Hello! And welcome to Oxford University. Whether you are already a practising Catholic, interested in rekindling your childhood faith or interested in finding out more about Catholicism, we are the Oxford University Catholic Society and we are here for you.
The Society
The Newman Society was founded in 1878, at a time when Catholics did not regularly study at the University as a way to encourage Catholic students in their faith during their time at the university. The once-weekly talks that began in 1878 continue to this day. In the 1990s a group of Catholic Students at the University Catholic Chaplaincy also began to meet, to grow to together in friendship and prayer. These two societies merged in 2012 to give the society as it exists today.
Our regular events take place every Thursday evening in term time. We meet at 7pm at the University Catholic Chaplaincy, off St Aldates (opposite the entrance to Christ Church Meadow) for a home cooked dinner. The conversation and fellowship shared over the meal have led to many strong friendships forming. We then host a guest speaker to share some reflections on topical issues facing the Catholic Church and her members in contemporary society. In Michaelmas Term, we are hoping to offer a series exploring Catholic theology and how it can be applied to our lives at university. Click here to see our lineup. After the talk, we move into a time of prayer and conclude the evening by 10pm.
In addition to our regular events, we host a number of other social events, including our ever popular ceilidhs (Gaelic folk dances) in Michaelmas and Hilary Terms and our Trinity Term Garden Party. We also have two dinners each year. Our black tie President’s Dinner in Michaelmas Term when we give thanks to God for the previous calendar year and welcome the next committee for the next and our end of academic year Sacred Heart Dinner in Trinity Term where we say farewell to our friends who are leaving Oxford at the end of the year.
Catholicism in Oxford Today
Today, Catholicism in Oxford flourishes. The so-called ‘Catholic Mile’ features four Catholic churches, all hosting celebrations of Holy Mass each day on a straight line through the City Centre. The diversity offered to the city in having Benedictine, Dominican, Franciscan, Jesuit and Oratorian communities is immense.Whilst the University Catholic Chaplaincy is currently run by Jesuit Fathers, students of the University regularly worship at all Churches in the city.
Click here for information on Oxford Mass times.
Regardless of their place of worship, students enjoy coming together at the Newman Society to share in fellowship through their common faith.
Please do come and find us at the Freshers’ Fair. We look forward to meeting you!