The parish of St Joseph’s, Brindle came together on Wednesday 29 October 2025 for a Mass of Thanksgiving, marking the end of more than three and a half centuries of Benedictine ministry in the area. The Mass, celebrated by Archbishop John Sherrington and Abbot Robert Igo OSB, was both a moment of gratitude and reflection as longtime parish priest Fr Raphael Jones OSB prepares to return to Ampleforth Abbey after serving the parish since 2008.

In a joint communiqué read at Mass earlier in the month, Archbishop John and Abbot Robert expressed their deep thanks to the people of Brindle for their “commitment and dedication” throughout the consultation process about the parish’s future. They confirmed that, from 1 November 2025, a Parochial Administrator will temporarily oversee the parish until the end of January 2026, while discussions about long-term pastoral provision continue.

Archbishop John reflecting on the dedicated witness of the Benedictine monks, who have ministered in Brindle and the surrounding area since at least 1667. “We thank God this evening for the long pastoral presence of the Benedictines in this area,” he said. “Priests have come and priests have gone, but our Catholic faith remains.”

Speaking to parishioners, the Abbot acknowledged the difficult decision to end Ampleforth’s formal pastoral involvement, noting the monastery’s need to adapt to a changing reality while continuing its mission of evangelisation. He also paid tribute to the people of Brindle for their generosity, hospitality, and steadfast faith:

“You have helped and supported the brethren in practical and spiritual ways… In some ways, you have humanised many of them. Hence their reluctance at times to return to the source of their vocation.”

As the parish now enters a short period of transition, Archbishop John and Abbot Robert assured parishioners of their continued prayers. “Nothing remains the same,” the Abbot concluded, “and we must be open to where the Spirit of God is calling us.”

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