OXFORD DIOCESE PILGRIM PROJECT
University Church of St Mary the Virgin, Oxford
Standing in the very centre of Oxford, the University Church of St Mary the Virgin is the spiritual heart of the oldest university in Britain, and has been the focus of Christian worship and of debates about religion, politics, and morality for over seven hundred years. Our worship is primarily Eucharistic and enhanced, during term, by the splendid University Church Choir. Out of term we welcome visiting choirs. This building has seen historical events associated
knowledge and understanding of the Christian
with people of very different theological opinions
faith in your own life.
- Duns Scotus, Thomas Cranmer, John Wesley and John Henry Newman stand out – and today we
We are committed to the pastoral care of any
recognise that the variety of religious beliefs grows
member of the University who seeks our help and
larger, yet remain grounded in scripture and the
to providing formal worship of the highest standard
creeds as a base for exploration. In St Anselm’s
for specific University occasions. Give thanks for the
famous phrase, we exercise a faith seeking
gift of education. Pray for those who long to learn
understanding. Remember with gratitude all those
but lack the opportunity.
who have prayed in and around this church over the centuries. Pray for those who regularly worship
We are committed to promote friendship and
here today.
conversation between people of different faiths in the city. Pray those of other faiths in this city and in
As a Church of England parish church our purpose
your own community.
is to proclaim the love of God openly. We are an eclectic congregation drawn from Oxford and
We are committed to social action at home
the surrounding area. We are open-minded,
and abroad. In the 1940s, Oxfam was founded
community spirited and committed to thoughtful
in response to famine in Greece and German-
theology and radical ideas. Pray for a thirst for
Jewish converts to Christianity were welcomed
into the St Mary’s community. In Oxford we were
We are committed to the conservation and optimal
instrumental in the foundation of the Gatehouse
use of our buildings heritage. Give thanks for those
Drop in Centre and we support work with children
whose skills have enriched our buildings.
both in Pakistan and Kuruman, South Africa. We also support the Street Pastors project in Oxford.
We welcome concert givers from the City, the
Pause for a moment and consider where God may
University, and from around the world. We are
be calling you to action.
committed to improving facilities for this part of our work. Give thanks for the God-given gift of
We are committed to welcoming many visitors
music which enriches our lives and our worship.
and pilgrims to the church. We intend through development to make better provision for visitors,
We are committed to welcoming meetings,
offering both educational and spiritual experience.
seminars, classes, and conferences, both charitable
Our Vaults and Gardens CafĂŠ is committed to
and commercial into our Old Library complex. Pray
providing organic, fair-traded, and locally resourced
for all those who visit this church, for whatever
food together with friendly, smiling service. Pray
purpose, that they may be drawn closer to God.
for food producers across the world, especially for those struggling with climate change.
As a church we stand at the intersection between religious faith and the secular world.
OXFORD DIOCESE PILGRIM PROJECT
Oxford Diocese Pilgrim Project: University Church of St Mary the Virgin, Oxford OX1 4BJ Website: www.university-church.ox.ac.uk
You might also like to visit other nearby churches in the Pilgrim Project: Christ Church Cathedral Shrine of St Frideswide St Margaret of Antioch, Binsey Alice in Wonderland’s treacle well Dorchester Abbey Ancient abbey church
PILGRIMAGE PRAYER Pilgrim God, You are our origin and our destination. Travel with us, we pray, in every pilgrimage of faith, and every journey of the heart. Give us the courage to set off, the nourishment we need to travel well, and the welcome we long for at our journey’s end. So may we grow in grace and love for you and in the service of others. through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen
John Pritchard, Bishop of Oxford
Illustrations by Brian Hall © Diocese of Oxford