Parish Newsletter

Wendy O’Brien

Good news from Martin: Wendy has moved from ICU to High Dependency to a General Ward at Walton and starting to give cheek to the Matron. Well done, Wendy! Next stop will hopefully be COCH and then home. Keep those prayers up!

Lent Friday Devotions and Stations at 7.00 pm

Many thanks to Jean for leading Stations of the Cross last Friday. This coming Friday, 7.00 pm, Neill will lead us all in a Lenten Devotion, followed by Exposition until 9.00 pm.

CathSoc Pilgrimage / Retreat to Ampleforth

A really good four days up with the Monks last week, enjoying very stimulating talks from them each morning, some ridiculously unLenten meals, great walks out each afternoon, and some real peace and quiet. Great visit to the Sisters at Stanbrook on Thursday, and good to have the Wrinklies along. Thanks, everybody! And to those who generously gave us financial support too.

Photo of the Week: Ray and Brenda 50th Wedding

Ray’s Funeral is with us here on Wednesday at 12.00 noon, to which everyone is warmly invited. Our Photo shows their Golden Wedding Anniversary, and the Papal Blessing they received on that very happy occasion.

Dickens Productions Coming Up Locally

Fifteen of us are going to Nicholas Nickleby at King’s School on Wednesday (28th Feb): I’ll be distributing tickets in the foyer beforehand. On Monday evening (26th) here, there’s a Talk and Discussion on Dramatising Dickens at 7.00 pm and looking at the other two forthcoming productions: Great Expectations at Theatr Clwyd on Saturday 3rd March and Hard Times at Liverpool Playhouse: Tuesday, 27th March. Not too late to sign up if you’d like to come with us.

Christleton CT Mini-Pilgrimages: Thursdays 2.30

This Thursday afternoon we are at Sisters of Jesus Way, West Kirby: numbers are limited to 30, so please let me have your name if you’d like to come and didn’t hand it in last Thursday.

Retired Priests Collection: £1,473.08

Many thanks everyone for your great support.

Hospital Mass This Coming Thursday

The regular "First Thursday" Mass will be celebrated on 1st March at 12.15 pm in the Hospital Chapel. This is for patients/outpatients, staff, families and friends. All welcome.

Women’s World Day of Prayer Friday 2nd March

10.30 am at Wesley Methodists. The service this year is prepared by the women of Surinam. All welcome - including chaps!

Access to the Church and House

Thanks, everyone, for all the work you do in our hundred-and-one Parish Activities. If you need to come into the House or Church for any purpose, please let myself or Syd know well in advance - don’t just come in because it happens to be open for Mass or whatever. Some groups were in last week that we didn’t know about, and one of them left the door open!!

Antique Handrails

We would like to fit antique (Victorian) hand rails to the front door of the House: could you all keep your eyes open for any such that you see for sale?

Holy Week Rota for All Ministries

Now out - and not too early to sign up for the Services where you will be available to help out.

Deanery Lenten Penitential Services

St Columba’s, Chester, Monday, 12th March 7.00 - 8.00 pm. Our Lady’s, Ellesmere Port, Thursday, 15th March 7.00 - 8.00 pm.

Parish Day Out to Cheadle, Staffs: 21st May

Visiting the glorious Catholic Church of St Giles designed by Pugin in 1846. Get it in your Diaries!

Chester Theatre Club - Youth Theatre

The Man Who Disappeared - The Story of Private Harry Farr. Harry was shot at dawn on 18th October 1916 for "cowardice”. The Youth Theatre are presenting a dramatized version of his story here in St Werburgh’s, Sunday 4th March at 3.00 pm. Everyone warmly welcome!

SVP Afternoon Tea at the Catholic High School

For all our elderly and housebound friends, Wednesday, 7th March 2.00 pm. Transport will be provided. Contact Parish Office if required!

SVP Lenten Service of Reconciliation

Again, for our elderly and housebound: Saturday, 17th March 10.30 am. All welcome to join us at this service when there will be the chance for Confessions. Ring us if you need transport.

Youth Connect 5

This popular five-week course for parents is running again starting 28th February. Aimed at those looking after children over 8, the course helps parents understand the stresses that young people face and gives practical tools for helping build emotional resilience. 7.00 pm at St Werburgh's and St Columba's Primary School. https://youthconnect5.org.uk/ or 07743704383.

Ron Drennan RIP

Many of you would have known Ron, Evelyn Hughes’ brother, a great parishioner at St Anthony’s Saltney and a great worker for his local community. He went Home to the Lord yesterday in the Countess. May He Rest in Peace.