Parish Newsletter

Talk from Historian Dr Anna French: 11th September

Dr Anna French of the University of Liverpool will come to St Werburgh’s on Thursday September 11th, to talk about the challenges that Catholics in this area faced after the Reformation. She will explain some of the developments that allowed a confident Catholic community to emerge and build a beautiful church like St Werburgh’s in 1875. The talk starts at 7.30 pm. Everyone welcome.

 

Heritage Open Doors 12- 21 Sept: “Architecture”

As usual we will be contributing to this occasion by opening the church to the public and giving formal and informal talks about the architecture and history of the church. Timetable:

• Sun 14 to Sun 21 Sept: Church Open each day, 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm: We would welcome two stewards each day, to assist the History Group member on duty. Please sign up on the stewards’ rota, if you can possibly help us for a session. In addition, the following events will take place during some of these open church sessions.
• Sun 14 Sept 2.00 -3.00 pm: Talk about the Architecture of St. Werburgh’s and how it changed over the years, in response to Historical Events.
• Wed 17 Sept from 1.00 pm - 3.00 pm: Aleta Doran will be in the porch to talk to anyone about the Trena Cox stained glass windows.
• There is also an event at the Lead Shot Tower from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sat 20 Sep. We have been asked to advertise/attend it, as so many of our parishioners have worked there in the past. You may drop in to see the display and chat to interested visitors.

 

Parish Diary September 2025 to July 2026

Almost ready to roll! Steve H is ironing out the last few clashes and glitches and hopes to have it ready for the printers – and the website – in the next week or so. It will be fairly detailed up to Christmas, and then more flexible after that, as Fr David settles in and does things his way!

 

Arrangements for my holidays

I will be away from Monday 18th August to Friday 5th September. During this time Steve H, admin assistant, will be monitoring emails and phone calls and Marian McCarthy and Lyn Williams, our outgoing and incoming Chairs of the Parish Council will be the point of contact if anything of an urgent nature comes up. Please contact them through their email addresses: buildingsandmaintenance@stwerburghchester.co.uk
(Marian) and liturgy@stwerburghchester.co.uk (Lyn)

 

Free Table – My Literature Books

So glad William and the CDs have found a good home. Now I am thinning out my literature books. Sets tied together – e.g. 6 Palliser novels, last Summer’s reading.

 

Donating to the Parish – Update

Our Card Reader/Contactless facility has now been installed at the back of church, plus online donations through the website and QR Code, now on Newsletters.

 

Our New 150th Anniversary Parish Prayer Book

In the Autumn, we plan to produce a prayer book to commemorate our 150th Anniversary.
Personal favourites to : Liturgy@stwerburghchester.co.uk 

 

Dementia Group.

Our next get together is Thursday September 4th 10.45 am in the Day Chapel. Please join us.

 

“So, how this Priestly Retirement thing work?”

That’s a question I’ve fielded from many of you in  the last few weeks. The Rule Book of the Church – her Constitution, if you like -  is the Code of Canon Law. As you can imagine, it’s as old as the Church itself, the longest continuously functioning legal system in the Western world. It’s been systematized twice in the last century or so: once under Pope Benedict XV in 1917 (only available in Latin) and once under Pope Saint John Paul II in 1983, a much shorter, punchier and more readable summary of Church Law. Canon 538 §3 says: “When a pastor has completed 75 years of age, he is requested to submit his resignation from office to the diocesan bishop who is to decide to accept or defer it after he has considered all the circumstances of the person and place. Attentive to the norms established by the conference of bishops, the diocesan bishop must provide suitable support and housing for a retired pastor.”  The same applies to Bishops: they must submit their resignation to the Pope, and then there’s a discussion about accepting it or not. Pretty clear, isn’t it?

House Mass: Wednesday 24th September 5.00 pm

Caritas Boxes Collection, 13th/14th September

Loop System in Church Playing Up

We’re aware of the problem: Sound Engineers notified.

 

Bereavement & Loss Group

Next meeting September 10th at 1:15 pm to 2:45 pm. Old friends and new very welcome to join us.

 

Parish Safeguarding Training Sept. 22nd 7 pm.

Parishioners who would like to continue working to ensure that our parish is a safe and welcoming place, are required at the Safeguarding Training session detailed above. Parish volunteers who have not attended previous sessions and who work with under 18’s and vulnerable adults are required to attend. 
This is a repeat of previous sessions.

 

Welcome Wednesdays

Re-Starts in the Day Chapel Wednesday 10th September at 10.00.
We look forward to seeing old friends and new!

 

St Werburgh’s Young Adults – You’re Invited!

We’re excited to welcome you back for our next meet-up on Friday, 5th September, from 6:30 pm onwards at St Werburgh’s Church – Day Chapel. Whether you’re a student, a young professional, or a couple starting out, this is a space for anyone aged 18+ to feel welcome. 

 

Gardening Group – New members wanted

Have you got green fingers or just like gardening? Our gardening group need some help. If you would like to find out more, please email : liturgy@stwerburghchester.co.uk

 

Names for First Holy Communions Parish Group

Year 3 and above and not at Catholic Primaries. We will take older children, but ideally, they should be Year 3. Closing date: Monday 1st September. Names coming in well, but that really is our deadline, folks!

 

Photo of the Week: Our Lenten Dinner Ladies!

Only Victoria Wood missing? Katie, Laura, Liz and Mary all ready to serve up Lenten Lunch for Christian Aid, and they raised £400! Well done, everyone!