Principal Services and Preachers, Michaelmas Term 2024
Sundays at 6 pm unless stated otherwise
First week (13 October) Freshers’ Evensong Preacher: The Chaplain
Second week (20 October) Preacher: The Revd Canon Kate Massey, Vicar, St Paul’s Stockingford, Nuneaton
Third week (27 October) Preacher: The Chaplain
All Souls’ Day (Saturday 2 November) Requiem (6 pm). Celebrant and Preacher: The Assistant Chaplain
Fourth week (3 November) Preacher: The Revd Jody Stowell, Vicar, St Michael and All Angels, Harrow Weald
Fifth week (10 November) Remembrance Sunday. Preacher: The Revd Canon Dr Peter Groves, Senior Research Fellow, & Vicar of St Mary Magdalen, Oxford
Sixth week (17 November) Preacher: The Revd Claire Jones, Associate Vicar, Emmanuel Church, Woodley, & Old Member
Seventh week (24 November) College Evensong (6 pm). Preacher: The Assistant Chaplain
‘Midnight Mass’ for Oxmas (11 pm). Preacher: The Chaplain
Chill in the Chapel – Monday of 7th week at 9 pm
Eighth week (1 December) Advent Carol Service. Preacher: The Revd Canon Dr Nick Bundock, Rector, St James and Emmanuel, Didsbury, Manchester
Christmas Carol Services, 3 and 5 December at 6 pm
A Fresh Start: stories of new beginnings
This term as we begin the academic year, our Sunday speakers have been invited to reflect on new beginnings – through their own experience, through the Bible readings that inform our worship, and through the events that mark the weeks ahead.
This term’s charity: International Rescue Committee
Every term we have a retiring collection at all our Sunday evening chapel services. This term, as we settle again into our college home, we are collecting for the International Rescue Committee’s work with refugees. Everything you give on Sundays will go to the IRC. Do read their website www.rescue.org/uk or use the QR code in chapel to give if you don’t have cash with you on Sundays.
Choral Reflection: For all the Saints
The aim of this service (Mondays at 6 pm, weeks 2, 4, 5, 6) is to provide a more reflective space, shaping our thoughts and prayers through music, words and silence. This term we focus week by week on something from the life, work, or writings of different saints: Michael, Frideswide, Benedict, and Mary.
Special events this term
Open Rehearsal and Evensong
If you are interested in joining the Choir please join us for an open rehearsal at 4.30 on Saturday of 0th week (12 October), after which everyone will sing Choral Evensong together at 6 pm. Further questions, or enquiries about joining the Choir, may be addressed to the Director of Music.
Oxford International Song Festival
Join us for a special service connected to the Oxford International Song Festival on Thursday 24 October (2nd week).
All Souls’ Day – Requiem
On Saturday of 3rd week (2 November) the Choir will sing a special service of Holy Communion during which we will remember the departed, particularly giving thanks for those whom we have loved. If you would like anyone to be remembered by name during the service, please add their name to the list at the back of the Chapel or to the prayer board.
Remembrance
Remembrance Sunday (10 November) is marked with a special service at 6 pm, in which we honour all those members of College who gave their lives during the two World Wars. The Revd Canon Peter Groves will be the preacher. Armistice Day (11 November) is marked with a short service in Main Quad at 10.45 am.
Roman Catholic Mass in College
We are delighted that our friends from the University Catholic Chaplaincy come to chapel each term to say Mass; this term, on Thursday of 4th week (7 November) at 6 pm.
Midnight Mass for ‘Oxmas’
‘Oxmas’ is a University tradition, celebrating Christmas a month early so that it falls within term time. Join us as we get into the festive spirit with a very special Worcester part of that tradition: Midnight Mass for Oxmas! Carols, candles, our wonderful choir and some Christmas readings. 11 pm on Oxmas Eve, Sunday of 7th week (24 November).
Chill in the Chapel
On Monday of 7th week, join us in the Chapel at 9 pm. Bring a blanket or a cushion and settle down for half an hour of music to escape the rush and soothe your mind. No words. Just peace. All welcome.
College Advent and Christmas Carol Services
The College Advent Carol Service will be at 6 pm on Sunday of 8th week (1 December). There will also be Christmas Carol Services on Tuesday and Thursday of 8th week. Entry to all Carol Services is by free ticket. Details of how to apply for tickets will be circulated at the beginning of November.