Events and groups

• Chaplain's Conversations

  Discover more about the people of the University of St Andrews.  In conversation with the Chaplain, Donald MacEwan, key figures explore their path to the University, what inspires them in their research and their thoughts about the future of education.

  Events are free to attend; however, tickets must be reserved in advance through the Byre Box Office (links provided below) in person, or call 01334 475000.

  Wednesday 18 February 2026, Byre Theatre Studio, 5:30 pm
  Dr Sandra Romenska, Business School, Management
  Sandra is a Senior Lecturer in the Business School, having joined the School of Management in 2014 with experience in teaching leadership, organisational change, research methods and human resource management. Sandra has managerial experience in the non-government and charity sector after working with Save the Children-UK, and has delivered leadership development programmes to a wide range of national and international public and private organisations.  Book your free ticket via the Byre Threate Box Office
  
  

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• Faith and Storytelling

  Evenings of telling your stories, listening to the stories of others and reflecting on stories from the Bible. All are welcome, of any faith or none. Students who wish to develop their English-speaking skills especially value these relaxed evenings.  Led by Honorary Global Chaplain, Fiona Barnard.

  Term time only — Final Martinmas Semester event: Friday 28 November

  Location: Rose Lane Centre, 2 Rose Lane (just off South Street), KY16 9EW
  
  Contact: Fiona by email fvb@st-andrews.ac.uk for further information.
  

• Grief Group

  Grief Group meetings are open to staff and students (with specific events for each) who are grieving.  It does not have to be a recent loss.  A safe place to share various aspects of grief over a free lunch offered at the Chaplaincy every month during semester.  Led by the Assistant Chaplain, Revd Samantha Ferguson, the Grief Groups provide a confidential support network to help lessen the isolation felt whilst living with grief, as well as normalise speaking about the death of family members, friends, peers and colleagues.  No one grieves alone at our university. 

  Monthly meetings take place in the Chaplaincy, Lochnagar room between 1 - 2 pm on the dates provided below.  A light lunch will be provided, or feel free to bring your own.  If you are interested in attending please email the Assistant Chaplain, Revd Samantha Ferguson, or contact the Chaplaincy for more information and provide your dietary requirements for the lunch.

  Staff Events
  

  • Thursday 22 January 2026
  • Thursday 19 February 2026
  • Thursday 19 March 2026
  • Thursday 16 April 2026
  • Thursday 21 May 2026
  • Thursday 18 June 2026
  • Thursday 20 August 2026

  Student Events

  • Thursday 29 January 2026
  • Thursday 26 February 2026
  • Thursday 26 March 2026
  • Thursday 23 April 2026
  • Thursday 14 May 2026

     

  Remembering Service
  Thursday 26 March 2026, 5:30 pm, St Salvator's Chapel
  This service is for those who are grieving the past or present loss of a loved one.  All are welcome regardless of faith and philosophy of life. Livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.  See Worship page for Livestream link on the day of the service.

   

• Interfaith Encounters

  An interfaith discussion group for students to explore open ended interpretations of revered texts from all traditions.  Students select topics and share texts to see how different traditions respond to the same concerns.  Come along if you are interested in exploring the world’s religions in a thoughtful, open and questioning environment.  Led by Bill Shackman, Assistant Chaplain. 

  Every second Tuesday, between 16 September - 25 November
  7 - 9 pm, Chaplaincy Lochnagar

• Introduction to Judaism Class: Talmud Torah

  Meeting every two weeks commencing Monday 3 November 2025 in the Chaplaincy Lounge 
  
  An informal discussion group that provides an introduction to a variety of Jewish literature, a guide to Jewish practices, and a safe forum for asking questions.   All are welcome, no background needed. All lessons are stand-alone; you are welcome to drop in on any meeting.  

• Mindfulness

  Tuesdays, 30 September - 25 November
  4 - 5 pm, Chaplaincy, Lochnagar room
  
  Come along to our free mindfulness sessions, an open, no-pressure space to explore mindfulness practices in a beginner-friendly way - open to all students, beginners and beyond.  Each week, we’ll explore different techniques, from breathwork and body scans to focus exercises. Whether you’re totally new or already practicing mindfulness, you’re welcome to come along, try it out, and see what works for you. Some people find mindfulness helpful for stress, focus, or just finding a few calm moments.

  To secure a space email chaplaincy@st-andrews.ac.uk
  Alternatively, you are welcome to drop in on the day —spaces will be offered subject to availability.

• Ministry Discernment Group

  The ministry Discernment Group is for anyone who wants to explore a sense of call to ministry, in a relaxed setting, with others sharing a similar experience.
  
  Weekly on Wednesdays, 7:30 - 9 pm, Chaplaincy

  For more information contact Revd Giles Dove, Assistant Chaplain. 
  Email: gwd3@st-andrews.ac.uk 

  Programme of dates and topics (Subject to change):

  Wednesday 28 January, Lochnagar room
  Topic: What is the Church supposed to be?
  

  Wednesday 11 February, Lochnagar room
  Topic: Preaching
  

  Wednesday 25 February, First Floor office
  Topic: Leading Public Worship
  
  Wednesday 11 March, First Floor office
  Topic: Music in Worship

  Wednesday 25 March, First Floor office
  Topic: A (Royal) Peculiar Ministry
  
  Wednesday 15 April, Lochnagar room
  Topic: Discerning our Future (the Work of the Holy Spirit)

   

• Thinking Allowed

  This discussion group is for anyone exploring questions around faith, regardless of your own faith or philosophy of life. 

  Candlemas Semester
  Thursdays, 8-9:30 pm, Chaplaincy 
  Led by Revd Giles Dove, Assistant Chaplain

  Programme

  Thursday 29 January, Lochnagar
  Topic: How do we make sense of the experiences which make up our life?
  
  Thursday 5 February, Lochnagar
  Topic: The Universal Search for Meaning

  Thursday 12 February, Lochnagar
  Topic: A Messiah on the Horizon

  Thursday 19 February, First Floor Office
  Topic: Jesus in the Church & in the Scriptures

  Thursday 26 February, First Floor Office
  Topic: We begin to make sense of the suffering in our world through the life of Jesus Christ
  
  Thursday 12 March, First Floor Office
  Topic: We build a relationship with God through prayer
  
  Thursday 19 March, First Floor Office
  Topic: The Church continues the saving work of Jesus in the world today
  
  Thursday 26 March, First Floor Office
  Topic: The Sacrament of Baptism
  
  Thursday 16 April, Lochnagar
  Topic: Confirmation

  Thursday 23 April, Lochnagar
  Topic: The Sacrament of Holy Communion

   

   

• Turning Pages

  Turning Pages, a group for staff, meeting monthly, to discuss readings mainly on faith. For more information contact Revd Donald MacEwan.

  Next meeting: Tuesday 16 December, 5:30 pm, 10 Abbey Street
  Reading From: Lamorna Ash, Don't Forget We're Here Forever