Spiritual Life

Prayer services are offered once a week in the Berkeley Chapel for students in each division who are interested. On average, 285 students participate in these prayers each week. 

Tuesday Holy Communion (Tuesdays, 12:55 p.m.)

Led by over 65 leaders from Upper Division, students gather weekly to celebrate Holy Communion, the principal act of Christian worship. The service includes prayer, Scripture, a homily, and the breaking of bread, with music guided by violin, piano, and saxophone.

MidWeek Prayer (Wednesdays, 12:05 p.m.)

Led by over 35 leaders from Middle Division, students gather weekly for a service of prayer, Scripture, and a reflection, with music guided by guitar and tambourine. A celebration of Holy Communion is offered once a month.

Thursday Morning Prayer (Thursdays, 7:30 a.m.)

Led by over 75 leaders from Upper Division, students gather weekly for a service of prayer, Scripture, and a reflection, with music guided by guitar, piano, violin, tambourine, and African drum.

Friday Morning Prayer (Fridays, 7:30 a.m.)

Led by over 30 leaders from Lower Division, students gather weekly for a service of prayer, Scripture, and a reflection, with music guided by piano.

During the school year, we offer special 5:30 p.m. Sunday Feasts in the Berkeley Chapel once each month. Those who are interested in baptism, reaffirmation, or confirmation are given the opportunity to do so.

Holy Cross Day and Holy Baptism (Sunday, September 8, 2024, 5:30 p.m.)

On this occasion, the faithful honor the cross on which Christ was crucified. As the universal symbol of the Christian faith, the cross represents Christ’s victory over death. As a part of the feast, baptism is offered to initiate candidates into the faith.

Feast of St. Francis and Blessing of the Animals (Sunday, October 6, 2024, 5:30 p.m.)

On this occasion, the faithful give thanks for all of creation, especially all creatures of God, through honoring the patron saint of animals, Saint Francis of Assisi. As a part of the feast, all animals gathered in the congregation are offered a blessing.

All Saints’ Day and Holy Baptism (Sunday, November 3, 2024, 5:30 p.m.)

On this occasion, the faithful honor saints, both ones from their own lives, as well as ones from the Christian tradition. Saints of Berkeley are also remembered, our alumni who have died and gone on to glory. As a part of the feast, baptism is offered to initiate candidates into the faith.

Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols (Sunday, December 8, 2024, 5:30 p.m.)

On this occasion, the faithful prepare for the coming of Christ, both in reading the Holy Scriptures and in the singing of songs. Throughout the service, the story of the incarnation unfolds, as God becomes flesh to dwell among us.

The Baptism of Our Lord and Holy Baptism (Sunday, January 12, 2025, 5:30 p.m.)

On this occasion, the faithful follow Jesus of Nazareth into the wilderness to be baptized by Saint John in the Jordan River. As a part of the feast, baptism is offered to initiate candidates into the faith.

Healing Service (Sunday, February 2, 2025, 5:30 p.m.)

On this occasion, the faithful acknowledge the healing of body, mind, and spirit that is offered through God. The Litany of Healing contains a myriad of prayers centered on making whole all that is broken in this world. During that movement of the liturgy, all are invited to come forward to light a candle for a loved one in need of healing.

The Transfiguration (Sunday, March 2, 2025, 5:30 p.m.)

On this occasion, the faithful follow Jesus up a high mountain to witness the transfiguration, as his appearance radically changes in the presence of Peter, James, and John. This moment reveals the glory of Christ, anticipating his eventual death, resurrection, and ascension.

Palm Sunday: The Passion of Our Lord (Sunday, April 13, 2025, 5:30 p.m.)

On this occasion, the faithful recall Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem with the blessing of branches and waving of palms. The Scriptures of the day recount Jesus cleansing the Temple, his anointing, the Last Supper, his agony, his arrest, his trials before the Sanhedrin and before Pilate, his crucifixion and death, and his burial.

Easter Feast and Holy Baptism (Sunday, April 27, 2025, 5:30 p.m.)

On this occasion, the faithful celebrate the glory of the cross and the redemption of the world. The drama unfolds in two acts: the gathered face the darkness of death, then turn to rise to new life. As a part of the feast, baptism is offered to initiate candidates into the faith.

Confirmation Service (Sunday, May 18, 2025, 5:30 p.m.)

On this occasion, the faithful gather for the Sacrament of Confirmation, where believers make a mature public affirmation of their faith, commit to the responsibilities of their baptism, and receive the laying on of hands by a bishop. In doing so, the congregation has the opportunity to renew their own baptismal vows.

For students who are interested in deepening their faith, several clubs are offered. 

• Chaplain’s Council
• Islamic Culture Club
• Jewish Culture Club
• Masala Mix

• Sacred Texts Club