ST JOSEPH'S PARISH DORKING
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 latest parish weekly news, notices and events below
Download the parish Newsletter Here
By Webmaster
•
December 1, 2025
First Holy Communion Programme Parents need to work through the second chapter of the book ‘We need God to Save Us’ with their child/ren before the meeting THIS THURSDAY 4th December at 5 pm. The catechist will review the chapter with the children, while parents, with Fr. Ian, will look at the next chapter, chapter 4. Donations towards the cost of the books and Bibles would be welcome.
By Webmaster
•
December 1, 2025
Continues this Monday 1st December at 7.30 pm. Having covered some basics about different Bibles and how to use them, this week we will look further at of the unfolding of Divine revelation to get an overview of where the Bible comes from and something of the historical context of the inspired Word of God. Everyone is welcome to attend.
By Webmaster
•
December 1, 2025
Mass and Meet:- on Friday 5th December IS NOT a ‘Christmas Lunch’ but just a simple buffet lunch; apologies then, for having led any thoughts astray! Mass will be at 12 mid-day followed by the lunch in the hall at approximately 12.40
By Webmaster
•
December 1, 2025
Diocesan Pastoral Plan: -The Word Who is Life - You're Invited! Bishop Richard's Pastoral Plan is an invitation to everyone in the Diocese to live out the call, given to us in baptism, to spread the Good News of God's love in Jesus Christ. How do we best do this in the world of today? What are the unchanging treasures of the faith we bring to this mission? What changes will help us respond to the circumstances of our time and place? What gifts can you offer in all of this? Over the last few months, a team drawn from the nine existing parishes of the Epsom Deanery have been reflecting on how best to encourage and involve all parishioners in this task, which includes YOU. To that end, in the New Year, there will be a meeting in each of our parishes (St Joseph’s, Dorking: Sunday 25 th Jan, 11.30 am) to reflect on the journey so far and going forward. To help you, and us, prepare for these meetings, we are asking you to pick up a “You’re Invited!” postcard and flyer. These give some sense of what we hope the Pastoral Plan will achieve as well as some consideration to what might change as we go forward. Please make a note of our meeting date in your diary, and return the postcard to the box available in the Church by Sunday 14th December. Thank you for your response and we look forward to seeing you at the meetings. Many thanks, Fr Chris (Epsom Parish Administrator)
By Erica Evans
•
November 22, 2025
During the month there will be the blessing of graves at Dorking Cemetery at 12 pm this Sunday 23rd November. Everyone is welcome to attend. After Mass this Friday, 28th November we will have the blessing of those whose remains are in the ‘Garden of Remembrance’ after the 9.30 Mass.
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
•
December 1, 2025
First Holy Communion Programme Parents need to work through the second chapter of the book ‘We need God to Save Us’ with their child/ren before the meeting THIS THURSDAY 4th December at 5 pm. The catechist will review the chapter with the children, while parents, with Fr. Ian, will look at the next chapter, chapter 4. Donations towards the cost of the books and Bibles would be welcome.
By Webmaster
•
December 1, 2025
Continues this Monday 1st December at 7.30 pm. Having covered some basics about different Bibles and how to use them, this week we will look further at of the unfolding of Divine revelation to get an overview of where the Bible comes from and something of the historical context of the inspired Word of God. Everyone is welcome to attend.
By Webmaster
•
December 1, 2025
Mass and Meet:- on Friday 5th December IS NOT a ‘Christmas Lunch’ but just a simple buffet lunch; apologies then, for having led any thoughts astray! Mass will be at 12 mid-day followed by the lunch in the hall at approximately 12.40
By Webmaster
•
December 1, 2025
CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES:- Are as follows: Monday 22nd Dec 9.30 am Tues 23rd 9.30 Christmas Eve: Wednesday 24th Vigil / Children’s Mass 6 pm – 11.30 Carols & Reading CHRISTMAS DAY : Mid-night Mass: 12.00 mid-night Dawn Mass at 8.00 am 10.00 Mass of Christmas Day Friday 26th December : 10.00 for the parish altar servers Saturday 27th 9.30 am, Vigil for Sunday 6 pm Sunday 28th 8.00 am & 10.00 am
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 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.
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 at https://www.sjcc.org.uk/contact-us211e36d2 or by phone on 01306 882433.
If there is anything else you would like to know please do not hesitate to contact us via the Parish Office on 01306 882433 or email us
Please check the current newsletter for any changes to mass times
By Webmaster
•
December 1, 2025
Diocesan Pastoral Plan: -The Word Who is Life - You're Invited! Bishop Richard's Pastoral Plan is an invitation to everyone in the Diocese to live out the call, given to us in baptism, to spread the Good News of God's love in Jesus Christ. How do we best do this in the world of today? What are the unchanging treasures of the faith we bring to this mission? What changes will help us respond to the circumstances of our time and place? What gifts can you offer in all of this? Over the last few months, a team drawn from the nine existing parishes of the Epsom Deanery have been reflecting on how best to encourage and involve all parishioners in this task, which includes YOU. To that end, in the New Year, there will be a meeting in each of our parishes (St Joseph’s, Dorking: Sunday 25 th Jan, 11.30 am) to reflect on the journey so far and going forward. To help you, and us, prepare for these meetings, we are asking you to pick up a “You’re Invited!” postcard and flyer. These give some sense of what we hope the Pastoral Plan will achieve as well as some consideration to what might change as we go forward. Please make a note of our meeting date in your diary, and return the postcard to the box available in the Church by Sunday 14th December. Thank you for your response and we look forward to seeing you at the meetings. Many thanks, Fr Chris (Epsom Parish Administrator)
By Erica Evans
•
November 22, 2025
During the month there will be the blessing of graves at Dorking Cemetery at 12 pm this Sunday 23rd November. Everyone is welcome to attend. After Mass this Friday, 28th November we will have the blessing of those whose remains are in the ‘Garden of Remembrance’ after the 9.30 Mass.
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.
Saint
Ignatius
Loyola
Pray as if everything depends on God, and work as if everything depends on you
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
By Webmaster
•
December 1, 2025
Diocesan Pastoral Plan: -The Word Who is Life - You're Invited! Bishop Richard's Pastoral Plan is an invitation to everyone in the Diocese to live out the call, given to us in baptism, to spread the Good News of God's love in Jesus Christ. How do we best do this in the world of today? What are the unchanging treasures of the faith we bring to this mission? What changes will help us respond to the circumstances of our time and place? What gifts can you offer in all of this? Over the last few months, a team drawn from the nine existing parishes of the Epsom Deanery have been reflecting on how best to encourage and involve all parishioners in this task, which includes YOU. To that end, in the New Year, there will be a meeting in each of our parishes (St Joseph’s, Dorking: Sunday 25 th Jan, 11.30 am) to reflect on the journey so far and going forward. To help you, and us, prepare for these meetings, we are asking you to pick up a “You’re Invited!” postcard and flyer. These give some sense of what we hope the Pastoral Plan will achieve as well as some consideration to what might change as we go forward. Please make a note of our meeting date in your diary, and return the postcard to the box available in the Church by Sunday 14th December. Thank you for your response and we look forward to seeing you at the meetings. Many thanks, Fr Chris (Epsom Parish Administrator)
By Erica Evans
•
November 22, 2025
During the month there will be the blessing of graves at Dorking Cemetery at 12 pm this Sunday 23rd November. Everyone is welcome to attend. After Mass this Friday, 28th November we will have the blessing of those whose remains are in the ‘Garden of Remembrance’ after the 9.30 Mass.
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
By Webmaster
•
December 1, 2025
CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME 2025 /2026 The programme will begin on January 8th but remember the expectations of you, one of which was and is, to be at Sunday Mass, whether you come on Saturday evenng or Sunday morning is entirely up to you; if you are going to be elsewhere at the weekend, to make sure you get the priest to sign the ‘attendance card’ you were given. Many thanks.
By Webmaster
•
December 1, 2025
CHILDREN’S LITURGY at the 10.00 am Sunday Mass The remaining dates are each Sunday during the Advent Season: November 30th, December 7th, 14th, and 21st. Let’s keep growing together in faith and friendship!
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
•
December 1, 2025
Continues this Monday 1st December at 7.30 pm. Having covered some basics about different Bibles and how to use them, this week we will look further at of the unfolding of Divine revelation to get an overview of where the Bible comes from and something of the historical context of the inspired Word of God. Everyone is welcome to attend.
By Webmaster
•
December 1, 2025
Mass and Meet:- on Friday 5th December IS NOT a ‘Christmas Lunch’ but just a simple buffet lunch; apologies then, for having led any thoughts astray! Mass will be at 12 mid-day followed by the lunch in the hall at approximately 12.40
By Webmaster
•
December 1, 2025
CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES:- Are as follows: Monday 22nd Dec 9.30 am Tues 23rd 9.30 Christmas Eve: Wednesday 24th Vigil / Children’s Mass 6 pm – 11.30 Carols & Reading CHRISTMAS DAY : Mid-night Mass: 12.00 mid-night Dawn Mass at 8.00 am 10.00 Mass of Christmas Day Friday 26th December : 10.00 for the parish altar servers Saturday 27th 9.30 am, Vigil for Sunday 6 pm Sunday 28th 8.00 am & 10.00 am
Parish Events
By Webmaster
•
December 1, 2025
Continues this Monday 1st December at 7.30 pm. Having covered some basics about different Bibles and how to use them, this week we will look further at of the unfolding of Divine revelation to get an overview of where the Bible comes from and something of the historical context of the inspired Word of God. Everyone is welcome to attend.
By Webmaster
•
December 1, 2025
Mass and Meet:- on Friday 5th December IS NOT a ‘Christmas Lunch’ but just a simple buffet lunch; apologies then, for having led any thoughts astray! Mass will be at 12 mid-day followed by the lunch in the hall at approximately 12.40
By Webmaster
•
December 1, 2025
CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES:- Are as follows: Monday 22nd Dec 9.30 am Tues 23rd 9.30 Christmas Eve: Wednesday 24th Vigil / Children’s Mass 6 pm – 11.30 Carols & Reading CHRISTMAS DAY : Mid-night Mass: 12.00 mid-night Dawn Mass at 8.00 am 10.00 Mass of Christmas Day Friday 26th December : 10.00 for the parish altar servers Saturday 27th 9.30 am, Vigil for Sunday 6 pm Sunday 28th 8.00 am & 10.00 am
By Webmaster
•
December 1, 2025
We have the monthly Holy Hour with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament this Thursday 4th December from 7.00pm - 8.00pm everyone is welcome to come along.
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
