OCTOBER 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 October 2026.

 

So this month our diocese celebrates the arrival of our new Bishop Stephen Wang. A new opportunity for both us and our Bishop to grow in faith together.  Let us look forward in hope and joy.

 

I am continuing to include items on Synodality, because it is not going to go away. If we spend time exploring what Synodality means I think we will all find something positive and helpful in it’s practice. It is after all Spirituality.

 

Enjoy.

 

Stephen Wang will be installed as the Sixth Bishop of the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton on Monday 19 October at 12 noon.

 

 

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What drives Women into Poverty?

Please join Jenny Hayward-Jones as she chairs a webinar with Emily Holzhausen (Carers UK) and Susan Longhurst (St Mary’s College). Entitled "What drives Women into Poverty?" we will explore the routes and challenges faced by women. You can join us on Tuesday 13th October from 7:00 – 8:30 pm. There is no charge for this webinar and it is open to all. Register here: https://nbcw.eo.page/vf4vd ____________________________________________________________________________________

A Sacred Walk: Catholic Women Living a Life of Dedication

27 October — 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm  to register:  nbcw

Catholic Women Walking with Women: A Faith Journey Through Life’s Seasons is a year-long webinar series designed to meet women where they truly are, in the real circumstances and rhythms of life, and to explore how God walks with us in every season.

Please join Hannah Vaughen-Spruce and Liz Dodd to discuss:

• 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

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World Day of Prayer

United in Prayer for Justice and Peace

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WDPIC Centennial, 5 March 2027

The latest edition of the 'Together in Prayer' Magazine is available from the World Day of Prayer, edited by  Margaret Clark! Order your copy here.  https://www.wwdp.org.uk

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   SYNODALITY NEWS

 

Behind the Scenes at the Assembly 

 

A chance to watch the recent webinar with Sr Nathalie Becquart XMCJ and Fr Giacomo Costa SJ as they unpack the Vatican's latest resource for the next step on our synod journey, "Recollecting: Accompanying the preparation of the local Church’s evaluation Assembly." 

Together with Janet Forbes from the Archdiocese of Armagh, Sheila Pires from the Southern African Bishops' Conference and Kelley Paget from Oceania, we explore key stages, and practical implications of the diocesan assemblies, offering a framework for how local churches will reflect on, discern, and share the fruits of the implementation phase in preparation for the 2028 Ecclesial Assembly.  This recording would be particularly useful for synod teams in dioceses or for those already involved in assemblies at diocesan level.

Now available on our YouTube channel @School-for-Synodality. To access the subtitles, click on the subtitle icon in the bottom right of the YouTube frame.  The recording is 1hr 38 mins and has chapter divisions at the bottom of the description to aid navigation.

 

 

Get the pdf  at       toolkit

Our formation/training programmes including  Forming Others to Facilitate Conversations in the Spirit l, will begin on Tuesday 8 October and you can find out more on our website here >>  More dates will be available very soon

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Are you interested in the interfaith movement? Would you be interested in exploring how women can play a greater role in interfaith dialogue and action? Following a recent national round-table with women from different faith communities, we are keen to continue the conversation and explore opportunities for women to work together on issues including violence against women and girls, gender equality and the role of women within religious communities. If you would like to be involved, please get in touch. admin@nbcw.co.uk

 

 

 

 That's all for now.

For the Good of the Church

 

Sue Petritz

Diocesan Link for Arundel & Brighton

nbcw@abdiocese.org.uk