Parish Newsletter

150th Anniversary Celebration Meal in the High School

Friday night was a glittering gala occasion, the hall beautifully decorated, over 150 guests, a lovely meal and fantastic Flamenco Dancers to entertain us. (How dare some of you suggest that was one of my spoofs?) Above all, it was a chance for us as a Parish to sit down together for table fellowship and thank God for the vision of Werbies 150 years ago and the enthusiasm of Werbies today to carry on that mission. None of it would have been possible without the incredible efforts of our Team, who worked their socks off: Ana, Bernice, Christina, Jane, Lyn and Pat; and our excellent High School Head, Cathy, who made the school available. Thanks, everyone!

 

Catholic High School Open Evening

Next Thursday 18th Sept 6-8.00 pm A great opportunity for prospective students and their parents to come and see the school. Interactive activities, school tour, meet the teachers! All welcome, no booking needed. www.christofidelis.org.uk 

 

Mass Diary for 2026 Now Open

Ideal chance to send in a list of all your 2026 Intentions.

 

Parish Council – Wednesday 17th at 7.00 pm

Preparing for the Handover – but do please send in any other items you would like to have discussed.

 

Preaching at St Mary’s Handbridge Sunday Evening

I’m always pleased to accept such kind invitations. Many thanks to Fr Neill for saying Sunday evening Mass here. 

 

Jacob’s marriage in Guildford Saturday 27th September

We have been blessed with some wonderful CathSoc Presidents over the years, and none more so than Jacob Hutchinson. I’m delighted to be asked to concelebrate his Nuptial Mass as he weds the lovely Heather, Yes, folks, he’s punching. I’ll be coming back Saturday evening.

 

Lately dead: Mary Black and Michael Tighe

Two wonderful Honorary Werbies “Promoted to Glory” last week: Gerry and Bernard’s brother Michaell, in Australia, and Simon and Jeremy’s mother Mary, Jane Kluth’s sister, down in Cambridge, and a frequent and always very welcome visitor here to St Werburgh’s. Both well in  their 90’s. Love and sympathy to their families.

 

2 New Members of our Altar Servers Guild of St Stephen

We are delighted  that Matthew Reynolds and Francesco Carlucci will be enrolled as members during the 10.45 am Mass on Sunday 21st September.

 

Our Monthly Prayer Group Meets this Friday, 19th Sept

10.45 am in the Day Chapel. All welcome. More information?  Liturgy@stwerburghchester.co.uk.

 

Parish Prayer Book: Please send those suggestions in!

By the end of Sept: Liturgy@stwerburghchester.co.uk.

 

Lavender Villas Memorial Garden for Five Residents

Do come and join us if you would like to do so, as we bless these memorials. Wednesday 11.00 am.

 

Apple Mac – 25 Years Old but Excellent Working Order

As part of my chuck-out, I’m getting rid of my old Apple Mac computer. Still works beautifully. Anyone like to be introduced to the wonders of Apple Operating System? Sealed bids by Sunday 5/10. On table at back of church.

 

First Holy Communion Parish Group 2025-6

List now closed, and a wonderful 18 names submitted. 

 

Heritage Open Doors 12- 21 Sept: “Architecture”

Sun 14-Sun 21 Sept: Church Open each day, 1.00–3.00 pm. Sun 14 Sept, 2.00 -3.00 pm: Talk about the Architecture of St. Werburgh’s and how it changed over the years, in response to Historical Events.
Wed 17 Sept, 1.00 pm-3.00 pm: Aleta Doran will be in the porch to talk to anyone about the Trena Cox stained glass windows. There is also an event at the Lead Shot Tower from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sat 20th 

 

Talk from Historian Dr Anna French Last Thursday

Excellent talk on how religious change is perceived, both “top down” by Kings, Rulers, Popes and Presidents, but also “bottom up” by ordinary folk in the pews. Thirty came along for this superb talk, showing there clearly is an appetite for such academic talks. Great thanks to Steve Tierney for arranging it.

 

Autumn Mass Count: 21/9, 28/9, 5/10.12/10

Counters please enter totals on list in Sacristy. 

 

Parish Diary September 2025 to July 2026

The printing presses are rolling – so, out next week!

 

150th Celebrations - Wildflower scheme

We have 150 envelopes filled with wildflower seeds which can be planted all year round to create wildflowers in gardens and around the community. Available after each Mass. Suggested donation £2.

 

Zoom Meeting with Fr David and Michael Rooney

Last Wednesday, Fr David in Colombia till the start of October. Michael, our Diocesan Property Director, was briefing Fr David on our three big Buildings Projects: Conversion of Day Chapel to multi-purpose Meeting Room; replacement of all the Church Lighting; and the Refurbishment of the Parish House. You’ll be hearing a lot more about all three in the months ahead!

 

Sycamore Course Continues This Week

Excellent first meeting last Wednesday: Session Two is Wednesday 17th, 7.30 in the Day Chapel. Not too late to join. Entrance along side passage. 

 

SVP Welcome Mass

You are all warmly invited to the SVP Welcome Mass on 21st September at 2.30 pm at St Werburgh Church. It will be followed by a tea/coffee party. Like to come? Contact svpchester@gmail.com or 07778 392816

 

House Mass: Wednesday 24th September 5.00 pm

Lyn & Richard are hosting at their home in Hawarden, starting our new year of House Masses. Do please sign up if you’d like to join us. Everyone welcome.

 

Caritas Boxes Collection, 13th/14th September

Please enter contents into a secure bag with your name on. A chance also next week to join Caritas. 

 

Parish Safeguarding Training Sept. 22nd 7 pm.

Parishioners who’d like to continue working with children and vulnerable adults, ensuring our parish is a safe and welcoming place, are required at this Safeguarding session, a repeat of previous ones.

 

Photo of the Week: Miller Michigan Memories

Steve & family returned last year to bless Steve Snr’s Memorial, in the shadow of the mighty Mackinaw Bridge; 5 miles long, it’s the longest suspension bridge in USA. (Now will you stop bellyaching, Steve?)