New parish for Arundel & Brighton inaugurated

Bishop Richard Moth at St John the Baptist, Kemptown. Image: Harry Roberston/A&B Diocese

Source: A&B Diocese

The new Catholic Parish of Brighton & Hove was inaugurated on Sunday 14 September, with Mass at St John the Baptist Church, Kemptown, celebrated by Bishop Richard Moth and priests and deacons from across the new parish.

Bishop Richard published a new Pastoral Plan for the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton in January 2024. Called 'The Word Who is Life: The Call to Mission', the Plan creates vital new pathways for evangelisation enabling diocesan clergy and lay people to collaborate more closely to meet the sacramental and formation needs of their faith communities, through new parish structures centred on mission.

Speaking on Sunday, Bishop Richard highlighted the importance of growing in holiness and building on a renewed interest in the Catholic faith across the Diocese: "Today's inauguration is a significant moment," he said, "as we - people and clergy - open the door to new possibilities for the great work that the Lord has given to us. We are witnessing many fresh shoots of faith across our church communities, which are seeing new growth as people find their way to Christ through His Church, and our schools - which are fulfilling their mission and enabling our young people to take their place in the world as disciples. By working together, our mission will be ever more effective."

Brighton & Hove is the first former deanery to become a parish in the care of a Moderator, who will work with the priests of the parish in solidum. Reflecting on the importance of encounter and outreach, the Moderator of Brighton & Hove, Canon David Parmiter said:

"Joining our 11 church communities into one larger parish will help us to work more closely; praying together and collaborating with local Catholic Schools and convents to share the good news of Jesus Christ and serve the local area. We look forward to strengthening relationships with other Christians and those of all faiths and none, including residents of the city, and its many visitors."

There are six Catholic Primary Schools and one Catholic Secondary School in Brighton & Hove, with students from the UK and across the world studying at two universities in the city. Speaking shortly after the inauguration, Jo Gilbert, East Brighton's University Chaplain and Young Adults' Coordinator said: "We have been bringing leaders from across Brighton & Hove's church communities together over the last few months to share what motivates them and explore our shared vision for the city; empowering people at the 'grass roots' to be protagonists of community and missionary activity.

"We see students and young adults coming to life as they discover meaning and purpose through faith. The new parish creates opportunities for us to 'tune in' more deeply to the Gospels, with a renewed Catholic mission supporting more young people to discover their God-given purpose, and place their lives at the service of others."

Brighton & Hove has a regular worshipping community of more than 2,000 people, with the establishment of a parish "Clergy and Lay Leadership Team" resulting in greater collaboration across its 11 church communities. Julia Wingfield is involved in family mission in Brighton, reflecting on the fruits of the Pastoral Plan she said: "I am really excited for the future, I think that the new parish is a really positive development - particularly in terms of supporting families, exploring our strengths and opportunities for service, and creating a real sense of community in the city."

Reiterating the importance of mission, Canon Kieron O'Brien, the Episcopal Vicar for Pastoral Planning and priest of the new parish added: "All those who are baptised are called to become missionary disciples. The inauguration of Brighton & Hove as a "community of communities" offers its members new opportunities to collaborate and evangelise, sharing their gifts and talents more widely with renewed resolution and energy. We look forward to walking together and accompanying each other in faith."

The current deaneries of Guildford and Weybridge will be inaugurated before the end of 2025, with the remaining eight deaneries in the Diocese becoming parishes in due course.