Each year, a number of study, prayer and social groups are formed in Chaplaincy by students who help make our space a welcoming place for all. They form the backbone of Chaplaincy life. They meet regularly and are always happy to welcome newcomers.
For more information speak with us or send an email.
Students gather to ask the big questions in life, learn more about Christianity and grow in their relationship with Jesus. Talks, group-discussion, friendship and food are key. You don’t have to be a committed Christian or ‘church-goer’ to take part. Just come with an open mind and heart! Alpha meets weekly.
We want women everywhere to recognise that they are beloved children of God and to experience more deeply the positive, uplifting role that faith can play in their lives.
A community for Catholic female students to develop friendship and faith in a social atmosphere with values of dignity, faithfulness, beauty and strength at heart.
The Book Club gathers monthly in the Chaplaincy Lounge to delve further into the riches of Catholic culture and explore how faith is treated in some of the literary greats. This is an initiative of the University’s Legion of Mary Praesidium. Everyone is welcome and refreshments are served.
The Knights of St Columbanus are a fraternity of men committed to living the Christian faith in their study, work and recreation. Student members gather weekly for prayer, catechesis and discussion. They are actively engaged in a range of apostolic and charitable works and are always happy to welcome new members.
Today’s students become tomorrow’s agents of change. Change hosts regular dinners in Chaplaincy and invites academics and leaders in society to address issues of global concern. These gatherings help form students to be whole-hearted contributors to the common good, concerned for human dignity, social justice and care for the environment.
Each semester, there are periods of prayer and reflection on the theme of vocation. This aims to give students time and space to consider the definite service God is calling them to. We aim to foster a supportive culture for those discerning vocation to priesthood, religious life or marriage.
This Belfast-based string orchestra meets weekly in Chaplaincy. Since its foundation in 2016, the orchestra has performed recitals and concerts, as well as events associated with the University.
This women’s group gathers weekly for prayer, discussion of Church teaching, personal sharing and chat in a social and supportive atmosphere.
Every day from 12 Noon to 2pm our Food Bar serves sandwiches, soup and snacks as well as hot and cold beverages. This service contributes to the ‘home-from-home’ atmosphere in Chaplaincy, and makes us a popular place for students and staff to meet and socialise between lectures. We always welcome new volunteers to assist us with this important ministry of Christian hospitality.
Guest speakers offer insights on a wide range of topics relevant to Christian living, global realities and the common good.
The Legion is a lay apostolic association of Catholics who gather to pray, reflect on Church teaching, promote devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and engage in evangelisation and outreach. Members meet weekly.
The Michaela Foundation promotes values that encourage young people to succeed in life fulfilment and happiness with faith, confidence and fun as their foundation. Members meet regularly to assist the Foundation with their ongoing activities including youth summer camps.
Each semester, the Chaplaincy team hosts an evening of prayer and evangelisation. The Chapel is open through the night for adoration. Teams of two or three invite passers-by to come inside and light a candle and leave a prayer intention before the Blessed Sacrament. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available. Through this simple way of reaching out, God can work miracles. At the conclusion of the event, the team gets together for breakfast to share experiences and to pray for everyone they have met.
The Sovereign Order of Malta is one of the oldest institutions in Western and Christian civilisation. Students meet regularly to assist the Order with medical, social and humanitarian projects.
Students and alumni host events each semester in support of those seeking refuge among us, and to increase awareness of the hardships experienced by Christians and others in troubled parts of the world. We work with organisations like Jesuit Refugee Service, Aid to the Church in Need and Horn of Africa Peoples’ Aid NI. We partner with St Mary’s University College to provide English language courses and worship space for Belfast’s Ethiopian and Eritrean Coptic refugee communities. We also work with the largely Muslim Somali community to provide them with conference and exhibition space.
The Saint Vincent de Paul Society works to put faith into action at the service of the poor. Members dedicate themselves to practical activity, personal study, group reflections and prayer.
Students gather weekly to learn about the lives of the saints and be inspired. There is chat, a brief overview of a saint’s life, some discussion of their writings, witness and legacy, and most importantly, afternoon tea!
Short, monthly talks describe and explain, in a straightforward and accessible way, what Catholics believe and why. Talks are given in the Prayer Room during Eucharistic Adoration and are followed by light refreshments.
Trócaire is the official overseas development agency of the Catholic Church in Ireland. Members of the student branch work to support vulnerable people in the developing world, while also raising awareness of injustice and global poverty in Ireland.
Youth2000 is a group of students and young professionals that meets weekly for prayer, music, Scripture and reflection followed by refreshments and social time.