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
•
August 3, 2026
If you are going into hospital for elective surgery and having a general anaesthetic then you should celebrate the Sacrament of the Sick , or indeed in the case of old age, serious illness or great sickness. Remember also, that going in to hospital you have to request to see a priest during your stay. If you would like the Sacrament of the Sick, please speak to Fr. Ian to arrange this. (See also the Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraphs 1514 to 1521) A reminder also, that because of data protection , if you wish to see a Catholic priest while in hospital or, indeed, any other minister of religion, you have to tell the ward staff and make the request; in the case of someone not being able to express such a request, the next of kin or power of attorney can do so on the individuals behalf.
By Webmaster
•
August 3, 2026
Ahead of the Second Reading and vote in the House of Commons for the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life Bill) on Friday 11 September, the Communications Directorate of the Bishops' Conference has produced a poster to encourage Catholics to write to their MPs. The poster has a scannable QR code, that is linked to the Oppose Assisted Suicide section on the Bishops' Conference website. The page can also be found at: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/opposing-assisted-suicide/ . The page has various resources, copies of statements and guidance on writing to your MP. A useful video to watch, from SPUC can be found at:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mf2OCZ1OrT4
By Webmaster
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August 1, 2026
Fr. Charles Howell will be taking a sabbatical as of the autumn and there is no priest to take his place! As a consequence, there will have to be adjustments of Mass times across all of the churches in the existing Epsom Deanery so that Mass will continue to be offered at both Fetcham and Effingham. Various scenarios have been suggested but nothing definite has been decided as yet, however, we do need to be prepared for a change in Mass times at the weekend. This is the ‘account of the conversation that clergy have had’ mentioned above. Do see the deanery newsletter for further details.
By Webmaster
•
August 3, 2026
Since our parish meeting 18 months ago the parish core team has been busy in various ways, and with Fr. Charles Howell leaving Fetcham and Effingham, it would be worthwhile to share what has been happening. To such an end, there will be an open parish meeting on Sunday 6th September after the 10.00 am Mass. The agenda will consist of a finance report, the work which the core team has been doing and the changes within the existing Epsom Deanery to facilitate the pastoral provision of Sunday Mass for the parish of Effingham and Fetcham. An additional concern to be addressed is the request from the Diocese, is the need for about 12 people to be trained in First Aid, assistance to cope with ‘bad weather conditions’ and ‘fire wardens’ in the event of such emergencies.
By Webmaster
•
August 3, 2026
Ahead of the Second Reading and vote in the House of Commons for the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life Bill) on Friday 11 September, the Communications Directorate of the Bishops' Conference has produced a poster to encourage Catholics to write to their MPs. The poster has a scannable QR code, that is linked to the Oppose Assisted Suicide section on the Bishops' Conference website. The page can also be found at: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/opposing-assisted-suicide/ . The page has various resources, copies of statements and guidance on writing to your MP. A useful video to watch, from SPUC can be found at:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mf2OCZ1OrT4
By Webmaster
•
August 1, 2026
A reminder to parents of the changes to school admissions policies where schools, such as St. Andrew’s, Leatherhead, are over-subscribed. PLEASE SEE THE DETAIL on the parish web-site at: https://www.sjcc.org.uk/schools A certificate of Catholic practice, will now, likely be required, such certificate can only be given where there is weekly attendance at Mass for at least two years.
By Webmaster
•
August 1, 2026
Fr. Charles Howell will be taking a sabbatical as of the autumn and there is no priest to take his place! As a consequence, there will have to be adjustments of Mass times across all of the churches in the existing Epsom Deanery so that Mass will continue to be offered at both Fetcham and Effingham. Various scenarios have been suggested but nothing definite has been decided as yet, however, we do need to be prepared for a change in Mass times at the weekend. This is the ‘account of the conversation that clergy have had’ mentioned above. Do see the deanery newsletter for further details.
By Webmaster
•
July 26, 2026
Last weekend (26 July), Angus, one of our parishioners was joined by two other Catenians & talked about the work they do and to invite others to join. If you would like to know more, do have a look at:- The Catenians
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
•
August 3, 2026
If you are going into hospital for elective surgery and having a general anaesthetic then you should celebrate the Sacrament of the Sick , or indeed in the case of old age, serious illness or great sickness. Remember also, that going in to hospital you have to request to see a priest during your stay. If you would like the Sacrament of the Sick, please speak to Fr. Ian to arrange this. (See also the Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraphs 1514 to 1521) A reminder also, that because of data protection , if you wish to see a Catholic priest while in hospital or, indeed, any other minister of religion, you have to tell the ward staff and make the request; in the case of someone not being able to express such a request, the next of kin or power of attorney can do so on the individuals behalf.
By Webmaster
•
August 3, 2026
Ahead of the Second Reading and vote in the House of Commons for the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life Bill) on Friday 11 September, the Communications Directorate of the Bishops' Conference has produced a poster to encourage Catholics to write to their MPs. The poster has a scannable QR code, that is linked to the Oppose Assisted Suicide section on the Bishops' Conference website. The page can also be found at: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/opposing-assisted-suicide/ . The page has various resources, copies of statements and guidance on writing to your MP. A useful video to watch, from SPUC can be found at:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mf2OCZ1OrT4
By Webmaster
•
August 1, 2026
Fr. Charles Howell will be taking a sabbatical as of the autumn and there is no priest to take his place! As a consequence, there will have to be adjustments of Mass times across all of the churches in the existing Epsom Deanery so that Mass will continue to be offered at both Fetcham and Effingham. Various scenarios have been suggested but nothing definite has been decided as yet, however, we do need to be prepared for a change in Mass times at the weekend. This is the ‘account of the conversation that clergy have had’ mentioned above. Do see the deanery newsletter for further details.
By Webmaster
•
July 27, 2026
Thankyou: - To all those who helped with the 40th anniversary celebrations last weekend, to the cake maker, those who organised the food and set up the hall and those who assisted with hospitality for our visitors. To the next forty!
Please check the current newsletter for any changes to mass times
By Webmaster
•
August 1, 2026
Application forms for the next academic 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 11th October 2026, 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, 2027/2028. 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 by joining with the rest of the believing community! Mass is not as complete as it should be when people are not there…..’I ask you, my brothers and sisters….’
By Webmaster
•
May 18, 2026
Our prayers and congratulations to the young people who were Confirmed recently at St. Joseph’s, Epsom:- Joe, Maks, Nadia, Joshua, Amelia, Sofia, Mark, Adam, Amelia and Karol. We pray they will deepen in their love of God, mature in their faith and be true witnesses of Christ in the world, all the days of their lives.
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
•
August 3, 2026
Since our parish meeting 18 months ago the parish core team has been busy in various ways, and with Fr. Charles Howell leaving Fetcham and Effingham, it would be worthwhile to share what has been happening. To such an end, there will be an open parish meeting on Sunday 6th September after the 10.00 am Mass. The agenda will consist of a finance report, the work which the core team has been doing and the changes within the existing Epsom Deanery to facilitate the pastoral provision of Sunday Mass for the parish of Effingham and Fetcham. An additional concern to be addressed is the request from the Diocese, is the need for about 12 people to be trained in First Aid, assistance to cope with ‘bad weather conditions’ and ‘fire wardens’ in the event of such emergencies.
By Webmaster
•
August 3, 2026
Ahead of the Second Reading and vote in the House of Commons for the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life Bill) on Friday 11 September, the Communications Directorate of the Bishops' Conference has produced a poster to encourage Catholics to write to their MPs. The poster has a scannable QR code, that is linked to the Oppose Assisted Suicide section on the Bishops' Conference website. The page can also be found at: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/opposing-assisted-suicide/ . The page has various resources, copies of statements and guidance on writing to your MP. A useful video to watch, from SPUC can be found at:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mf2OCZ1OrT4
By Webmaster
•
August 1, 2026
A reminder to parents of the changes to school admissions policies where schools, such as St. Andrew’s, Leatherhead, are over-subscribed. PLEASE SEE THE DETAIL on the parish web-site at: https://www.sjcc.org.uk/schools A certificate of Catholic practice, will now, likely be required, such certificate can only be given where there is weekly attendance at Mass for at least two years.
By Webmaster
•
August 1, 2026
Fr. Charles Howell will be taking a sabbatical as of the autumn and there is no priest to take his place! As a consequence, there will have to be adjustments of Mass times across all of the churches in the existing Epsom Deanery so that Mass will continue to be offered at both Fetcham and Effingham. Various scenarios have been suggested but nothing definite has been decided as yet, however, we do need to be prepared for a change in Mass times at the weekend. This is the ‘account of the conversation that clergy have had’ mentioned above. Do see the deanery newsletter for further details.
Latest News
Prayers of the Saints
Important Notices
By Webmaster
•
August 2, 2026
We are looking for more people to join us in the music group for the 10am Mass on Sunday’s, as well as for the important Church Celebrations and Holy days. We usually play every fortnight (with a break in the summer), but you don’t have to be available every week to be involved. Musicians need to be reasonably confident with their instrument, but please just come and have a chat to explore matters further. Singers too, are very welcome! And are there any organists out there who might want to play sometimes? If you have a teenager doing D of E joining the music group to sing or play can also count as your ‘Volunteering task’! We hope to have an informal practice – probably in September as an opportunity to get a sense of things and also have some fun making music together. Please speak to Gabrielle or anyone else in the Music Group after Mass, or email gabrielle.musictherapy@gmail.com . or chat to or email Vinita . vmgoveas@hotmail.com
By Webmaster
•
July 5, 2026
CHILDREN’S LITURGY at the 10.00 am Sunday Mass The last children’s liturgy for this academic year is next Sunday, July 12th at the 10 am Mass. As we come to the end of the academic year, we would like to warmly invite all children and parents to join us for a Children’s Liturgy picnic on Sunday 12th July, after the 10.00 am Mass. This is a lovely opportunity to come together and celebrate the children’s journey in faith over the past year. Everyone is very welcome. Please bring a picnic blanket and any food you would like to enjoy. Sandwiches and drinks will be provided for the children. See you then!
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
•
August 1, 2026
Application forms for the next academic 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 11th October 2026, 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, 2027/2028. 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 by joining with the rest of the believing community! Mass is not as complete as it should be when people are not there…..’I ask you, my brothers and sisters….’
By Webmaster
•
August 1, 2026
Saturday 12th September - Ride & Stride. Join the fun with a sponsored walk/cycle around our local churches to raise funds for Surrey Churches Preservation Trust and St. Joseph's. Full details to follow. Supporting this event will help to raise funds, some of which we, hope, will go towards the recent cost of our own church roof repair.
By Webmaster
•
August 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 February, 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 February, 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
•
August 1, 2026
GETTINNG MARRIED:- Just a line to remind any couples intending to marry that the Diocese requires that 12 months’ notice is given to the local priest, so that marriage preparation can be undertaken. At this moment in time, therefore, the end of July 2027 is the earliest any wedding could take place.
By Webmaster
•
August 1, 2026
Application forms for the next academic 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 11th October 2026, 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, 2027/2028. 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 by joining with the rest of the believing community! Mass is not as complete as it should be when people are not there…..’I ask you, my brothers and sisters….’
By Webmaster
•
August 1, 2026
Saturday 12th September - Ride & Stride. Join the fun with a sponsored walk/cycle around our local churches to raise funds for Surrey Churches Preservation Trust and St. Joseph's. Full details to follow. Supporting this event will help to raise funds, some of which we, hope, will go towards the recent cost of our own church roof repair.
By Webmaster
•
August 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 February, 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 February, 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