Parish Newsletter

Day Out Welsh Highland & 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 now available. 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 8^th September at the latest.

 

Parish Diary Now at the Printers!

An enormous labour, collecting together all the dates and events in the Parish and area for the next twelve months. Please don’t say you didn’t know when anything was happening!! Huge thanks to Syd and Denise for this. 

 

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?

Originally, we came out of church onto a flat paved area, as far as the existing railing. Then steps down. That’s what we’re trying to recreate. 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 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 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. 

 

Next First Friday Recital – Urszula the Cellist

Friday 6^th September, 7.30 pm.

 

Trying to Trace…

Catherine Hardy and her sister, Eileen McCullagh.

If anyone knows them, or their whereabouts, please let FP know. Many thanks.

 

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.

 

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!

 

Major Project: Remodelling Front of Church

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.
6. Proper rack for bicycles.

 

Milano, arrivo!

A small Airbnb apartment in the centre, and two weeks to explore this fantastic city and region.

I’m going to miss you all, you know!

 

Heritage Open Days – September

As usual St Werburgh’s opens its doors to visitors 10.00 am – 4.00 pm Friday 13^th – Sunday 15^th September.  We’ll need two Welcomers/Stewards available for each hour that the church is open. Sign-up sheet at the back of church.

 

(*) Apologies and Corrections

We’re always delighted to correct any mistakes on our Newsletter. Eileen Mapp has contacted us to say the date of her wedding was not 1934. Apparently, it was 1933. Sincere apologies, Eileen.

 

Photo of the Week: School Recorder Group

On the steps of the Town Hall, St Werburgh’s Juniors, from 1982. How many can we recognize. And where are they now?