Parish Newsletter

My dear brothers and sisters: blessed are you! Blessed indeed to be called by God through the sacrament of Baptism to be his beloved children; called to holiness of life, by his grace, to walk together as pilgrims to the glory of heaven. Today’s celebration of All Saints should fill us with great hope and urge us to live a life worthy of our calling. You will remember how in 2021, Pope Francis invited the whole Church to embark on a synodal journey, one which culminated in 2024 with a document addressed to the People of God. At the bidding of the Secretariat of the Synod in Rome, our Bishop is now inviting us, here in the Diocese of Shrewsbury, to join with Catholics all over the world to reflect on this experience in a prayerful manner, not as a repetition of what went before, but rather to consider the fruits and the challenges encountered. How did we engage with the process? As a result, what do Communion, Participation and Mission mean to you? Are you actively seeking to grow in your faith, embracing the challenges of the Gospel to shape your life and bring others to know of the precious gift, which is the faith that we have received? Are you using your own unique gifts to serve the Mission of the Church; a mission which is just as much yours as it is mine, each according to our own vocation, in complementarity… I will try to address this in the homily at Mass this weekend, with a view to helping those who would like to do so to share some of their thoughts on the process with the Diocese via synod@dioceseofshrewsbury.org before the end of the month. Questions for reflection are available on the website for your consideration. May God bless you as we seek above all else to become who we are called to be, and as the Church prays in her Liturgy that we might “stand one day as saints among the saints in the halls of heaven”. Fr David +

Formation Evenings – Those hoping to join the Church next Easter and those who simply wish to deepen their knowledge of our Catholic Faith are invited to join us for the next session on Thursday November 12 at 7pm as we look at Divine Revelation and its transmission. The second part of Barbara Davies’ presentation on the Mystery of the Church will be on Wednesday November 18 at 7pm. Both will take place in the newly refurbished meeting room. For your diaries!

We are hiring! We are looking to employ a cleaner for 10 hours per week to assist with some housekeeping duties and cleaning in the presbytery, meeting room, and other public spaces. Further details can be found the Diocesan Website http://www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org/careers/parish-cleaner-stwerburgh A CV and covering letter should be sent to Pauline McCulloch recruitment@dioceseofshrewsbury.org Closing date: 13 November 2026.

November Month of the Holy Souls – Please submit names of those whom you wish to be included in the Celebration of the Mass and in the prayers of the Parish during the month of November to admin@stwerburghchester.co.uk Envelopes will also be available in which you can also leave the names of your beloved along with your offering. The annual blessing of the graves will take place this year on Sunday 15^th of November at Blacon from 2-4 pm., and Sunday 22^nd of November at Overleigh from 2-4 pm. The annual Mass for the recently bereaved to remember their loved ones who have died will take place on Tuesday, November 17^th at 7 pm. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord…

Open Days at St Werburgh’s and St Columba’s Catholic Primary School Families considering a school place for Sept. 2027 are warmly invited to visit on Wed. 4^th Nov. at 1.30 pm, Wed. 11^th Nov. at 9.30 am, and Wed. 2^nd Dec. at 9.30 am. For further information or to reserve your place please contact the school (office@lovelearnlaugh.org.uk 01244 478968)

Welcome Wednesday wishes to thank special guest, Geoff Hewson and presenters Elizabeth Arrowsmith and Mary Barrett who entertained us with “Desert Island Discs”. It was entertaining, informative and a cleverly blended presentation about Geoff’s nearly ninety years of life. Thank you for the work you all put into it. All are welcome on Wednesday 4^th November 10:00 am for a relaxing tea/coffee, chat and dominoes in the Meeting Room.

St Werburgh’s Young Adults – You’re Invited! - It's time for the next young adult’s prayer group and gathering on the first Friday, November 6^th, from 6:30 pm onwards at St Werburgh’s parish meeting room. 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!

CHS Sixth Form Open Evening Thursday 12^th November 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm - Arrivals from 5.45 pm. 
Year 11 students and their families are warmly invited to our Sixth Form Open Evening. Join us to discover the courses we offer, meet subject teachers, explore Emmaus, our purpose-built Sixth Form building, and learn more about the application process and key dates. We look forward to welcoming you!

Interested in joining the team of Sunday Readers? We are looking to appoint a total of 5 new readers for 9 am and 6 pm masses. If you would like to “try out” reading, we will be holding a training and microphone session here in church at 12:15 pm on Sunday 22^nd November. To attend this, you must first register your interest by contacting David Quayle email: readers@stwerburghchester.co.uk and take a look at the parish website and our Ministry of the Word page https://www.stwerburghchester.co.uk/parish-activities/ministry-of-the-word-our-readers

Healing and Hope: On Saturday 28^th November at 1:30 pm., there will be an opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of the Sick and the Sacrament of Reconciliation during a prayerful and reflective service in church. After the celebration, refreshments will be served by members of the SVP.

O, Christmas Tree! This year, Grange Christmas Trees will donate £5 to St Werburgh’s for every tree bought provided St Werburgh's Church is mentioned when purchasing. Fresh Nordmann and Fraser Firs from 5 ft, plus stands and wreaths. Delivery is also available locally. Opening Saturday 28th November. Iddenshall Grange, Clotton, Tarporley, CW6 0EQ (Tel: 07985 235884)

Parish Primary School PTA Christmas Wreath Workshop on Monday 30^th November from 6 pm to 9 pm at St Columba’s church hall. £55 per ticket includes festive nibbles and a glass of Prosecco or non-alcoholic alternative. Order by emailing werburghcolumbapta@gmail.com 24 places available.

The Catholic High School Christmas Fair and Grotto will take place on Mon. 14^th December, from 3:30 pm to 6 pm. Entry is just £1 per person. If you would like to run a stall at the fair, tables are available to hire for £10. To reserve a table, please contact Sally Faulkner at faulkners@christofidelis.org.uk The Catholic High is extremely grateful for your continued support and looks forward to welcoming you to this festive community event.

Christleton Methodist Church – Sunday Afternoon Teas (2:30 pm to 4:30 pm) 1st Sunday in the month at the Methodist School Room, October to May. All welcome. Donations will go to the ‘KidsBank’.

Please take a copy of Day by Day for November leave your contribution in the black box.

Photo of the week: Thank you to Tina and George Bainbridge for sending in this photo of the exterior of Málaga Cathedral, la Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación, built between 1528 and 1782.