Parish Newsletter

Covid Update: Bishop Mark Writes on Friday…

“We are all hearing reports that Covid restrictions may be lifted in part or even entirely in the weeks ahead. However, until official announcements are made; and we have received any specific guidance for places of worship, it will be important to continue with the prudential measures presently in place in order to provide reassurance and safety for all. I am conscious this period has coincided with much uncertainty for planning, and for renewed anxiety among parishioners, following the exponential spread of the Omicron variant. I hope we too can seek to listen in our prayer and be able to reflect at the beginning of this year on the task of re-building. I have been reading a beautiful book of the Holy Father’s reflections during the time of the pandemic echoing the words of Our Lord “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?” Pope Francis reminds us how we face the fears which can threaten to overwhelm us by making every crisis a moment to renew our faith in the Lord and to ask that our faith be increased. May this be enduring fruit of times of trial and uncertainty through which we’ve all lived.

United in this prayer, + Mark Bishop of Shrewsbury.”

Synod Consultation Exercise: Ready for Take-Off!

Time now to get into gear for the great world-wide Consultation Exercise to feed into the International Bishops’ Synod in Rome in October 2023. Bishop Mark wants our Parish Feedback by 1st March. He will feed back to us by 3rd April and will then send our Diocesan Report to the English and Welsh Bishops for their Plenary in Cardiff, 2nd – 6th May. They then send their Report off to Rome. So… Starting the process today, you will find in your Newsletter a sheet outlining the Three Questions Bishop Mark wants us to consider, and Pope Francis’s Ten Questions. There will be lots of ways we as a Parish can respond, but four big Whole Parish Meetings will be on Mondays 31st Jan, 7th Feb, 14th Feb and 21st Feb, at 7.00 pm. Would you like to be part of small Planning Group that decides how best to use these evenings? If so, come to a short meeting on Thursday evening, 27th January, at 7.00 pm. Would anyone like to offer to help me collate all these responses and draft them into a Final Report for Bishop Mark?

Enormous Thanks to our Stewards!

Twenty-six of us gathered in the Coach House on Wednesday evening for a super Party to thank our Stewards for all they have done for us – and continue to do. Huge thanks to Lockdown Les and Catalogue Katie for hosting us. It meant a 2.00 am start for me in the kitchen, but the smiles on those bitter and twisted little faces made it all so worthwhile. If any Stewards weren’t able to come, your Gift Bags are in the Sacristy for you to collect at your convenience.

CAFOD Afghanistan Emergency Appeal

You can donate on the CAFOD website: cafod.org.uk/AfghanistanAppeal

Appointment of New University C of E Chaplain

A very worthwhile day on Thursday, both Madame Prezzie (CathSoc) and myself as Catholic Chaplain fully involved in the whole process. We took this as a great compliment to our work at the University and our involvement in every aspect of Chaplaincy.

Biochemistry Work Placement

One of our excellent Catholic High School students wants to study Biochemistry at University and was wondering if anyone can give them a week’s Work Experience during the Easter Hos. Many thanks to F from F who thinks they may be able to help…

Christleton Churches Together

Many thanks to everyone for supporting this Zoom Week of Prayer. Particular thanks to Syd, Denise, Geoff and Fifi for helping with the St Werburgh’s day on Thursday. Hugely appreciated!

Mince Pies: £70-00

I would have thought you wouldn’t have been able to look another Mince Pie in the face. But no, all the donated boxes flew off the table, and a superb total of £70 was donated for CAFOD’S Afghanistan Appeal. You lot just never stop eating, do you?

Crib Collection: £505-00

Wonderful response to the Crib Appeal this year, to help the work of our Children’s Society, part of our Diocesan Caritas outreach programme.

Parish Council Meetings – Three Big Topics

• Tuesday 18th January at 7.30 pm
• Tuesday 15th February at 7.30 pm
• Tuesday 15th March at 7.30 pm

Three big issues we are going to address are the forthcoming Bishops’ Synod in Rome in 2023, and the Parish Consultation that precedes that; the future of the Day Chapel; and the possibility of Live-Streaming from St Werburgh’s. All three projects have now been set in motion: watch this space!

Parish House Cleaner

We would now like to employ a new Cleaner, three hours a week. References essential. Please let FP know if interested or you can recommend someone.

Live Streaming: Can You Help?

At our Parish Council meeting, we decided to go ahead with a Feasibility Study. Anyone in the Parish like to be part of that group?

Plans for Lent This Year: Stations of the Cross

Each Friday during Lent, 7.00 pm, live-steamed. This was such a success last year: would anyone like to wolunteer to take on one of the Fridays?

Wheelchair Access

Still happening, folks – another car last Sunday blocking the whole of the entrance! If you see it, PLEASE get a message up to us and we’ll make an announcement. It just has to stop.

The Repository: Reopening Soon!

Reopens Sunday 30th January with a PRE-LOVED SALE!
Any more donations gratefully received!

Liturgy Group Meeting

Our Choir have some exciting plans for Holy Week and Easter: so, can we have a short Liturgy Group Meeting after Choir Practice on Thursday 3rd Feb so we can plan the whole wonderful week together?

Photo of the Week: St Mary’s Cathedral Aberdeen

They have a copy of the statue of Our Lady of Aberdeen that is now in the church of Notre Dame du Finistère in Brussels. Thanks, Helen, for sending it in!