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.

 

Mass Intentions During Lockdown

Still honoured and delighted to say your Mass Intentions: but there is only one Mass each day except Sunday (two) and  that does mean that some pre-booked Intentions may not be on the exact day you requested if it was a Sunday. I’ll try to say your Mass on the nearest available day, and hope you understand.

 

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”

An online donation page has been added to the Parish website. It’s the third box down on the Home Page. (Box One are the Official Statements, Box Two is the Blog.)

 https://www.stwerburghchester.co.uk/st-werburghs-in-the-world/covid-19/online-giving/

On-Line Catholic Resources at our Cathedral

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 Postponed

Wednesday 6^th May: sadly, now no longer possible on that date. No cheques or cash have been banked. We’ll get back to you as soon as it’s possible to book a replacement date.

 

First Holy Communion Masses in May

Mrs Robertshaw, our excellent Parish Co-Ordinator, has been in touch with me and the school to see if we are in a position to make any decisions. Obviously, early May is out, and almost certainly the whole month. Plus, you all need to give families plenty of notice, and only when it’s safe for them to travel. So, rest assured, everyone, we are actively looking at options, and will get back to you when the national situation is a little clearer and we can see what’s going to be for the best.

  

Caritas Boxes Spring Collection

Caritas have written to say that due to Covid-19, their Spring Collection will not take place this year but the Autumn one will hopefully go ahead in September/October. So, there will only be one collection this year and the date will be published in the parish newsletter nearer the time.  Please keep putting any loose change you may have in your boxes. Thank you for your support.

 

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 three links: one takes you to all the official statements; the second is the painful Parish Priest’s Daily Blog; the third is online giving.

 

Message from Bishop Mark

I send this short message to you as we continue to walk day by day through this crisis. I know that tens of thousands have been able to join me in the Cathedral via livestream, yet I am conscious that I have not been able to speak personally to many others in the Diocese. I want to assure you, whether you find yourself today in our hospitals and care homes; in self-isolation at home; or living amidst the many restrictions of this time, that we remain united in prayer. Be assured that you have a place in my prayer every day. I particularly want to thank your priests and deacons who have continued to serve in so many generous ways, not least in the care of the sick and dying and above all by the daily offering of the Mass celebrated alone. I know you are held in their daily prayer.

 I also want to record our gratitude at this moment in history to all the doctors, nurses, care workers, cleaners, our police and shop workers and all of the essential services together with so many volunteers. I know many others are praying and interceding hidden from human sight. Pope Francis reminds us, it is all of you who are quietly and heroically writing the story of this time. In the Gospel, we hear how even in the most desolate and bewildering moments, the Risen Jesus walks with us even when we fail to recognise Him. He allows our hearts to once more burn within us and inspires the prayer, “Stay with us, Lord Jesus.”

 I hope the re-opening of our churches will not be too long delayed so that we can recognise Jesus Himself as the first disciples recognised Him in the breaking of the bread – in the mystery of the Holy Eucharist with all joy renewed. In the meantime, let us continue to pray wherever we find ourselves: Stay with us, Lord Jesus as we walk through these days. May God bless you all, + Mark Bishop of Shrewsbury

 

Photo of the Week: Japan

Another two fascinating photos from Tommy and Helen’s recent visit there to see Michael and the family. Many churches and other buildings were destroyed in the War and needed to be rebuilt afterwards. We send our best wishes to all those in the Far East, and I don’t mean Grimsby…