The Marriage Course offers married couples a practical way to strengthen and enrich their relationship. It takes effort and dedication to keep the fun and romance alive, while navigating the challenges of married life, something which all couples have to deal with. This course offers tools and strategies for improved communication, resolving conflict, deepening connection, and fostering forgiveness. While based on Christian principles, the course is beneficial and relevant for any couple, regardless of their faith or how long they have been married, and provides a private "date night" setting for couples to invest in their relationship and build a lasting bond. 

Each session will have a video input followed by discussion between each couple.  There is no group sharing, everything is confidential to each couple. Refreshments will be served.

What the Marriage Course Offers
- An investment in your relationship: 
The course provides dedicated, quality time for couples to invest in their marriage and work on strengthening their bond. 
- Practical tools for communication: 
You'll learn effective communication strategies to express needs and resolve
differences constructively. 
- Conflict resolution skills: 
The course offers techniques for addressing and resolving disagreements in a less confrontational way. 
- Deepening connection: 
It helps couples strengthen their connection by exploring topics like intimacy, needs, and shared experiences. 
- Understanding commitment and forgiveness: 
You'll gain insights into the commitment of marriage and learn the importance of forgiveness. 
- Navigating challenges: 
The course addresses modern marriage challenges, including the impact of family, work-life balance, and the effects of past experiences. 
- A supportive environment: 
Each couple has their own private space at a table to discuss the course materials, ensuring privacy and comfort.

"I light this candle for all in Guildford parish with love and prayers from Sandy and Dcn Ian."

Fr. Eddie and a group of students from the University of Surrey spent a Saturday on pilgrimage to Arundel where they visited Arundel Cathedral - with some time spent in Adoration and confession as well as a tour of the cathedral.  They also visited the Poor Clares at their convent where Fr. Eddie celebrated mass and met with the nuns.  The Poor Clares are a contemplative community who have been featured on television and who have had their music periodically released as albums. 
Fr. Eddie commented: "It was both a holy day and a fun day for everyone!"

Thanks for Joseph Chan for these pictures of the party, which took place in St. Mary's Hall on Sunday 9th February 2025.

Fr. Eddie joined students from the University of Surrey Catholic Society at the university's Re-Freshers' Fair on 7th February. The Catholic Parish of Guildford is the chaplaincy to the Catholic students at the university. 

The FHC children brought along pictures of their families they had drawn which were put up in the hall at St Joseph's where the Jesus Family Day was taking place. Please pray for these children and their families as they prepare for their First Reconciliation and Holy Communion.

One of the prayer stations at the First Holy Communion Family Day.

The cafe at the Family Day - very popular with the children - lots of yummy food!

Three new members were enrolled into the Guild of St. Stephen at the St. Stephen's Day Mass on 26th December 2024.

Candidates for the RCIA programme are formally welcomed at Mass this weekend.

Parishioners from across Guildford gathered at St. Pius to meet with the town's new MP - Zoe Franklin.  Questions were submitted ahead of the meeting and it was a good opportunity for the church community to get to know Zoe better and to speak with one Catholic voice about important matters that we hold dear.

The parish said farewell to Fr. Tristan who is moving to Horsham.  After a beautiful Mass at St. Mary's, the community celebrated and wished Fr. Tristan well with a party at St. Joseph's School.

The Xavier Catholic Education Trust celebrated its start of term Mass at St Joseph's, with Headteachers returning to their schools with a candle blessed by Mgr. Tony to use during worship throughout the year.

St. Joseph's celebrated its 40th Anniversary this weekend, with the support of Bishop Richard, who blessed the newly installed stained glass windows depicting Mary, Joseph and John.  A great party was enjoyed afterwards - with thanks to Carlos and Cynthia for the stunning photos.

Deacon Michael Phillips was congratulated after Mass on 27th June 2024, the 15th anniversary of his Ordination to the Permanent Diaconate.

A fantastic start to another term of Focus (school years 10-13). Indoor hockey, games, and amazing chat about faith and life. We are so blessed in our parish to have this space for young people to meet every week.

The Parish celebrates the Feast day of St. Stephen, the patron Saint of Altar Servers. Congratulations to James on receiving his silver medal for 10 years' service, to Joseph, Elizabeth and Anna for receiving certificates of merit, and many congratulations to Carlo, who was enrolled to the Guild of St. Stephen.   

Some of Focus (school years 10-13) celebrated the end of term with a dinner at GBK.

​In this month of November when we remember all the Holy Souls a Bereavement Liturgy was held at St. Mary's.  It was a lovely service taken by Deacon Ian and the parishioners who attended were able to remember their loved ones and light a candle on the altar for the repose of their souls..

On a Sunday in November, 30 adult Enquirers at Mass were welcomed by Fr Roy, introduced to the congregation and prayed for. They had been meeting weekly since September and are preparing for Baptism and/or Confirmation at the Easter Vigil. One of the stages in their faith journey will be the Rite of Election at the beginning of Lent, when with others from the diocese they will meet Bishop Richard at Arundel Cathedral. 
Their preparation consists of teaching, discussion and prayer. We have a Team of eight Catechists. Please keep the group in your prayers.

According to the Prophet Jonah, Nineveh took three days to cross. This fact came to mind when looking at the vast area Stoke Municipal Cemetery covers. Not to be dismayed, your three priests, with a goodly accompaniment of parishioners (last year about six, this year nearer sixty) blessed the graves of loved ones over much of the cemetery area. Appropriate footwear was donned and clerical cloaks flung round expecting wind and rain. However, it turned out to be a very pleasant and sunny afternoon.

Great fun was had by all at our action-packed Summer Club!  Led by an energetic group of young leaders, over 40 children came to explore the theme of "Faith, Hope and Love" through games, group discussions and craft activities.  

 )Scott has also arrived, as one of the Group Leaders, and immediately started giving interviews to the International Press i.e. Scotland!