Parish Newsletter

A Parish in Mourning

We were all devastated to learn of the death of our beloved Syd Jones on Tuesday morning. He was on wonderful form on Sunday evening, leading our Music Group out at Christleton Methodists, the singing and playing as excellent and joyful as we’ve ever known it. Then the normal Monday morning with Denise here in the house, counting the collection, banking it, and the hundred and one other jobs they always did after the weekend. Taken ill Monday evening and into hospital, he slipped away to the Lord as the dawn rose on Tuesday morning. Impossible to know where to begin saying what he did for this Parish. Secretary and Administrator for over thirteen years, that doesn’t begin to describe the range and depths of jobs he performed for all of us. Quite simply, he was always here, no task ever too big or too small for his enthusiasm, skills and commitment. But first and foremost, he was Denise’s husband of forty-four years, an extraordinary partnership in every area of their lives together. Our total love and prayers goes out to her at this saddest of times. To see them working together was to appreciate just how those two hearts beat at one. Finally, he was a very beloved personal friend of myself. How he put up with me for thirteen years is the sixth Sorrowful Mystery. May Syd rest in the Peace and Joy of the Risen Lord Jesus. Mass will be said for him here on Wednesday morning at 12.15 pm.

Message from Fr Emeka in Nigeria

We have received so many messages of sympathy in the last week, for which we are all truly grateful. But I did want to share this one with you from our dearest friend, Fr Emeka, PP of St Clare’s, on Annual Leave back home in Nigeria: “This is so sad to hear. Thank you for informing me. My heartfelt condolences to Syd’s wife, Denise, Fr Paul and the entire St Werburgh’s family at this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone,”

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

It all came to a triumphant close with the joyful Service at Christleton Methodists on the Sunday evening, the worship led as ever by Denise and Syd and our Music Group Many thanks to everyone who supported in the week beforehand as we went round the different churches of Christleton, Rowton and Waverton at noon each day. This culminated in the Saturday noon service here at St Werburgh’s, with a sumptuous buffet lunch laid on afterwards. Organised by…? Yes, Denise and Syd. I left them here at 2.00 pm to go along to the Cathedral for the county-wide service with Bishop Mark, clearing everything away, tidying up and doing the washing up. You see what I mean?

New Readers Training and Recruitment

Reader training was a cause very dear to Syd and Denise’s heart, Denise herself being one of our very finest readers. They would have been delighted to know that we had such a good session last week, six new Readers coming forward, and benefiting from an excellent hour from Marian McC, our Reader Trainer on “How to Read in Church”. Anyone else like to join the team?

Confirmation: 10th May 2023

The Sacrament of Confirmation with Bishop Mark will be at St Francis on Wednesday 10th May, 7.00 pm. Classes will be here at St Werburgh’s. on Wednesday evenings, starting 1st March. The Launch Meeting (for Candidates and at least one parent) is Monday 20th February. Minimum Age: second year High School (Year 8). No maximum, and always delighted to hear from Adults who weren’t confirmed as youngsters but would like to be now. They will have separate classes. Flyers at back of church with full details.

Would You Like to be a Confirmation Catechist?

A number of our excellent team now feel it’s time to stand down and make room for younger folk. We do thank them, in some cases for many years of faithful service – and their wish to stand down is very much in the spirit of our Parish Renewal Programme, about which you’ll be hearing a lot more in the coming weeks. So, would anyone like to join the Confirmation Catechists Team? It only commits you for one year, not for life! If interested, please let FP know, and there’s an Open Meeting for potential new recruits on Wednesday 1st February at 7.00 pm in the House.

First Holy Communion Preparation

First Forgiveness is on Saturday 28th January, 10.00 and 11.00 am, an hour away as I write. Delighted that all our children now have a Prayer Sponsor, parishioners willing to hold one particular youngster in prayer at this wonderful time in their lives. Let’s pray for our youngsters, the Church of tomorrow.

Planning for Lenten Fridays

We had a good discussion on Wednesday about the best way of using the six Fridays of Lent, Stations versus Meditations, zoom versus in person. We’ve decided to have three Stations and three Meditations, in each case two ‘in person’ and one zoom. We hope this meets everyone’s needs.

Children’s Liturgy Has Started Again at 10.45 Mass

For children 4-8, please. Parents may come with their children, especially initially: but we’d prefer if you dropped them off and picked them up again afterwards, as they’re much better behaved when you’re not there!! (Cheek!) Many thanks, CL Team!

Next Parish Council Meeting: 31st Jan 7.00 pm

Postponed, as a mark of respect.

Diocesan Day for Chester Catechists – 4th Feb

The Diocesan Mission for Catechesis team is organising a day for all catechists (Baptismal, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, RCIA, Marriage Prep, the lot) for all the Chester Parishes, to introduce themselves and explain how they might be able to support our individual work. Saturday 4th February, 10.00-5.00 pm, St Columba’s Parish Hall. Sign-Up Sheet at the Back of Church. All welcome.

Repository Re-Opens Sunday 29th January

Photo of the Week: Liverpool Uni CathSoc
On a visit to Chester last month, and here they are with their Chaplains, Fr Neil and Sr Rachel. They had Mass in St Werburgh’s, and we have another photo of them in a few weeks’ time.