Parish Newsletter

Church Heating

We switched the heating on last week after its six month lay-off, and lots of problems! Pumps seized, boilers dead, thermocouples burnt out (whatever they are). Engineers working all Friday morning, back on Monday morning, so apologies for a chilly church today, everyone.

 

October Bible Exhibition

Our church is to be open every morning from 10.00 am till Sacristans arrive at 11.30: could you help by being a Steward any morning? List at back! Any more Bibles you’d like displayed?

 

Third Talk on Bible Translation: Wednesday

Quite a technical session last Wednesday on Masoretic Texts, Septuagints, Syriac, Erasmus, Nestlé-Aland – welcome to the world of Bible Translation! This Wednesday, we take a few key verses in the Bible and have a go at translating them ourselves. Everyone warmly welcome.

 

Last of the Four Dickens Study Weeks

Next Saturday afternoon (18^th), I’m off for the fourth and final Study Week on the Great Man: and then on to St Edmund’s Ware for a Wedding on the Friday (25^th) before driving back here on Saturday morning. Many thanks to Frs Colin and Neill for looking after Masses while I am away, and to Syd for generally minding the shop.

 

Choir Practices for Confirmation

Just a reminder, Choir, that we’re down at St Clare’s for Confirmation Choir Practices on Thursday 7^th November and Thursday 14^th November, in preparation for the great day on Tuesday 19^th November. Choir Practices at 7.30 pm, Confirmation itself at 7.00 pm.

 

After Mass Refreshments on Wednesday

Do come and join us in the House after Mass on Wednesday for our usual super spread!

 

November’s “First Friday” Recital

Cathedral Nave Choir on Friday 8^th November, 7.30 pm. (Not 1^st Nov, as that’s All Saints!)

 

Confirmation Class Six on Tuesday

What makes a Saint? And so, what name shall I choose for my Confirmation?

 

The Bells, the Bells!

Both the Sacristy Bell and the Altar Bell have been beautifully refurbished and renovated, part of our Diocesan Appeal Minor Works List. Have a good look at both today before they go back into daily use. The holes in the wall where the old one was fixed have now been filled, and ready for new screw-holes to be drilled!

 

Repository: Get ready for Christmas!

Our premium Christmas cards and gifts are now in stock.  Unique for this year are Christmas Cards made by contemplative Nuns from the Carmelite Monastery, Quidenham, Norfolk.  The cards are the result of the talent and hard work of many of the Sisters, and the sales generated are the monastery's primary source of income. Please come and browse.

 

Health and Safety Group Last Thursday

After the excellent initial enthusiasm, when so many people indicated a willingness to become involved, we have now evolved into a smaller group of six very committed parishioners, for which I am hugely grateful. Continuing their first-rate work started before the summer, our first two priorities being Working at Height, and Fire Safety.

 

“Acts”: Adult Catholics Together Spiritually

Residential Retreat at St Winefride’s Guest House, Holywell, Friday 25^th – Sunday 27^th October. Anonymous donations of £120 welcome. Details: Siobhan 0161-477-2783 / siobhanbc@gmail.com

 

Chester CAFOD Group Mass of Thanksgiving

Tuesday 22^nd October, 7.00 pm at St Clare’s: to give thanks for 30 years of support and work for Overseas Aid. Refreshments. All welcome!

 

Next Meeting of the Readers' Group

Monday October 21^st, 7.00 pm in the Presbytery for about an hour. We will discuss the Sunday readings for the next month. All are very welcome.

 

Caritas Boxes Collection

Dominique and Nathalie will be available at all Masses on 26^th / 27^th October to collect the contents of your Caritas boxes. Please bring monies in a strong plastic bag or envelope, clearly marked with your name. Opportunity to sign up if you wish to join.

 

Course on Parenting at the Catholic High School

Another of the popular free courses for parents is about to start at the High School on Wednesday 16^th at 7.00 pm. It will help you to help your children to develop strong emotional wellbeing and resilience.  See a little more about the course. https://youthconnect5.org.uk/.  Like all our courses it's free to parents.  The course will run over 5 weeks with a break for half term in the middle and is suitable for parents of children aged 8-18 yrs. Please get in touch if you're interested in taking part by contacting Claire on 07743-704-383. 

 

Requesting a lift from Great Barrow

“Sunday mornings, to come here to Mass. Willing to share expenses. I am able to get a lift back.” See FP if able to help with this parishioner’s request.

 

Annual Diocesan Mass for Grandparents

12 noon, Saturday 2^nd November at St Alban’s, Mill Lane, Liscard, CH44 5UD.  Please bring your family to celebrate and give thanks for the part you play in the lives of your grandchildren. Refreshments afterwards. Nearest car park: shopping precinct opposite the Parish Hall in St Alban’s Road.

 

Music Group

Playing at the 10.45 am Mass on Sunday 20^th Oct. Usual practice in Church Monday 14^th Oct 7.00 pm

 

Calling all Catholic Students for Sunday Evenings!

Purple sheets for ALL our students to leave us their details at back of church. Every student, at Chester or elsewhere, Catholic or not, very warmly welcome.

 

Photo of the Week: Organ in Berlin Cathedral

7,269 pipes, 113 registers, four manuals and pedals. No, James, you can’t – forget it!