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. 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.
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
Diocesan Pastoral Plan: -Having heard on Friday, 19th December, that Bishop Richard Moth has been appointed as the Archbishop of Westminster, the Episcopal seat of the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton has become vacant and therefore, until a new bishop is appointed, the pastoral plan, as with many other elements of diocesan life, has to be ‘put on hold.’ At the present time, those who have been involved on behalf of the existing parishes in the structuring of the new Epsom deanery wide parish, will meet on Monday 5th January for a time of prayer and reflection as we await developments. Your understanding in these matters is much appreciated. For the present, to pray for Archbishop-elect Richard Moth and for his successor in our own diocese.