ST JOSEPH'S PARISH DORKING
You are very welcome!
Thank you for taking the time to visit our parish website. We are a very active Catholic community, seeking to share the gospel values as revealed to us by our saviour Jesus Christ. If you find yourself in the area, please do call in and celebrate Holy Mass with us. Our parish priest, Canon John Griffiths is very keen to meet with visitors to the parish.
You are very welcome!
St Joseph's is the Catholic Parish Church for Dorking and surrounding villages in the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton. We are an active welcoming community, offering spiritual and pastoral support for everyone, helping each other to grow in knowledge and love of our Catholic faith. We hope that you find the information on our Parish and its activities useful.
Our latest parish weekly news, notices and events below
Download the parish Newsletter Here
By Webmaster
•
August 29, 2025
I am hoping to create a small group of volunteers to assist those with mobility issues in getting to church. Please do get in touch either if you think you can help provide the occasional lift by car, or if you yourself need occasional help to get to church due to mobility issues. Please get in touch on 07393814255. Benjamin Morrell.
By Webmaster
•
August 29, 2025
ROSARY CIRCLE FOR PRIESTLY VOCATIONS As we enter into the month of August there is a new ‘Rosary Circle Chart’ on the noticeboard, to encourage us all to pray for vocations to the Priesthood. The ‘Chart’ lists the 20 decades of the Rosary and a number of columns for people to put their initial or a tick in a box to indicate they will commit to praying the particular decade each day for the month of August, and hopefully, this will create a number of ‘circles’ praying for this intention. This is a very simple spiritual exercise many of us could join in with; at least 20 people praying one decade of the Rosary each day, so the whole of the Rosary is prayed for this particular intention, thus creating a ‘Rosary Circle’. Let it be said, however, that anyone can join the Rosary Circles at any time. Prayer for vocations to the Priesthood: ( Dropped in through the presbytery letter box, so a ‘thankyou’ to the courier) God our Father, look in love upon our homes, our families and our communities. Raise up from amongst us worthy priests to preach the Gospel to all people, to minister at your altar and care for your flock. Fill us with your Holy Spirit and make us faithful and inspiring witnesses to your Kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
By Webmaster
•
July 28, 2025
Although much work done in the church is on a voluntary basis, we still have to follow health and safety requirements, which in turn, applies to voluntary ‘lone workers’. If you are doing any jobs in the church, flower arranging, metal polishing, general cleaning, etc. etc. and you will be doing so alone, YOU MUST make sure that someone knows! It is therefore a good idea to tell someone you are coming to the church to do some work, the time at which you anticipate arriving at the church and when you expect to return home; if needs must, give them your phone number or that of the parish. Furnishing someone with such information, should something untoward occur, the person you have informed can then make enquiries after your well-being, if you have not arrived home as you had anticipated. ADDITIONALLY, it is always a good idea to call at the presbytery so that there is an awareness of your presence. Under no circumstances, should anyone climb portable ladders / steps or stand on a chair (which we should not do, anyway) without someone else being present. THANKS FOR YOUR CONCERN AND CONSIDERATION.
By Webmaster
•
August 29, 2025
A number of people have made enquiries about becoming a Catholic, so we would hope to begin the adult formation programme again in the not so distant future. Initially then, to meet with those who would like to know more on Monday 15th September in the small hall at 7 pm. This would be an opportunity to meet, outline something of the developmental nature of the programme and answer any questions. Everyone is welcome to come along to find out more.
By Webmaster
•
July 27, 2025
“We are expecting the Leadbeater assisted suicide Bill to have its Second Reading in the House of Lords on Friday 12 September. As I’ve shared with you before, there is a real chance we can defeat this Bill in the Lords – and the assisted suicide lobby knows it. That’s why their campaign in the Lords is now in full swing. Several Peers have told us they’re getting a large amount of correspondence urging them to support the Bill. It’s crucial that Peers also hear from those of us who oppose this dangerous change in the law. TAKE ACTION We’ve just launched a new EasyAction tool to help you email a few Peers directly. It creates a tailored message that highlights a key concern with the Bill and ensures it reaches the right Peers. Please take action and click the button below to email Peers now . It only takes 30 seconds.” Ask Peers to oppose the Leadbeater assisted suicide Bill
By Webmaster
•
July 4, 2025
Catholics seeking guidance: In light of recent coverage, some references to help and guide: Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraph 2277 Catechism of the Catholic Church - IntraText The Code of Canon Law: Code 227 Code of Canon Law - Book II - The People of God - Part I. (Cann. 208-329) The Code of Canon Law: Code 915 Code of Canon Law - Book IV - Function of the Church Liber (Cann. 879-958) followed by the commentary from the Pontifical Council for Legislative Text (24/06/2000) Declaration of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts which clearly outlines the responsibility of priests towards the People of God entrusted to their care.
By Webmaster
•
June 16, 2025
Thursday, June 5th, 2025 @ 10:49 am The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which seeks to legalise assisted suicide, is fast approaching its decisive vote in the House of Commons which will likely take place on either the 13 or 20 of June. The Catholic bishops of England and Wales oppose this flawed bill both in principle and in practice. Among the many concerns, we are particularly alarmed by the following: • This legislation would require many hospices and care homes to facilitate assisted suicide. This will put in jeopardy their ability to provide care. Parliament has rejected an amendment that would have allowed institutions to opt out of participating in the provision of assisted suicide.[1] • The provisions for conscientious objection for health and social care workers are both unclear and inadequate. This problem will not be addressed by proposed amendments. • Safeguards against coercion for the most vulnerable are wholly inadequate, particularly in cases involving coercive control or social pressure. During Committee Stage, the bill’s main proponent was unable to confirm whether individuals seeking assisted suicide due to financial concerns or feelings of being a burden would be prevented from accessing it.[2] Since then, no progress has been made, and many MPs consider the existing safeguards insufficient, with the potential to result in a “terrible tragedy.”[3] We note the opposition for the bill from key professional bodies including the Royal College of Psychiatrists whose members will be expected to be involved in the process of assessing those who elect for assisted suicide. We have already seen the bill weakened during Committee Stage. In addition, MPs are expected to debate nearly 60 pages of amendments in under 15 hours. The whole process by which this bill has been brought forward and debated is insufficient for such a radical change. We urge Catholics, and all people of goodwill, to contact their MP and ask them to vote against this bill. We also ask you to pray that our representatives choose to protect the most vulnerable citizens of this country when they vote later this month. You can contact your MP using this this tool . Archbishop John Sherrington Archbishop of Liverpool Lead Bishop for Life Issues [1] https://thecatholicherald.com/religious-orders-may-be-forced-out-of-care-homes-by-assisted-suicide-bill/ [2] https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/12/choose-assisted-dying-to-save-money-on-care-kim-leasdbeater/ [3] https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/naz-shah-mps-conservative-labour-stephen-kinnock-b1228203.html
Fr. Ian Prayer requests: Please remember those who are sick in your daily prayers: please pray for our recently bereaved - List Here
By Webmaster
•
August 29, 2025
I am hoping to create a small group of volunteers to assist those with mobility issues in getting to church. Please do get in touch either if you think you can help provide the occasional lift by car, or if you yourself need occasional help to get to church due to mobility issues. Please get in touch on 07393814255. Benjamin Morrell.
By Webmaster
•
August 29, 2025
ROSARY CIRCLE FOR PRIESTLY VOCATIONS As we enter into the month of August there is a new ‘Rosary Circle Chart’ on the noticeboard, to encourage us all to pray for vocations to the Priesthood. The ‘Chart’ lists the 20 decades of the Rosary and a number of columns for people to put their initial or a tick in a box to indicate they will commit to praying the particular decade each day for the month of August, and hopefully, this will create a number of ‘circles’ praying for this intention. This is a very simple spiritual exercise many of us could join in with; at least 20 people praying one decade of the Rosary each day, so the whole of the Rosary is prayed for this particular intention, thus creating a ‘Rosary Circle’. Let it be said, however, that anyone can join the Rosary Circles at any time. Prayer for vocations to the Priesthood: ( Dropped in through the presbytery letter box, so a ‘thankyou’ to the courier) God our Father, look in love upon our homes, our families and our communities. Raise up from amongst us worthy priests to preach the Gospel to all people, to minister at your altar and care for your flock. Fill us with your Holy Spirit and make us faithful and inspiring witnesses to your Kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
By Webmaster
•
July 28, 2025
Although much work done in the church is on a voluntary basis, we still have to follow health and safety requirements, which in turn, applies to voluntary ‘lone workers’. If you are doing any jobs in the church, flower arranging, metal polishing, general cleaning, etc. etc. and you will be doing so alone, YOU MUST make sure that someone knows! It is therefore a good idea to tell someone you are coming to the church to do some work, the time at which you anticipate arriving at the church and when you expect to return home; if needs must, give them your phone number or that of the parish. Furnishing someone with such information, should something untoward occur, the person you have informed can then make enquiries after your well-being, if you have not arrived home as you had anticipated. ADDITIONALLY, it is always a good idea to call at the presbytery so that there is an awareness of your presence. Under no circumstances, should anyone climb portable ladders / steps or stand on a chair (which we should not do, anyway) without someone else being present. THANKS FOR YOUR CONCERN AND CONSIDERATION.
By Webmaster
•
July 27, 2025
“We are expecting the Leadbeater assisted suicide Bill to have its Second Reading in the House of Lords on Friday 12 September. As I’ve shared with you before, there is a real chance we can defeat this Bill in the Lords – and the assisted suicide lobby knows it. That’s why their campaign in the Lords is now in full swing. Several Peers have told us they’re getting a large amount of correspondence urging them to support the Bill. It’s crucial that Peers also hear from those of us who oppose this dangerous change in the law. TAKE ACTION We’ve just launched a new EasyAction tool to help you email a few Peers directly. It creates a tailored message that highlights a key concern with the Bill and ensures it reaches the right Peers. Please take action and click the button below to email Peers now . It only takes 30 seconds.” Ask Peers to oppose the Leadbeater assisted suicide Bill
Ministries
We welcome all new and existing parishioners - become involved with the ministries.
Prayer Groups
Our prayer groups support parish activities.. Check our events calendar for more information.
Social Groups
Keeping our parishioners engaged with social activities is very important to us. Come and join us!
Becoming a Catholic
Are you new to the Catholic faith? Want to know more about why we beleive the things we do?
Reaching Out
We've stepped out and are responding to the needs of our wider community. We find this work so rewarding!
Fun for Children
Excellent activities to engage the children .We hope you find them useful.
You are very welcome!
St Joseph's is the Catholic Parish Church for Dorking and surrounding villages in the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton. We are an active welcoming community, offering spiritual and pastoral support for everyone, helping each other to grow in knowledge and love of our Catholic faith. We hope that you find the information on our Parish and its activities useful.
Our Parish Mission Statement
Together with our Priest, we are united in our Catholic faith.
We pray to the Holy Spirit to guide us in our service of God and our
service of each other.
As a parish we strive to be a warm, welcoming and forward looking community.
If there is anything else you would like to know please do not hesitate to contact us via the Parish Office on 01306 882433 or email us
Please check the current newsletter for any changes to mass times
By Webmaster
•
August 29, 2025
A number of people have made enquiries about becoming a Catholic, so we would hope to begin the adult formation programme again in the not so distant future. Initially then, to meet with those who would like to know more on Monday 15th September in the small hall at 7 pm. This would be an opportunity to meet, outline something of the developmental nature of the programme and answer any questions. Everyone is welcome to come along to find out more.
By Webmaster
•
July 27, 2025
“We are expecting the Leadbeater assisted suicide Bill to have its Second Reading in the House of Lords on Friday 12 September. As I’ve shared with you before, there is a real chance we can defeat this Bill in the Lords – and the assisted suicide lobby knows it. That’s why their campaign in the Lords is now in full swing. Several Peers have told us they’re getting a large amount of correspondence urging them to support the Bill. It’s crucial that Peers also hear from those of us who oppose this dangerous change in the law. TAKE ACTION We’ve just launched a new EasyAction tool to help you email a few Peers directly. It creates a tailored message that highlights a key concern with the Bill and ensures it reaches the right Peers. Please take action and click the button below to email Peers now . It only takes 30 seconds.” Ask Peers to oppose the Leadbeater assisted suicide Bill
By Webmaster
•
July 4, 2025
Catholics seeking guidance: In light of recent coverage, some references to help and guide: Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraph 2277 Catechism of the Catholic Church - IntraText The Code of Canon Law: Code 227 Code of Canon Law - Book II - The People of God - Part I. (Cann. 208-329) The Code of Canon Law: Code 915 Code of Canon Law - Book IV - Function of the Church Liber (Cann. 879-958) followed by the commentary from the Pontifical Council for Legislative Text (24/06/2000) Declaration of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts which clearly outlines the responsibility of priests towards the People of God entrusted to their care.
An Act of Spiritual Communion
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation / Confession
Available after the Saturday morning Mass and from 5.15 to 5.45 Saturday afternoon.
Each Saturday Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & the Rosary follow on from Mass until 11.00am.
Saint Ignatius Loyola
Pray as if everything depends on God, and work as if everything depends on you
PARISH MUSIC MINISTRY
Our Music Ministry team include talented singers and and musicians . If you have a passion for music, find out how you can get involved
Our latest parish weekly news, notices and events
Keep informed about parish activities on a week by week basis. Our important activities can be seen featured below, and found on our Parish Newsletter - available online here, or in print at the back of the church.
Fr. Ian's Prayer requests:
Please remember those who are sick in your daily prayers:
If you would like to add someone to the list, please email the parish office through this link or email the parish direct (on the newsletter) - Also, please pray for our recently deceased - List Here
New Paragraph
By Webmaster
•
August 29, 2025
A number of people have made enquiries about becoming a Catholic, so we would hope to begin the adult formation programme again in the not so distant future. Initially then, to meet with those who would like to know more on Monday 15th September in the small hall at 7 pm. This would be an opportunity to meet, outline something of the developmental nature of the programme and answer any questions. Everyone is welcome to come along to find out more.
By Webmaster
•
July 27, 2025
“We are expecting the Leadbeater assisted suicide Bill to have its Second Reading in the House of Lords on Friday 12 September. As I’ve shared with you before, there is a real chance we can defeat this Bill in the Lords – and the assisted suicide lobby knows it. That’s why their campaign in the Lords is now in full swing. Several Peers have told us they’re getting a large amount of correspondence urging them to support the Bill. It’s crucial that Peers also hear from those of us who oppose this dangerous change in the law. TAKE ACTION We’ve just launched a new EasyAction tool to help you email a few Peers directly. It creates a tailored message that highlights a key concern with the Bill and ensures it reaches the right Peers. Please take action and click the button below to email Peers now . It only takes 30 seconds.” Ask Peers to oppose the Leadbeater assisted suicide Bill
By Webmaster
•
July 4, 2025
Catholics seeking guidance: In light of recent coverage, some references to help and guide: Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraph 2277 Catechism of the Catholic Church - IntraText The Code of Canon Law: Code 227 Code of Canon Law - Book II - The People of God - Part I. (Cann. 208-329) The Code of Canon Law: Code 915 Code of Canon Law - Book IV - Function of the Church Liber (Cann. 879-958) followed by the commentary from the Pontifical Council for Legislative Text (24/06/2000) Declaration of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts which clearly outlines the responsibility of priests towards the People of God entrusted to their care.
Latest News
Important Notices
By Webmaster
•
August 29, 2025
Application forms for next year’s respective programmes are available at the entrances to the church. If you have a child in year 3 or above (First Holy Communion) or in year 9 or above, (Confirmation) then, provided that you and your children are in regular attendance at Mass you and they will be able to join the programmes . The deadline for returning application forms is mid-night pm on Sunday 5th October 2025 , once this deadline has expired for both programmes, no child will be accepted onto either the First Holy Communion or Confirmation programme until the following year, 2026/2027. If you know of families where children and young people should be preparing for these sacraments, PLEASE encourage them to be coming along to Mass and practicing their faith. First Holy Communion catechist for 2025/26: - We need at least two people to help as catechist for First Holy Communion for the next academic year; a weekly commitment from late October to June is required to help our children to prepare for this wonderful Sacrament. If you are willing and able to help, please speak to Fr. Ian
By Webmaster
•
August 15, 2025
We need at least two people to help as catechist for First Holy Communion for the next academic year; a weekly commitment from late October to June is required to help our children to prepare for this wonderful Sacrament. If you are willing and able to help, please speak to Fr. Ian
NEWS ADDITIONS, UPDATES & FEEDBACK
We encourage parishioners to submit articles, or information that you feel appropriate for our news section. Also, do send us feedback about how we can improve our website. Please send details to the parish office through the link below.
By Webmaster
•
August 29, 2025
Diocesan Festival of Hope at Ardingly Showground on 20th Sept 2025: Firstly, celebrating the Jubilee Year of Hope designated by the late Pope Francis, secondly the 60th anniversary of the Diocese, and thirdly our renewed call to mission as laid out in Bishop Richard’s Pastoral Plan. As a parish we have been allocated 12 tickets for the event, coach transport is being organised so that people are collected and dropped back locally, anyone under the age of 18 is to be accompanied by an adult who will take responsibility for them across the day. If you would like to attend, mindful of the small number of tickets, please speak to Fr. Ian, who will be able to advise further.
By Webmaster
•
August 29, 2025
ROSARY CIRCLE FOR PRIESTLY VOCATIONS As we enter into the month of August there is a new ‘Rosary Circle Chart’ on the noticeboard, to encourage us all to pray for vocations to the Priesthood. The ‘Chart’ lists the 20 decades of the Rosary and a number of columns for people to put their initial or a tick in a box to indicate they will commit to praying the particular decade each day for the month of August, and hopefully, this will create a number of ‘circles’ praying for this intention. This is a very simple spiritual exercise many of us could join in with; at least 20 people praying one decade of the Rosary each day, so the whole of the Rosary is prayed for this particular intention, thus creating a ‘Rosary Circle’. Let it be said, however, that anyone can join the Rosary Circles at any time. Prayer for vocations to the Priesthood: ( Dropped in through the presbytery letter box, so a ‘thankyou’ to the courier) God our Father, look in love upon our homes, our families and our communities. Raise up from amongst us worthy priests to preach the Gospel to all people, to minister at your altar and care for your flock. Fill us with your Holy Spirit and make us faithful and inspiring witnesses to your Kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
By Webmaster
•
July 5, 2025
Adoration/prayer group meeting in the church : This month adoration will be on Thursday 17th July from 7 to 8pm. Everyone is welcome to come along, even for a short time. .
By Webmaster
•
August 29, 2025
Diocesan Festival of Hope at Ardingly Showground on 20th Sept 2025: Firstly, celebrating the Jubilee Year of Hope designated by the late Pope Francis, secondly the 60th anniversary of the Diocese, and thirdly our renewed call to mission as laid out in Bishop Richard’s Pastoral Plan. As a parish we have been allocated 12 tickets for the event, coach transport is being organised so that people are collected and dropped back locally, anyone under the age of 18 is to be accompanied by an adult who will take responsibility for them across the day. If you would like to attend, mindful of the small number of tickets, please speak to Fr. Ian, who will be able to advise further.
By Webmaster
•
August 29, 2025
ROSARY CIRCLE FOR PRIESTLY VOCATIONS As we enter into the month of August there is a new ‘Rosary Circle Chart’ on the noticeboard, to encourage us all to pray for vocations to the Priesthood. The ‘Chart’ lists the 20 decades of the Rosary and a number of columns for people to put their initial or a tick in a box to indicate they will commit to praying the particular decade each day for the month of August, and hopefully, this will create a number of ‘circles’ praying for this intention. This is a very simple spiritual exercise many of us could join in with; at least 20 people praying one decade of the Rosary each day, so the whole of the Rosary is prayed for this particular intention, thus creating a ‘Rosary Circle’. Let it be said, however, that anyone can join the Rosary Circles at any time. Prayer for vocations to the Priesthood: ( Dropped in through the presbytery letter box, so a ‘thankyou’ to the courier) God our Father, look in love upon our homes, our families and our communities. Raise up from amongst us worthy priests to preach the Gospel to all people, to minister at your altar and care for your flock. Fill us with your Holy Spirit and make us faithful and inspiring witnesses to your Kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
By Webmaster
•
July 5, 2025
Adoration/prayer group meeting in the church : This month adoration will be on Thursday 17th July from 7 to 8pm. Everyone is welcome to come along, even for a short time. .
By Webmaster
•
July 4, 2025
ADULT FORMATION / RCIA: The programme will continue this Monday, 7th July at 7 pm . This week we look at the Sacrament of the Sick, also known by too many, as ‘the last rites’ which is a bit of a misnomer or incorrect title. Everyone is welcome to attend (those under 18 need to have a parent or guardian with them).
OUR EVENTS CALENDAR
Remember to check our events calendar for all of the activities happening within the parish
LATEST ADDITIONS TO THE GALLERY
VIEW OUR LATEST ADDITIONS TO THE PARISH PICTURE GALLERY
YOU ARE INVITED!
The parish ministry support the community in so many different ways. We encourage all parishioners to be involved.