SEPTEMBER 2026 Web Newsletter and Blog from Arundel & Brighton Diocesan Link

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.

 

There is lots happening this autumn so keep an eye on parish websites. I will be sharing events monthly in your parish newsletter or noticeboard and via this blog. Do invite others to look at this blog.

 

For the Good of the Church

Sue Petritz

Diocesan Link for Arundel & Brighton

nbcw@abdiocese.org.uk

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Let the Spirituality of SYNODALITY be in your mind in the coming weeks.

 

 

We are in the RECOLLECTING Stage.

If that comes as a surprise to you, then now is the time to start reading up, watching Youtube, checking out resources about the Spirituality of Synodality BECAUSE SYNODALITY IS HERE TO STAY!!

Practical Resources

For Pathways to Synodality the School for Synodality exists to support the Church’s synodal journey of openness to the Holy Spirit through listening, sharing, and discernment. It has practical resources and offers free training.

The School for Synodality helps us all by making some of the key practices of synodality accessible and easy to try across our Catholic communities. 

‘We have a wealth of practical wisdom on listening and speaking graciously to one another, but have often forgotten it in our day to day community life.  We hope these resources will help brush up your skills and give you the confidence to give it a go!’

 

 

https://www.synodresources.org/

https://www.schoolforsynodality.org.uk/

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SEPTEMBER 22nd 2026, 7pm St Mary Magdalen church, Brighton:

SEPTEMBER 22nd 2026, 7pm St Mary Magdalen church, Brighton: Come and hear the story of a 20th-century British woman who may be our next canonised saint

Sister Riccarda Hambrough helped to rescue Jewish families in Rome in World War II. Her story is worth hearing.

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 Tuesday 29th September at 7pm Walking with Women continues after our summer break. This month please join Chris Smith as she speaks to us about: Finding comfort in Catholic teaching on suffering and eternal life; Grieving with faith: prayer, community, and spiritual support; Honouring loved ones through remembrance and legacy.

Join us  Tuesday 29th September at 7pm. More details and a sign-up form can be found at: https://www.nbcw.co.uk/event/walking-through-loss-bereaved-catholic-women/

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Are you interested in exploring topical Questions and Church teaching, then  consider joining this Study Group.

 

 

MAGNIFICA HUMANITAS.  Join a Discussion/Study Group to explore Pope Leo’s  Magnifica Humanitas . How are we to safeguard the human person, given the advances of AI which impact all areas of our lives.  Starting in the autumn day/time to be agreed. Email Deacon Dominic Dring to  register your interest: domdring14@gmail.com

Deacon Dominic writes

‘I am hoping we will gather a group with who we can try to find a day/time that suits most.

I am designing a programme that will enable us to explore, chapter by chapter, this important document. It will require participants to read each chapter in advance of the meeting when we will have some time of prayer, sharing together our insights, questions and challenges, and make some individual and collective decisions for action. I am keen that the process must be accessible, accommodate the realities of people's commitments, and lead to a growth in knowledge of the Church's social teaching and hope and wisdom to live with faith and integrity in these challenging times.

Please promote and encourage others who you believe may be interested.’

So that is  my September highlights. I’d love to hear your stories of how synodality is with you in your parish or group.

 For the Good of the Church

Sue Petritz

Diocesan Link for Arundel & Brighton

nbcw@abdiocese.org.uk