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The new Catholic Parish of Weybridge was formed on Sunday 7 December at a special Inauguration Mass celebrated by Bishop Richard Moth at parish church, Christ the Prince of Peace. The Mass, which was attended by people and clergy from across the community of communities’ 10 churches and Mass centres, marks an important milestone in the development of mission in the Diocese, with Weybridge the third new parish to be formed this year after Guildford (29 November), and Brighton & Hove (14 September).

Speaking during the Mass, Bishop Richard said:

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“There have been many conversations and a lot of wonderful meetings to bring us to today’s celebration. Let us pray for one another, and continue to pray together, delving more deeply into the wonder of the Faith and working ever more closely together in this great mission that the Lord has given to us, as we journey with one another towards the Kingdom of Heaven.”

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Bishop Richard published The Word Who is Life: The Call to Mission Pastoral Plan in January last year. The Plan marks an important new stage in the development of diocesan parish structures, with the 11 former deaneries of the Diocese becoming 11 new parishes. Weybridge is the second deanery in Surrey to become a parish in the care of a moderator and group of priests working together "in solidum", with the group of priests as a whole - and each priest individually - responsible for the pastoral care of the parish.

Highlighting new opportunities for mission, growth and flourishing, Canon Chris Spain said:

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“Our coming together as the new Parish of Weybridge fills me with great excitement. Each of our church communities has a rich history and story to tell. With closer bonds, prayer and joyful collaboration we can carry the Church into the future with even greater hopes and expectations, growing and flourishing together as we build God’s Kingdom.”

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The new parish includes 10 state and independent primary and secondary schools and five Religious congregations: the Sisters of the Christian Retreat, Verona Fathers, Josephites, Salesians, and Kiltegan Fathers.

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Speaking on Sunday, Weybridge parishioner Kelly said:

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“I've been involved with the youth of the parish for many years and am looking forward to the opportunities the new parish is going to bring."

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Val from Christ the Prince of Peace added:

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“[The new parish offers] more ways to serve the Lord. With all the churches coming together we can share resources, our love, and our joy of volunteering… I think Jesus wants all of us to work together, He is working with us and He is among us. This development offers us new hope.”

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Many thanks to Harry Robertson for taking photographs of the Mass.