St. Joseph

Parish life

Parish Community Groups provide an extended family for all who wish to belong, whether or not they attend church. The parish runs a Youth Discipleship Group in partnership with the Franciscan Centre, Ladywell, meeting every fortnight.

The parish knitting group EdsKnitters knits for charities including Stella Maris, the Royal Surrey hospital, and Knit for Nowt. The parish Bereavement Group walks alongside the bereaved through friendship, support, prayer, and an annual bereavement service.

First Holy Communion preparation is led by parents, with the guidance of a priest and a course leader. First Holy Communion preparation includes four Sycamore sessions for parents to grow in their own faith.

The parish supports CAFOD throughout the year, including organising CAFOD Stations of the Cross during Lent and an annual Quiz Night in aid of CAFOD. The parish is a committed member of Churches Together in Godalming and District. The parish offers activities including parish youth activities, groups for new parents, Sycamore and Alpha courses for adults, and a Live Simply Group.

The Rite of Election is held at Arundel Cathedral, where Catechumens and Candidates from the Diocese meet the Bishop. Children's Liturgy is open to all children of primary school age, from year R to year 6.

The parish officially received its Live Simply award from CAFOD in March 2021, having started the journey in summer 2019. Teams of Our Lady is an organisation for Christian married couples, meeting monthly in teams of four to six couples. The parish organises an annual 'plant giveaway' and a special Mass during the Season of Creation.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Baptism preparation is offered in small sessions, typically one Saturday afternoon and one Thursday evening, held several times a year. Baptisms are celebrated on Sundays, usually around midday, at either St Joseph's or St Edmund's church.

Marriage Encounter is a movement that offers couples the opportunity to enrich and refresh their relationships. As of the time of writing, two Teams of Our Lady are running in the parish.

Visiting

On-site parking at the church accommodates 35 to 40 cars. When the church car park is full, parking may be available behind Milford Village Hall or at Secrett's Farm Shop, both 300m away. Pedestrian access to the church is awkward, and care is needed crossing the road.