PARISH NEWS ARTICLES

Deanery news! The next edition of the Deanery newsletter is below and includes a report on recent events and discussions, information on forthcoming events around the Deanery, clergy biographies, and more. Lent Reconciliation Service: Bishop Richard is visiting each Deanery to celebrate Reconciliation Services and will be coming to the Epsom Deanery on Tuesday 25th March, 7pm, at St Michael’s, Ashtead. In the first Epsom Deanery Newsletter last Autumn, I wrote about the initial steps we were taking in response to Bishop Richard’s Call to Mission, as we committed ourselves to putting his Pastoral Plan into effect in this area. In this issue, you can read about some of the meetings that have happened, some actions that are taking place in the coming weeks and months, and about plans that are beginning to form for the longer term; and, most importantly, about how each person can get involved.  Please view the full newsletter below:

Government coffers, welfare reform, fertility rates, 57 years on and the Assisted Dying Bill: The domestic headlines this week indicate there is not enough money in the Central Government coffers, without mention of local authorities, council tax, bin collections and the potholes in the roads! Consequently, welfare reform has been announced so that available funds can be more prudently spent. The funds are not there because of increased cost / overheads, an ageing population, creating increased demands and therefore, cost, on the NHS. Fertility rates are at the lowest levels ever, (not least of all, because of housing costs). As the fertility rates become lower the working population will become smaller, so there will be fewer tax payers and therefore even less money going into Government coffers while cost continue to rise. (Consider China’s so called ‘one child policy’, the politics may be different but the impact will be the same.) Since the Abortion Act came in to force in the 1960’s with its ‘safeguard’ of 2 medical practitioners allowing for a pregnancy to be ‘terminated’ have been eroded (Evidenced by being able to purchase the ‘morning after pill’ via the internet; one high street supplier, at least, indicating ‘for future use’ so, hardly ‘emergency’). Given the erosion of such ‘safeguards’ over 57 years in that arena, what of 57 years hence and the future with the ‘Assisted Dying Bill’? If, as has been spoken about, the judiciary is not in place to oversee that due, correct and legal process is adhered to by all concerned, but rather anonymous ‘experts’ (whose dispositions of mind and heart may not be known) and whose subjective involvement in each ‘case of assistance’ might obscure their oversight, what reassurances will there be in another 50 years that those who are regarded as a ‘burden’ or who see themselves as such, against involuntary euthanasia? If there is an ever-diminishing economic situation with ever rising costs and an on-going erosion of any sense of human dignity, the Bill cannot be seen to guarantee to provide against involuntary euthanasia some 50 years hence. Consider also, the number of high-profile cases, whereby, for whatever reasons, ‘officialdom’ has seen a catastrophic failure in the ‘duty of care’. Such high-profile cases point to the fact that a single High Court Judge, retired or otherwise, will not have the capacity to head up a commission to oversee every case of ‘assisted dying’ which is offered up by a plethora of local authorities and its team of “experts”. An article in Saturday’s ‘Telegraph’ by Ollie Corfe, quoting Liz Emerson, of the ‘Intergenerational Foundation’, helps to illustrate concerns about how economics will impact on the ‘Assisted Dying Bill’ should it become law: “Older generations’ wilful disregard for the very real economic plight experienced by younger generations may be driving these intergenerational tensions. “In the 1970s, a home could be bought with a mortgage around three times a person’s annual income. Today’s house prices demand seven times annual incomes outside London and twelve times income in the capital.” (See: The ‘uncomfortable truth’ behind wealth-hoarding boomers )

THE SEASON OF LENT:- During Lent there will be Stations of the Cross on Friday evening at 7.00 pm WE DARE TO HOPE Lent Study Group: Our Lent Study Group focuses on the virtue of Christian Hope. Looking at five episodes in the life of Jesus with beautiful reflections and prayers by a group of Dominican Sisters, everyone is welcome to attend. It will run for five weeks from Tuesday March 18th starting at 11.00am in St. Joseph’s hall. Meetings will last around 75 mins  Begins on Wednesday, 5th March, so we should be thinking and praying about what to do during this penitential season, both for our own conversion, to conform ourselves more readily to the person of Christ Jesus, but also for the conversion of the world. Perhaps rather than giving things up we should take things on! Maybe coming to weekday Mass, praying the Stations of the Cross or praying the Rosary or a decade of the Rosary as a family. Perhaps we could take on some Scriptural or spiritual reading, looking at the readings for Sunday Mass or reading about the life of a saint, perhaps after whom, we are named! We might like to commit to spiritual exercises and prayer for a particular individual, that they may return to the practice of their faith Should we be giving things up for Lent, we should not make our abstinence someone else’s penance! This means that if giving something up is going to make us miserable and unbearable for others, then we should do something else. Of course, in our modern era, we might give up 'social media', computer gaming or 'window shopping' on the internet! If we are giving things up, the money saved should be given to charity, and thereby become 'a more pleasing offering to the Lord'. Remember, Lenten self -denial is not about losing weight or improving our lung or liver function, but it is about uniting ourselves with the Passion of our Lord and making an effort to conform ourselves more fully to His person. Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting and abstinence, i.e. no meat or indulgent food, simply enough for the day. There will be Stations of the Cross on Friday evening at 7.00 pm during Lent WE DARE TO HOPE Lent Study Group: Our Lent Study Group focuses on the virtue of Christian Hope. Looking at five episodes in the life of Jesus with beautiful reflections and prayers by a group of Dominican Sisters, this is a national programme published by the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales and everyone is welcome to attend. It will run for five weeks from Tuesday March 18th starting at 11.00am in St. Joseph’s hall. Meetings will last around 75 mins

Diocesan Pastoral Plan: PULPIT SWAP! This weekend we welcome Fr. Chris Bergin, who is to be the moderator of the new enlarged parish of what at present, is the Epsom Deanery . Doubtless Fr. Chris will be happy to talk about the pastoral plan, but do remember he is not the architect, but rather, a foreman, working on site! So be gentle with him. The ‘ad-hoc core team’ are meeting after the 10.00 Mass his weekend to consider the resources, skills and abililities parishioners have offered to share. Our thanks for the on-going work and prayer that so many have undertaken for the local Church of today and the future. Previous News No, not an architectural exchange! As a move to a sense of the larger parish and fewer clergy, next weekend, Fr. Ian will be celebrating the Masses at St. Clement’s, Ewell, while Fr. Chris Bergin, the parish moderator for Epsom, will be offering the Masses here and Fr. Alexander Lucie-Smith will be offering the Masses at St. Michael’s, Ashstead. The object of the exercise is that the clergy faces become know across what is the Epsom Deanery and the good people of God become a little more familiar to the clergy. This coming week, those who have offered to be involved in children’s liturgy will be meeting to discuss a way forward.

CAFOD Lenten Family Fast Day:- Is this coming Friday, when we are invited to live in simplicity that day and have a sense of the hunger which so many across the world experience each day. Through such fasting and abstinence, we, hopefully have a greater sense of the poverty experienced by so many. Whatever money we save on food etc that day, we are invited to contribute to the work of CAFOD the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development in a second collection next weekend.

Mass and Meet:- Please note that Mass on Friday, 7th March is at 12.00 noon followed by a light lunch in the hall, to which everyone is invited.

The Bethlehem Nativity Group is a small enterprise of Christian families in Bethlehem which endeavours to bring Holy Land gifts, particularly hand carved olive wood items, to us, here in the UK, Germany and America. They will be visiting St. Joseph’s parish NEXT WEEKEND, 22nd-23rd February, offering olive wood carvings and other artifacts for sale. Items that you may purchase will go directly to supporting the Christians of Bethlehem, now, the few guardians of the Holy City. Many thanks

Assisted Dying Bill:- Media reports suggest that the Cross Party Select Committee for the ‘Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill’ have extensively consulted with apparent witnesses or experts who favour assisted dying, having little consultation with any who might oppose the Bill. According to Alithea Williams, from SPUC, amongst the experts, an American doctor, and advocate of assisted suicide, “suggested that being a “burden” was enough reason to die. One doctor even said that it should be a "felony" for loved ones to “interfere with a patient’s right to make this choice”.” (see:-Pro-life advocates in UK say assisted suicide Bill ‘protections’ already being lowered | Crux ) When the Bill was tabled for a vote in Nov 2024, paragraph 12 of the Bill made very clear that a High Court Judge was to ensure that in each situation due diligence and the Law was to be followed and that the Law be adhered to; see section 12 (5) to (11) of the Bill at: Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. Reports suggest that this judicial element, scrutiny by a High Court Judge could be lost. Many of the assurances which were initially given that the UK Law on ‘assisted dying’ would be the strictest in the world are fast eroding, which should be cause for grave concern – particularly with a view to 50 or 60 years hence and your great, great grandchildren who will be making decisions about anyone who is presently 10 to 25 years of age. If such a Bill becomes Law at this time, there is little hope for anyone in the not so distant future. To counter this culture of death and to promote a gospel of life, please support the petition from SPUC at YES to our hospices, NO to assisted suicide – SPUC (it is what it states) asking the Government to do more to support the hospice movement and the work done by everyone involved in palliative care. Again, to encourage you to write to your MP at the House of Commons, asking them to oppose the Assisted Dying Bill and to support funding etc for the hospice movement. The MP for Dorking and Horley is Chris Coughlan (Lib Dem)

Deanery news! The next edition of the Deanery newsletter is scheduled for 8th/9th March, the 1st Sunday of Lent, and will include a report on recent events and discussions, information on forthcoming events around the Deanery, clergy biographies, and more. Lent Reconciliation Service: Bishop Richard is visiting each Deanery to celebrate Reconciliation Services and will be coming to the Epsom Deanery on Tuesday 25th March, 7pm, at St Michael’s, Ashtead. At the Deanery Clergy Meeting, it was agreed that, as a sign of our working towards greater collaboration, this would replace all other Lenten Reconciliation Services. There are, of course, the regular opportunities for Reconciliation in each community, and the opportunity for Reconciliation at the Deanery Retreat Days. Holy Hour: Bishop Richard has asked that each Deanery pray for the Diocese in a monthly Holy Hour of Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. We’ll do this on the first Friday of each month, from 5pm to 6pm, at St Michael’s, Ashtead, including the Rosary, Scripture Reflection and Benediction. All are very welcome. Pulpit swaps : although the regular relationship between people and their clergy is one to be treasured, given that the clergy will be working as one team, it seems a good idea, every now and again, to see (and get to know a little) the other priests of the Deanery. So you may notice a ‘Pulpit Swap’ coming to a community near you! (We’ll start with priests, and then later, do a ‘Deacon swap’.)

Assisted Dying Bill:- Media reports this week suggest that the Cross Party Select Committee for the ‘Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill’ have extensively consulted with apparent witnesses or experts who favour assisted dying, having little consultation with any who might oppose the Bill. According to Alithea Williams, from SPUC, amongst the experts, an American doctor, and advocate of assisted suicide, “suggested that being a “burden” was enough reason to die. One doctor even said that it should be a "felony" for loved ones to “interfere with a patient’s right to make this choice”.” (see:-Pro-life advocates in UK say assisted suicide Bill ‘protections’ already being lowered | Crux ) When the Bill was tabled for a vote in Nov 2024, paragraph 12 of the Bill made very clear that a High Court Judge was to ensure that in each situation due diligence and the Law was to be followed and that the Law be adhered to; see section 12 (5) to (11) of the Bill at: Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. Reports suggest that this judicial element, scrutiny by a High Court Judge could be lost. Many of the assurances which were initially given that the UK Law on ‘assisted dying’ would be the strictest in the world are fast eroding, which should be cause for grave concern – particularly with a view to 50 or 60 years hence and your great, great grandchildren who will be making decisions about anyone who is presently 10 to 25 years of age. If such a Bill becomes Law at this time, there is little hope for anyone in the not so distant future. In a broader context, consider these matters in the light of a dwindling population, (currently 1.45 instead of the 2.1 reproductive rate needed to sustain a population, see: ONS under people and population) and therefore, less money going into the public purse, (fewer workers and therefore fewer tax payers) with ever increasing demands on that public purse, (not a few Councils have declared or will be declaring bankruptcy, cut backs on refuse collection are also a current example) and an aging population, this Bill, should it become Law, will only become coercive, and if the American doctor gets his or her way, a ‘felony’ on your part, could well be committed. So, again, pleas write to your MP at the House of Commons, asking them to oppose the Bill. The MP for Dorking and Horley is Chris Coughlan (Lib Dem)

Diocesan Pastoral Plan: Once again, our thanks to all those who have put forward their details to help with the changing landscape of the local church. Those details have now been collated and the ‘pro temp core group’ met during this last week to assist in identifying who might be ‘teamed’ with who, and matters progressed. Those who have offered to help will receive or will have received an e-mail acknowledging and thanking them for their assistance. Such a general e-mail will also include the names of the temporary ‘core team’ members, who have been delegated to contact those of you who have offered to help in the various arenas, so as to bring the differing skill sets and people together. This ‘phase’ will bring individuals together in a ‘group’ meeting which will have both a ‘social’ and ‘business’ element, the latter, in terms of what individuals are prepared to offer within the bounds of their broader responsibilities and commitments. On Tuesday there will be the first Deanery clergy meeting of the year and doubtless, there will be some ‘feedback’ on developments, expectations etc. Previous Updates------ Diocesan Pastoral Plan: Thanks to all those who have put forward their details to help with the changing landscape of the local church by filling in the forms, which are still available, should you be able to help in some way. Given the shortage of priests and the amalgamation of the Deaneries of the Diocese into single or ‘a moderated parish’, it is important that we are pro-active in assembling a ‘core team’ to take care of local administration but also to contribute to and be a model for effective evangelisation. The purpose of a ‘core team’ will be to help oversee and manage the different elements or strands of the local Church community and to liaise with local clergy and the other local ‘core teams’ and the priest administrator to best effect the proclamation of the Gospel and to support best pastoral practice. Having had a break after Christmas, Fr. Ian will now be looking more closely at the forms which have been returned, with a view to gathering a ‘core team’ together; obviously this is something which requires prayer and thought, so please keep this matter in both. Just to repeat, that concerned as we are to ‘cast our net wide’ in regard to how you might be able to support the changing local Church, if you have not filled in a form, requesting basic information about you and any manner you might be willing to help, please do so. Help in the life of the local Church, could be through prayer, liturgy (children’s especially), sacramental and catechetical preparation; support with parish social life and particular groups of people, such as the housebound, toddler, youth, men’ / women’s group, the ‘highly mortgaged group’ or perhaps your support could be more in terms of administration, property fabric and maintenance; please indicate any area you could help with. Many thanks. Yes, there is the immediate, but what about the longer term and bigger picture, encouraging vocation in the broadest sense to marriage, priesthood and religious life? As a community are we seminal in nurturing and encouraging all of our young in the love of God, in responding to His call (vocation) and in living their lives for Christ? If the harvest is to be reaped, we have to be the labourers. Put another way, what spiritual legacy will we leave the world? Diocesan Pastoral Plan: Our thanks to all those who have given time and thought towards our meeting this Sunday! It is hoped that we can outline something of the considerable change that has come about over the years in parochial life, not least, in terms of administrative demands, of which many people will be unaware! ‘What the eye doesn’t see, the heart doesn’t grieve’ however, we do need to look at and give consideration to a number of arenas with a view to forming a ‘core group’ of parishioners who will assist in overseeing the many elements of parish life, consequent, in part, on the decline in the number of priests. There may well be areas about which you have thoughts/ideas/ skills and abilities and other areas about which you are perhaps unaware or would not wish to be concerned or involved with and other things which are in between, besides! Essentially concerns are twofold, administrative and pastoral, you may have skills and aptitude in one area more so than another, but continued and further contribution to parish life in either area would be very much appreciated. The objective of our meeting this weekend is to be able to demonstrate the need for a core group / pastoral council to oversee the different ‘layers’ of parish life with a view to making both representation and contribution to the ‘moderated parish’ of the not too distant future. The different ‘layers’ will be responsible for different aspects of parish life, whether spiritual / liturgical, catechetical, pastoral (in a very broad sense), property maintenance, financial, administrative as well as other areas. Following the words of today’s second reading, we should be encouraged to use our variety of gifts in continuing to contribute ever more generously to the life of the Church, mindful of Mary’s words in the gospel ‘Do whatever He tells you.’ Growing the Church requires all kinds of talents, including yours, so do let your light shine, encouraging, supporting and being seminal in Her life in Dorking and surrounding areas. Previous news ------- Diocesan Pastoral Plan: Following on from the parish meeting on the 8th December, it would be helpful to have a gathering of persons who are concerned to further the discussion early in the New Year, with a view to enhancing the existing infrastructure. Given feedback on the day and the time, we will meet on Sunday 19th January after the 10.00 am Mass. To focus our thoughts and discussion, please have a look at the ‘buff coloured’ sheet / PDF (via e-mail) there is a non-exhaustive list of areas of concern (compiled by parishioners) for you to consider and perhaps make contribution, prior to the meeting. There may well be areas about which you have thoughts/ideas/ skills and abilities and other areas about which you are perhaps unaware or would not wish to be concerned or involved with and other things which are in between, besides! Essentially concerns are twofold, administrative and pastoral, you may have skills and aptitude in one area more so than another, but continued and further contribution to parish life in either area would be very much appreciated. The objective of a January meeting would be to be able to establish a core group / pastoral council to oversee the different elements of parish life with a view to making representation for the ‘moderated parish’. Growing the Church requires all kinds of talents, including yours, so do let your light shine, encouraging, supporting and being seminal in Her life in Dorking and surrounding areas.

Parish Youth Group:- A reminder that any young people of secondary school age are welcome to meet in the church hall on Friday afternoon from 4pm onwards. Tea and toast, or if the preference is for cheese pizza, will be available. An opportunity to meet informally, ask questions and have the opportunity to grow in faith, then to end the working week with the ‘Night Prayer of the Church’ at 5.45.

Society for the Protection of the Unborn Child:- Our thanks to all those of you who supported the collection last weekend which realised £184.50. Do, please continue to keep their work by your prayers and in any other way you can.

The Jubilee Year and Prayer The Holy Father has proclaimed 2025 as a Jubilee Year, a sacred time of renewal, reflection, and grace celebrated every 25 years. With the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” this Jubilee invites all Catholics to embark on a journey of faith and transformation. The Pope’s letter, announcing the Jubilee in 2022, can be found at: Letter of the Holy Father to H.E. Msgr. Rino Fisichella for the Jubilee 2025 (11 February 2022) | Francis The Jubilee Prayer  Father in heaven, may the faith you have given us in your Son, Jesus Christ, our brother, and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your Kingdom. May your grace transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel. May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos in the sure expectation of a new heaven and a new earth, when, with the powers of Evil vanquished, your glory will shine eternally. May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the treasures of heaven. May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer throughout the earth. To you our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise for ever. Amen

New Lectionary: Having had the new translation of the Scripture for the last few weeks, just to remind you that the readings in all liturgies will no longer be from the Jerusalem Bible but the ‘English Standard Version- Catholic Edition’ should you wish to acquire a copy, while we await both the Sunday and Weekday people’s versions of the Missal. There is a sample copy of the ‘people’s version of the Sunday readings’, available in the repository and copies can be ordered for you, however, for the weekday readings, that is, the daily missal, will not be available until April 2025.

Immediate Parish needs:- There are a number of practical and pastoral concerns which need to be attended to, aside from any pastoral plans! Church cleaning: At present there are two people cleaning the church each week, one of whom is in their 80’s, and, who, with all due respect, should be having a somewhat more relaxed time of life. I couple of groups of four people, cleaning the church every other week, would see the job done in less than an hour. If you can wield a broom, a dust pan and brush or even a vacuum cleaner, and could help, please let Fr. Ian know with some contact details. First Holy Communion catechetical assistance: at the present time we have no-one assisting with this, so help on a Thursday afternoon especially, from 3.30 to 5 pm would be very much appreciated. A DBS check, via the Diocesan Safeguarding Team would have to be undertaken, but the process should be much quicker now. Children’s liturgy at the 10 am Sunday Mass. A number of people have offered to help with this, so, it would be a good idea to meet and discuss what is involved and to ascertain people’s willingness to undertake such matters. SO, watch out for a date for a meeting, probably a Sunday morning, after the 10 am Mass. As has been said, we have not had a children’s liturgy for a number of months now, and it would be greatly appreciated by a number of parents. If you feel you would be able to help with this, then those who have assisted before, will surely be able to pass on something of their abilities and experience to help with this. Again, assistance with children’s liturgy would require DBS checks be made, something the Diocese would undertake for the parish..

Holy hour: This Thursday at 7 pm in the church there will be Eucharistic Adoration with the opportunity to reflect on the Gospel for the following Sunday, a time of silence and reflective music and finishing with praying the Rosary. Please feel free to attend for the whole hour or drop in as you are able The Gospel reflection will present some prompt questions as follows reflection. 'What does this tell us about God?' 'What does this tell us about ourselves?' 'What action is it calling us to take?' 'Who should we try to share it with?' After the 3rd reading of the scripture passage there will be a longer period of silence with one or two short periods of reflective music and prayer. The final 20 mins or so would be given to praying the Rosary.

Unto us a child is born, he is Christ, the Lord Wishing you all a Happy and Holy Christmas

Parish Christmas Buffet Lunch A big than you to all those who organised the lunch, the scribes, the shoppers, the cooks, chefs, waiters, waitresses, venue organisers and everyone who helped out in any way whatsoever.