Image of Dean and students talking in Chapel

Chapel contacts

Whether you're looking for pastoral care, worship, or to book an event, the Chapel team are here to help.

People come to Chapel for a variety of reasons, from a range of backgrounds, and with different gifts and experiences. It is a spiritual home for all in College.

We seek to be an inclusive community, welcoming and walking alongside people of all faiths and none, and exploring together our sense of purpose, truth and justice in our lives and in the world around us. We are rooted in centuries of prayer, spirituality and intellectual enquiry, and are at the heart of pastoral care and wellbeing in our College community. We look forward to welcoming you.

Dean of Chapel – The Rev'd James Crockford

James Crockford has been Dean of Chapel since 2019. He had previously been Associate Vicar of the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, Oxford, and Honorary Chaplain at Magdalen College, Oxford. James grew up in Derby and Kent, and read Music at Nottingham and Theology at Cambridge. He is engaged in research on musical and theological aesthetics, and specifically the early work of St Augustine of Hippo, and supervises undergraduate papers in theology. James is also one of the College Tutors, and is sometimes seen around College with his beagle Pippy, the College welfare dog.

James is available to all members of the College community, of any faith or none, to talk on any matter and offer a supportive and listening ear. He can be found in D1 in First Court, with a ready supply of tea and biscuits. 

Tel: +44 (0)1223 339433
Email: j.crockford@jesus.cam.ac.uk

Assistant Chaplain (Dean's Clerk) – The Rev'd Jon Sanders

Jon studied English at Jesus College from 2011–14. After graduating, he worked in student services, scholarships and HR for the University of Cambridge and completed an MPhil in Theology. He trained for ordination at Westcott House between 2018 and 2021 and served his curacy first at Great St Mary’s in the centre of Cambridge then in Cherry Hinton. Alongside continuing ministry in Cherry Hinton, Jon returned to Jesus as Assistant Chaplain in 2024. He spends his spare time looking after his two children, cooking and gardening. 

The Assistant Chaplain assists with leading Chapel services and supporting the Chapel and Choir community, as well as providing chaplaincy support across College, particularly to staff and postgraduates, and working with colleagues to deliver wellbeing activities. He is available to College members for pastoral support and conversation.

Email: js980@jesus.cam.ac.uk 

Secretary to the Dean and the Chapel Office - Max Mason

If you're interested in booking the Chapel or have an enquiry about Clergy family grants, please contact the Secretary to the Dean and the Chapel Office. 

Tel: +44 (0)1223 339438
Email: chapel@jesus.cam.ac.uk

Chapel Clerks and Secretaries

The Chapel Clerks and Secretaries are a team of undergraduate and postgraduate students who are responsible for setting up for services, maintaining the Chapel, and welcoming visitors. If you would like to help in this capacity, you can contact the Dean of Chapel. 

The Bible readings for services in Chapel are read by a wide variety of people: students, fellows, staff members, and chorister families.

Anyone who would like to read is most welcome to, whether or not you would describe yourself as a practising Christian, or have ever read in a church before. It is a good opportunity to become more involved in College life, to get to know the Bible, and develop confidence.

If you'd like to read at services, lead prayers, or join in the life of the Chapel in any way, you can contact the Dean of Chapel for more information.

Safeguarding

Jesus College is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. For further information on the College's safeguarding policies, guidelines and contacts, see the College's Safeguarding page.

Hear from our people

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    Ben

    Choral Scholar

    I’ve had an amazing time singing at Jesus over my four years in College. It’s been an absolutely central part of my university experience, and has helped me grow as a student, a musician, and a person. The Chapel and Choir community is friendly, supportive, and diverse, and the high musical standard means that singing at Jesus is the perfect balance of challenging and rewarding. It’s a great way to be really involved with college life, from matriculation evensong at the start of the year to graduation at the end...

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    Choral Scholar
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    Matthew

    Choral Scholar

    Singing at Jesus has been a highlight of my time at university so far, because I have the privilege of singing amazing choral music with other passionate and talented singers. As a member of the College Choir and the Lower Voices, I have the opportunity to sing with our women undergraduates in the College Choir and also with the boy choristers in the Chapel Choir, which offers valuable exposure to some great repertoire. I’ve taken part in some really exciting projects despite COVID disruption, with highlights including three performances of...

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    Choral Scholar
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    Luis

    Chapel clerk

    My time in Cambridge has been full of exciting moments, good memories, and amazing people. When I first embarked on postgraduate studies, I never imagined I would be becoming part of the Chapel community at Jesus College. However, after my first attendance to an evensong I decided I wanted to take an active role in what for me was a complete new experience; even when I had always been an active member of my church back at home, Jesus College Chapel was an enthralling environment in which other people like...

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    Chapel clerk