Parish Newsletter

Brothers and sisters, I wonder what your answer would be to the question that was put to Solomon, and which we hear in today’s first reading? What would you ask for? In other words, what is really important to you? Is it like the treasure hidden in the field, for which the man in the parable sells all he has to obtain it? Will my answer to the question put by Almighty God conform me more profoundly to the life of his beloved Son? “For where your treasure is, our Lord says in another place, “there your heart will be also…” Where is my heart leading me? What do I seek? It’s a question well worth pondering before giving our answer to God, the most lavish of all givers, the most prodigal Father there is. May God bless you. Fr David +

Ave, ave, ave Maria! Next week, the 2026 75th Anniversary Diocesan Pilgrimage will set out for Lourdes. Please remember them in your prayers, as they remember you in theirs. Parishioners are invited to follow Lourdes TV, via the Sanctuaries website https://www.lourdes-france.com and to join an International Mass on Sunday 2^nd August at 8.30 am and a Grotto Mass on Monday 3^rd August 9 am. This year Bishop Mark has invited the Pilgrimage to pray for the following intentions: to pray for our Holy Father, Pope Leo; to pray for all who have gone before us in the pilgrimage of Lourdes over the 75 years of our Diocesan Pilgrimage; to pray that we and all pilgrims will respond to the message of prayer and conversion, walking together in Eucharistic faith and love, all our lives; to pray we will generously respond to our calling and for an abundance of new vocations in our Diocese to the great callings of Marriage, the Priesthood and the Consecrated Life; to pray for the peace of the world amid many dangers and conflicts; to pray the threat of euthanasia to the sick and the aged will be averted (see special message) and the lives of the most vulnerable cherished and safeguarded; to pray with Our Lady and Saint Bernadette that through the pilgrimage of life we will always remain in the joy of the Gospel.

Thank you to all parishioners who supported the recent Primary School Summer Fair! By buying raffle tickets, baking a cake or coming along, you helped the PTA to raise an amazing £3,500 profit for school projects!

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion - I am grateful to those of you who have contacted me in the past few days, if there are others who might be interested, please do let me know as we begin to plan for spiritual/theological training, as well as to form those who will join the other ministers with practical points related to the role (good practice, safeguarding, health and safety etc.)

The parish music team are looking for new members to help lead the singing at the two Sunday morning Masses. No experience required – just willingness to sing confidently, learn, and rehearse with our friendly team. We encourage especially families to consider this invitation to have our young voices, steeped in the rich music liturgy of the Catholic Church, ring out joyfully at the Sunday Masses (including a monthly Family Mass from September)! Contact Tom Rozario, Music Director, at music@stwerburghchester.co.uk.

Welcome Wednesday What a memory and raconteur, Mr Miles! Thank you for sharing your many and varied experiences as a local taxi-driver. This coming Wednesday 29^th July will be our last get-together until the 9^th of September. We are finishing for the summer with a Garden Party in the presbytery garden from 10 to 12 noon. Please access via the garage door in Bath Street. There will be entertainment provided by the joyful “Shandy Group” and light refreshments will be served. All are Welcome! At 12 noon, those present will be invited to join 12:15 pm Mass, along with other parishioners with the participation of the Welcome Wednesday family.

First Sacraments A reminder that parents of children living in the parish and not attending the parish primary school, should contact Fr David parishpriest@stwerburghchester.co.uk and Louise Robertshaw at robertshaw499@btinternet.com before 1^st September for information regarding enrolment etc.

The Annual Pilgrimage of Reparation and Prayer for the Sanctity of Life - Saturday 1^st August. All are welcome to join us at the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. For details: https://prolifepilgrimage.org/ If you cannot join in person, please join the pilgrims in prayer.

Walk this way and join St Werburgh’s Young Adults’ Prayer Group for a day out at Moel Famau on Saturday, August 1^st If interested, please contact Nithin Kuncheria & Diya Denny: +44 7587891623 / munnapalakunnel@gmail.com / diyadenny123@gmail.com For details visit: https://forms.gle/gVyjWao4QkPUUGo1A families welcome, too! We will leave church after the mass next Saturday.

Catholic holidays in the Lake District August/September. Castlerigg Manor in Keswick is opening its doors to families, groups of friends, or private individuals who are looking for an affordable stay in the Lake District. Breakfast and evening meal are provided, and Mass is celebrated on site. They are also offering a quiet retreat for adults during October half term. For more information: https://castleriggmanor.com/events / director@castleriggmanor.co.uk or 017687 72711

Marriage in a rut? Or need help with deeper issues? Retrouvaille has helped thousands of couples find hope and healing in their marriage. Next dates: 2^nd - 4^th October www.retrouvaille.org.uk/info Tel: 0788 7296983

Christleton Churches Together Tea and Cake Sundays. Every Sunday 2.30 pm - 4.30 pm until 30^th August. Christleton Methodist Church Schoolroom. Donations gratefully received for Hospice of the Good Shepherd.

11th – 13th September - The Traditional Roman Rite study weekend, Explore the elements and origins of the traditional Roman liturgy. The weekend is intended to offer a deeper understanding of the extraordinary form of the Roman Rite, see poster on the noticeboard or visit https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/the-traditional-roman-rite-study-weekend/

Heritage Open Days Mon 14^th to Friday 18^th September If anyone is willing to act as a steward, to enable us to keep the church open for visitors, please can you put your name and contact details opposite the date which you are volunteering on the sheet at the back of church, or email admin@stwerburghchester.co.uk We need two stewards for each day between 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm. A member of the parish History Group will act as one of the stewards.

Ancient Byzantine Iconography course, 12^th to 18^th October 2026 A seven-day course writing an icon in the ancient Byzantine style, using the liquid egg tempera technique. The course leads the student through each step of writing an icon of their own, providing theological explanations and practical demonstrations. Our October course is for those with some experience: please register your interest for an opportunity to book onto the next novice course. https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/ancient-byzantine-iconography-course/

Foodbank donations: Please remember to donate (non-perishable foodstuffs only), especially during school holidays when families might need an extra helping hand.

Please take a copy of Day by Day for August and/or the Sacred Heart Messenger, please leave your contribution in the black box. 

CAFOD-Disaster Emergency Committee Venezuela Earthquake Appeal Please help our neighbours affected by the earthquakes in Venezuela with emergency shelter, water and food. CAFOD is working with local Church partners to support people who have lost their homes, but we need your support to help more survivors. Your donation will provide essential supplies and help families rebuild their lives. To donate visit: https://cafod.org.uk/Venezuela or call 0300 999 0030

Photo of the week: Thank you to Yana Laszcziw for this photo of a stained-glass window in the Cathedral of St Mary Major in Marseille.