Parish Newsletter

Wanted – 150 Stewards and Welcomers…

Well, not exactly 150! But an awful lot for all the special days and weeks the church is going to be open over the next few months – History Week (1st – 8th June), Summer Fete (21st June),  Open Week of Faith (13th – 20th July). Next weekend there will be a giant Sign-Up List for everyone to put their name down for all these events – the History Week list is already open.

 
150th Anniversary: Our History Group’s Contribution

We have two big weeks coming up: Chester Heritage Festival (Sunday 1st June to Sunday 8th June) and Chester Open Doors in September, if you can help Steward at any time that week. All the places on our walking tour on Tues 3rd  June have been booked and there’s a waiting list. They have opened booking for the same tour on Sun 8th June. Booking is online via Chester Heritage Festival 2025. Press “events 2025” and go straight to the last section i.e.  Sun 8 June.  Our walking tour is the last item. Press “booking”  and go ahead. The event is free, but booking is essential 

Our Next Youth Mass – 6.00 pm Sunday 25th May

We invite you to take part in the Mass by welcoming, serving, reading , singing, playing an instrument or joining the offertory procession. Please sign up at the back of Church to join our Mass of Thanksgiving.

150th Hospice Fundraising – Now 41.5%

Fantastic week thanks to your generosity. And not least the Juliet Rothwell Scompsie Bake Sale. When do you all think we’ll reach our £15,000 goal?

Fire Drill

We now have Fire Safety Marshals on duty at each of the Sunday Masses, so now it is time for a  practice Fire Drill. This will take place at the end of all three Masses on Sunday 25th May. There will be a briefing for the congregation followed by a practice evacuation of the church. Please listen carefully to the briefing and then follow the instructions of the FSMs as the church is emptied swiftly and safely.

Romeo & Juliet at Hillbark

Tuesday 24th June at 7.30 Venue - Royden Park, Frankby, Wirral. Tickets £16.50. Minibus from Chester (tba). Please sign up at the back of Church – final deadline Monday 19th May.

Splice the Mainbrace, Welcome Wednesdayers!

Great to see the Day Chapel packed out last Wednesday for a super talk from Geoff Taylor on the history of boatbuilding here in Chester and especially the contribution of his own family’s Taylor’s Boatyard. I was fascinated by his discussion of Boils and Piles, and the part they played in marine construction. I learnt a lot. This week, Rachel Curtis is coming along to tell us about how Bradford is going to be the next Capital of Culture. I was there myself for seven very enjoyable years. 
It’s an absolutely fascinating city. 

May Day by Day and Sacred Heart Messenger

Both on the Newsstand, £1 each. 

Bereavement Group Meeting

Another excellent meeting last Wednesday, 14th May. Watch this space for date of next one. All welcome.

Young Adults Gathering: Good Vibes, Great Company

We can’t wait to do it all again soon next first Friday, June 6th. See you all there, folks!

SVP Second Collection 17/18 May

In support of the SVP activities in the Parish and in the wider area of Chester, including the Holiday Home.

Christleton Churches Together AGM & Summer Teas

Our popular Sunday Teas run from the beginning of June till end of September. This year we are raising funds for Medecins San Frontieres (Doctors without Borders). You’re most welcome at our AGM on May 21st, 7.00 pm at Christleton Parish Hall, when MSF will be giving a presentation. (Please note time: it was wrongly given as 7.30 on earlier Newsletters). 

Talk by Michael Merrick on Young Catholics Today

Catholic commentator and teacher Michael Merrick will come here on Thursday, June 5th to give a talk on young people and the Church: the pressures they face today, and the support that Church and Parish Communities might offer. Talk starts at 7.30 pm. Free and open to all. Michael is a Catholic parent himself and director of Education for Diocese of Lancaster.

Chester Photo Festival: Making Voices Heard

9th-22nd May: entries from all over the world and many people will be coming to see their exhibits here.
The exhibition is due to close on the 22nd but he is happy to increase the number of exhibits and leave them on display for the open week in June. Do have a good look today, as these are beautiful and evocative photographs, each one telling its own story. 

SVP Spring Mass - Sunday 11th May at 2.30 pm

Most enjoyable, uplifting occasion: big thanks to SVP for organising, especially the transport and the tea afterwards. To see the smiles on those little faces as they tucked in to my legendary Lemon Drizzle Cake…
Safeguarding Training for All Volunteer Parishioners Two excellent sessions from Liz and Chris on Tuesday 13th May at 7.00 pm and Thursday 15th May at 2.00 pm. Eight parish volunteers working with children and vulnerable adults came along to each one, meaning that 31 have now undergone this training. Have YOU?

Sponsored Domino Challenge

Welcome Wednesday’s Grumpy Old Men are proposing to hold a six-hour sponsored domino challenge on Saturday 21st June, during the Summer Fete, as part of St. Werburgh’s 150th Anniversary celebrations. If you would like to join us and have a go, please put your name and contact details on the form at the back of church. All sponsor money raised will go to the Hospice of The Good Shepherd.

Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Laudato Si

In Laudato Si, Pope Francis stressed that the Cry of the Poor and the Cry of the Earth are linked. “We are faced not with two separate crises, one environmental and the other social, but rather with one complex crisis which is both social and environmental.”

Easter Liturgy Review Thursday 22nd May 7.30 pm.

Everyone warmly welcome. If you can't attend but have feedback on Holy Week and Easter, please email liturgy@stwerburghchester.co.uk  or leave a message in the box at the back of Church. 

Photo of the Week: Pluscarden Abbey

In a quiet valley on the Moray Firth in Scotland, a little bit of heaven. Thanks, Geoff and Gill!