Parish Newsletter

Thanks to Fr Colin

For coming to say the Masses last weekend, and for everyone for making him so welcome.

Building Work Next Door and Passageway

The scaffolding is now down – thank you – and they have dug out the foundations for the party wall between us. But – slight change of plan – they have asked if they can go ahead and build that wall, rather than coming back to do it later. So, apologies to everyone for the inconvenience caused, and many thanks for your continued patience.

Please don’t give me money….!!!

And you’ve never heard that before from a Catholic Priest! I lurve money, but not loose money put into my hand at the end of Mass. Last Sunday was chaotic: I ended up with a fistful, some of it for Oscott, some for Masses, some for Retired Priests Fund, some for SVP. I get back into the Sacristy and I haven’t a flaming clue what’s what! So, a repeat plea: if you give me money, PLEASE put it in an envelope with your name on and a note of what the money’s for. No more loose cash, please!! Plenty of envelopes on the Sacristy Window-Ledge, folks!

(Women’s) World Day of Prayer Service

Prepared by Christian women of Slovenia. Friday 1st March here at St Werburgh's, 10.30 am.

New Tax Year Weekly Offertory Envelopes

The 2019/20 envelopes are available at the back of church. Still a few to be collected!

Lent Stations and Devotions

We will have six Friday Evening Lenten Services, three Stations of the Cross and three Lenten Devotions. If you’d like to take one of these, please let FP know as soon as possible.

Come for a Swim at Chester City Baths!

It is a 1901 Victorian building offering a variety of sessions that may be perfect for you and your family. We have adult leisure, both daytime and evening, an over 60’s swim with a fully qualified coach (just £3 per swim), a new family swim on Saturdays 12-1 and many more. This is a fantastic facility right in the heart of Chester and we would love to see you here or your help in spreading the word. For more information, please pop in and see us on Union Street CH1 1QP or call 01244 320898.

Parish Day out to Oscott: 27th March

All Booking Forms and Remittances are due in today, Sunday 24th February. Any not received we will take as cancellations and allot that place to those on the Waiting List.

“Retreat in the City”: Why Not Try One?

The Spring programme for Retreat House Chester is available at the back of church. www.retreathousechester.co.uk for information on all kinds of retreats here in Chester.

Chester Catenians St Patrick’s Night Ceilidh

Sat 16th March. 7 for 7:30, St Columba’s Church Hall. Hot pot supper with desert, Bar. Dancing with Caller and raffle. Tickets £20 from Francis Coxhead fcoxhead@yahoo.co.uk or 07816 958627

Fair-Trade Matters

Monday 25th February is the start of Fair-Trade Fortnight 2019. For the next two weeks we have been given a market stall in Chester Market to showcase just some of the wide range of Fair-Trade goods available in Chester and an opportunity to reach more people. You will find us next to one of the seating areas in the middle of the market hall. If you can't make it during the day, the market is open until 8.00 pm each Friday night!! We would love to see you there."

Forthcoming Diocesan Talks

In the wake of Sherry Weddell's visit to the diocese, the theme of the 2019 four diocesan spring talks is “Called to Holiness, Gifted for Mission”. The first will take place on Wed 13th March, 7.00-9.00 pm, Our Lady’s, Ellesmere Port. Fr Tom Cunnagh will address the title: "We're in this together!" The other 3 talks will take place on the following Wednesdays. Everyone is most welcome to come and reflect on this vital theme.

Hospital ‘First Thursday’ Mass

7th March at 12.15 pm in the Countess of Chester Hospital Chapel. For patients/outpatients, staff, families and friends, and the wellbeing of our hospitals, including the Bowmere. All welcome.

CathSoc Charity Appeal: Bake Sale next Sunday

Every Uni Society has a Charity to support and is given a target to raise. We support CAFOD, and a Bake Sale at all Masses next weekend should be a super way of meeting that target, even if it does mean 2.00 am in the kitchen for someone!

CathSoc Programme - Sundays at 7.00 pm

• Sunday 24th February: AGM and Elections
• Sunday 3rd March: Shared Table Supper
• Sunday 10th March: Trip to Manchester
• Sunday 17th March: Lenten Prayer and Praise

Home & Hospital EMS – DBS

Final list now gone to Liz Aiello, who’ll be in touch shortly. Thanks, everyone!

Parish Health and Safety Group Meeting

Syd and I met the Diocesan Co-Ordinator on Friday morning, and we’re ready now for our first Group Meeting: Thursday 28th Feb at 10.00 am.

2nd Collection: Retired Priests Fund

Final Total: £1,568. Thank you for an incredibly generous response. We received one special envelope: photocopy on Notice Board…

Photo of the Week: Medieval Tuscany!

The church of Sant’Eugenia al Bagnoro, at Arezzo in Tuscany. Early 12th Century. Thanks, Jane!
(Did someone mention Italy and summer sun??)