Parish Newsletter

Sunday Mornings 10.00 - 11.00 am

It’s been a pleasure in recent weeks to be outside church for an 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...

Bishops’ Conference Statement Last Week

Last Monday, 11th May, the Government issued their lengthy statement on how they see Lockdown being gradually lifted, entitled "Our Plan to Rebuild”. You can find it online if you wish to read it all. But there was only one rather disappointing reference to churches in the 48 pages, classing us with Hairdressing Salons, Pubs and Cinemas as part of the "Leisure Industry”. Gee, thanks, Gov! Here is the Archbishops’ official response:

"The timing and the manner of the opening of churches touches profound sensitivities and spiritual needs. The Government’s document and statements fail to recognise this. The Government’s position, established today, includes these steps aimed at opening churches as soon as possible: the establishment of a task force for places of worship, to work closely with ‘stakeholders’ in ensuring that premises are COVID-19 secure; and heeding the experience of other countries in which churches are already open for worship. In dialogue with the Government, the Catholic Church will continue its engagement in this process and has already submitted a detailed plan, in full accordance with public health guidelines, for churches to be opened for private prayer. The Church is ready to play its full part in the task force, understanding that this includes the possible earlier use of churches for private prayer, as a first safe step towards their use for public worship.”

The first meeting of this Taskforce was yesterday, Friday, so let’s all watch this space, folks!

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.

"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.

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
Closing Date for Donations: Sunday 31st May!

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. One option we’re looking at is September.

Caritas Boxes Spring Collection

The 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: Upper Basilica

Super photo this week from Paul Woodbury - thanks, Paul - taken from the other side of the River Gave and looking up at the Upper Basilica at Lourdes. If you’ve been, you’ll know there are three Churches, each on top of the other: the Ground Level Church, the underground one and the Upper Basilica. Each magnificent in its own way. Sadly, all Pilgrimages have had to be cancelled and the Grotto closed. A great day when it’s reopened!