Parish Newsletter

Sunday Mornings 10.00 – 11.00 am

It’s been a pleasure for the last two weeks to be outside church for that hour on Sunday Morning to say hello to anyone passing by. I have all the Catholic Newspapers, Newsletters, Mass Cards, if any of you need to pick up any of those. Otherwise, just good to see you in person - but no hugs!! Not that you would anyway...

Last Week’s Message from Bishop Mark

Dear Fathers, Deacons and Sisters, I am sending the attached message from the Metropolitan Archbishops of England and Wales entitled "A People who Hope in Christ.” It is a message of encouragement for all the faithful that I ask you to share and circulate at local level as you are able. The bishops were able to meet by various means at the beginning of the week. The message prepared by the Archbishops anticipates, without yet being able to specify the various timescales, a gradual re-opening of our churches and access to the sacraments. The bishops are now planning for this time and are engaged in discussions with the statutory health authorities and government representatives. I think it is important for us to communicate that this is the course the bishops are actively seeking. We are doing this with a view to all of the appropriate safety provisions as society gradually emerges from this unprecedented state of national lockdown. It is not a simple path to walk, so it is also important to invite the prayer of the people for this intention and, as the Archbishops ask in their message to seek the intercession of Our Blessed Lady that we may be safely and surely guided in the weeks and months ahead. With remembrance in my prayer and every good wish, Yours sincerely in Christ,
+ Mark Bishop of Shrewsbury

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.

"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.)

Funeral Details: Please Don’t Just Turn Up!

Although I’ve put details of Funerals on the front of the Newsletter, please don’t just turn up, folks, without checking with families first, as there’s a strict "Ten Max” Attendance limit at the Crematorium. Thanks for understanding.

Re-opening Churches for Mass in Italy

The Italian Bishops issued a statement last week in preparation for the churches there soon re-opening for Mass. I’ve printed it out on a separate sheet this week, for interest, as most of the issues they’ve addressed we are going to have to tackle too, when our turn comes. Please God, fairly soon!

On-Line Catholic Resources at our Cathedral

The website which takes you straight through is: www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org

Richard Curtis’s CAFOD 10k Run

Our excellent friend Richard Curtis from St Columba’s and St Theresa’s - he organises the Altar Servers for both churches - has signed up to do "The Team CAFOD Virtual Challenge” and run 10K and has pledged to help raise £250.00 for CAFOD. He writes: "My company works with charities, and with the recent COVID-19 pandemic, charities including CAFOD will have a massive shortfall in funding and donations. Without emergency funding, some of these charities will disappear. If you have a spare few pounds, please sponsor me by going to the link below, but if you can't, don't worry about it - as we all have a lot going on at the moment. Thanks, everyone, Richard.” Richard’s a great chap, Werbies - he organised the Bowling Match for our Altar Servers at Cheshire Oaks a couple of months ago, and he’s a pillar of strength in Chester Parishes Together. Let’s get behind him on this one! https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/richard-curtis18

First Holy Communion Masses in May

Obviously, May is now out, as 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.

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.

Photo of the Week: Wieliczka Salt Mines

Steve and Diane visited these extraordinary Salt Mines in Poland last year and photographed the Chapel of St Kinga, carved out of the Rock Salt. They also saw statues of two of the hideously ugly slaves who used to work there in the Middle Ages, one with braided hair. Any photos of them. Steve?