Dean of Chapel

The Dean of Chapel is available at all times to see any Member of the College community on any matter, personal, practical, or spiritual.

Sarah is available to any Member of the College to offer an impartial listening ear on any matter; to offer support for practical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing, and to sign-post to other care. She works within the College welfare set-up and alongside the student welfare reps, and runs regular community events to support wellbeing. It is best to arrange an appointment via email or alternatively to catch her as you see her walking around College.

From Sarah

'You’ll see me about College, getting involved in many aspects of community life. I’m a priest in the Church of England, but as well as shepherding the Chapel community and leading Services, my role here is to offer welfare support to absolutely every Member of the College, regardless of beliefs. I offer a listening ear to everyone, as part of the College’s welfare support team. If you don’t know where to turn, please get in touch.’

Sarah was a theology student at Magdalene 2002-2005, and started as Dean of Chapel in 2018 after various jobs in education and administration, a year in Ghana, and church work around Cambridge. She was ordained in 2014 at Ely Cathedral and served her curacy in Trumpington. Outside of College she is an Assistant Director of Ordinands for Ely Diocese and supports people exploring their vocation. She is also a trustee of the local charity the Whitworth Trust which supports vulnerably housed women in Cambridge. She and her family are in the thick of College life. She met her husband when they were students singing in the Choir and can often be seen trailing her two children through the College since they live on site in Hertford Street. She loves meeting people, a cup of tea in Kettle’s Yard cafe, a good book by a fire, a long walk in the rain, growing things, and encountering faith expressed in different cultures.

Please feel free to get in touch for:

  • A cup of tea in C S Lewis’s chair (in her office First Court A6, and formerly Lewis’s room – feel free to drop in to visit)
  • A listening ear and impartial chat about anything on your mind - practical or welfare-related, however you are feeling, and at your own pace
  • Advice on connecting with Chapel or any faith tradition while you’re in Cambridge

The Reverend Sarah Atkins
Dean of Chapel
Room A6, First Court
T 01223 332129
E sct39@cam.ac.uk

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