Parish Newsletter

To Sue Rankin: Our Love and Sympathy

Sue is one of our most amazing parishioners. She was here on Monday morning, helping Dominique, Pat and Vincent with sorting out the Library. She went home at lunchtime, to find her beloved husband Colin collapsed in his office. Very sadly, despite the best efforts of the paramedics, he could not be revived. Then on Thursday, her amazing mother, Joan Hall, who so recently celebrated her 102nd Birthday at Grosvenor Manor Care Home, slipped away to the Lord. Two bereavements in the same week: Sue, we can only send you our deepest love and prayers. 

Three Important Gift Aid Notices

• GA Donor and no longer paying income tax? Let Fr Paul or Denise Jones know by 5th April.
• Change of Address. Please let us know if you have changed your home address in the last 2 years.
• If you pay income tax, joining the Gift Aid scheme increases the value of your donations to the Parish by 25% at no extra cost to you. Just let us know.

Saturday Afternoon Lenten Reflection

Please join the Choir and Musicians of St Werburgh's for a musical Lenten Reflection: Rend & Mend: The Passion reflected in song through the eyes of the women there. 3.00 pm, Saturday 29th March, St Werburgh's, Chester.

Thomas Burke: the Watercolour Stations of the Cross 

Following Marian’s talk last Wednesday, there’s a booklet detailing his life and works on sale in the repository, £3.50, proceeds to the Hospice Appeal.

Shrewsbury Lourdes Hospitality

Join them in Prayer Saying the Rosary together via Zoom on Wednesdays during Lent. Details: secretary@teamshrewsbury.co.uk

Welcome Wednesday Update

We had a very productive morning last week making more bunnies, ducks and chicks for our Easter table.  This Wednesday another ‘Werbie', David Huxley, is giving a Talk on "Farming Life Through The Eyes of a Seven-Year-old in the 1960’s”.  Remember to send your recipes in before the end of March.

Rowton’s 150th Anniversary Gift

Thanks to all who contributed to the collection last Saturday: our target was reached, and the vacuum cleaner is now being purchased.

Easter Table Coming Soon: Chicks and Bunnies

Stuffed with Cadbury eggs on sale April 6th and 13th. Preview today at back of Church.

Youth Mass on March 30th Laetare (Mothering) Sunday

Please join. Sign up at the back of Church. All welcome.

Repository’s 150th Anniversary Bookmark

Available on the Repository from this weekend, with a suggested £1 donation. All proceeds to the Hospice of The Good Shepherd. Please support if you can. Thank you. Thank you also: your bottle bags raised £19. The pre-loved sale raised £214. Huge thanks to everyone.

SVP Tea at the Catholic High School

Thursday 20th March, 2.00 pm. Delicious cakes and hot drinks and lively entertainment! If you wish to attend please contact Marco on svpchester@gmail.com.

150th Anniversary Social Event - Planning Committee

Jane H and Ana G would like to form a working group to plan the social event for the 150th Anniversary celebration. If you would like to be part of the planning committee, please email Ana to gasparini.ana@gmail.com. Thank you.

Lourdes by Jumbulance: May and August 2025

Wirral and Chester Across Groups are again travelling to Lourdes, Thursday 15th - Saturday 14th May and Thursday 14th - Saturday 23rd August. Seven beds on board, an accessible toilet and kitchen, it takes about 21 hours. There are vacancies for a Doctor (in May), a nurse on each Group and helpers, and for sick and disabled pilgrims. The cost is £1,360 which includes Travel Insurance. Nurses and those under 25 in FTE are asked to pay £6 60. For further information, please contact Tony Murphy on 07881-656-974 or email tonymurphyefc2002@yahoo.co.uk or visit https://www.across.org.uk/?s=AJ 

150th Easter Wreath Workshop Thursday 3rd April

6.30 pm, Catholic High School. Come and enjoy an evening of flowers, fun and fizz and go home with a Easter wreath for your door. Proceeds to the Hospice. Phone Marie 07503-172-111 or sign at back of church.

Next 150th Planning Meeting: Thursday 27th March,

7.30 pm. So keep those ideas coming!

Sunday Welcomers

Please sign up on the form for March at the back of the Church.  New Welcomers very welcome!

CathSoc/ISoc Bake Sale for Mary's Meals

Come along to the Catholic-Islamic Bake Sale after each Mass on Sunday March 23rd to nab yourself a pastry or two! All proceeds will go directly to Mary's Meals, and there will be allergen-free goods available so all can enjoy! Cash preferred, card accepted.

Werbies Theatre Group – Little Theatre’s Tempest

Thanks, Mommalat, for organising another excellent trip to our own Little Theatre here in Chester.

St Werburgh's Annual Christian Aid Lenten Lunch

Monday 17th March, 12 noon, Wesley Methodist on St John's Street.
Soup, rolls, bread, fruit, cheese, scones, cakes - in other words, not too Lenten!

First Holy Communion Events in March

Tuesday 18th March, 6.30 pm at St Werburgh's Church, Class/Meeting for children attending non-Catholic Schools and their parents. The children need their new preparation books and their pencil cases.

Lent Stations of the Cross: Fridays at 7.00 pm

Great thanks to Geoff for a lovely Zoom Stations last Friday. We have more booklets from Tommy’s inspiring in-person Stations on Week I. Next Friday, 21st March, in-person Stations again, based on Thomas Burke’s Watercolours. 7.00 pm, with Exposition till 9.00 pm. 

Photo of the Week: Sunlight Through Stained Glass

Church of Saint-Denis, Amboise, France, a shaft of sunlight illuminating the Burial of Christ.  Thanks to Francis and Katie for sending it in.