MEET THE CHAPLAINS
OXFORD UNIVERSITY CATHOLIC CHAPLAINCYClick here for a message from the Chaplains - August 2
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Current students, you can sign up as a ‘godparent’ - even if you have been one before. Don’t worry if you don’t have a ‘co-parent’; we'll sort it out. Complete the form here.
If you are coming up to Oxford next academic year, sign up as a ‘godchild’ here.
The Chaplaincy will be closed from Monday, 8th August to Saturday, 27th August.
The last Mass before closure will be at 5.45pm on Sunday the 7th. The first Mass after reopening will be at 11am on Sunday the 28th.
The next and last Student Mass and breakfast before the break will be on Wednesday, 3rd August at 8am.
12.15pm Public Mass Mon-Sat
Sunday Masses at 11am and 5.45pm (9pm Mass resumes in Michaelmas)
Confessions on Saturday 11.30am-12pm and Sunday 10.15am-10.45am. Please contact Fr Matthew or Fr William directly if you would like an appointment outside of those times.
The Narthex door code will be changed at the end of next week. If you would like the vac code to use the Chapel, Library or Strange Room, please contact a Chaplain or the Chaplaincy manager so that we can keep a list of those with access while the Chaplaincy is closed.
The Library and Strange Room will be available for use when not used by the summer school (estimated end date: 13 Aug)
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The Chaplains - Fr Matthew, Alvea and Fr William
FR MATTHEW POWER SJ
Senior Chaplain
“It’s wonderful to have joined the Catholic Chaplaincy here in Oxford and to be rediscovering the city and University!”
FR MATTHEW POWER SJ
Senior Chaplain
“It’s wonderful to have joined the Catholic Chaplaincy here in Oxford and to be rediscovering the city and University!”
ALVEA FERNANDES
Assistant Chaplain
“After living in Abu Dhabi for most of my life, I came to the UK a few years ago to do a course in forensic science. I moved to Oxford in 2019. To say that this has been a memorable two years as Chaplain would be putting it mildly!”
ALVEA FERNANDES
Assistant Chaplain
“After living in Abu Dhabi for most of my life, I came to the UK a few years ago to do a course in forensic science. I moved to Oxford in 2019. To say that this has been a memorable two years as Chaplain would be putting it mildly!”
FR WILLIAM PEARSALL SJ
Assistant Chaplain
“My life as a Jesuit priest has revolved around parishes, chaplaincies, retreat work and ministry to groups of vulnerable people. I look forward very much to meeting you and to serving you in any way I can. Every blessing!”
FR WILLIAM PEARSALL SJ
Assistant Chaplain
“My life as a Jesuit priest has revolved around parishes, chaplaincies, retreat work and ministry to groups of vulnerable people. I look forward very much to meeting you and to serving you in any way I can. Every blessing!”
Our Catholic Chaplaincy team consists of two priests and one lay-woman. We work together to build and support the spiritual life of the Catholic staff and students of Oxford University, organising talks and social events, communal prayer times, and being available pastorally to anyone who may need a listening ear or spiritual direction.
The priest chaplains are members of the religious order, the Jesuits, founded by St Ignatius Loyola in 1540. The SJ after our names stands for the Society of Jesus, the name St Ignatius and his Companions first chose for their new religious order.
We have been shaped by a spirituality and a formation that stresses a deep personal love of Christ and the Church, a belief that God is at work, through the Holy Spirit, in the day-to-day events of our lives, that through prayer and reflection we can make choices that align ourselves more closely to the dynamic of Christ’s life of love and service, and that we are called to engage positively in our world for the Common Good.
We involve others in the life of the Chaplaincy at the same time as seeking to share with you what’s particular to our own charism (grace). We hope you’ll find our approach helpful and enriching! Friendly feedback is always welcome!
Our nearest Jesuit community is Campion Hall, in Brewer St, five minutes’ walk from the Chaplaincy.
Do get in touch with us any time you would like to talk, either using the email addresses given here or by simply dropping by the Chaplaincy. We are always here for you to offer a listening ear, spiritual guidance, and support through any difficulties you may be experiencing.
We hope to meet you very soon!