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About Keble

Keble Chapel

Keble Chapel is for everyone. Whatever you do or don’t believe, you are welcome to come to a service, to hear our wonderful choir, or to drop into Chapel at any time for a moment of quiet reflection in a busy day.

The College’s Chaplain, Fr Max, provides pastoral support to all members of the College community, and is always for people to drop in for a chat. He also runs a programme of social and discussion activities for the whole College.

Services

Chapel holds services throughout the week in term time, which all are able to attend regardless of background or religious beliefs. All members of the public are welcome to attend Chapel services, as well as members of Keble.

At the heart of our worship is the beautiful music of Keble Choir, one of Oxford’s best known vocal ensembles. They sing at the three main Chapel services each week:

The College Eucharist (Sundays 5.30pm) is the main service of the week, with hymns, choral music, and a thought-provoking talk. It lasts about one hour. The Eucharist (also called Mass or Communion) is the service in which the Scriptures are read, and the bread and wine is consecrated with the words “the body of Christ…the blood of Christ”. The service is followed by pre-dinner drinks.

Choral Evensong (Wednesdays 6.00pm) is an English musical service that has become famous throughout the world. At around 40 minutes with a sequence of readings and prayers and lots of music, it’s a perfect place for recollection and finding connection with ourselves and God at the end of the day.

Candlelit Compline (Thursdays 9.00pm) is a very special atmospheric service, lasting about half an hour. Lit by candle flames, the choir sings texts and anthems from this ancient monastic office, providing an opportunity for peace, meditation, and stillness at the heart of a busy week. It is followed by port and hot chocolate.

Our daily services are outlined below. The services in italics are sung by the College Choir. Morning Prayer is followed by breakfast in Hall, and evening services finish in time for dinner.

Sunday
5.30pm College Eucharist
followed by pre-dinner drinks in the SCR

Monday
8.15am Morning Prayer
6.15pm Just Silence (15 minutes of silent meditation)
6.30pm Evening Prayer

Tuesday
8.15am Morning Prayer
6.30pm Said Eucharist

Wednesday
8.15am Morning Prayer
6.00pm Choral Evensong

Thursday
8.15am Morning Prayer
6.30pm Said Eucharist
8.30pm Organ Recital
9.00pm Compline by Candlelight
followed by port & hot chocolate

Friday
8.15am Morning Prayer
6.30pm Chapel Tour & Light of the World Reflection

You can watch some of our Choral services live or recorded on the Chapel’s YouTube channel.

Events

During term Fr Max also hosts a range of events where all students and staff are welcome. These are in the Chaplain’s office unless otherwise indicated.

Max’s Lunch (Mondays 1.00pm): Listen to interesting speakers talk about interesting things – from the history of magic, to conspiracy theories, to why catching freshers’ flu might be good for you. Sandwich lunch provided. Finishes by 1.50pm in time for lectures.

Doughnut Tuesdays (Tuesdays 3.45-4.15pm): Drop in for delicious doughnuts, coffee, and a break from work.

Craft Wednesdays (Wednesdays 8.00-9.00pm): Graduate Students are welcome to drop in for crafts, cake, and chat in the HB Allen Centre MCR.

Pizza & Ponder (Thursdays 7.15-8.15pm): Join us for free pizza and a chance to chat about issues of life and faith.

Chapel Tours (Fridays 6.30pm): A 20 minute guided tour of the Chapel exploring its history, architecture, and art. The tour ends with an optional five-minute meditation on Keble’s greatest treasure: The Light of the World. An ideal opportunity to show off the Chapel to your guests before Formal Hall.

For more details and for details of special events, see our Term Card.

Term Card

Further details of our services, speakers, and events can be found in the Chapel Term Card (pdf).

Chapel Contacts

The Chaplain is Fr Max Kramer (max.kramer@keble.ox.ac.uk). He is always available for a chat about whatever is on your mind.

Chapel hire

As one of the largest and most ornate Chapels in Oxford, Keble Chapel is an ideal venue for concerts, lectures, presentations, and other events. More information is available here.

Advowsons

Keble College is patron of some 69 parishes across England through the practice of Advowsons. More information is available here.

The Light of the World

The Side Chapel houses William Holman Hunt’s The Light of the World and other College treasures.