Advent carol service
Sunday 21 December, 3:30pm,
Abbey Church
Celebrate the Advent season with us at Worth Abbey Pilgrim’s Advent Carol Service on Sunday 21st December, 2025. Experience the beauty of traditional and contemporary carols performed by the Worth Abbey Choir, along with reflections on the meaning of Advent. After the service, enjoy festive refreshments in the Narthex.
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Email Kelly at kohara@worth.org.uk for more information on any of our events.
The Catholic Union of Great Britain
Sojan Joseph MP will deliver the Catholic Union’s next pub talk on Monday 19 January at 6pm. Chaired by Catherine Pepinster, Sojan will talk about his reflections on his first year in Parliament drawing on his background working in the NHS in mental health for 22 years and inclusion in the community. The event is open to all, but booking is essential as spaces will be limited.
Sojan Joseph MP says: “I am not sure that my career in the NHS prepared me for working in Parliament but certainly no two days are the same! I have been remarkably busy representing my constituents and serving on various committees, including the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill as well as Co-Chairing various health related All Party Parliamentary Groups. I look forward to speaking to the Catholic Union about my first year in Parliament."
The Catholic Union has held a series of pub talks, a very informative way to hear from politicians and policy makers about various issues in a relaxed setting. Recent talks have featured Catherine McKinnell MP, Sir Iain Duncan-Smith MP, Jon Cruddas, Lord Glasman, Andrew Hawkins, Stephen Pound, Andy Keen-Downs and Kate Nightingale.
Catherine Pepinster is a well-known journalist, broadcaster, and author specialising in religion. She was previously executive editor of the Independent on Sunday and edited The Tablet for 13 years.
Catherine Pepinster, journalist, says: “We are delighted that Sojan has agreed to give our Pub Talk on 19 January. This will be the perfect opportunity to hear first hand about the challenges and opportunities that newly elected MPs have for bringing faith into public life."
Sojan’s talk, subject to Parliamentary business, will commence at 6pm. All are welcome but booking is essential.
· Sojan Joseph MP has been the Member of Parliament for Ashford since 2024. Sojan worked in the NHS for 22 years, primarily in mental health services, holding the roles of ward manager, matron, mental health nurse and Head of Nursing for the community mental health services in Kent and Medway. He took on his first political role in 2023, after winning a seat on Ashford Borough Council to represent the Aylesford and East Stour ward. Sojan is co-chair for the APPGs on Mental Health, Global TB, and Adult Social Care.
· Sign up to the Catholic Union’s Weekly Briefing for free: https://catholicunion.org.uk/weekly-briefings/
· Find out ways you can support the Catholic Union here: https://catholicunion.org.uk/support-us/
· The event will take place at The Brass Monkey: https://www.brassmonkeylondon.co.uk/
· To book your place please visit:
Forgiveness, peace & hope
The Catholic Union of Great Britain
Join Margaret and Barry Mizen in conversation with Catherine Pepinster at 6.30pm on Monday 2 February in Victoria. Booking is essential.
Margaret Mizen, founder of the Mizen Foundation, says: “I am looking forward to the Catholic Union’s Pub Talk, there is much to be discussed as it is through education, early intervention, and engagement, that we strive to address the root causes of violence. Our young people need to know they are loved, they are valued, and they do matter.”
The Mizen Foundation was established to honour Jimmy Mizen’s legacy by promoting a message of forgiveness, peace and hope, and empowerment among young people and communities.
Catherine Pepinster, journalist, says: “The Catholic Union aims to champion engagement by Catholics for the Common Good and The Mizen Foundation is certainly a good example. It works with those of all faiths or none and has done so much to help ignite a fire of change. It will be interesting to hear how Margaret and Barry go about this important work and what we, as lay Catholics, can do to support their invaluable effort."
- For more information about the Catholic Union please visit www.catholicunion.org.uk
- Sign up to our Weekly Briefing by visiting https://catholicunion.org.uk/weekly-briefings/
- For more information about the Mizen Foundation please visit https://mizenfoundation.org/
- To book your place at the event on 2 February please visit
- The event will take place at The Brass Monkey https://www.brassmonkeylondon.co.uk/
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Retreats taking place at Worth Abbey
The Open Cloister
Founded in 2005, The Open Cloister is Worth Abbey’s retreat programme, offering a space for spiritual reflection rooted in Catholic and Benedictine traditions. It invites individuals seeking prayer, rest, and renewal in the peaceful surroundings of the Abbey, building on the legacy of the former Centre of Spirituality.
Hospitality is central to Benedictine life. The Open Cloister extends this hospitality to a wider audience, welcoming hundreds of guests each year through a collaborative effort between monks and laypeople. Whether for a weekend retreat or a day visit, it serves as a meaningful link between the monastery and the wider world.
Worth Abbey
The monastic internship programme
Worth Abbey runs an internship programme for small groups of men to live in proximity to the Community and share in their lives. This internship provides an opportunity for up to five men at a time to live alongside the monastery for two months, following a way of life like that of the monks.
During this time, you will learn about the Benedictine tradition and have the opportunity to live in community, to deepen your prayer life and your personal engagement with scripture.
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