St. Joseph's is proud to be the Catholic Parish Church serving Dorking and the surrounding villages within the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton. As a vibrant and active community, we take great pride in our warm and welcoming atmosphere, where individuals and families come together to find spiritual and pastoral support.

 Our parish is dedicated to helping everyone deepen their understanding and love of our cherished Catholic faith. We hope that you find the information provided about our parish and its various activities both informative and inspiring, encouraging you to explore and participate in our community life.

The Reverend Jean-Francois Volckeryck          (b. Belgium – Flemish 1828 – 1906) was Parish Priest in Dorking 1879 – 1903. He could not speak English on arrival following 15 years ministry in Jersey. 

He was considered a priest of great zeal, energy and determination and he laid the foundation of the Church in Dorking as we know it today.

In 1888, Fr Volckeryck negotiated his vision of transferring the ownership of the land on which the Church now stands from the Duke of Norfolk to the Diocesan Trustees.

Fr Volckeryck signed a building contract in March 1894 to construct the Church at a cost of £5,421, 11s and 3d and work commenced immediately.

The construction is externally of Godalming stone, with Bath stone dressings ,and the roofs covered with red tiles.

The opening ceremony (June 1895) was a fine event and included the Duke of Norfolk, Lady Mary and Lady Margaret Howard  in a full congregation. 

By 1895, the Catholic congregation had swelled to 260.

In the immediate years that followed, sections of the interior were completed with stain glass windows, altar and many other aspects that can be seen today.

Statues of St Peter and Paul were placed in 1908 and St Joseph and the Holy Child in 1912.

The Church roof was retiled in 1951 at a cost of £1,700 in the era of Fr Taunton (small Hall named after him).

1962-63 saw the overhaul of the building including oil heating, rewiring, decorating etc.

Extracts from book entitled “A Centenary History of the Church and Parish 1872-1972” Compiled by R F Philpot (1971)

Copies available at the Church on request – donations valued.

 1871-1878 Fr. George Ballard (7 years)

 1878-1879 Fr. James Morrisey (1 year)

 1879-1903 Fr. Volckeryck  (24 years)

 1903-1923 Fr. William Alexander (20 years)

 1923-1926 Fr. Charles J. Turner (3 years)

 1926-1961 Fr. William Taunton (35 years)

 1961-1972 Fr. Christopher Spender (11 years)

 1972-1981 Fr. Canon Peter Giffin (9 years)

 1981-1991  Fr. Patrick Chick (10 years)

 1991- 1991 Fr. Emmanuel Sullivan (April-July)

 1991-1996 Fr. Martin Thompson (5 years)

 1996 -2003 Fr. Matt McInerney (7 years)

 2003-2015 Fr. Dominic Rolls (12 years)

 2015-2021 Fr. Tony Milner (6 years)

 2021- 2023 Fr. Simon Hall (- August)

 2023 – Fr. Ian Vane (September –)