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 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.
Parish Halls
St Joseph’s is blessed with having two interconnecting halls, a large kitchen and toilet facilities.
Either one or other of these halls is available for hire either on a regular or one-off basis typically at a cost of £35 per hour.
Special dispensation to this charge is available at the discretion of the Parish Priest.
If you are interested in using this facility please contact us or by phone on 01306 882433.
Our latest parish weekly news, notices and events below
Download the parish Newsletter Here
By Webmaster
•
February 2, 2026
This coming Monday 2nd February , peers in the House of Lords are due to debate the biggest expansion of abortion since 1967 - allowing self-induced abortion up to birth. Specifically it is Clause 191 to the Crime and Policing Bill that is up for debate. Amendments tabled at Committee Stage include removing Clause 191 from the Bill entirely, ending the pills by post policy, and mandatory investigations for underage abortions. Please use the link below to write to members of the House of Lords and ask them to fight the extreme abortion up to birth amendment. https://spuc.org.uk/campaign/abortion-decriminalisation/ The link will generate a Peer at random for you to write to, and bring up an editable template. Please edit this template to put it in your own words, and to include your own concerns and experiences. You can contact as many Peers as you are able to! Very many thanks. Worth a look:- https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2026/01/28/four-lessons-in-sanity-from-st-thomas-aquinas-for-aninsane-age/
By Webmaster
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February 2, 2026
Next weekend there is a second collection to support the pilgrimage, for which ‘Lourdes Pilgrimage envelopes’ are available at the entrances to the church.
February 1, 2026
We hope to have a study group running on a Tuesday morning from 11 am for about an hour. The penitential season of Lent is an opportunity for us to be with our Lord in the wilderness and /or to journey with the people of Israel during their forty-year sojourn. The study group would hope to assist us in our prayer, penance and reflection.
By Webmaster
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February 2, 2026
Our thanks to all those of you who contribute to the parish through the ‘Gift Aid Scheme’ by whatever means. As you may be aware, for every declare £1.00 contributed by a tax-payer to the parish as part of a Registered Charity, generates a further 25 pence, so your £4.00 becomes £5.00 at no extra cost to you. As we approach a new tax year, and if you are a tax-payer contributing to the parish and are not in the gift aid scheme, might we encourage you to join it, please? Many thanks. For those of you in the scheme and who use the envelope system, could we ask you to use only ‘current envelopes’ for this tax year please, as your envelope number may have changed from previous years and we would not be able to identify and therefore, reclaim the tax. Many thank for your help and understanding.
February 1, 2026
We hope to have a study group running on a Tuesday morning from 11 am for about an hour. The penitential season of Lent is an opportunity for us to be with our Lord in the wilderness and /or to journey with the people of Israel during their forty-year sojourn. The study group would hope to assist us in our prayer, penance and reflection.
By Webmaster
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January 18, 2026
If you would like to contribute to the food bank, the Food Bank Box is by the side door of the Church and is for contributions of appropriate products as listed, which are gratefully received. The box is emptied regularly and the products are delivered to the local Food Bank Depot, where they are labelled and St Josephs Parish is acknowledged. Should you wish to help with the Food Bank a few more people are needed to assist occasionally with the weekly collection when the regular collectors are away. Please see our own parish website under the heading ‘Churches Together in Dorking at: https://www.sjcc.org.uk/churches-together-dorking Volunteers would need to have their own transport to get the products to the actual food bank depot. Please let Maria know if you’re willing to help. For further details about the foodbank, please see their website at: Dorking Area Foodbank | Helping Local People in Crisis
By Webmaster
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January 12, 2026
The Pastoral Plan – The Word Who is Life (From Fr. Chris Bergin):- “Bishop Richard’s appointment as the next Archbishop of Westminster means there are some immediate consequences for us regarding the implementation of the Pastoral Plan in the Epsom Deanery. Whilst some things, by Church Law, are put on hold until a new Bishop arrives – particularly any decision to combine the existing nine parishes into one new parish – other key elements of the Plan remain as important for us as ever; prayer, formation and mission continue to be the priorities that shape our pastoral life. Whilst the parishioner meetings around the nine parishes will not now go ahead as planned (as a significant factor in the planning for these – particularly the timetable – was the proposed changes to structure), the Parish Leadership Team will be working on proposals to enable us to continue our reflections on mission, to celebrate and develop co-operation between our parish communities, and continue to invite all parishioners to get involved. You’ll be able to hear more about this in the next Deanery newsletter which will be available next weekend, 17th/18th January.” Additionally, there's a piece on the Diocesan website about what happens (and doesn't happen) during sede vacante which may be of help: Sede Vacante: Next steps for the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton | News
By Webmaster
•
November 22, 2025
From SPUC:-The Bill has now passed to the House of Lords for further debate and scrutiny. It is entirely in the Lords’ power to substantially amend and even to reject the Bill. The Bill is now at the Committee stage and will be discussed in the Lords Chamber on the following Fridays: 14 November 21 November 5 December 12 December 9 January 2026 16 January 23 January 30 January 6 February 27 February 13 March 20 March 27 March 24 April Please send letters to Peer asking them to oppose the Bill.” Please use the link:- Fight the Leadbeater bill - SPUC
Fr. Ian Prayer requests: Please remember those who are sick in your daily prayers: please pray for our recently bereaved
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.
Parish Halls
St Joseph’s is blessed with having two interconnecting halls, a large kitchen and toilet facilities.
Either one or other of these halls is available for hire either on a regular or one-off basis typically at a cost of £35 per hour.
Special dispensation to this charge is available at the discretion of the Parish Priest.
If you are interested in using this facility please contact us or by phone on 01306 882433.
By Webmaster
•
February 2, 2026
This coming Monday 2nd February , peers in the House of Lords are due to debate the biggest expansion of abortion since 1967 - allowing self-induced abortion up to birth. Specifically it is Clause 191 to the Crime and Policing Bill that is up for debate. Amendments tabled at Committee Stage include removing Clause 191 from the Bill entirely, ending the pills by post policy, and mandatory investigations for underage abortions. Please use the link below to write to members of the House of Lords and ask them to fight the extreme abortion up to birth amendment. https://spuc.org.uk/campaign/abortion-decriminalisation/ The link will generate a Peer at random for you to write to, and bring up an editable template. Please edit this template to put it in your own words, and to include your own concerns and experiences. You can contact as many Peers as you are able to! Very many thanks. Worth a look:- https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2026/01/28/four-lessons-in-sanity-from-st-thomas-aquinas-for-aninsane-age/
By Webmaster
•
February 2, 2026
Next weekend there is a second collection to support the pilgrimage, for which ‘Lourdes Pilgrimage envelopes’ are available at the entrances to the church.
February 1, 2026
We hope to have a study group running on a Tuesday morning from 11 am for about an hour. The penitential season of Lent is an opportunity for us to be with our Lord in the wilderness and /or to journey with the people of Israel during their forty-year sojourn. The study group would hope to assist us in our prayer, penance and reflection.
By Webmaster
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February 1, 2026
PARISH REPOSITORY / BOOK STALL : - Is something perhaps, which we take for granted in the church narthex, but which has been looked after and managed for many years by one person with assistance from others. Given the passage of time, it would be appreciated if a couple of people would assist in learning of how to manage and order items for the repository with a view to taking on the role in due time. If you would be willing to help withs, please e-mail the parish office with your details, which will then be passed on to the current manager. Many thanks.
Please check the current newsletter for any changes to mass times
By Webmaster
•
February 2, 2026
Our thanks to all those of you who contribute to the parish through the ‘Gift Aid Scheme’ by whatever means. As you may be aware, for every declare £1.00 contributed by a tax-payer to the parish as part of a Registered Charity, generates a further 25 pence, so your £4.00 becomes £5.00 at no extra cost to you. As we approach a new tax year, and if you are a tax-payer contributing to the parish and are not in the gift aid scheme, might we encourage you to join it, please? Many thanks. For those of you in the scheme and who use the envelope system, could we ask you to use only ‘current envelopes’ for this tax year please, as your envelope number may have changed from previous years and we would not be able to identify and therefore, reclaim the tax. Many thank for your help and understanding.
February 1, 2026
We hope to have a study group running on a Tuesday morning from 11 am for about an hour. The penitential season of Lent is an opportunity for us to be with our Lord in the wilderness and /or to journey with the people of Israel during their forty-year sojourn. The study group would hope to assist us in our prayer, penance and reflection.
By Webmaster
•
January 18, 2026
If you would like to contribute to the food bank, the Food Bank Box is by the side door of the Church and is for contributions of appropriate products as listed, which are gratefully received. The box is emptied regularly and the products are delivered to the local Food Bank Depot, where they are labelled and St Josephs Parish is acknowledged. Should you wish to help with the Food Bank a few more people are needed to assist occasionally with the weekly collection when the regular collectors are away. Please see our own parish website under the heading ‘Churches Together in Dorking at: https://www.sjcc.org.uk/churches-together-dorking Volunteers would need to have their own transport to get the products to the actual food bank depot. Please let Maria know if you’re willing to help. For further details about the foodbank, please see their website at: Dorking Area Foodbank | Helping Local People in Crisis
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.
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)
New Paragraph
By Webmaster
•
February 2, 2026
Our thanks to all those of you who contribute to the parish through the ‘Gift Aid Scheme’ by whatever means. As you may be aware, for every declare £1.00 contributed by a tax-payer to the parish as part of a Registered Charity, generates a further 25 pence, so your £4.00 becomes £5.00 at no extra cost to you. As we approach a new tax year, and if you are a tax-payer contributing to the parish and are not in the gift aid scheme, might we encourage you to join it, please? Many thanks. For those of you in the scheme and who use the envelope system, could we ask you to use only ‘current envelopes’ for this tax year please, as your envelope number may have changed from previous years and we would not be able to identify and therefore, reclaim the tax. Many thank for your help and understanding.
February 1, 2026
We hope to have a study group running on a Tuesday morning from 11 am for about an hour. The penitential season of Lent is an opportunity for us to be with our Lord in the wilderness and /or to journey with the people of Israel during their forty-year sojourn. The study group would hope to assist us in our prayer, penance and reflection.
By Webmaster
•
January 18, 2026
If you would like to contribute to the food bank, the Food Bank Box is by the side door of the Church and is for contributions of appropriate products as listed, which are gratefully received. The box is emptied regularly and the products are delivered to the local Food Bank Depot, where they are labelled and St Josephs Parish is acknowledged. Should you wish to help with the Food Bank a few more people are needed to assist occasionally with the weekly collection when the regular collectors are away. Please see our own parish website under the heading ‘Churches Together in Dorking at: https://www.sjcc.org.uk/churches-together-dorking Volunteers would need to have their own transport to get the products to the actual food bank depot. Please let Maria know if you’re willing to help. For further details about the foodbank, please see their website at: Dorking Area Foodbank | Helping Local People in Crisis
By Webmaster
•
January 12, 2026
The Pastoral Plan – The Word Who is Life (From Fr. Chris Bergin):- “Bishop Richard’s appointment as the next Archbishop of Westminster means there are some immediate consequences for us regarding the implementation of the Pastoral Plan in the Epsom Deanery. Whilst some things, by Church Law, are put on hold until a new Bishop arrives – particularly any decision to combine the existing nine parishes into one new parish – other key elements of the Plan remain as important for us as ever; prayer, formation and mission continue to be the priorities that shape our pastoral life. Whilst the parishioner meetings around the nine parishes will not now go ahead as planned (as a significant factor in the planning for these – particularly the timetable – was the proposed changes to structure), the Parish Leadership Team will be working on proposals to enable us to continue our reflections on mission, to celebrate and develop co-operation between our parish communities, and continue to invite all parishioners to get involved. You’ll be able to hear more about this in the next Deanery newsletter which will be available next weekend, 17th/18th January.” Additionally, there's a piece on the Diocesan website about what happens (and doesn't happen) during sede vacante which may be of help: Sede Vacante: Next steps for the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton | News
Latest News
Prayers of the Saints
Important Notices
By Webmaster
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February 2, 2026
We would love to invite more people to become involved with the music at the 10am Mass, as well as for the major Feasts in the life of the Church (Christmas and Easter) and Holy days. We are particularly looking for instrumentalists to join the music group; you need to be reasonably confident on your instrument but please just come and have a chat to explore if it’s for you. And if you’d like to sing with us you’re very welcome too! And are there any organists out there who might want to play sometimes? You don’t have to be available every week to be involved! For the Music Group please either speak to Gabrielle or anyone else in the Music Group after Mass, or email gabrielle.musictherapy@gmail.com . And if you’re a budding organist please speak to Vinita after Mass or email vmgoveas@hotmail.com
By Webmaster
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February 1, 2026
CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME 2025 /2026 Just to keep this in our minds, the programme continues this Thursday 5th February at 7 pm in the small hall. This week we give thought to where the Bible comes from and the unfolding of Divine Revelation. Many thanks for arriving promptly.
MASS & MEET
There is no Mass and Meet Lunch in January 2026 - The next event will be on Friday 6 February 2026 after middday Mass. All are welcome!
NEWS ADDITIONS, UPDATES & FEEDBACK
We encourage parishioners to submit articles or information that you feel appropriate for our news section. Please send details to the parish office through the link below.
By Webmaster
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February 2, 2026
Next weekend there is a second collection to support the pilgrimage, for which ‘Lourdes Pilgrimage envelopes’ are available at the entrances to the church.
By Webmaster
•
February 1, 2026
An informal opportunity for those interested in cars and transport to meet, share experiences and perhaps teach and learn something in the university of life. An inaugural meeting for anyone interested will take place on Friday 6th February at 7 pm in the small hall. Francis, a seasoned rallying mechanic will give an audio-visual presentation on rallying across central Europe and North Africa. Light beverages will be available.
By Webmaster
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February 1, 2026
If you haven’t already done so, but would still like to commit to praying a decade of the Rosary each day during January, then please do put your initial or a tick in one of the boxes on the ‘Rosary Circle’ chart in the church porch. 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 January, 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.
By Webmaster
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January 26, 2026
Bishop Richard will celebrate a Farewell Mass at 6.30pm this Friday, 30th January in Arundel Cathedral. All are welcome to attend. Please be mindful that parking around the cathedral is limited, so it is wiser to park in the town and allow 20 minutes or so, to walk up to the cathedral.
By Webmaster
•
February 2, 2026
Next weekend there is a second collection to support the pilgrimage, for which ‘Lourdes Pilgrimage envelopes’ are available at the entrances to the church.
By Webmaster
•
February 1, 2026
An informal opportunity for those interested in cars and transport to meet, share experiences and perhaps teach and learn something in the university of life. An inaugural meeting for anyone interested will take place on Friday 6th February at 7 pm in the small hall. Francis, a seasoned rallying mechanic will give an audio-visual presentation on rallying across central Europe and North Africa. Light beverages will be available.
By Webmaster
•
February 1, 2026
If you haven’t already done so, but would still like to commit to praying a decade of the Rosary each day during January, then please do put your initial or a tick in one of the boxes on the ‘Rosary Circle’ chart in the church porch. 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 January, 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.
Parish Events
OUR EVENTS CALENDAR
Remember to check our events calendar for all of the activities happening within the parish