St John the Divine West Worthing

30/08/2026

Following the Parish Mass this morning and a hearty roast lunch, our pilgrims participated in the afternoon liturgy at the Shrine, during which Fr Thomas was privileged to give Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

29/08/2026

The 2027 hall diary is now open for bookings.

29/08/2026

Our pilgrims have walked with the Lord on the Way of the Cross.

We prepare now for Mass, the perpetual memorial of his saving Death and Resurrection until he comes again.

28/08/2026

Our pilgrims have arrived at England’s Nazareth and made their First Visit to the Holy House.

Blessed Mary, Cause of our joy and Our Lady of Walsingham, pray for us and all whom we have brought in our hearts to your Shrine.

07/08/2026

Funeral arrangements for Deacon Rachel are now confirmed:

Tuesday 25th August, 4pm: Reception of Body into St John the Divine, West Worthing.

Wednesday 26th August, 1pm: Funeral Mass, followed by refreshments.

A private Committal attended by close family and friends will take place later that afternoon.

Jesu mercy, Mary pray.

04/08/2026

In our parish and in our sister parish of St Andrew the Apostle, as in so many places, we greatly mourn our dear sister in Christ. We pray for the repose of her soul and for all who grieve. We do this because of what Rachel so steadfastly proclaimed by word and deed, which was heard at Mass on Sunday: ‘neither death nor life will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord’.

May the Mother of God, Our Lady of Walsingham, pray for our sister who has gone ahead and for us whose pilgrimage through this life continues.

The Bishop of Horsham, Ruth Bushyager, today paid tribute to the life and ministry of Canon Rachel Bennett, who has died.

In her statement, the Bishop said:
"Our dear sister in Christ, Canon Rachel Bennett, died last week in hospital.

"Rachel had been serving faithfully as a deacon supporting churches in the Worthing area.

"She will, however, be known by many in our churches and well beyond for her long and fruitful ministry as an NHS chaplain for more than 15 years, and for her skill and passion serving the Diocese in children's ministry.

"We pray for her family and friends, and for all who knew and loved her, as she now rests in peace and will rise in glory."

30/07/2026

We love the place, O God,
wherein thine honour dwells;
the joy of thine abode
all earthly joys excel.

We are invited to our sister church of St Andrew the Apostle this Saturday for the Feast of Dedication, the day that church was consecrated as a house of God. Mass begins at 11am, followed by lunch. All are welcome.

The picture shows the font at St Andrew’s.

27/07/2026

25/06/2026

Three weeks ago we celebrated Fr Thomas’ third anniversary of priestly ordination. Today was the turn of Fr Roger on his forty-eighth anniversary. Father celebrated Mass for us this morning.

As we ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers, and for those whom he is calling to hear and answer that call, we pray for our sister Society parishes who this Petertide are to receive new deacons and priests.

04/06/2026

Due to bad weather this Saturday the Goring Road market will be relocating to St John’s Church hall Ripley Road 9am - 1pm, come and support local traders and grab a bargain.