Parish Newsletter

Safeguarding Sunday

This weekend, November 15/16, has been designated by the Catholic Church in the UK as 2025 Safeguarding Sunday. In recognition of this, our Parish Safeguarding Representatives, Chris and Liz, will give an update at all masses this weekend. This is an important step in building a culture of Safeguarding within the Parish to ensure that everyone is welcome and feels safe to participate and flourish in all Parish events and activities.

 

“Sing us a song, you’re the piano man”… 

Perhaps one of my greatest regrets from my years in NYC, was not going to see Billy Joel perform at Madison Square Garden… So, while I could sing you a song, I sadly never learned piano. Although there is a nice upright piano on the ground floor of the presbytery, which my predecessor would occasionally play. It was donated to the parish in memory of Mr J.S. Roberts in 2015. If anyone would like to make an offer and take it off my hands, please let me know, and it will go to the one who presents the highest bid by the Third Sunday of Advent: proceeds to the much-needed repair of the organ. Fr David

 

Blessed be Jesus in the most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.

A reminder that there is Eucharistic Adoration each Monday, Thursday and Friday from 11:00 am till 12 noon. Do come and spend some time in His Presence. 

 

Blessing of Graves

The traditional blessing of graves will take place today, Sunday 16th November at  Blacon Crematorium, where you are invited simply to stand next to the grave you wish to be blessed, and Fr Neill will join you at an appropriate time. Meanwhile, for the blessing of graves in Overleigh Cemetery, next Sunday 23rd November, Fr David will start in the lower cemetery and then proceed to the upper cemetery. From 2-4 pm on both days.

 

On Monday 17th November, we’re invited to pray and fast for an end to abortion and euthanasia.

We know of many threats to the sanctity of human life in contemporary society. Perhaps you might offer a special prayer on Monday and join it with some small sacrifice (e.g. skip one meal or treat) that life, the most fundamental human right may be cherished and respected. Furthermore, Pope Leo invites us this month to pray for the prevention of suicide. Let’s be a people who live and proclaim the Gospel of Life! 

 

Welcome Wednesday

On 19th November we look forward to a talk by Gerard O’ Neill, who will talk about his work for many years as member of British Airways Cabin Crew. Talk will begin at 10.40 am, but do along come beforehand for coffee, tea, dominoes and lots of chat…

 

Liturgy Meeting

Thursday 20th November at 7:30 pm to plan for our Advent and Christmas services. All welcome! 

 

Enrolment Mass for this year’s First Sacraments’ Group

This takes place next Saturday 22nd November at 10:00 am. Families are invited to arrive at 9:40 am to allow time for seating and administration. We look forward to seeing you then! Please note there will be no adoration or confessions to allow for this. 

 

Christ the King Sunday 23rd November

At 6 pm, young people are especially welcome to take part in the music, welcoming, reading, serving and the offertory procession. Please email Tom, our Music Director, music@stwerbughchester.co.uk, if you would like to join the musicians. Readers and welcomers please email Lyn liturgy@stwerburghchester.co.uk there is also a sign-up sheet at the back of Church for all activities. 

 

A Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious production of MARY POPPINS

From the Drama and Music departments at Chester Catholic High on Tuesday 25th & Wednesday 26th November at 7 pm. Please buy your tickets now! £7.50 children, £10 adult tickets, and £30 ticket and dinner with a glass of wine/soft drink before the show. Information welcometo@christofidelis.org.uk tickets https://app.parentpay.com/ParentPayShop/Uniform/Default.aspx?shopid=7772 

 

4 Bible Studies on the Advent Sunday Gospels

Mauro Iannicelli will break-open the forthcoming Advent Sunday Gospels with in depth teaching and stimulating questions. The Scripture proclaimed at Holy Mass will come alive in a new way! Four Wednesdays: 26 November and 3, 10 and 17 Dec (7pm – 8pm). Parish readers are encouraged especially to sign up. Free of charge on YouTube Registration: https://comeandsee.org/advent25 

 

Dementia Support Group

The group will meet in the Day Chapel on Thur. Nov. 27th at 10:45 am. All welcome, please join us.

 

150th Working Group Meeting

Thursday 27th November 7.30 pm in the Day Chapel. Please join us as we start to come to the end of our 150th year and begin to plan our closing mass and final celebrations'

 

Drop-in-Social

A date for your diary - Friday, 28th November, in the Day Chapel from 7 to 9 pm. New and Old Parishioner very Welcome for chat, wine and nibbles. 

 

The Reimagining Baptism Conference

This will take place at St Joseph's Catholic Church, Tatton Street, St Petersgate, Stockport, SK1 1EJ. on Saturday 29 November, from 10:30 am – 4:15 pm and  is open to all. It would be good for any catechists to go along.  The Keynote will be given by Abbot Hugh Allen further information from natalie.orefice@dioceseofshrewsbury.org. 

 

The Posada, por favor!  

The journey is scheduled to start on Advent Sunday, November 30th. If  you wish to host the holy family overnight, please add your name and contact details to the rota, which needs to be filled before the starting date. For further information please contact Elizabeth Hoey on 07884581897

 

Chester Deo Gratias Choir

Christmas Concert, Sat 6th December 2025 7.30 pm, All Saints Church, Hoole, CH2 3HZ, Supporting Kidsbank Chester and Tearfund, £10/ Schoolchildren free. Tickets from centre@allsaints.church 01244 345649

 

Please Note! Deadline for Newsletter Items by Monday evening at the latest.

Thank you for your cooperation. 

Photo of the Week

Thank you to Mark Perry for sending in this photo of the Interior and exterior views of the church dedicated to Our Lady of Czestochowa in the Penrhos Polish village, Pwllheli.