Sue's Church Page

The strength to persevere, the courage to speak out, the faith to believe.' Sr Joan Chittister OSB    Welcome to this edition of my web newsletter September 2026 . We are all now aware that we have a new Bishop joining us in October. Bishop Elect Stephen Wang, now leaving his appointment as the rector of the English Venerable College in Rome, has  publicly shared his feelings: showing enthusiasm and care for his flock in Surrey and Sussex. We are very fortunate to have him as our Bishop and I know we are all looking forward to seeing him around the Diocese.   Stephen Wang will be installed as the Sixth Bishop of the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton on Monday 19 October at 12 noon.   https://youtu.be/g2GaWOtTI7g?si=LiFeEE4lYwA5dk36   I must put in a word for SYNODALITY . For the next few months into the spring of 2027 we are in the RECOLLECTING Stage of the Synodal Process. Synodality cannot be ignored any longer. Do see some resources below...

  The strength to persevere, the courage to speak out, the faith to believe.' Sr Joan Chittister OSB    Welcome to this edition of my web newsletter August 2026 . I hadn’t planned to do a blog this month, but hearing that we have a Bishop elect: Fr Stephen Wang, the rector of the English Venerable College in Rome, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to add my congratulations and share the news. For those who want to look him up on Google, type ‘Sycamore’ next to his name. I remember him as chaplain to Catholic Voices. Stephen Wang will be installed as the Sixth Bishop of the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton on Monday 19 October at 12 noon. https://youtu.be/g2GaWOtTI7g?si=LiFeEE4lYwA5dk36   Well, that’s it now until September. Although I look forward to meeting some of you on 15 th August when I join the A&B UCM summer pilgrimage at The Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation, West Grinstead.   Wishing you all a peaceful and joyous summer.   Sue Petr...

  The strength to persevere, the courage to speak out, the faith to believe.' Sr Joan Chittister OSB    Welcome to this edition of my web newsletter July 2026  written as we experience a red alert weather warning in most of our diocese. It can be hard to feel motivated when it is so hot, so much easier just to switch off and park religion until the rain comes. But that is not what St Benedict would say. Whatever else you give up, continue to pray ….and pray!   Why am I mentioning St Benedict, because 2 series of events are from Benedictine communities: lay and monastic. With the feast of St Benedict coming in July you will see details, and full press release for the  Lay Community of St Benedict ‘LCSB’   AWAKEN! Study days. Showing that Benedictine communities are focused on formation for lay faithful as well as clergy and religious, there is a varied programme of talks and events not only from LCSB, but from our friends at Chilworth Abbey, so do p...