Parish Newsletter

Fr Neill’s Status

I’ve been asked to clarify Fr Neill’s status in the Parish since his ordination here on 31st 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!

Trying to Trace...

Catherine Hardy and her sister, Eileen McCullagh. If anyone knows them, or their whereabouts, please let FP know. Many thanks.

SVP Summer Holidays Second Collection

It raised an amazing £1,073.65 to provide holidays and holiday support to local families in need. Thank you all for your generous support.

Arrangements While I’m Away

Syd, our ever-efficient Parish Secretary, is in charge while I’m away, and all Parish Bizz to him, please, via the Parish Office. Only contact him out of hours in an emergency. The House Alarm will be on every day except Sundays from about 5.00 pm till 9.00 am the following morning. Please don’t try to enter the house or church between those hours. If you are a key-holder and need access at any time, please make sure you have cleared it with Syd first. Fr Neill will very kindly say the weekday Masses and share the weekend ones with Fr Colin, to whom we extend our usual very warm welcome.

Old Photos of Front of Church?

Before Grosvenor Park Road became a main road - when Foregate Street was pedestrianised in the 1970’s - we came out of church onto a flat paved area, as far as the existing railing. Then there were steps down. That’s what we’re trying to recreate in our new plans. The architect would love to see any photos of this era that show what that flat paved area looked like, e.g. Wedding Photos. Eileen Mapp has kindly sent in hers, from the 1934, but we’d love to see many more.

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 5th 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.

Dining Room Chairs - You Have Voted!!

The nation has spoken, and Fabric Four it is.

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

Super trip last Tuesday night, 23 of us on the new/old route via Runcorn. We paid a strictly architectural visit to the tiled pub, Dr Duncan’s, and then made pigs of ourselves at the 4 Seasons Chinese Restaurant. A good time was had by all!

Major Project: Remodelling Front of Church

We have several aims in mind:

1. Removing the unsightly railings, gates and flags and 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.
6. Proper rack for bicycles.

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.

Day Out on Welsh Highland and Ffestiniog Railways

It’s happening! All 40 miles of it, with Mass and some time in Porthmadog, and lunch at Ffestiniog Railway Harbour Station. Flyer with full details out TODAY! Leave Chester at 07.50, arrive Caernarfon at 09.40; 10.00 departure on the Welsh Highland Train to Porthmadog, arriving 12.15 pm. Mass in the local Catholic Church at 13.00, lunch at 14.00, and depart on the train to Blaenau Ffestiniog at 15.50, arriving there at 17.00. Coach back to Chester, aiming to be here for 19.00. An unbelievable day out on this famous narrow-gauge railway, and huge thanks to David for setting it all up. Total cost for everything - coach, train and lunch - is only £50, and that really has meant cutting a deal on all three. Date - a Thursday in late September or early October, tbc. At this stage we need your EXPRESSION OF INTEREST. This isn’t a booking, and doesn’t commit you, but we do need to know if we have enough people interested to go ahead and make firm bookings ourselves. Please return to Parish Office by Sunday 8th September at the latest.

Staff Holiday Dates This Summer!

Syd is now back. James is away for another week in Scotland, so great to have Tom as our Sunday Organist once again. I’m at a Family wedding on Monday and then out to Milan on Tuesday 20th, back to the Werbies on Friday 6th September.

Photo of the Week: St Mary’s Oscott Chapel

Another lovely picture from our recent Parish Trip. The chapel is pure Pugin, and a beautiful example of his ‘Medieval Revival’ style. Thanks, Maureen, for sending it in!