Parish Newsletter

11.00 am Silence on Sunday 11th November 2018

As Remembrance Day falls on Sunday this year and as it is exactly a hundred years since the Armistice was signed at 11.00 am on 11th November 1918, in common with the whole country we will observe the two-minute silence at 11.00 am.

Thanks for Tuesday Evening!

And what an evening it was! Difficult to know where to start, except to say a heartfelt thanks to the whole Parish for an amazing occasion in the life of St Werburgh’s. Thanks to Bishop Mark for coming to preside at the Ceremony with such warmth and dignity, and to all our
Civic Guests, the Deputy Lieutenant, High Sheriff and Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress. We were graced by the presence of all three Armed Services, and the Ambassadors’ Representatives could not have been more gracious and engaged.

When it comes to thanking Parishioners, we have to begin with Ann Marie Curtis, who chaired the Great War Group and drove this whole project forward with unstinting energy and professionalism for the past five years. Without her, none of this would have happened. The magnificent new plaque would never have been realised without Kate and Peter Lunt taking ownership, ably assisted by Anwen. In terms of the night itself, once again an army of parishioners played a blinder: Syd and Denise producing the Booklet; Gerry and his stupendous team of Altar Servers; the ten wonderful Meeters and Greeters, who looked after our VIP’s the whole evening, one each; James and the Choir for their musical contribution; our four beautiful Readers; Marie and the Florists for decorating the Church; Bernice, Gillian and team for looking after the Catering; John for the Car Parking; Celia for selling so many books that I was surprised to see her in Church the following day (convinced she’d be well on her way to the South of France); and Syd for taking such superb photos, a selection of which you see on the Notice Board today. If I haven’t mentioned you by name, my apologies, and you know who you are and how grateful we all are for what you did.

Canon Chambers’ Cope for Bishop Mark

Plaque, Lectern and Leather-Bound Book
These amazing artefacts, some old and some new, made specially for us, are on display today. Do please have a good look at them all today.

Thank You Message from One of our VIP’s

“So much hard work has gone into all your research but what a wonderful outcome. The design for the war memorial itself was an excellent fusion of traditional with a more modern twist. It was an absolute
pleasure for me to be with you in your beautiful church. I was wonderfully well looked after by my Parishioner and enjoyed meeting a number of your congregation. Please pass on my thanks and congratulations to everyone involved - and with a special mention for the young man who read Rupert Brookes' poem so well.”

Mass for the Recently Bereaved on Tuesday

We’ve sent out over a hundred letters to families whose Funerals we have looked after over the last three years. But everyone is warmly welcome to join us, and have their special names read out and a chance to light a candle at that special moment. 7.30 pm on Tuesday.

CathSoc Sunday Night Cake and Catch-Up

Anyone around this evening, end of Half Term, very welcome to come in for cake and catch-up.

First Sacraments Meetings: Monday 12th Nov

There will be a Parents’ Meeting at St Werburgh’s and St Columba’s School in Lightfoot St on Monday 12th November at 7.00 pm.

November Month of the Holy Souls

• Sunday 18th Nov: Blessings at Blacon
• Sunday 25th Nov: Blessings at Overleigh
• Friday 30th Nov: Mass of the Holy Souls

Catholic Women’s League.

November Meeting Mass for deceased members on Monday 12th November at 12.15 in St Werburgh’s, followed by lunch in the parish house. Another 2.00 am start for me, but I am here to serve…

Refreshments after Mass on Wednesday

Come and join us after Mass next Wednesday for lunch in the Dining Room!

St Werburgh’s Great War Books on Sale Now

£10 sb, £20 hb. Ideal Christmas Presents.

SVP Elderly & Housebound Reconciliation Service

Sat Nov 24th at 10.30. Transport provided, all welcome. For further information contact Stephen Perry on 07775 781204. Nursing Home Services this week: Monday Morning in Grosvenor Manor (Heath Lane) and Thursday Afternoon in the old Crawford’s Walk.

Switching Off Radiators in Church

Discovered Tuesday Night that 3/4 of them had been SWITCHED OFF. Whoever’s doing this, would they please stop??? We can’t have a warm church with them off!

October Mass Count 2018

Another top year: average 636 over the 4 Sundays

• Sat 6.00 pm: 59, 62, 63, 53. Av = 59
• Sun 9.00 am: 171, 177, 186, 196. Av = 183
• Sun 10.45 am: 240, 212, 244, 244. Av = 235
• Sun 6.00 pm: 172, 158, 156, 150. Av = 159

Total Average for the Four Sundays = 636
Compared to Previous Years?

2011 = 589; 2012 = 594; 2013 = 624; 2014 = 636; 2015 = 617; 2016 = 601; 2017 = 642; 2018 = 636.

Wilfred and Susan – Sunday 11th Nov 3.00 pm

The young actors present an original drama on the life of Wilfred Owen, killed on 4th November 1918. This play is based on the 500 or so letters he wrote to his mother, Susan.

Photo of the Week: Behind the Organ Screen

What you would see if that magnificent Organ Screen were taken away! Another great photo from the Ray Harper Archives.