Episcopal Tradition
Like all Episcopal schools, Heathwood integrates spiritual formation into students’ daily experience. All students and faculty gather for worship and prayer each week in the Chapel of the Epiphany. We use the Episcopal Church’s Book of Common Prayer and honor all religious holidays. We seek unity through common prayer, not common doctrine.
Chapel Life at Heathwood Hall: Embracing “Something Bigger than Ourselves”
Since its founding, Heathwood Hall has been committed to nurturing the spiritual lives of all students through worship, reflection, and service. Chapel remains at the heart of our community, shaping who we are and how we grow together.
Chapel Gatherings by Grade Level
We have weekly chapels according to division; this creates a space for students to worship, reflect, and grow in a developmentally-appropriate community.
We live into our Episcopal identity through seeking to serve Christ in all persons and honor the dignity of every human being. Heathwood Hall centers itself around community and inclusion — welcoming students of all faith traditions, spiritual seekers, and those with no religious affiliation.
We are also deeply connected to the wider faith community of Columbia and beyond, with access to a variety of houses of worship that support students who wish to continue their faith journeys off campus.
What Episcopalians Believe
- Centered on Christ – We follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection are the foundation of our faith.
- God’s Love for All – We affirm God loves everyone without exception.
- Shared Unity – Our worship is rooted in the Book of Common Prayer, which draws 70% of its text directly from Scripture and unites us across diversity.
- Scripture, Tradition, and Reason – The Bible is our foundation and we interpret the scriptures through the lenses of tradition and reason.
- Sacramental Life – We experience God’s grace through outward signs of inward faith, most fully in the sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist.
The Religion Department: Four Pillars of Understanding
Heathwood Hall’s Religion Department is dedicated to guiding students in both faith formation and intellectual exploration. Our approach rests on four foundational pillars:
1. Community
- Building healthy, life-affirming relationships
- Supporting diversity and multiple perspectives
Practicing hospitality and mercy - Offering grace in our imperfections and seeking restoration
2. Curiosity
- Encouraging exploration of global religious traditions
- Framing discussions through stories and lived contexts
- Honoring students’ diverse faith perspectives
- Demonstrating the richness of religious thought across cultures
3. Contemplation
- Teaching prayer and spiritual engagement through active practice
- Making chapel and worship central to school life
- Inviting students to experience the mystery of the Divine within their own traditions
- Fostering gratitude through prayer, worship, and shared moments
4. Critical Thinking
- Promoting intellectual curiosity as a form of spiritual growth
- Seeing chaplains as both educators and spiritual leaders
- Creating space for moments of spiritual insight in study and prayer
- Advocating for each student’s spiritual development
- Seeking opportunities to serve and support the community