News

On Saturday 10th December we welcomed Bishop Richard to the 6pm Mass at St Edmund’s to induct Fr Rajesh Minz as one of our parish priests. It was a memorable and joyful occasion, and along with Bishop Richard presiding we were blessed with the presence of four priests, a deacon, and several altar servers. The following morning Bishop Richard celebrated the 11am Mass at Haslemere to induct Fr Rajesh and Fr Jonathan as parish priests of Haslemere, Hindhead and Chiddingfold.

Fr Rajesh’s message to the parish: ‘I look forward to working together with Fr Jonathan and all of you. I also look forward to getting to know you all. You are very much in my prayers, and I would ask you to keep me in your prayers. I can only promise you that I will do my best to serve you as your Priest. Please make a place for me in your prayers. With my love and prayers for each of you, Fr Rajesh Minz’.

We marked the start of the Season of Creation by celebrating our 10.30am Mass outdoors in the beautiful surroundings of Ladywell Convent. Sitting comfortably with a fresh breeze, a cloudy sky and no threat of rain, we could listen to the voice of Creation, hearing the wind in the trees and experiencing the beauty of the outdoors. Our hymns reflected the theme, and we started Mass with 'How Great Thou Art' and ended with 'Lord of Creation to you be all praise!'. After Mass we enjoyed fabulous cakes freshly baked by the Ladywell chefs, along with coffee and tea - and not surprisingly it took some time for the very sociable and large crowd of parishioners to disperse! We also kept the people of Pakistan, who are suffering from a climate-induced flood disaster, in our thoughts and prayers, and held a retiring collection for funds to support them.

The Season of Creation is a month of reflecting more deeply on our stewardship, which ends on the Feast day of St Francis on 4th October.

The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was transferred to Sunday this year, and as is the tradition in our parish on this feast day, we had the pleasure of a family gathering, kindly hosted by Richard Grey in the grounds of his home in Elstead. Despite the sweltering heatwave parishioners remained cool in the shade of the garden and enjoyed refreshments and picnic lunches. Children and parents joined in Alan’s ‘Animal’ game and were rewarded with icecream, and everyone came together to pray the rosary and sign Marian hymns of praise before a statue decorated with flowers. Many thanks to everyone who organised and supported this lovely parish afternoon.

Over 20 parishioners, along with the Bishop, Father Jonathan and nearly 40 other priests from the Diocese celebrated the 60th jubilee of Father Michael at Arundel Cathedral on 9th June 2022. The occasion was a stirring reminder of the many years of service that Father Michael and his fellow Jubilarians have given in parishes throughout the Diocese. It was also an opportunity to catch up with a much loved former priest of this parish. I am sure that everybody would like to wish Father Michael all the very best at this time. Thanks for everything Father Michael!