Parish Newsletter

Next Sunday, 19th July: Open Again for Mass!!

The moment we’ve been praying for after four long months - St Werburgh’s open again for Sunday Mass. Our Risk Assessment has been approved by the Diocese, a fantastic number of extra stewards have wolunteered (training Wednesday Evening at 6.00 pm) and we’re ready to go next Sunday Morning. These are the KEY points for everybody:

1. Masses at 9.00, 10.00, 11.00 and 12.00
2. Half an hour each
3. Maximum of sixty in the congregation for each
4. ONLY sit on the yellow crosses
5. At all times be directed by the Stewards
6. Please sit individually at this stage – no bubbles
7. Face coverings advised but not compulsory
8. Sanitise your hands on the way in

Now, obviously, we could compile a list of 38 do’s and don’ts, not 8. But the longer a list of instructions, the less attention anyone pays to it. So, we are trying to keep it as simple as possible. You will need to queue up, along past the Hotel, and come in, six feet apart, when the Stewards tell you. Sanitise your hands and sit where directed. The less impedimenta (good, eh?) you bring with you - bags, shopping, brollies - the better. Anything other than a handbag will need to be left in the porch. At the end of Mass, we will need you to skedaddle as quickly and safely as possible, as the whole church has to be sanitised before the next sixty can be let in. It’s doable if everyone co-operates!

Finally... This is only a beginning. Once we have Sunday Morning Masses up and running, and we’re happy with how they are working, it will be on to Weekday Masses, and then possible Saturday and Sunday Evening Masses.

And finally... [You’ve already said that, you fool. Ed] Please remember Sunday Mass Obligation has been suspended since lockdown began and remains suspended. I know how much you all want to get back to Mass, but it’s not obligatory yet, especially if you have been shielding (which remains in force until 1st August) or are unwell in any way. Stay safe!

This Week’s Message from Bishop Mark:

Sunday 12th July
It has been good to see more churches re-opening every day and the public celebration of Mass and the Sacraments returning across the Diocese. I have received reports of how the numbers at Sunday Mass have been steady and manageable and no major difficulties were encountered. It is a great tribute to the hard work of clergy and parish volunteers that the return to Mass and the Sacraments has been accomplished across the length and breadth of the Diocese. I am sure we will continue to learn from our experience and continue to support each other as we find our way in this post-lockdown world. With my renewed thanks and remembrance in my prayer,
+ Mark Bishop of Shrewsbury

Funerals Services Re-Starting in Church

You will notice that we have two Funeral Services here in church next week, as permission has now been given. No permission yet for Requiem Masses. Stewards will be in place to direct everyone. Numbers are strictly limited to 30 max, so PLEASE do not just turn up as you happened to know the person... Families will be controlling their list of mourners very tightly. This is a horrendously difficult thing to do, as you can imagine. If you just turn up uninvited, you’re making a difficult job a whole lot harder!

Chester Catholic High School Foundation Governors

In Catholic schools, foundation governors are practising Catholics appointed by the Diocese. They make up the majority of the board members. A foundation governor has a responsibility to preserve and develop the Catholic character of the school, but like all governors, also has to ensure high standards of educational achievement by the children. To be effective, any Governing body needs to have a range of skills and diversity from both inside and outside the education sector. We are currently requesting the diocese to appoint 2 new Foundation governors to be in place for September 2020. If you feel you have something to offer and are able to make a commitment, please do consider putting yourself forward to be a Foundation Governor at our High School. Full details of the role and how to apply can be found on the Diocese website: www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org/education/governors/foundation-governors
Thank you. Jane Johnson. Chair of Governors.

Ordinations to the Diaconate and the Priesthood

Bishop Mark writes: "I am very happy to announce that Patrick Breeze, David Irwin, Humphrey O’Connor and Stephen Roberts will be ordained to the transitional Diaconate at Shrewsbury Cathedral on Saturday 25th July at 12 noon. Rev Robert Dykes will be ordained to the Priesthood at Shrewsbury Cathedral on Tuesday 4th August at 6.00 pm. Please keep these five men very much in your prayers. The guidance we have received makes clear that the number attending and taking part in these celebrations are strictly restricted to 30, making it impossible for us to extend a general invitation. However, these Ordination Masses can be accessed via livestream.”

Car Parking on Sunday Mornings

A nightmare at the best of times - and these are not the best of times. With a dozen Stewards needing to be on duty all morning, and parking up the side, it will probably be best NOT to try to park at church if you are coming for one of the four Sunday Morning Masses. Blue Badges: you can park on the main road, as usual.

Photo of the Week: Canon Murphy

A fine photo from the Chester Chronicle of 1980 to mark Canon Francis Murphy’s Golden Jubilee. He was Ordained in 1930: Quiz Question - for which Diocese?? He served all his Priestly Ministry here in England and was a Curate at St Werburgh’s in the 1930’s before returning as Parish Priest in 1959, on the death of Canon Hugh Welch. He retired from St Werburgh’s in 1982, when Canon Vincent Turnbull took over. Many thanks to John Broadhurst for sending it in.