St. Joseph's Church, Gerrards Cross

Parish life

The parish has a team of funeral assistants who help at funerals, including preparing the church and supporting the priest. The parish has a bookshop at the back of the church selling Catholic books and cards, with profits going to the parish. The parish has a repository at the back of the church selling rosaries, medals, missals and gifts. The parish has a church cleaning rota, with helpers committing to a couple of hours every four weeks.

The parish has Eucharistic Ministers who take Communion to the sick, housebound or those unable to join the parish community at Mass. The parish offers a multi-week learning programme for Confirmation candidates, including a Diocesan-wide retreat day.

The parish supports Fairtrade. The parish is served by the Discalced Carmelite Order, which has provided pastoral care since 1913.

The parish has seven Carmelite priests. The parish office is manned three times a week by volunteers.

The parish has a live online streaming service. The parish has a new Community Hall project.

Regular events

The parish holds two Friday Fast Day Soup Lunches at St Joseph's when the Parish Centre is available. The parish celebrates special events throughout the year with Arts & Crafts workshops or special family activities for Advent, Easter, Pentecost and Back to School, along with Children's Masses each term.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The parish is seeking catechists to assist with Children's Liturgy and the Baptismal, First Holy Communion and Confirmation Programmes. Parents are invited to attend baptism formation sessions before their child's baptism. Confession is also available by appointment at the Priory throughout the week. Couples are invited to meet with a priest who explains what documents are required and outlines what preparation is necessary for marriage, with normally a minimum of six months notice required.

Anointing of the Sick is administered to the dying as well as those who are gravely ill or are about to undergo a serious operation, and is available by contacting one of the priests at the Priory. At certain points throughout the year, there is Mass with the Sacrament of Anointing and the opportunity for prayer.

Families should contact the Parish Office to make initial funeral arrangements. The Gerrards Cross Section of the Catholic Women's League closed in May 2026 after serving the parish for 68 years.

Visiting

The church is a place for anyone who desires and seeks peace and quiet, to sit and pray or light a candle. Parking is in the church park, with entry via Austenwood Common and exit via Priory Road. For special events overflow car parking is available at St Joseph's School. Gerrards Cross station is a 15 minute walk from St Joseph's Church.

The church is served by bus routes Redline 353 and Carousel 104 and 106/107. The First Committee Room can accommodate up to 40 people and is used for parish activities and meetings, with tea/coffee making facilities. The parish facilities are available to hire subject to the approval of the parish priest.