Parish Newsletter

Christmas and New Year Thanks

Huge thanks to everyone: Readers, Eucharistic Ministers, Welcomers, Altar Servers, Musicians, Florists – a real team effort! Thanks, too, for the 10.00 am Masses for the last fortnight, and for all those who saw in the New Year here in Church – surprising numbers!

 

Diocesan Ordos and Year Books for 2020

Now arrived. £5 each, on the News Stand.

 

SVP Christmas Lunch for the Elderly

Saturday 11^th January 2020 in the Primary School at 12.30 pm. For further information contact Stephen Perry: 07775 851 204.

 

Children’s Liturgy Restarts Sunday 12^th Jan

Next Sunday at the 10.45 Mass. Many thanks to Caroline, standing down now as Organiser after 45 years in post, and big welcome to Raluca and Claire for taking over. Anyone else like to join the Rota? We could do with you!

 

Crib Collection

For the work of Caritas, our old Diocesan Children’s Society, now working not just with children but with all families in the Diocese who need our support. Many of you make a small offering as a Thanksgiving for your own family’s health, happiness and stability, and this is enormously appreciated.

 

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Sunday 19^th January: County-wide Churches Together in Cheshire Service in Chester Cathedral at 3.30 pm, where the sermon will be preached by our own David Alton (Lord Alton). Then Monday to Saturday, at 12.00 noon each day, we visit one of the churches of Christleton and Waverton for a time of prayer and fellowship. Monday is Waverton Evangelical, Tuesday St James, Wednesday St Peter’s, Thursday Christleton Methodists, Friday Rowton Methodists, and Saturday here in St Werburgh’s. The week finishes with our Joint Service, Sunday 26^th at 7.00 pm, in Christleton Methodists.

 

CathSoc Spring Term 2020

Starting up again Sunday 12^th January at 7.00 pm. See you all there!

 

Minor Works List

With the arrival of Donna and Donald just before Christmas, we are almost there! Parish Council will be reviewing the list at their meeting on 22^nd January, and then we’ll see where we go from here. Many thanks, everyone!

 

The Two Popes: Friday 17^th January 12.30 pm

A very well-reviewed film, just released. (Bit like “Cats”??) On the friendship between Pope Benedict and Pope Francis, and the events surrounding the transition from one to the other in March 2013. On at Storyhouse on Friday 17^th at 12.30. Please sign up on list at back of church if you’d like to join us. By Wednesday of this week, please, as tickets (£8.50) could go fast.

 

January “Say by Day” and “Messenger”

Both on the News Stand: £1 each.

 

Taking Down Decorations

Thursday, 16^th January, 9.00 am. As ever, many hands make light work. Coffee and cakes (assuming none of you can ever look a mince pie in the face again). Come and join us!

 

January’s First Holy Communion Meetings

• Monday 13^th January: next meeting for all parents of First Holy Communion Children takes place at 7.00 pm in St Werburgh’s and Saint Columba’s School, Lightfoot Street.
• Tuesday 21^st January: next meeting for the FHC Parish Group, children and parents at 6,30 pm in the Parish House. The children will need their Preparation Books and pencil cases.
• Saturday 25^th January at 10:00 am in Church, The First Forgiveness Celebration.

 

SVP Christmas Second Collection

Once again, our very best wishes and grateful thanks to the Parish for their exceptional generosity in raising £1,349-48 for the SVP in the recent second collection. This has enabled us to have a major impact on local families and individuals in need over the festive period.

 

SVP District Music Night Friday 31^st January

A night of swing music provided by the Catholic High School ‘City Jazz Orchestra and Singers’ will take place in St Columba’s on Friday 31^st January from 7.00 for 7.30. All proceeds from this event will be used to help finance our Holiday Home. Tickets at £10 will be on sale after Masses on the weekend of 11^th/12^th January or by contacting Stephen Perry on 07775 781204 or via svpchester@gmail.com

 

Catenians Fish and Chips Supper

St Columba’s Parish Hall on Friday Evening 10^th January 7.00 pm for 7.30 pm. There’s a band on for entertainment and the cost is £9.50 per head. Everyone welcome! If you’re keen to come along please phone Jill Devine on 07825 172937 or email jill.devine0312@hotmail.com

 

On the Shelf?

£1,000 prize for the last Christmas Card to be collected this year. And no, you can’t start putting new ones on the shelf, you wicked people, as I have made a careful note of the ones still there…

 

Diocesan Mission for Catechesis

For priests, parents, catechists and all those interested in passing on our Faith in today’s world. Launch of the new Diocesan Mission for Catechesis on Saturday 18^th January at St Columba’s, 10.00–3.00 pm. Please bring a packed lunch. Reuben Purchase and Caroline Farey, the two new diocesan mission catechists, look forward to meeting you.

 

Photo of the Week: Ancient and Modern Japan

Another fascinating photo from Tommy and Helen’s recent visit to Japan to visit son Michael, daughter-in-law Hiromi and the latest arrival, Liam. Many congratulations, all! Whilst there, they saw the Omikoshi procession, the portable Shinto Shrine carried around the streets. An extraordinary meeting of the ancient religion and the modern city.