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 Facility
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 £30 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
•
January 4, 2026
Tuesday is the Twelfth Day of Christmas and the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, a Holy Day of Obligation. Mass will be offered at 9.30 am and 7.30 pm
January 3, 2026
My sincere thanks to you for your Christmas offering details of which we would hope to publish soon. Many of you sent very beautiful and thoughtfully chosen Christmas cards, and gave gifts of wine, biscuits, chocolates and cakes, such tokens of your kindness are very much appreciated.  On behalf of the parish, may I also take this opportunity to thank all those who help in the running of different areas of parish life, the sacristans, bookkeeper, altar servers, the church cleaners, the flower arrangers, special ministers of Holy Communion, readers, money counters, the gift aid organiser, those who attend to the church and hall grounds and those who have taken care of odd jobs here and there. Thanks also to rota organisers, choir and musicians, hymn choosers and catechist. Thanks to Mel, who for so many years has kept the hall clean and tidy and to Maria, who has taken so readily to the role of parish secretary. Lastly, apologies to anyone I have overlooked or missed out, as doubtless I will have, and so, a special thanks to you! Once again, my thanks to all of you, for your kindness and generosity with the Christmas offering. (Fr. Ian)
December 27, 2025
Dear brothers and sisters, “Let us all rejoice in the Lord, for our Savior has been born in the world. Today, true peace has come down to us from heaven” (Entrance Antiphon, Christmas Mass during the Night). Thus sings the liturgy on Christmas night, and the announcement of Bethlehem resounds in the Church: the Child born of the Virgin Mary is Christ the Lord, sent by the Father to save us from sin and death. Indeed, he is our peace; he has conquered hatred and enmity through God’s merciful love. For this reason, “the Lord’s birth is the birth of peace” (Saint Leo the Great, Sermon 26). Jesus was born in a stable because there was no room for him in the inn. As soon as he was born, his mother Mary “wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger” (cf. Lk 2:7). The Son of God, through whom all things were created, was not welcomed, and a poor manger for animals was his crib. The eternal Word of the Father whom the heavens cannot contain chose to come into the world in this way. Out of love, he wanted to be born of a woman and so share our humanity; out of love, he accepted poverty and rejection, identifying himself with those who are discarded and excluded…………… Jesus Christ is our peace first of all because he frees us from sin, and also because he shows us the way to overcome conflicts — all conflicts, whether interpersonal or international. Without a heart freed from sin, a heart that has been forgiven, we cannot be men and women of peace or builders of peace. This is why Jesus was born in Bethlehem and died on the cross: to free us from sin. He is the Savior. With his grace, we can and must each do our part to reject hatred, violence and opposition, and to practice dialogue, peace and reconciliation. On this day of celebration, I wish to send a warm and fatherly greeting to all Christians, especially those living in the Middle East, whom I recently visited on my first Apostolic Journey. I listened to them as they expressed their fears and know well their sense of powerlessness before the power dynamics that overwhelm them. The Child born today in Bethlehem is the same Jesus who says: “In me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33).  From God let us ask for justice, peace and stability for Lebanon, Palestine, Israel and Syria, trusting in these divine words: “The effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust for ever” (Is 32:17). Let us entrust the entire European continent to the Prince of Peace, asking him to continue to inspire a spirit of community and cooperation, in fidelity to its Christian roots and history, and in solidarity with – and acceptance of – those in need. Let us pray in a particular way for the tormented people of Ukraine: may the clamour of weapons cease, and may the parties involved, with the support and commitment of the international community, find the courage to engage in sincere, direct and respectful dialogue.
January 3, 2026
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.
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
By Webmaster
•
November 22, 2025
Charity Christmas Cards Various charities, one of which is, ‘Aid to the Church in Need’ (a charity which particularly supports the persecuted Church) produce beautiful Christmas cards, with both Greek icons and Renaissance images of the Nativity, which are available for you to purchase in the narthex / lobby/ church porch. Purchasing their cards supports the persecuted Church and reminds all of us, that it is the Christmas Season into which we will be entering after Advent. P.S. when buying stamps for your Christmas cards, do ask for the ‘Christmas stamps’ in doing so, others, over-hearing your request, will be reminded of the reason for the season. Christmas cards & cribs This weekend, 29th November and next, 6th December, the parish ‘Christmas’ repository will be selling items in the parish hall after the Masses. If you don’t have a Christmas crib for the family this would be an opportunity to buy one to use as a ‘centre piece’ at home, perhaps adding figures to it, year by year. Your purchases will support the work of ‘Aid to the Church in Need’, their work in the Holy Land and those parts of the world where the Church is supressed.
By Webmaster
•
November 11, 2025
Bishop Richard: “For many of us, when we think of Rome, we think of St Peter’s Basilica. In a Jubilee Year such as this, the entry through the Holy Door of St Peter’s is a high point of any pilgrimage. It is from the Apostolic Palace, next to St Peter’s , that the Holy Father makes his Angelus addresses and it is there that the public audiences take place, as well as significant celebrations in the life of the Church: canonisations, the inaugurations of new popes and the requiem Masses for deceased popes.  Yet it is the Lateran Basilica, built originally by the Emperor Constantine, that is described as “the mother and head of all the churches of the City and the World.” It is the Cathedral Church of Rome, and popes lived in the Lateran Palace for hundreds of years. It is the Pope’s Cathedral, for he is the Bishop of Rome. It is for this reason that the whole Church celebrates this feast. It is a celebration of our unity with the Holy Father, the successor of St Peter.”
By Webmaster
•
October 7, 2025
Please donate to our Family Fast Day parish collection to share God’s abundant gifts with our global neighbours as they find lasting solutions to poverty and climate challenges. Your generosity offers “signs of hope” in this Jubilee Year, helping build more water tanks in communities like Waré’s in Ethiopia where people have to walk for hours to get water. Use the CAFOD envelope in church, donate online at cafod.org.uk/envelope or call 0303 303 3030. You can also text CAFOD to 70560 to donate £10.
Fr. Ian Prayer requests: Please remember those who are sick in your daily prayers: please pray for our recently bereaved
By Webmaster
•
January 4, 2026
Tuesday is the Twelfth Day of Christmas and the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, a Holy Day of Obligation. Mass will be offered at 9.30 am and 7.30 pm
January 3, 2026
My sincere thanks to you for your Christmas offering details of which we would hope to publish soon. Many of you sent very beautiful and thoughtfully chosen Christmas cards, and gave gifts of wine, biscuits, chocolates and cakes, such tokens of your kindness are very much appreciated.  On behalf of the parish, may I also take this opportunity to thank all those who help in the running of different areas of parish life, the sacristans, bookkeeper, altar servers, the church cleaners, the flower arrangers, special ministers of Holy Communion, readers, money counters, the gift aid organiser, those who attend to the church and hall grounds and those who have taken care of odd jobs here and there. Thanks also to rota organisers, choir and musicians, hymn choosers and catechist. Thanks to Mel, who for so many years has kept the hall clean and tidy and to Maria, who has taken so readily to the role of parish secretary. Lastly, apologies to anyone I have overlooked or missed out, as doubtless I will have, and so, a special thanks to you! Once again, my thanks to all of you, for your kindness and generosity with the Christmas offering. (Fr. Ian)
December 27, 2025
Dear brothers and sisters, “Let us all rejoice in the Lord, for our Savior has been born in the world. Today, true peace has come down to us from heaven” (Entrance Antiphon, Christmas Mass during the Night). Thus sings the liturgy on Christmas night, and the announcement of Bethlehem resounds in the Church: the Child born of the Virgin Mary is Christ the Lord, sent by the Father to save us from sin and death. Indeed, he is our peace; he has conquered hatred and enmity through God’s merciful love. For this reason, “the Lord’s birth is the birth of peace” (Saint Leo the Great, Sermon 26). Jesus was born in a stable because there was no room for him in the inn. As soon as he was born, his mother Mary “wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger” (cf. Lk 2:7). The Son of God, through whom all things were created, was not welcomed, and a poor manger for animals was his crib. The eternal Word of the Father whom the heavens cannot contain chose to come into the world in this way. Out of love, he wanted to be born of a woman and so share our humanity; out of love, he accepted poverty and rejection, identifying himself with those who are discarded and excluded…………… Jesus Christ is our peace first of all because he frees us from sin, and also because he shows us the way to overcome conflicts — all conflicts, whether interpersonal or international. Without a heart freed from sin, a heart that has been forgiven, we cannot be men and women of peace or builders of peace. This is why Jesus was born in Bethlehem and died on the cross: to free us from sin. He is the Savior. With his grace, we can and must each do our part to reject hatred, violence and opposition, and to practice dialogue, peace and reconciliation. On this day of celebration, I wish to send a warm and fatherly greeting to all Christians, especially those living in the Middle East, whom I recently visited on my first Apostolic Journey. I listened to them as they expressed their fears and know well their sense of powerlessness before the power dynamics that overwhelm them. The Child born today in Bethlehem is the same Jesus who says: “In me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33).  From God let us ask for justice, peace and stability for Lebanon, Palestine, Israel and Syria, trusting in these divine words: “The effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust for ever” (Is 32:17). Let us entrust the entire European continent to the Prince of Peace, asking him to continue to inspire a spirit of community and cooperation, in fidelity to its Christian roots and history, and in solidarity with – and acceptance of – those in need. Let us pray in a particular way for the tormented people of Ukraine: may the clamour of weapons cease, and may the parties involved, with the support and commitment of the international community, find the courage to engage in sincere, direct and respectful dialogue.
By Webmaster
•
November 22, 2025
A Day of Reflection for Ministers of the Word – Saturday 24 January 2026 11-4pm at St Michael’s church, High Salvington , Worthing BN13 3AL Cost: £40 Mental Health Awareness training – Saturday 7 February 2026 10-3pm at the St Philip Howard Centre, Crawley. Please see the Diocesan web site for further details:- Home | Arundel & Brighton Diocese
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 Facility
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 £30 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.
Please check the current newsletter for any changes to mass times
January 3, 2026
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.
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
By Webmaster
•
November 22, 2025
Charity Christmas Cards Various charities, one of which is, ‘Aid to the Church in Need’ (a charity which particularly supports the persecuted Church) produce beautiful Christmas cards, with both Greek icons and Renaissance images of the Nativity, which are available for you to purchase in the narthex / lobby/ church porch. Purchasing their cards supports the persecuted Church and reminds all of us, that it is the Christmas Season into which we will be entering after Advent. P.S. when buying stamps for your Christmas cards, do ask for the ‘Christmas stamps’ in doing so, others, over-hearing your request, will be reminded of the reason for the season. Christmas cards & cribs This weekend, 29th November and next, 6th December, the parish ‘Christmas’ repository will be selling items in the parish hall after the Masses. If you don’t have a Christmas crib for the family this would be an opportunity to buy one to use as a ‘centre piece’ at home, perhaps adding figures to it, year by year. Your purchases will support the work of ‘Aid to the Church in Need’, their work in the Holy Land and those parts of the world where the Church is supressed.
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.
Parish
Prayer
Father we thank you for all you blessings to us as a parish.
Build us up up to be your people who reflect the love and joy of Jesus your Son.
Send your Holy Spirit to renew our faith, inspire our work, and bring many to know and love you.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
St Joseph, pray for us.
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)
Prayers of the Saints
New Paragraph
January 3, 2026
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.
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
By Webmaster
•
November 22, 2025
Charity Christmas Cards Various charities, one of which is, ‘Aid to the Church in Need’ (a charity which particularly supports the persecuted Church) produce beautiful Christmas cards, with both Greek icons and Renaissance images of the Nativity, which are available for you to purchase in the narthex / lobby/ church porch. Purchasing their cards supports the persecuted Church and reminds all of us, that it is the Christmas Season into which we will be entering after Advent. P.S. when buying stamps for your Christmas cards, do ask for the ‘Christmas stamps’ in doing so, others, over-hearing your request, will be reminded of the reason for the season. Christmas cards & cribs This weekend, 29th November and next, 6th December, the parish ‘Christmas’ repository will be selling items in the parish hall after the Masses. If you don’t have a Christmas crib for the family this would be an opportunity to buy one to use as a ‘centre piece’ at home, perhaps adding figures to it, year by year. Your purchases will support the work of ‘Aid to the Church in Need’, their work in the Holy Land and those parts of the world where the Church is supressed.
By Webmaster
•
November 11, 2025
Bishop Richard: “For many of us, when we think of Rome, we think of St Peter’s Basilica. In a Jubilee Year such as this, the entry through the Holy Door of St Peter’s is a high point of any pilgrimage. It is from the Apostolic Palace, next to St Peter’s , that the Holy Father makes his Angelus addresses and it is there that the public audiences take place, as well as significant celebrations in the life of the Church: canonisations, the inaugurations of new popes and the requiem Masses for deceased popes.  Yet it is the Lateran Basilica, built originally by the Emperor Constantine, that is described as “the mother and head of all the churches of the City and the World.” It is the Cathedral Church of Rome, and popes lived in the Lateran Palace for hundreds of years. It is the Pope’s Cathedral, for he is the Bishop of Rome. It is for this reason that the whole Church celebrates this feast. It is a celebration of our unity with the Holy Father, the successor of St Peter.”
Latest News
Important Notices
January 3, 2026
My sincere thanks to you for your Christmas offering details of which we would hope to publish soon. Many of you sent very beautiful and thoughtfully chosen Christmas cards, and gave gifts of wine, biscuits, chocolates and cakes, such tokens of your kindness are very much appreciated.  On behalf of the parish, may I also take this opportunity to thank all those who help in the running of different areas of parish life, the sacristans, bookkeeper, altar servers, the church cleaners, the flower arrangers, special ministers of Holy Communion, readers, money counters, the gift aid organiser, those who attend to the church and hall grounds and those who have taken care of odd jobs here and there. Thanks also to rota organisers, choir and musicians, hymn choosers and catechist. Thanks to Mel, who for so many years has kept the hall clean and tidy and to Maria, who has taken so readily to the role of parish secretary. Lastly, apologies to anyone I have overlooked or missed out, as doubtless I will have, and so, a special thanks to you! Once again, my thanks to all of you, for your kindness and generosity with the Christmas offering. (Fr. Ian)
By Webmaster
•
January 3, 2026
There will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament this Thursday 8th January from 6.00pm - 7.00pm. Please note the earlier start time. Everyone is welcome to come along to spend some quiet time in the presence of the Lord, even if we ‘just sits’ it is the best way to get to know our Lord and a good practice preparing for eternity!
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
•
January 4, 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
•
January 3, 2026
The programme is open to everyone, but especially those who wish to know more about the Catholic faith with a view to becoming a Catholic. Having looked at the evidence for God, who we are as human beings, made to the image and likeness of God, the impact of ‘Original Sin’ or ‘the Fall’ an overview of where the Bible comes from, we continue on January 19th by looking at the Ten Commandments. We meet at 7.30 in the small hall.
By Webmaster
•
January 3, 2026
As we approach the New Year and the month of January, there is a new ‘Rosary Circle Chart’ on the noticeboard, to encourage us all to pray a decade of the Rosary each day 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 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
By Webmaster
•
January 4, 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
•
January 3, 2026
The programme is open to everyone, but especially those who wish to know more about the Catholic faith with a view to becoming a Catholic. Having looked at the evidence for God, who we are as human beings, made to the image and likeness of God, the impact of ‘Original Sin’ or ‘the Fall’ an overview of where the Bible comes from, we continue on January 19th by looking at the Ten Commandments. We meet at 7.30 in the small hall.
By Webmaster
•
January 3, 2026
As we approach the New Year and the month of January, there is a new ‘Rosary Circle Chart’ on the noticeboard, to encourage us all to pray a decade of the Rosary each day 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 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
•
December 14, 2025
Our Advent Course begins this Tuesday at 11am in the main hall. "ILLUMINATE" looks at Christ coming as the Light of the World and asks us to reflect on what this means for us and for the world. Meetings will last about an hour for four weekly sessions.
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
