Parish Newsletter

St Werburgh’s Church Still Closed

In common with all public buildings and places where people gather together, St Werburgh’s has had to be closed for the duration of this Coronavirus outbreak. We all regret this hugely, the first time in our history we have needed to close our church: but we also recognise we must play our part in preventing the spread of this killer virus, by avoiding gathering together and, wherever possible, staying in our own homes. We know that, both as individuals and as a community, we will co-operate to the full in these instructions. The sooner we get on top of this infection, the sooner normal life can return, and our Churches once again be open.

 

Low Week

It’s felt rather a “Low Week”, hasn’t it? But, despite the church being closed, we are trying to keep as much of a normal Parish Life going as possible. Mass is said every day, though sadly needing to be a “Private Mass” with no congregation. This week’s Mass Intentions are on the front of the Newsletter, as always.

 

Catholic Newspapers and Magazines

Continuing to be delivered. So, I’ll be at the front of church on Sunday morning, 10.00 – 11.00 am, if any of you want to come by on your daily walk and pick up your copy – or any of the back copies still here. including “Day by Day” for Easter and the Sacred Heart Messenger.

 

“Online giving to the Parish”

The following Message came through from the Diocese during the week: “For those Parishioners who normally give in the collection at Mass and wish to help the Parish at this time, an online donation page to allow you to donate to the Parish has been added to the Parish website. Please be aware that a minimum donation of £5 is requested if giving in this way.

The page can also be used to set up a regular monthly donation, and you can also Gift Aid your donation to help the Parish further.

If you want to Gift Aid your donation, please tick the box shown on the screen even if you have previously completed a Gift Aid Declaration form in favour of the Parish for regular giving made by Offertory Envelope or Standing Order. Thank you for your support.”  Link to the Donation site: click here

 

On-Line Catholic Resources at our Cathedral

We have compiled as complete a list as we can of on-line resources. Our own Cathedral in Shrewsbury has many excellent ways of keeping in touch with the church, including live streaming of Mass. The website which takes you straight through is: www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org

 

Self-Isolating Contact List

If you know of anyone – including you yourself – who would like to go on the “Please Contact” list, do let us know. If you’re willing to go on the “Willing to Contact” List, we’d love to hear from you.

  

Welsh Railways Trip: All Full Now!

Wednesday 6^th May: All 48 places have now been taken. At the moment it is still going ahead, but we will almost certainly need to make a decision this coming week, depending on the Railway. If we need to postpone, we will let you know via this Newsletter immediately. No cheques or cash have been banked.

 

First Holy Communion Masses in May

Looking unlikely but watch this space!

 

Keeping in Touch during this Period

Newsletters and Information Sheets will be available two ways, as usual: hard copies, in the Newsletter Box on the Front Door of the Church; and on the website, as you’ve always done. Log on to: www.stwerburghchester.co.uk. On the home page, you will see two links: one takes you to all the official statements that have come out from Bishop Mark, the Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales, and our own Information Sheet; the other takes you to the increasingly irritating Parish Priest’s Daily Blog. You log on at your peril…

 

CAFOD Lent Fast Day Envelopes: Last Call

Envelopes are in the Box on the Front Door of Church: pop them through the House Letter Box!

 

7.05 Last Sunday Evening.

Very nice indeed, since you ask. How was yours?

 

Parish Council Meeting Last Wednesday

Many thanks to all the Council Members for putting their heads togerher last Wednesday – and to Ray and Maryla for bringing out blankets and hot drinks, as they all stood, safely six feet part, in the Front Garden and shouted to each other. That’s the spirit that got us through the blitz, isn’t it? Well done!

 

Easter Sunday Offerings

Normally, the Collection on Easter Sunday is your personal gift to the Priest, but this year, could I ask please if it could be given to the Parish? If you are as generous as you normally are, the Parish Finances will appreciate that hugely. Thanks, everyone. We’ll all get through this together!

 

Giving out Phone Numbers and Addresses

As I’m sure you all understand, we can’t give out phone numbers or addresses: but we’ll happily pass on your best wishes to others and tell them you’d like to get in touch. Is that OK?

 

Photo of the Week: Crete

A lovely sun-drenched church in Limnes in Crete, touches of Eastern Orthodox architecture, very evident in some of the oldest Catholic Churches in Sicily, as I noticed in August 2018. A reminder that this weekend is the Orthodox Easter. “Happy Easter” to all our Orthodox friends, all over the world! And “Καλό Πάσχα!” to all our Greek friends. As they say in German…