Bishop Mark’s Visitation

Huge thanks to everyone for making the Visitation last Sunday such a joyful and enthusiastic occasion. Bishop Mark wrote on Monday: “I wanted to send a short note to thank you and the Parish for a very happy visit to St Werburgh’s and for all you have done together in building – and rebuilding after Covid – the life and mission of the Parish. It was wonderful to see”. That is real affirmation of the fantastic work of the Renewal Steering Group (Pat, Marian, Bernice and Lyn) over the last two years in taking us out of Covid and rebuilding even better and stronger than before. Our Mass Attendance figures, for example, last week were 616, which exceeds our pre-Covid average each weekend of 600. Well done, everyone! And enormous thanks to those many, many people who worked so hard to deliver a super Visitation Sunday: To Tom and his extraordinary musicians gracing all three Masses; to Gerry, for marshalling such an impressive array of beautifully turned-out Altar Servers for all three Masses; and to Lyn, Pat, Ana, Tina and Team for their wonderful Youth Mass. Bishop Mark particularly enjoyed his lunch: Watercress Soup; Crusted Salmon, with Dauphinoise Potatoes and Crushed Mint Peas; and Cardamon Pears with Crème Fresh. I told him it hadn’t taken me long, 2.00 am in the Kitchen… (Thanks, Lyn!) Five years now till the next Visitation, so we’d better start getting ready!

 

New Parish Diaries for 2024-25

Pick one up today if you didn’t last week.

 

Parish Council Meeting on Thursday 10^th October

Please send in any items for the agenda by Wednesday, anything you would like to have discussed. Already on the Agenda will be the Diocesan Finance Audit, the Visitation, and the 150^th Anniversary next year of our present Church, plus new Eucharistic Ministers.

 

A Level Psychology Tutor Wanted: Do We Know of One?

 

Welcome Wednesdays – Last Week and This

Great morning last week, the GOM Domino Players worse than ever while the rest of us knitted and nattered. I was delighted to be able to teach Margaret Catterson how to crochet, all being part of being here to serve. Next Wednesday, we welcome Kathryn Keenan, our Diocesan CAFOD rep, to talk to us about the inspirational Lampedusa Cross. Everyone warmly welcome!

 

Last of the Summer Teas at Christleton

Huge thanks Anne, Chris and Mavis for hosting this one, last of the series, on behalf of St Werburgh’s.

 

October Now, November Fast Approaching…

So, not too early to get your names in for our November Book – and thanks for those which have come in already. Our preferred route is via email but do please write them out if you would prefer and place them on the Sunday Collection Plate. First Edition: Friday 1^st November.

 

Chester Photo Festival – Pilot Exhibition

25 Oct – 7 Nov 2024 in St. Werburgh’s Church.

Curated by Dr Alex Modoi. Making voices heard through photographs of myths, feelings, and personal stories. This exhibition, exploring new art and exhibition spaces, leads up to the annual festival in May 2025, where everyone is welcome to participate. More details to follow.

 

CAFOD Family Fast Day Envelopes

Now at the back of church: please take one!

 

Our Primary School’s OFSTED Report

“Outcome: There has been no change to this school's overall judgement of ‘Good’ as a result of this ungraded (section 8) inspection. However, the evidence gathered suggests that the inspection grade might be outstanding if a graded (section 5) inspection were carried out now. The school's next inspection will be a graded inspection.” So, if it had been graded, the school would have gone up from ‘Good’ to ‘Outstanding’. I think that’s what it means, and if I’m right, huge congratulations to Mrs Oates and her team for running an Outstanding School. Full Report at 50257948 (ofsted.gov.uk) The school has personalised tours of the school on 4^th November at 1.15, 15^th November at 9.30 am, 18^th November at 1.15 and 27^th November at 9:15. For families looking for a place in Reception in September 2025. Well done, School!

 

Next “Drop In Social”: Friday 11^th October

Our first, a few months ago, was a resounding success, parishioners new and old meeting together to get to know each other. If you fall into either category [Who doesn’t? Ed] then it is with great pleasure we invite you to our next one, in the Day Chapel on Friday, 11^th October from 7 - 9 pm. We extend a Warm Welcome to ALL parishioners and in particular to our newest members. Come along for a chat, wine and a cuppa.

 

Chester Photo Festival – Pilot Exhibition

25 Oct – 7 Nov in St. Werburgh’s Church.

Curated by Dr Alex Modoi. Making voices heard through photographs of myths, feelings, and personal stories. This exhibition leads up to the annual festival in May 2025, where everyone is welcome to participate.

 

The Sign of Peace at Sunday Mass

A Parishioner contacted us about reintroducing the physical Sign of Peace, and the PC had a good discussion. It was felt that people have their preferred way, nodding or shaking hands, hands together in prayer with a smile, all fine. However, the most important thing is to be sensitive and aware of other people's feelings. If both of you want to shake hands, then do so: but if either of you doesn’t, then please keep to the smile and bow. Does that make sense?

 

“Sister Act” at Liverpool Empire

Wonderful show Friday Night, and great to take so many parishioners. Thousand thanks to Tina for organising. Please watch out for a few changes in our own Liturgical Vestments…

 

CathSoc Tonight: Walls Work and Psalm Singing

Come and join us, students, leaving here 7.15 pm.

 

Music Review Sessions

We’d like to hear the Parish’s views and feedback: what you particularly like, any suggestions you’d like to make, any reactions whatsoever. This Open Review Session is on Thursday 17^th October, 7.15 pm in the Parish House, so do come along, or email (liturgy@stwerburghchester.co.uk) or drop us a note.

 

Rosary During October, the Month of Our Lady

Anyone else interested?

 

Photo of the Week: Hindu Temple in Delhi

This is the Laxmi Narayan Temple, built in 1939, dedicated to Laxmi, goddess of prosperity, and Narayan, the preserver god. Thanks, Fiona!