Ann Massey’s Memorial Service

We will be holding a Memorial Service here for Ann Massey on Saturday 4^th January at 11.00 am. Everyone is warmly welcome to come along and celebrate her life and loves.

 

Christmas Mass Times

• 4.00 pm Christmas Eve Mass BOOKED OUT (250/250)
• 6.00 pm Christmas Eve Children’s Mass – 119/250 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 of the many, many volunteer ministries over the Christmas period. Thank you!

 

Highlight from the High:

Our school Carol Service will take place on Tuesday 17^th December, 6,30 pm in the school hall. All warmly welcome. The Catholic High School wishes you all a blessed and peaceful Christmas.

 

Update on Parish Building Projects

We’ve now received HCC approval for redecorating the Porch and redeveloping the Day Chapel. The porch will be done in January. Planning the programme for The Day Chapel work, a significant job, will also begin in January. See notice board in the porch for more details.

 

Congregation Fire Safety:

In preparation for our large Christmas Masses, all need to be aware of the following fire safety instructions:

• If you see a fire, please raise the alarm by SHOUTING  FIRE and hit the fire alarm.
• Do not stop to pick up your belongings, leave IMMEDIATELY in an orderly manner to the nearest Fire Exit. All effects that are undamaged can be collected within the following 48 hours.
• Your nearest Fire Exit will be designated by the signage or direction from a Steward (dressed in a Hi-Viz vest). Please be follow their guidance
• On leaving the church :
• If you are on your own then go home;
• If you are part of a group (2 or more) then make your way to the Assembly point (Entrance to Grosvenor Park). Once all you group is together, go home.
• DO NOT RETURN to the premises

 

Christmas Flowers 2^nd Collection This Weekend

 

Music for Advent

The Choir will be singing a Communion anthem at the 9.00 am Mass each week: (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.

 

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.

 

Bottle Bags – 50p each on the Piety Stall

 

Extra Confessions: Monday Evening 7.00 – 8.30 pm

To make up for the shorter slot on Saturday.

 

January and February Day by Days: Now Out - £1

 

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 we were treated to a beautiful Advent Service from ten of our High School students led by Ana, their Chaplain. An enormous thank you to them all for giving us such an uplifting experience. Next WW: 8^th January: Carols and Mince Pies!

 

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.

 

Bernice & Paula’s Blackpool Tinsel & Turkey Xmas

The girls are off to Mrs Peabody’s today, and so the Repository will close this Sunday 15^th December and reopen on Sunday 2^nd February with a pre-loved sale.

Thank you for all your support this year!

 

St Werburgh’s Christmas Mass Times Cards

Now available from the back of the Church, for your use and for sharing far and wide.  Thanks, everyone!

 

Safeguarding Training

Our Parish Safeguarding Representatives, Liz Aiello and Chris Proudfoot, will deliver Safeguarding Training at 7.00 pm on Tuesday 14^th January. The aim is to increase Safeguarding awareness across the Parish to ensure a safe environment where everyone in the Parish can feel welcome. Training open to all.

 

Beautiful Christmas Present 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.

 

Our Parish Posada Statue Journey Continues

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.

 

Photo of the Week: Remembrance Sunday

Eileen McCarthy’s beautiful poppy cascade gracing our Altar once again this November.