Parish Newsletter

Dear friends, as we come to the great celebration of Pentecost and share in the joy of the newly baptised, and of those who have been received into full communion with the Catholic Church, I would just like to share two things with you this week. The first is a prayer by the great St Augustine, and, as you will discover, if you’ve not done so already, he’s a particular favourite of mine! His simple prayer to the Holy Spirit is one I would encourage you to use often: “Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my works, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy. Amen”.

The second is a short quotation one of you, my dear parishioners, shared with me, as I was about to write these lines. It reads: “Bethlehem was God with us. Calvary was God for us. Pentecost is God in us”. Short, beautiful and full of truth! Pentecost is a gift indeed to be lived…and shared generously with others! This great mission is yours and mine and the Spirit will give us all we need! Happy Whitsuntide to one and all! Fr David +

Parish Database To support Parish Governance and Health & Safety (H&S), we plan to create a database of Parish volunteers, which will include name, role, and contact details. It will also track any H&S training, etc, delivered by the Parish. Please can leaders of parish groups submit a list of volunteers in such groups to the Parish office (admin@stwerbughchester.co.uk). If individuals do not want their information stored in this way, please let us know.

CARITAS COLLECTION A big thank you for your generous donations to Caritas in the past couple of weeks. You have donated £1244.45 for which Caritas is most grateful. You can find out more about Caritas and how your donations support its work at www.caritasshrewsbury.org.uk where you will also be able to read ther Spring newsletter. The next collection will be in the autumn, the date for which will be published in the church’s newsletter nearer the time.

Pentecost at the Cross TODAY, SUNDAY @ 5 pm – A gathering for all Christians to come together to worship and pray for the City of Chester and our region.

Welcome Wednesday 27^th May 10:30 am This week we look forward to a talk at 10.45 am from Gerry Tighe. Gerry will share his knowledge about "The History of Chester and Chester’s connection to the Grosvenor Family." All welcome! Do please join us for tea/coffee and chat from 10 am onwards in the Meeting Room.

St Werburgh’s Young Adults – You’re Invited! It's time for the next young adult’s prayer group on First Friday, June 5th, from 6:30 pm onwards in the meeting room. Whether you’re a student, a young professional, or a couple starting out, this is a space for anyone aged 18+ to feel welcome. We will have a time of praise and worship, sharing and nibbles followed by a game night at the Storyhouse for those of you interested to join!

Road Closures Please be aware of the Chester Triathlon on Sunday 7^th June. Parishioners may need to allow extra time for any journey or arrange alternative methods of transport. Grosvenor Park Rd and Union St will be closed between 6 am and 1 pm. https://bit.ly/ChesterTriathlonRoadClosures

Wheelchair access to the church. Please remember, when parking in front of the Church, to allow access to the wheelchair ramp.

June editions of ‘My Day by Day’ (daily readings) and ‘the Sacred Heart Messenger’ (interesting articles) are now available. Please put your offering in the box towards the back of church.

Reminder for the Sacrament of Confirmation – If you are high school age, or older, and wish to prepare to be Confirmed at the next Chester Parishes celebration of Confirmation, on 11 November ’26, for young people – parents please register by emailing stcolumbatheresaconfirmation@hotmail.co.uk Please include your child’s date of birth and school year. The Confirmation preparation information meeting for youth candidates and their parents will be on Monday 8th June, starting 7:00 pm, in St. Columba’s church. If you are not sure about being Confirmed on 11th November '26, you are welcome to go along and find out more about the preparation.

Parish Outing to the World of Wedgwood – 17th June. The list is now closed unless anyone drops out. Please remember to pay your £35 as soon as possible if you still want to come on the trip.

Heart to Heart women's retreat, 19 - 22 June 2026 - A three-day retreat for women (whether single, married or religious), based on principles of Ignatian spirituality. Guided by Fr Bernard Murphy, CFR and Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal, the retreat will seek to draw participants closer to the Lord through a greater attentiveness to His will. https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/heart-to-heart-retreat/

Welcomers for Sunday Mass – If you would like to volunteer as a welcomer, please contact Pat Floate, or email admin@stwerburghchester.co.uk

Photo of the week: Thank you to Brian Burns for sending in this photo of St Werburgh's Anglican Chapel, Mount Barker, Western Australia