University Catholic Chaplaincy (Fisher House)

Introduction

Fisher House was officially opened on 4 May 1925, at that time the feast of Blessed John Fisher.

History

In 1899, the Cambridge University Catholic Association (CUCA) was founded, and purchased rooms for the Chaplaincy at 2 Green Street. In 1937, a women's chaplaincy was founded at Lady Margaret House, and was merged into Fisher House in 1966. Monsignor Alfred Gilbey was chaplain from 1932 to 1965; he fought to prevent Fisher House being demolished for redevelopment. In 1967, work was started on a new hall and side chapel, and the new Chaplaincy buildings were opened for worship in 1976.

Architecture and furnishings

The earlier house, from the late sixteenth century, overhangs the street, while the other, containing the Dining Room, kitchen and Great Chamber, and the chaplains' living quarters, is of the early seventeenth century with medieval cellars. The site included a Victorian billiard room, and a large courtyard, which later housed the two-storey chapel.

The Fisher House Library has an extensive collection of books of history, literature, scriptural study, spirituality, and theology. The Roof Terrace is an oasis in central Cambridge, a surprise of a garden.

In 2010, a major renovation of the chapel and adjoining spaces was decided, with the contract given to Freeland Rees Roberts; building work took place between May and September 2011. Until 2008, the hall, used for Mass on Sunday through a moveable altar, was rented out during the week to market traders to provide income, and was also the focus of the Chaplaincy’s social events. In 2008, after a successful appeal to raise £2 million, the hall became a permanent place of worship.

Music and liturgy

The Fisher Society, the student-run Catholic Society of the University of Cambridge, organises events including weekly talks known as Apologia on Tuesday evenings. The Fisher Society Committee is elected each year at an Annual General Meeting in Lent Term. Students serve at Masses on Sundays and weekdays as altar servers.

St John Fisher (1469-1535) is the patron saint of Fisher House. St John Fisher was beheaded at Tower Hill on 22 June 1535 after reciting the Te Deum and the psalm In Te Domine Speravi. St John Fisher was beatified by Pope Leo XIII on 9 December 1886 and canonised on 19 May 1935 by Pope Pius XI.

Parish life

Fisher House is the Catholic Chaplaincy to the University of Cambridge, serving as the collective spiritual home for all Catholic members of the University, from undergraduates to fellows. The Fisher Society is the Catholic Society of Cambridge, of which every Catholic member of the University is automatically a member. The Fisher Society Committee runs events throughout the year, including every Tuesday night Apologia, which consists of dinner, a talk, Night Prayer, followed by the Bar.

Fisher House seeks to have a Rep in each College, who introduces Freshers to the Chaplaincy and the Fisher Society, helps organise prayer groups (Cells) and College Masses. A wide range of students' groups meet regularly at Fisher House in term-time.

The Chaplains and the Fisher Society organise many religious, intellectual, and social events for undergraduates and graduates. The annual newsletter looks at the past academic year in review, with news and reflections from the Chaplaincy Team, Fisher Society, students, non-student members of the community, and the Cambridge University Catholic Association.

CUCA consists of all past and present Catholic members of the University. CUCA's meetings are attended by the Chaplain and by Officers of the Fisher Society (Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer). The trustee and manager of CUCA is the Cambridge University Catholic Association CIO (CUCA CIO), a registered charity, Registered Charity Number 1184835.