Parish Newsletter

Holy Week and Easter Times

Palm Sunday: Sat 6.00; Rowton, 9.00, 10.45, 6.00 pm
There will be plenty of blessed Palms left over after Sunday Evening Mass, so please just take a few each today to make sure there are enough for everyone. 

Maundy Thursday: 12.15 and 7.30 pm

Could all Eucharistic Ministers make sure they are there for the Evening Mass and their Annual Renewal of Commitment? Then Watching at the Altar of Repose until Midnight, concluding with Compline. 

Good Friday: Liturgy of the Passion 3.00 pm
Always full, so do please make sure you get there in plenty of time. 

Holy Saturday: 8.30 pm and Midnight

Starting in the Garden with the Blessing of the New Fire and Lighting of the Paschal Candle.

Easter Sunday: 9.00, 10.45, 6.00 pm. 

Usual Sunday Mass Times, with the Asperges at each Mass as the Penitential Rite. 

Masses in Easter Week: 10.00 am each day.

150th Celebrations and Fund-Raising

Almost ready with our fabulous Parish Recipe Books, full of your culinary suggestions, And also our Lego Models. meanwhile, how can we thank Marie’s Easter Wreath-Making Workshop enough for the fantastic total of £535 they raised for our Hospice Appeal? Thanks, Marie! The Easter Eggs have raised a magnificent £445, with more on sale today – they didn’t take me long – and a wonderful single Just Giving Donation from V&P of £200. Adding in all the other very welcome bits and pieces, it takes us to a Grand Total of £1,833 towards our £15,000 target – and this is only Week Three! Our Just Giving page is at https://www.justgiving.com/page/150-years-of-st-werburghs  Keep those ideas coming, everyone, and don’t forget our next Open Planning Meeting is Thursday 24th April, 7.30 pm. 

Welcome Wednesdays Never Sleep!

Last batch of chicks & bunnies are on sale this weekend. A huge “thank you” to all who have donated cream eggs and worked tirelessly to produce over 200 chicks and bunnies to help the Hospice. At 11.15 this coming Wednesday we are joining together in prayer with an Easter Reflection in the Day Chapel. Next WW 30th April.

Young Adults Gathering – Friday May 2nd 

“Are you over 18 and looking to meet fellow parishioners? Join us for our Young Adults Gathering on Friday, May 2nd at St Werburgh's at 6.30 pm for an evening of connection, conversation, and community! All are welcome – bring a friend! I will be at the back of Church between Masses on Sunday Mornings and after Mass in the evenings 19th and 27th April so come and say hello. Nithin.” Come and join us, Young Adults!

Safeguarding Training for All Volunteer Parishioners

Liz Aiello and Chris Proudfoot, our Parish Safeguarding Representatives, will be holding Safeguarding Training Sessions on Tuesday 13th May at 7.00 pm and Thursday 15th May at 2.00 pm. All Parish Volunteers working with children and vulnerable adults, and who did not attend the training in January, must attend one of these sessions. This is aimed at increasing awareness of Safeguarding and will cover Roles and Responsibilities, Protecting the Vulnerable and Protecting Yourself, How to Respond to Disclosures and Concerns, and Knowing where to go to for Support and Advice.

St Werburgh’s Parish Pilgrimage Walk

Flyers are in every Newsletter this weekend giving details of our exciting 150th Anniversary Pilgrimage Walk. Saturday 28th- Sunday 29th June, from St Werburgh’s Church to St Winefride’s Shrine, Holywell. 21 miles total distance.

• Saturday: St Werburgh’s to Flint, 13 miles (return by train)
• Sunday: to Flint by train, Mass in Flint, then on to St Winefride’s Shrine, 8 miles (return by bus).

Open to all, but numbers limited. Details on flyers and sign-up list today (Palm Sunday), or email John Egan for details:  john.egan1935@gmail.com

Teaching Assistant Vacancy at The Catholic High School

For information, please visit www.christofidelis.org.uk  Closing date: 12.00 noon Wednesday 23rd April 2025. Applications should be returned via email to: Andrew Kilcoyne, kilcoynea@christofidelis.org.uk

Prom Dresses and Suits Wanted 

The Catholic High School is welcoming donations of dresses and suits for the upcoming 'Prom Shop' sale. Donations may be dropped off at the school reception - Old Wrexham Road, CH4 7HS. Thank you.

Paint Spill in the Cellar

Can of paint upended in the cellar: anyone know how to clean it up? 

Children’s Liturgy Easter Break

The last Children's Liturgy session till after Easter was 6th April. We will start again on Sunday 27th April.

Holy Week Banners

Many thanks to Vera and Chris for coming along Friday morning  and hanging the four Holy Week banners in the church, some old and some new. 

On the Free Table: Last Few Great War Books

Free to anyone who would like a copy. Just help yourselves! We’re so glad they’re finding good homes. 

Next 150th Planning Meeting: Thursday 24th April

Everyone warmly welcome, especially if you have never been before and you have an idea for the rest of us to discuss. Come on board, everyone!

SVP Glove Sale

£580 was raised for the SVP. Thanks to everyone for supporting this venture so generously, and to Marco and team for organising the sale and donating the gloves. Happy gardening, everyone!

Lent Stations of the Cross: Fridays at 7.00 pm

Our Friday evening Lenten series came to a superb climax on Friday with a superb Taizé Meditation led by Tom and the Choir. So good to welcome our friends from St Francis as well. The singing and the reflections were wonderful. Thanks to everyone who has made the series so memorable this year. 

Photo of the Week: Queen Victoria’s Church IOW

St Mildred’s, Whippingham, Isle of Wight, used by Queen Victoria when in residence at Osborne House. Snapped when Chester Male Voice Choir were on tour on the Island, May 2024. by the other Geoff. (Hewson!) Thanks, Geoff!  (Actually Pam).