Parish Newsletter

 

The Parish Family – The Family of Prayer

Illness and bereavement know no seasons, and this week the Parish Family has very much been praying for Gerry Tighe, our wonderful Altar Servers Organiser and so much else. Gerry is one of the absolute pillars of this parish, as you all know. Taken ill last Saturday, he was admitted into the Countess. After a week there, he is so much better, but still not entirely out of the woods. The wonderful doctors and nurses are subjecting him to every test under the sun, to find out exactly what’s happened. Every day he seems stronger and more like his old self. But he doesn’t feel up to visits at the moment, everyone: I’m sure he soon will, and just as soon as he is, I will let everyone know. Meanwhile, please keep those prayers going!

We have lost a significant number of parishioners over the Christmas Season: Felicity Hughes, Marian Curtis’s daughter; Consilia’s brother Kevin, who died in his sleep; Brian Haslam, one of our great Rowton contingent; Alan Bonner, a former lecturer at the University of Chester;  Barbara Dolan, two years after her husband John, both wonderful parishioners; and Joyce Casey, Frank’s widow. Felicity’s Requiem Mass is here on Friday 19^th January at 12.00 noon. Barbara’s is Thursday of this week, 4^th January, at 1.00 pm. Brian’s is provisionally booked for Monday 15^th, at 2.00 pm, but this has still to be confirmed.

A number of other parishioners are also in our prayers at this time, for themselves and their family members, undergoing medical tests or treatments of various kinds. As we always say in this parish, whatever anyone is going through today, we can’t go through it for you, but we can go through it with you. And that can make the world of difference.

We always try to be the family of prayer.

 

Christmas Masses

All six Masses extraordinarily full. People ask me why we celebrate six here: the answer is that we need to, such is the wonderful number of Werbies and Wizziters who want to come to Mass at this special time. The two Sunday Morning Masses on Christmas Eve were well attended too, despite many of you asking if you needed to come then, given it was Christmas Eve… Nice try, but “yes, you do”!

 

2024 Year Books and Ordos

Now on the News Stand, £5 each.

 

Crib Offerings for the Diocesan Children’s Society

Please don’t forget your Crib Offerings which go to the Diocesan Children’s Society, now part of Caritas.

 

Mass Times Between Christmas and Epiphany

• Sunday 31^st December – Holy Family – Normal Sunday Mass Times
• Sunday 31^st December – Midnight Mass to see in the New Year and pray for God’s Blessings on 2024
• Epiphany Holyday - Sunday 7^th January  - Normal Sunday Mass Times

 

Children’s Liturgy at 10.45 Mass

Starting up again on Sunday 7^th January. The team would love to have more volunteers if you were able to help out. Contact any of them or FP.

 

Welcome Wednesdays!

A huge success over these last couple of months: starting up again Wednesday 10^th January.

See you all there, 10.00-12.00 noon!

 

Forthcoming Meetings Parish First Sacraments Group

Tuesday 9^th January at 6.30 pm at Church - A meeting for parents and children. The final class for the children before they make their First Forgiveness, so attendance is vital. The children will need their preparation books and pencil cases. Monday 15^th January at 7:00 pm in St Werburgh’s and St Columba’s School Meeting for all Parents: The Sacrament of Forgiveness.

 

Chester Catenian Circle Fish & Chip Supper

Friday 12^th January, St Columba`s Hall  7.00 pm. Cost £10. Raffle in aid of SVP & Emmaus Village. Music by Anthony Hunt, Guitar. Tickets available from Fr Neill.

 

Hospital Mass Next Thursday, 4^th January

In the Countess of Chester Chapel, 12.15 pm. For the patients, staff, volunteers and visitors. All welcome.

 

SVP Festive Tea: Saturday 6^th January

The SVP would like to invite everyone to the Festive Tea that will take place on 6^th January at 2.00 pm at the Catholic Primary School. There will be music, cake and a raffle! Please contact Fran if you need a lift: fran.waldie@gmail.com We hope to see you there!

 

The two Ukuleles and the Vatican Stamp Album

They attracted a lot of bids, and we’re delighted they have all now found good homes – and a magnificent total of £150 donated to Caritas.

 

Repository: A Bracing Walk Along the Front

Another super pic from Paula and Bernice, this time walking off a little of that Turkey and Tinsel.

 

Photo of the Week: Our Proud Banner Group

Here they are, with their two superb new Advent Banners now proudly in place on the church pillars. Stella, Vera, Bernadette and Gladys. The only one missing is Rosie, who was otherwise engaged. Their next project is a head and shoulders of the Parish Priest, such as they hang from the Balcony at St Peter’s for Canonisations. I’m very touched.