Liturgical Life at College 

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Prayer is woven into the rhythm of life at Xaverian. Not as an obligation or an afterthought, but as something genuine - a chance to pause, to reflect, and to be part of something bigger than the day-to-day. 

The Church’s year gives that rhythm its shape. Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Pentecost – each season brings its own mood, its own focus, and its own invitation. At Xaverian, we mark those seasons together, so that the liturgical calendar isn’t just something you read about in RE, but something you actually experience as part of college life. 

You do not need to be Catholic to take part. All are welcome. 

Our Regular Chapel Services

Service

Morning Prayer

When

Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri

8:30am - 8:40am

Where / What to Expect

The Chapel

Just ten minutes — but ten minutes that sets a different tone for the rest of the day.

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Less info -

Weekly Mass

11:50am - 12:20pm

The Chapel

The heartbeat of liturgical life at Xaverian — a moment in the middle of the week to gather, give thanks, and be still.

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Exposition 
& Adoration

Check weekly schedule

The Chapel

Something rare in a busy college: genuine quiet. Come and sit, rest, and pray. Student-led; come and go as suits you.

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marking of the church

Marking the Church year 

The rhythm of the Church’s year shapes life at Xaverian in ways that go beyond the Chapel. Throughout the year, Chaplaincy marks Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter and more – giving the whole College community a chance to pause, reflect and celebrate together. 

Each season has its own character. Advent is a time of quiet anticipation. Lent invites honest reflection and a renewed commitment to others. Easter is a celebration of hope.

These are not just dates on a calendar – they are moments that mean something, and we try to honour them properly. 

Whole-College Liturgies

Some moments deserve marking together. Across the year, a number of liturgies bring the whole College community into one space: 

Autumn Term (September)

At the start of the academic year, new and returning students gather for the first time as a community.

Winter / Spring

Whole-college celebrations that mark the beginning of each major season of the Church’s year.

Summer Term (May/June)

For Year 13 students at the end of their time at Xaverian. A chance to give thanks, to look back, and to look forward together.

June

The College gathers one final time to mark the close of the academic year.
Arts and Music

Music and the Arts in worship 

Worship at Xaverian is brought to life by the creativity and talent of our students. Music has always been a natural part of our liturgical life. Our Gospel Choir rehearses weekly in the Chapel, and alongside other choral groups, performs regularly at Mass and whole college liturgies. That regular presence in the space means the music you hear at worship is not a performance added on top. It belongs there. 

Students are often genuinely moved by worship, and that inspiration finds its way into their creative work. Students regularly design Mass booklets, create artwork that decorates our Chapel and Chaplaincy spaces, and produce Christmas cards that carry something of the season with them. These are not set assignments. They are expressions of what worship has stirred in someone. 

Art and music do not illustrate our liturgical life. They are part of it. 

Prayer resources and sacred spaces 

The Chapel and Chaplaincy spaces are open all day. Whether you need five minutes of quiet, a place to think, or simply somewhere to sit, you are welcome. No agenda, no expectation.

Prayer resources are available and accessible to all students throughout the College.

Stay connected

The Chaplaincy newsletter goes out to all staff and students throughout the year – a way to stay connected with what is happening, at whatever pace suits you.