Thursday’s Holyday of Obligation

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Three Masses on that day, as usual: 7.30 am, 12.15 pm, 7.30 pm, and you must of course go to all three…

FP Holiday Dates: Sat 17th – Friday 30th August

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

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, 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. 

Bishop Mark’s Visitation: 28/29 September

Just a reminder that we’ll be welcoming Bishop Mark here on Visitation on the last weekend in September, 28th / 29th. 

The Lights Are Going Out…

Not all over Europe, but certainly all over the church. Cost of Replacing a lightbulb in church? Bulb = £10, Scaffolding Tower = £500. So… it makes sense to have them all replaced at one go, and, in the process, replace them with much more efficient LED lights and also, in the process, have a new Lighting Plan to allow maximum flexibility in allowing for different combinations of lights. 

Diocesan Admin Support Officer

A vacancy has arisen within our Mission and Evangelisation team based in Chester.  Hours: 25 per week (to include occasional and weekend duties as required).  Rate of pay: £12-£15 per hour depending on experience.  More details can be found via the Diocesan website https://www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org/latest-vacancies/   CV’s with a covering letter should be sent to Pauline McCulloch recruitment@dioceseofshrewsbury.org  
Closing date: Friday 30th August 2024.

Welcome Rota for August

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

Shrewsbury Lourdes Hospitality 

Members are warmly invited to a ‘Day of Reflection’ Saturday 14th September, Shrewsbury Cathedral.  Led by Fr Sean Henry,  the theme will be, “Martha and Mary: The Hospitality we give to Christ”.   9.15 am start with a 3.30 pm finish.  Lunch can be purchased on site or bring your own.  Cost by anonymous donation.  Spaces are limited so please book early.   secretary@teamshrewsbury.co.uk or text Siobhan on 07931-574-348.

2025 Mass Diary Opens Sunday 1st September 

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. Saturday 14th and Friday 27th September. Full details: www.PhilipChidell.com 

No meetings in August… almost!!

Our Diocesan Listed Buildings Architect wanted to come over next Thursday, 15th, to show us the latest plans for the Day Chapel and Church Lighting.  So, just for Celia, we’re breaking our AMFZ law! If we missed this meeting, we’d have problems getting all the plans to the Historic Churches Commission for their autumn meeting and – hopefully - approval, an essential part of any work in a Listed Church like ours. 

Risk Assessments: Let’s All Stay Safe!

Marian and I sat down with our H&S consultants a fortnight ago 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! Huge thanks to Marian who has now produced this form and sent it to six lucky winners in the parish to be our guinea pigs. Huge thanks to all!

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. Please sign up quick on the list at the back of church. (Thanks Tina and LAT!) 2 gone, 4 to go!

House Mass August at John Petterson’s

Beautiful gathering at John’s on Friday in his lovely garden. And my legendary Lemon Drizzle Cake afterwards was the icing on the cake (geddit?)

First Holy Communion Parish Group

Fifteen names now in: closing date Sunday 1st Sept.

Photo of the Week: Christleton Churches Together

Our Lent visit to the Chapel at the Catholic High School, with Mrs Cathy McKeagney, our super Headteacher.