool for growth and all those who I have worked with over the years. My first impression was in 2004 when I attended a lecture by Michael Carroll who has written many books on supervision. I was so impressed I thought I wanted to be like him!
Read more from John here & meet all of our Accredited Supervisors here.
Did you catch these posts on our social media this past month?
A reminder about our community feature — Minister Spotlights!
It’s hard for me to find specific ministers to spotlight each month, due to the size of our minister community. To make things smoother, I’ve created a form you can fill out for your profile. This form includes five essentials and eight optional questions to inspire you while creating your spotlight. Depending on participation, I’ll publish one or two spotlights each month.
This is a fantastic chance to broadcast your talent, services, and distinctiveness to our wider community. The spotlight form will be available in every iConnect. There is also now a special page for Minister Spotlights… meaning, if you partake now, you’ll be one of the first to be showcased!
Ready to participate? Just fill out the form below and I’ll handle the rest.
Our newly designed website features spaces for fostering connections and uniting our community members. The Community Collection page is specially reserved for users to submit their blog posts. Every submission, be it a book, resource guide, diary entry, song, podcast, or nuggets of wisdom through Instagram, contributes to the collective wisdom available to all. This collective endeavour is especially significant for the ministers and students in our community. Their shared resources or inspiring elements can serve as guiding stars for those in the early days of their spiritual journey, or those who are just needing some inspiration wherever they are. Each piece of wisdom shared stands as a testament that no one is alone in their spiritual voyage. We invite you to submit contributions through the form below! We’ll collate these into a comprehensive post enriched with easily shareable links, data, and images. Additionally, a dedicated space will be created in the member forums for further discussion and resource sharing.
Welcome to our Supervisors Form, designed to showcase your unique voice in our community. As a minister, supervisor, or both, your experience is precious, and we aim to share it. In the form, feel free to share stories, insights, and services. Complete as much as you wish, no field is mandatory, aside from basic information like contact info. If something is missing, add it!
This form should be used to highlight you uniquely – complete it in a way that showcases you how you wish to be showcased.
We’ll create a spotlight on you and your distinct services, akin to a supervisor’s page on our past site. Visitors will click your name, and access a dedicated page to learn about your contributions. What’s more, you will have a dual profile – one as a minister and one providing deeper insights into your role as a supervisor. We want it to be easy for our students and ministers to find help when needed.
Awareness, Religious, and Spiritual Days
*These days come from the Interfaith Network, if a day is missing it is not deliberate! More can be found here.
- 01 Mar Zero Discrimination Day
- 03 Mar World Wildlife Day
- 05 Mar International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness
- 08 Mar International Women’s Day
- 10 Mar International Day of Women Judges
- 11* Mar – Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.
- 15 Mar International Day to Combat Islamophobia
- 20 Mar International Day of Happiness
- 20 Mar French Language Day
- 21-27 Mar Week of Solidarity with the People Struggling against Racism and Racial Discrimination
- 21 Mar International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, World Poetry Day, World Down Syndrome Day and International Day of Forests
- 21* Mar – Nowruz, the Iranian or Persian New Year celebrated by various ethnic groups worldwide that started as a Zorastrian celebration. It is a festival based on the Iranian Solar Hijri calendar, on the spring equinox— on or around 21 March on the Gregorian calendar.
- 22 Mar World Water Day
- 23 Mar World Meteorological Day
- 24 Mar World Tuberculosis Day and International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims
- 24 Mar – Palm Sunday, the Christian moveable feast that falls on the Sunday before Easter. The feast commemorates Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, an event mentioned in each of the four canonical Gospels. Its name originates from the palm branches waved by the crowd to greet and honour Jesus as he entered the city of Jerusalem.
- 25 Mar International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade and International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members
- 25 Mar – Holi, a popular and significant Hindu festival celebrated as the Festival of Colours, Love, and Spring. It celebrates the eternal and divine love of the deities Radha and Krishna. Additionally, the day signifies the triumph of good over evil, as it commemorates the victory of Vishnu as Narasimha over Hiranyakashipu.
- 29 Mar – Good Friday, a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary. It is observed during Holy Week as part of the Paschal Triduum. It is also known as Holy Friday, Great Friday, Great and Holy Friday, and Black Friday.
- 30 Mar International Day of Zero Waste
- 31 Mar – Easter, Easter, also called Pascha or Resurrection Sunday, is a Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day of his burial following his crucifixion by the Romans at Calvary c. 30 AD.
