Parish Newsletter

Bishop Mark: Statement on Coronavirus

Friday night, 6th March, Bishop Mark has been in touch again to re-state his instructions of last week: that individual parishioners have the freedom not to receive from the Chalice, not to shake hands at the door, and not to make physical contact at the Sign of Peace if they so wish, but no blanket bans at present.

No University Mass in the University Chapel

The Vice-Chancellor has instructed that, owing to the coronavirus outbreak, there are to be no more Eucharists, Anglican or Catholic, in the University Chapel until further notice. This means we will not be able to have University Mass at 1.05 on a Monday, but we will continue to gather for a Prayer Service at that time.

Access to the Organ Loft: Scaffolding Tower

Many thanks to everyone for sending in their views. The consensus seems to be that the “temporary scaffolding” solution buys us time while we continue to explore “fixed staircase” ideas that won’t cost us a king’s ransom.

Welsh Railways Trip: Twelve Places Left!

Wednesday 6th May: 36 of the 48 places have been booked. So, if you were one of our “Expressions of Interest” Priority Bookings, get your form and cheque in before 22nd March.

Thy Kingdom Come: Ascension to Pentecost

Geoff and Charlotte came to the meeting with me on Tuesday, and we were all enthused by what we heard. Full report coming very soon.

Churches Together in Christleton Lent 2020

• 10th March: Quiet Garden, Frodsham (20 max)
• 17th March: Sisters of Jesus Way West Kirby (20)
• 24th March: Gladstone’s Library, Hawarden
• 31st March: Franciscans at Pantasaph.

If you are definitely planning to attend, please email Judith on judith@edwards5.co.uk

Our Mission Together Minor Works List

Lectionaries now at the Binders, reupholstered Chairs on display in the Dining Room, now for the Day Chapel. It will be open for your inspection throughout Lent – you can go in by the door next to the organ or through the Sacristy – and there is a Questionnaire we’d like you to take away and complete to give us your views on its future use.

CathSoc Tonight – Three Bridges Walk

And then a serious session of Psalm Singing…

Appointment of Diocesan CEO at Caritas

Location of Wallasey and Manchester with regional travel. For more information: www.caritasshrewsbury.org.uk/news/job-vacancies/ Closing date noon 13th March 2020.

Catholic High School Parents & Friends

Swing Band Dance Night. An evening of fun and musical entertainment at the annual PFA Dance Night with music from the school’s very own City Jazz Orchestra. Friday 27th March, 7.30 pm until late, in the School Hall. Free entrance. Donations welcome. Bar open.

Parish Meetings Next Week: 7.00 pm, Parish House

Liturgy Group Wednesday; Health & Safety Thursday.

Next meeting of the Readers' Group

Monday 16th March at 7.00 pm in the Parish House for about an hour. We look at the Sunday readings for the next month up to Easter. All very welcome.

Three Important Gift Aid Notices

1. Tax Status – IMPORTANT - If you no longer pay income tax, please let Fr Paul or Denise Jones know by 5th April, or it will be assumed that you have paid sufficient income tax for the Parish to claim Gift Aid on your donations for tax year 2019/20. Thank you.
2. Change of Address. Please let us know if you have changed your home address in the last 12 months.
3. Offertory Envelopes 2020/21 – REMINDER -If you have not yet collected your box, please take it as soon as possible. Thank you.

Joining the Gift Aid Scheme

If you pay income tax, joining the Gift Aid scheme increases the value of your donations to the Parish by 25% at no extra cost to you. Interested in joining the scheme? Please contact Fr Paul or Denise Jones.

Saturday 21st March - Singing the Word!

10.00 am to 3.00 pm, to join the Liturgy Commission at Saint John Plessington HS. £5 payable on the day to help cover costs. (Half a dozen Werbies Choir are going if anyone else would like to join them?)

Holy Week Ministers Rota – Calling Volunteers!

Out now. Please sign up for these vital ministries.

First Holy Communion Meetings for March

• Tuesday 10th March at 6.30 pm in the Parish House: a meeting for the Parish Group and their parents. Children will need their new Preparation Books and pencil cases.
• Monday 16th March at 7.00 pm in the Primary School: a meeting for all FHC parents.
• Please let us know your child’s FHC date, if you haven’t done so. Monday 23rd March at 6.30 pm in St Werburgh’s Church: Commentary Mass for FHC children and their families.

CAFOD Lent Fast Day Envelopes: Back of Church

Forthcoming SVP Events

SVP Teas at the Catholic High School Wednesday, 11th March at 2.30 pm. Transport provided. Contact Stephen Perry on 07775-781-204. SVP Holiday Home in Talacre Beach, North Wales is available without charge to any local individual, couple or family that would otherwise not be able to enjoy a holiday. Currently available weeks are from Sat 23rd May and Sat 19th September. If interested contact Stephen or email svpchester@gmail.com

Retired Priests Collection: £1,298. (2019: £1,618)

Music Group playing Sunday 15th March.

Practice in the House Monday 9th March, 7.00 pm

Stations of the Cross During Lent: Fridays, 7.30

• 13th March: Syd. 20th March: Pat.
• 27th March: Denise. 3rd April: Christine.

Photo of the Week: Bare Ruined Choirs

The atmospheric Rievaulx Abbey in North Yorkshire. Thanks Syd! (Apparently, he’s good with old ruins.)