Summer Moves in Chester and the Diocese

We congratulate Fr Patrick Breeze on having his appointment at St Clare’s confirmed, as their new Parochial Administrator, and welcome him to the Deanery. We are truly sorry to be saying farewell to Fr Jinson and Bro Michael at St Francis, both reassigned to Greyfriars, Oxford. They have been great members of our Deanery, and I do want to thank Fr Jinson especially for his wonderful support to me personally in the Hospital and in our Deanery. A truly great Franciscan. Some moves afoot in the Spiritan Community too: Fr Desmond is leaving Chester for pastures new, and we thank him for his help in the Hospital and alongside Fr William in St Columba’s and St Theresa’s. We welcome a new Spiritan to Chester as Community Leader in the House in Hoole, Fr Alphonsus Beni, who’s been working in Parishes down in Westminster and Southwark Dioceses. Welcome, Fr Alphonsus! Bishop Mark has also announced some moves in the wider Diocese: following the very sad death of Fr Tony Cogliolo, a good personal friend of mine, Fr Tony McGrath has been appointed to St Theresa’s Wilmslow in his place. And one retirement to mark, Fr Peter Dutton from St Mary’s Middlewich. That’s it for this summer, so far anyway. One name you’re looking for in vain? Be patient, my chickadees: one day your prayers will be answered. Meanwhile…

Bishop Mark’s Visitation: 28/29 September

Just a reminder, as they all return from the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes this weekend, that we’ll be welcoming Bishop Mark here on Visitation on the last weekend in September, 28th / 29th. 

Great Barrow House Mass Friday 12.00 noon

Everyone warmly welcome to John Petterson’s for our next House Mass on Friday. Heath Farm, Hollowmoor Heath, Great Barrow. Full directions on flyers at the back of church. It’s a real farm, so let’s hope for fine weather and a chance for Mass and a cuppa afterwards outside. 

World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly 

Last Sunday, we marked this day in honour of all grandparents and elderly members of our congregation, the closest Sunday to the feast of St Anne and St Joachim, which we celebrated the Friday before on the 26th July 2024. Pope Francis has written a message especially for this occasion and the Diocese has created a booklet that includes his message and the prayer prepared for the day. Please pick up the booklet and prayer cards from the back of the Church and you will find other resources on the Diocesan website.

2025 Mass Diary 

The Mass Diary for next year opens the first weekend of September, Sunday 1st. 

Chloe and Richard Wedding on Friday

Just back as I write, Saturday Morning, from St Alban’s Derby, and the wedding of Chloe, our great CathSoc Prezzie 2017-2020, and Richard. Good to have David and Jane with us to represent the Wrinklies. Best wishes to the Newly-Weds!

Walking the Diocese to Support the SVP 

Kate Birkenhead (Diocesan SVP Membership Support Officer) is walking over 200 miles across Shrewsbury Diocese, from New Brighton to Ludlow, via South Manchester, to raise money for our local SVP Holiday Homes and Summer Camps.  https://giving.give-star.com/online/saint-vincent-de-paul-society-england-and-wales/kate-and-colin-are-walking-the-length-and-breadth-of-shrewsbury-diocese

Upcoming Town Hall Concerts

Local classical violinist and busker Philip Chidell will be giving two evening concerts at Chester’s Town Hall next month, with a live orchestra. The dates are Saturday 14th and Friday 27th September. Full details are available at: www.PhilipChidell.com 

Welcome Rota for August

Do sign up, please: the welcome you give everyone at Sunday Mass is so hugely appreciated. 

No meetings in August

August is a gloriously MFZ. So, everyone, have a good break and recharge the batteries ready for September! 

Risk Assessments: Let’s All Stay Safe!

Marian and I sat down with our H&S consultants on Thursday morning to hammer out a simple but effective Risk Assessment form for every Parish Activity to complete, Anything risky in what you do, and how can it be eliminated? Simples! Watch this space. 

Sister Act: Liverpool Empire: Friday 4th October

All the tickets have flown – thanks so much, everyone, for your response. We’ve now managed to obtain six more, which fills the coach. £54, coach and ticket. First come, first served, so please sign up quick on the list at the back of church. (Thanks Tina and LAT!)

House Mass August

For August, we are also out in the country, at John Petterson’s, Great Barrow (Friday 9th August) 12.00.

First Holy Communion Parish Group

For children not at our Catholic Primary School 
in Year Three or above in the next school year. Introductory Meeting in October, First Forgiveness in January and First Holy Communions in May. 
Closing date for applications Sunday 1st September.

Parish Diary 2024-5

All dates now in – almost! – so the great work of putting them all on an enormous spreadsheet to eliminate clashes can now be finalised. 

FP Holiday Dates: Saturday 17th – Friday 30th August. 

And please don’t pretend you’re going to miss me… 
Very grateful to colleagues for being able to cover for me while I am away: 

• Saturday Evening 17th August: Fr Neill Robb
• Sunday Morning 18th Augst: Fr Alphonsus Beni
• Sunday Evening 18th August: Fr Neill Robb
• Saturday Evening 24th August: Fr Neill Robb
• Sunday Morning 25th August: Fr Colin Wilson
• Sunday Evening 25th August: Fr Neill Robb

Photo of the Week: Corpus Christi Covent Garden

The Actors’ Church, right in the heart of London. Martin O’Brien snapped this picture of Padre Pio’s statue there, London’s “hidden gem”. Thanks, Martin!