Evan Rothwell and Ann Massey’s Memorial Services

We will be holding a Memorial Service here for Evan on Saturday 14^th December at 11.00 am, when his remarkable young life will be celebrated  by all who knew him. All warmly welcome. Ann Massey’s Memorial Service will be on Saturday 4^th January at 11.00 am. Again, everyone is warmly welcome to come along and celebrate her life and loves.

 

New Lectionaries, New Translation

Copies for readers of the new readings are in the drawer in the porch. They can also be found online thanks to the wonderful Universalis app. Strongly recommended!

 

Christmas Mass Times

• 4.00 pm Christmas Eve Children’s Mass – 125/250 Booked
• 6.00 pm Christmas Eve Children’s Mass – 45/250 Booked
• 8.30 pm: Vigil Mass of Christmas
• 11.30 pm: Carols and Midnight Mass
• 9.00: Dawn Mass of Christmas
• 10.45: Day Mass of Christmas
• 10.00 am Boxing Day: Altar Servers Mass of St Stephen

Booking for the 2 Children’s Masses is now live.

 

Christmas Volunteer Rota Now Out

Please sign up for any or all of the many, many volunteer ministries over the Christmas period. Thank you!

 

Radiators in Church

Last week, on a particularly cold day, six of the ten radiators had been switched off! Whoever’s doing it, I do wish they’d stop!!

 

The Catholic High School Christmas Fair

Thursday 12^th December, 4.00 – 6.15 pm.  £1 entrance fee on the evening. Fabulous stalls, Santa's Grotto, food, music and more! All welcome! 

 

Music for Advent

To mark the period of quiet reflection that washes over us during Advent, we will be using the solemn Advent Alleluia and Bernadette Farrell's Mass of Hope on all four Sundays. In addition, the Choir will be singing a Communion anthem at the 9.00 am Mass each week (2^nd) Wait for the Lord - Taizé; (3^rd) O Come, Divine Messiah; and (4^th) Come, Come Emmanuel. We are still looking for singers for Midnight Mass, especially those with a high range. Please contact Tom Rozario if you're interested: music@stwerburghchester.co.uk. Or simply come to our 6.00 pm rehearsal every Thursday in church.

 

2025: 150^th Anniversary of our Church

The Feast of St Werburgh begins the year of our 150^th Anniversary. If you’d like to join the steering group as we begin the planning, please let FP know.

 

Christmas Tree 2024

This Christmas, like last year, we would again love it if everybody in our church community would like to add their own special prayer or wish to adorn the branches of our Christmas tree. No wish too small and we would love as many of you as possible to get involved. There are white stars at the back of church; please add your wish and leave it in the box provided.

 

Carol Singing in the Nursing Homes

The SVP would like to invite you to join us singing carols on Tuesday 10^th December. We will be joining the residents of Grosvenor Villas care home at 10.30, and at the Oaklands Care Home at 14.30. Please join us for either or both on a day of Christmas merriment!

 

Bottle Bags – 50p each on the Piety Stall

 

Knitted Nativity Raffle in aid of CAFOD.

Raffle Tickets available to buy £1 a strip before and after Masses and at Welcome Wednesdays during Advent. The raffle will be drawn  after the 9.00 am Mass on Sunday December 22^nd.

 

Welcome Wednesdays Last Week and This

This week we welcome a group of students from the Catholic High School, led by their Chaplain, Ana. With  words and music, they will lead us in an Advent Service. Why not come along and join us?

 

Chester Operatic Society: “Christmas is Coming”

A concert of sacred and popular Christmas music.

Friday, 13^th December 7.30 pm. Here in St Werburgh's. Ticket price: £16.50 (includes mince pie and glass of mulled wine or soft drink at interval).  Tickets available after Mass or by calling 01244 675431 or online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/chesteroperatic

 

New Stewards and Readers Wanted

We are looking for new readers to join the Ministry of the Word. All you need is a clear voice and the confidence to have a go! Training is provided. Interested? Then let Fr Paul know or email  marian.mccarthy@btinternet.com as soon as possible.

 

Stewards for Christmas season

We will need 3 or 4 stewards at most of the Christmas Masses, working alongside the Welcomers, to ensure that everyone gets a seat for the busy Masses. Whether you have stewarded before or not, if you think you could help then please sign up on the Christmas Volunteers sheet at the back of church. Briefing will be provided.

 

Beautiful Christmas Presents for the Right Person

A virtually brand new Fieldscope, ideal for bird watching or observing wild animals or any aspect of nature. All in excellent condition. On table at back of church if you’d like to have a look, but please handle carefully! Sealed bids to FP, please, by Sunday 22^nd December at the latest. Hearty thanks to the donor.

 

SVP Christmas 2^nd Collection: 7^th and 8^th December

The money raised will go to the families and beneficiaries we support especially during Christmas. We will also be making a donation to the SVP Wirral Support Centre.  We thank you as usual for your generosity and support.

 

SVP High School Tea: Thursday 5^th Dec, 2.00 pm

Thanks to everyone for another splendid get-together.  

 

CathSoc Tonight, 8^th December: Gingerbreading!

All students warmly welcome: Sunday, 7.00 pm

 

Our Parish Posada Statue Journey

The beautiful statue of the Holy Family moves round the parish, one night in each parishioner’s home, as an Advent Symbol of the journey of Mary, Joseph and Jesus to that stable in Bethlehem. We started last Sunday, 1^st December, with Sebastian and Geraldine receiving the statue at the 10.45 Mass. Now go to the Photo of the Week…

 

Photo of the Week: Sebastian and the Posada

Lighting the candle to welcome the statue. I defy you stony-hearted Werbies not to shed the ghost of a tear. Go on, force yourselves! (Thanks, Geraldine and Sebastian – and love to Mark)