Chaplaincy for University Catholics
Chaplaincy
The Catholic Chaplaincy is established and run by the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh for the pastoral care of all Catholics in the university, both students and staff. The Chaplain, appointed by the Archbishop, is responsible for this pastoral provision. The Chaplaincy is located in “Canmore”, a beautiful property immediately opposite St. James' Church. The address of “Canmore” is 24 The Scores, St Andrews, Fife, Scotland KY16 9AS
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The Catholic Society of the University (CathSoc) usually holds meetings in Canmore. Unfortunately, at present (Sept-Dec 2025) Canmore is undergoing substantial renovations which will probably continue all semester. Events for University Catholics are, therefore, being held across the road in the Parish Church and the Parish Hall. A new initiative being developed by the Chaplaincy, the St Margaret’s Association, focuses on Pastoral provision specifically for postgraduate students.
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When it is re-opened, Canmore will offer a Common Room Area with tea and coffee making facilities, two Reading/Study Room Areas, and an Oratory.
Fr. Chris Selvaraj, the Assistant Priest, lives on the second floor of Canmore.
University Catholic Society
The University Catholic Society meets every Wednesday during term-time at 7.30pm (usually in Canmore – but this Semester in the parish Hall). At these meetings a guest speaker is usually invited to address the students on a topical theological or spiritual subject.
Then every Sunday evening at 6pm, (following the 5pm Student Mass), the Catholic Society organises a Sunday Supper. This usually happens in Canmore but again (this semester) will happen in the Parish Hall.
The Catholic Society also organises a series of social events throughout the year including, drinks parties, outings and the annual Cath Soc Ball.
You can sign up for the Catholic Society at Societies Fayre in Freshers Week or at any point throughout the year.
History of Canmore
Canmore began its life in 1895, when it was built as a private residence for Professor Arthur Stanley Butler. It was sold in 1907 to Mrs. Annette Harmar, the cousin of Fr. Herbert Laughton, a priest assigned to St. James'. It was during Mrs. Harmar's residency that the building was renamed "Canmore". In 1947, Canmore was sold to the Society of Missionaries of Africa, better known as "The White Fathers".
The White Fathers opened Canmore up to students at the University, hosting guest speakers, student rosaries, a student choir, and developing a library.
The White Fathers sold Canmore in 1958 to the Brothers of Christian Instruction. The Brothers used it as a residence for their own student brothers as well as hosting several male students and lending a ground floor office to the Chaplain. At the same time, the chaplaincy itself was thriving and the possibility of a permanent dedicated chaplaincy building was being actively explored. The Brothers, meanwhile, found that their house of studies would have to move and decided to sell Canmore, meaning that the need for a dedicated chaplaincy premises had became urgent. The Chaplain broke the news to the Catholic students and one of the first years, Clare, contacted her father, Dr. C.P. Stevens who, along with his wife Betty, purchased Canmore through a charitable trust which they had established. A dedicated Trust was established for Canmore, under which it was to be used as the Catholic Chaplaincy for the University. In July 1964 that Trust was wound down, with the property being made over to the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh, which has overseen the Chaplaincy ever since.
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With a new chaplain appointed in 1970, Canmore underwent many structural and social changes. In 1973, four nuns from the Sisters of the Assumption came to live in Canmore. The nuns lived on the top floor, cared for the building, and provided spiritual guidance and practical advice for the students.
Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, Canmore remained the centre for Catholic life amongst the students, and the nuns, and students worked together with the various chaplains to continue Canmore's tradition of handing on the Catholic Faith.
In 1987, Fr. Brian Halloran was appointed both chaplain to the University, and parish priest of St. James'. Fr. Halloran entered into a vibrant Canmore, where the Catholic Society had over 300 members, an annual ball, and was flourishing due to strong leadership. Weekly talks by different speakers on various theological topics were held, along with various events that drew large crowds to Canmore. In 1993, the Sisters of the Assumption left Canmore.
The Catholic Chaplaincy has continued to flourish, with events and socials well-attended by members of the Catholic Society and parishioners alike. The number of people who have discovered their vocation to the priesthood or religious life, or met their future spouse, while at Canmore is too great to count. It is the hope of all who currently call Canmore their second home that Canmore will continue to be a bastion that will stand as a living testament to the both the generational faith of the students of the University of St Andrews, and to the eternal glory of Jesus Christ.