Parish Newsletter

Readers’ Review Meetings

100% turn-out for the recent series of six Review Meetings – well done, everyone! We actually did some practice in Church this time, all of us sitting right at the back, and appreciating how far away it is from the Pulpit. We have 40 on the Readers’ Rota at present, but always room for more if anyone would like to join us.

Edward’s Graduation in Edinburgh on Tuesday

What a fantastic achievement after his life-changing accident in October 2017! I know you are all as proud of him as I am. I’m going for the Graduation on Tuesday morning, back that evening. Delighted to take any cards or messages with me. Leaving here Monday pm.

Our Mission Together Appeal Minor Works

You will remember that we supported the Diocesan Appeal magnificently, and that a third of what we raised was for our own Parish use. The Major Project is the remodelling of the outside front of the church, and we are ready now to pick up on that scheme. We also had a list of “Minor Works”, items we would like to have but which would stretch our annual Budget. Some of these we have purchased already, others we’re ready to consult you, the parishioners, about. Full details coming soon!

Sponsored Walk for Alzheimer’s Charity

On 20^th July Ruth Tierney and her daughters, Clare and Madeleine, are taking part in a 26-mile hike in the Lake District organised by the Alzheimer's Society. They are doing the hike in memory of Ruth's mother, Gill. Ruth will be at the back of church after each Mass on Sunday 14^th July if you would like to sponsor them.  Anyone interested in hiking themselves, either the full 26 miles or the 13-mile option? Deadline for enrolling is 5^th July. More information on  www.alzheimers.org.uk or Ruth, 07790-133-837.

Nurse Needed Lourdes Jumbulance Pilgrimage

Chester Across Group require another nurse (or Doctor) to travel overland to Lourdes. We take ten sick and disabled people and recruit a team of helpers. We stay in a four-star Hotel. Dates Thu 29^th August to Sat 7^th September. Cost £475 but help available. For further information, Tony Murphy on 07881656974. http://www.across.org.uk and Facebook Liverpool & Chester Across

Isabel and Tobi’s Wedding in Spain

These two have done so much for St Werburgh’s: Tobi was on the Parish Council for three years and has taken so many fabulous photos for us. Isabel has written the whole Confirmation Programme and helps lead it superbly. Without them, CathSoc would never have got off the ground in 2011. Very honoured to go out to Spain for their wedding, leaving here Thursday lunchtime and back straight after the Ceremony on Saturday evening.

Next Year’s Parish Diary Taking Shape…

Time now to start getting those dates in for next Diary Year, September 2019 to July 2020!

Complete List of all Catholic Uni Chaplains

On the Notice Board at back of Church.

SVP Summer Lunch on Wednesday

Up at the Mersey View in Frodsham. Always a wonderful occasion: many thanks to SVP for organising it, and to all parishioners’ generosity in making it possible.

July’s “First Friday” Recital

Stewart Smith’s ‘Concert of Classical Favourites’:  Oliver Smith (Flute & Voice), Henry Smith (Tuba, Piano & Organ), Colin Waker (Violin), Sam Tomlins (Piano) & Stewart Smith (Organ). 5^th July at 7.30.

Catenians’ President’s Mass

Our own Jim Strain is President this year, and we are delighted to be hosting his President’s Mass next Sunday at 12.15 pm.

Parish First Holy Communion Celebration

Many thanks to everyone for making this such a happy occasion last Sunday – to Louise, Helen and Bernie (Catechists) and to Music Group especially.

Confirmation Launch Meeting x 2!

We’ll have TWO Launch Meetings, Tuesday 9^th and Tuesday 16^th, 7.00 pm, so that parents and candidates can come to one of them.

Chester Heritage Festival 21^st - 29^th June

Many thanks to Anne Marie and Gerry for all their input on this great week in our City’s year.

Michael Reynolds Concert

Our very good friend Michael is putting on a concert here on Friday 26^th July at 7.30, “The Sounds of Stage and Screen – A Light-hearted Evening of Well-Known Music”. Tickets £10, including refreshments, from the Parish Office.

Karen Andrews’ Diaconate Ordination

Karen and David Andrews have been wonderful friends of St Werburgh’s for over seven years now. Karen was Church Warden at St Peter’s Waverton, and a real supporter of Churches Together in Waverton and Christleton. As you know, they have a very musical and talented son – how’s Matthew getting on, by the way? – and Karen has been preparing for Ordination as a Deacon in the Church of England for the past two years. The Big Day is in Chester Cathedral Sunday 30^th June. We send her very best wishes and hope she might be able to come to St us soon and tell us a little of her story.

Fr Neill’s Personal Homilies

Over the last few weeks, Fr Neill has taken the Homily to tell us all a little about himself, and his Faith Journey to the happy day of his Ordination. Copies at back of church.  

FP’s Holiday Dates This Summer

A question I’m asked so often, with tears in your eyes; “FP, when are you going on holiday? Please?” Be patient, my children: it’s Tuesday 20^th August to Thursday 5^th September. Milan, here we come!

Photo of the Week: The Virgin of Monserrat

Patron Saint of Catalonia, a striking statue in the Basilica there. Thanks, Frances! The co-Patron of Catalonia is St George. Fascinating!