Parish Newsletter

 

New Look Newsletter

New “Parish Contacts” Box at the bottom of the page. The principal reason is to give you details of our two Safeguarding Reps, Liz and Chris. These are Diocesan appointments, the people to go to if at any time you have worries about the safety of children or vulnerable adults in the Parish. They work independently of the PP, and information you share with them is shared with the Diocese, not the PP.

 

St Werburgh’s “The New Normal” we’d like to see...

Children’s Liturgy at 10.45; Music Group at 10.45 am; music generally at 10.45 (Choir not just at 9.00 am?); Welcomers at all Sunday Masses; two Sunday Readers at each Sunday Mass; new-look Liturgy Group, to plan liturgies together; a possible Bereavement Group; Traidcraft stall; Parish CAFOD group; training days for Catechists, possibly Deanery-wide; using the Day Chapel as a great resource; having the church open for longer each day; more Open Parish Meetings, perhaps one meeting for one issue; Bible Studies; greater range of Prayer Groups; Live Streaming of Masses; a Young Families Group / Mothers and Toddlers; A Divorced and Separated Group; hymns at Holy Communion; parishioners writing and reading Sunday Bidding Prayers; a Green Eco-Friendly Parish Group; a Parish Face Book page; more engagement with Social Media generally; special Sacristans for Weddings and Funerals; keep Communion Stewards, but review their role. So many super ideas here.

 

Last Tuesday, we discussed our overall, all-encompassing vision of Welcome: that we should be a church that extends a positive welcome to everyone, especially those who feel they are no longer part of the Catholic Church and those who have never heard the Gospel of Christ and His message of Infinite New Beginnings.

 

This final Tuesday, we address the issue of translating these wishes and aspirations into ACTION. It will be a hard-headed planning session, so we do need as many as possible to come along, to offer their services in making this a welcoming Parish in deed as well as word. Meanwhile, keep those written submissions coming in! Closing date: Sunday 30^th October.

 

“I’d like to get more involved…”

As part of the Autumn Renewal Programme, there’s a sheet at the back of church inviting you to sign up for any of the 80 or so activities we’ve listed, and a space at the end for any we’ve missed. So, sign up and get the form back to us.

Closing Date: Sunday, 30^th October.

 

SVP Sponsored Walk

 The SVP team would like to thank everyone who took part and those who generously supported the SVP Sponsored Walk in aid of the Holiday Home. It was a great success with a good turnout and everyone had a lovely time! If you'd like to donate, the SVP is still accepting contributions on their Just giving page https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/svp-chester-ellesmere-port-holiday-home

 

Rowton Masses Re-Starting on Saturday Evenings

Thanks for those who’ve wolunteered to help run the show – anyone else like to get on board? Saturday 5^th November sound sensible? Mass and then a Bonfire…

 

November Holy Souls Book

Please send your names in, preferably by email. A new book is compiled every year, so names are not carried forward from one year to the next. First edition of the book will be on All Saints, Tuesday 1^st November.

 

Putting Up Posters in Church

Always pleased to advertise your events but do please show the poster to FP first. (We’ve had some crackers)

 

Repository: Christmas Goods

Our brand-new stock of extremely good value best religious Christmas Cards is now on sale, including Advent Calendars, Candles and some unusual Nativity gifts. In addition, we have our regular stock of beautiful Sympathy and Thinking of You cards, and don't forget our parish Notelets (10 in pack) are still available at the special price of £2.00.

 

Re-Staining the Catafalque at the Chapel at Blacon

Roy of the Rovers, our brilliant wood-staining expert, has hung up his brushes now: is there anyone else in the Parish who’d be interested in this job as our gift?

 

November: Month of the Holy Souls

• Tues 1^st: All Saints: Masses 7.30 am, 12.15, 7.30 pm
• Wed 2^nd: All Souls: Masses 7.30 am, 12.15, 7.30 pm
• Wed 16^th: Mass for the Recently Bereaved: 7.00 pm
• Sunday 20^th: Blessing of Blacon Graves: 2.00-4.00 pm
• Sunday 27^th: Blessing Overleigh Graves: 2.00-4.00 pm
• Wednesday 30^th: Mass of the Holy Souls: 7.00 pm

 

Best Wishes to Fr Neill and Marlene

We welcome back Fr Neill after his three weeks cover in Ellesmere Port and continue to send Marlene our very best wishes for a speedy recovery after her recent fall. Congratulations to Fr Neill, President of the Chester Catenians Circle, on their 75^th Birthday last Friday, and a splendid celebratory Ladies Evening.

 

Calling All Students!  Come and Join CathSoc!

We’d love to hear from you and invite you to be part of our Catholic Student Community. Our main meeting night is Sunday, and this week flyers are available telling you all about us. There are sheets at the back of church for you to give us your details – and we’d love to hear from you!

• Sunday 16^th October: CathSoc Treasure Hunt (They wanted me to be the Treasure, but they just couldn’t afford the Insurance)
• Sunday 23^rd October: Charades Night
• Sunday 24^th October: Shared Table Supper

 

Chester Cathedral Annual Heritage Discovery Day

Bigger and better than ever! Join the Cathedral’s very own heritage professionals and friends on Saturday 22^nd October in a free event bringing to life the medieval heritage of Chester’s most iconic historic church.  Free tickets for the day and the Heritage Lecture Series are available via Cathedral website.

Visitors will enjoy a range of activities taking place across the Cathedral site on the first Saturday of half term, with medieval objects on display, live demonstrations of heritage skills, music-making, family activities, tours, and worship, all contributing to this autumnal extravaganza.

 

Photo of the Week: Our Lady of Walsingham

A beautiful close-up of our Statue, rescued and renovated from Carrara’s basement in Liverpool.