Prior to going on the retreat, I was nervous. As a junior, I was afraid I would be the only upperclassman on a retreat typically dominated by freshmen. But throughout the weekend, I encountered students of all classes. I was also unsure about what would happen on the retreat, but even in the short three days that I was there, I felt my faith deepen.

What began as a night of worship turned into a moment of calling. Students thought they were just attending weekly worship at Vertical, but they found themselves face to face with University Chaplain Dr. Charles Ramsey and Compassion International Representative Meghan Foley as they introduced the Beyond Us Missions Conference — a week dedicated to reminding students that faith and good works don’t stop at Vertical chapel.

Hundreds of students from a range of communities filled the Alexander Hall study area on Friday afternoon to remember the life of Paul Yannarelli, a 20-year-old, Totowa, N.J. sophomore and health science studies major. With members of Baylor Wake, the Honors Residential College, the Baylor Interdisciplinary Core, St. Peter’s Catholic Church and more present, there was not a single empty seat. President Linda Livingstone was also in attendance.

Among the wide range of Chapel credits and experiences Baylor offers, Chapel for Post-Traditional Students provides a safe space for those who are older than the average undergraduate.

“We usually emphasize the fall, and that’s maybe not wise,” Dr. Charles Ramsey said. “Maybe emphasizing the spring is something we need to get stronger at and realize the importance of. There’s a lot of people during this time in particular who are looking for community, and I think that’s our desire for each student — our invitation and our prayers that every student at Baylor would feel invited to join a community.”