Parish Newsletter

Fr Neill’s Status

I’ve been asked to clarify Fr Neill’s status in the Parish since his ordination here on 31^st May, and that I’m delighted to do, following Bishop Mark’s recent Ad Clerum, where he listed all the retirements and appointments this summer.  Fr Neill is “retired, in residence in St Werburgh’s”, meaning he’s classed as one of the retired Priests of the Diocese, like Fr Colin, who comes here to supply during my summer break each year, but is available to help out here in St Werburgh’s and neighbouring parishes as and when required. He’s not Assistant Priest here or Curate or part of the management – heavens alive, he’s run enough Parishes in his time, give the chap a break! – but he is here to help, and it’s great to have you with us, Fr Neill!

Dog Days of August

Having said last week that we try to go a bit quieter in August, there’s been an amazing army of people here last week working on the house and garden: Kieran has power-washed the paths all round the house; Anne and Keith have done the weeds in the path, and, with Lesley, been working on the back garden; John and Ada have cut the front hedge; Barbara, David and Matt have done their usual super job on the front garden; and Andy from the Diocese has cleaned all the gutters. Thanks, chaps – and chapesses!

First Holy Communions for 2019-20

For children in Year Three or above in September. Preparation Classes for children attending Non-Catholic Primary Schools: please contact Fr Paul by phone or email before 5^th  September, if you would like your child to prepare for their First Holy Communion. Our Classes and Preparation Books are normally geared to children in Year Three, so if you have an older child, please contact us to discuss.

Our Mission Together Appeal Minor Works List

Our three musketeers have been hard at it all week: Peter is commissioning his local iron craftsman to make some special antique hand-railed for the front door of the House; Michael is carrying on with the Dining Room chairs, but does need YOUR vote on your preferred fabric TODAY, please; and John has been doing sterling work on mending the benches. But it’s become apparent that they are too heavy to move, and it’s moving them that has damaged them. So, apologies to concerts and recitals, but the benches will have to stay where they are now.   

Thursday 15^th August: Holyday of Obligation

Sadly, we are holding two Funerals on Thursday as well as the normal Holyday Masses. Jean’s is definite at 10.00 am; Nora’s is a strong hope for 2.00 pm if we can complete paperwork in time. The 12.15 pm Mass has been brought forward 30 minutes for David and Jane Kluth’s Diamond Wedding. Needless to say, all five Masses count for your Holyday of Obligation. 

October Bible Month – 2020 Bible Year

The Bishops of England and Wales have designated 2020 as “The Year of the Bible”. We’re getting ready by holding a Chester-wide ecumenical “Month of the Bible” in October. A huge number of events going on – brochure being proof-read ready for printing as I write. I think you will find this a very exciting project, both for Chester and for the whole church. 

Tuesday Evening Halton Curve to Liverpool

List now closed. Please meet at Chester station at 5.00 pm – I will buy the tickets. Total cost of trip (inc meal): £15.00. If you have a Senior Railcard, please bring it with you. Back in Chester at 10.30 pm.

 Major Project: Remodelling Front of Church

The major part of our Parish Share on the Diocesan Appeal is going on the remodelling of the front of church, a project we initiated three years ago but which had to go on the back burner once the Great War Plaque became our principal focus. Looking at the front of church, we have five aims in mind:

1. Removing the unsightly railings, gates and flags & replacing them with something more sympathetic;
2. Creating a level patio area as you leave church, as far as the existing railings, and then steps down;
3. Remodelling the Disabled Entrance so that it is impossible for parked cars to block the way in;
4. Repairing the bulging retaining wall under the existing railings, which could give way at any time;
5. Installing floodlights for the front of church.

The Diocese has appointed a new Architect, and he is very keen on coming to meet you all in September to discuss his detailed plans with us all.

Grumpy of Pipers Ash…

Actually, isn’t grumpy at all and has proved the point by coming up with some superb suggestions for a Parish Day out on the Welsh Highland and Ffestiniog Railways, all 40 miles of it, with the possibility of spending some time also in Porthmadog, possibly having Mass there. Watch out for details coming soon, to see who’d be interested in coming on such a trip. It won’t be cheap – perhaps around £40 – but could be a day to remember. Thanks, Grumps!

Staff Holiday Dates This Summer!

Syd’s back from his break on Monday 12^th August. James is away for a fortnight in Scotland, so great to have Tom as our Sunday Organist for the next two weeks. Muggins will be away Tuesday 20^th August to Thursday 5^th September. If you are one of our wizziters in St Werburgh’s today, do come and tell us where you’re from. You’re very welcome here, as we always love having wizziters! 

Photo of the Week: Kaiser-Wilhelm Church

In Berlin, heavily damaged in a bombing raid in 1943, now kept in its ruined state as a War Memorial (rather like St Luke’s in Liverpool). Thanks, Anne and Ged, for sending it in! And if you are away anywhere and spot anything interesting: “Snap It, Send It, Sorted!” (Ó Every annoying train firm in the flaming country).