Parish Newsletter

Journeying together: The Synod and Our Diocese

A two-year ‘synodal’ process is taking place in the Catholic Church from October 2021 culminating in the final Synod Gathering of Bishops in Rome in October 2023. The overall theme is “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission”.

It’s an invitation for us, as Catholics, to ‘walk together’ and every member of the Church has the right to speak, and the obligation to allow those charged with the work of discernment the freedom to do so. For the first time, the Synod Office in Rome has produced a comprehensive process which encompasses the stated aim of the Holy Father that the Church in today’s world should have a vision of missionary communion orientated to evangelisation.

 

The timetable has now been put back!!

Parish Consultations will now take place after New Year, with submissions to Bishop Mark by Easter. But the list of Questions – Bishop Mark’s and Pope Francis’s – are still on the Newsletter today, with the full text on this week’s Blog. Please read them and be thinking about them, ready to come along in January and tell us what you think!

 

Bishop Mark’s Three Questions on Covid Times:

1. Communion: In what ways has the unity of our Parishes in faith and charity, above all in Eucharistic communion, been strengthened or weakened by the past two years? Have we grown in our desire for the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist?
2. Participation: What has the experience of these months taught us about participation in the life of the church?
3. Mission: What have been the fruits of this time for mission to those outside the life of our parishes and especially to those on the margins of society?

 

Pope Francis’s Ten Questions:

1. How can we walk together more effectively?
2. How can we become a more listening Church?
3. How can we become a better voice to the world?
4. How does our Liturgy inspire and guide us?
5. How do we all take part in the Church’s mission?
6. How can we promote better dialogue with others?
7. How can we work better ecumenically?
8. How can church authority be better exercised?
9. How can our decision-making be improved?
10. How can we learn better to “walk together”?

 

CathSoc Starts Up Again Sunday Night!!

Sunday evenings, straight after 6.00 pm Mass:

• 7^th November: Advent Candle – Hope
• 14^th November: Advent Candle – Faith
• 21^st November: Advent Candle – Joy
• 28^th November: Advent Candle – Peace
• 5^th December: Christmas Quiz
• 12^th December: Christmas Supper Together

If you’re a student at Chester or any other University, and over 18, we’d love to welcome you.

 

Covid-19 and Standing at the Back

Please, everyone: to keep us all Covid safe, could everyone SIT for Mass, and not stand at the back? That’ll prevent congestion during Holy Communion.

 

Readers at Mass

Like to be a Sunday Reader? We’re starting again from scratch. Please let FP know if you’re keen.

  

Large Print Sunday Mass Readings & Prayers

Excellent suggestion from Joe O’Kane that there should be some Large Print Mass Texts available on the table at the back of church for those who find the print on the Newsletter a little too small.

 

First Holy Communion: Parish Groups

• Group One: Tuesday 2^nd November: 6.30 pm
• Group Two: Tuesday 9^th November: 6.30 pm

Children in Church, parents in House.

 

University and High School Masses

Delighted we are able to resume our Masses in the University Chapel. Beginning Monday 1^st November at 1.10 pm. Everyone warmly welcome to join us.

 

October Mass Count 2021: Average 387

• 25/26 September: 369
• 2/3 October: 372
• 9/10 October: 380
• 16/17 October: 399
• 23/24 October: 414

 

Remembrance Day Concert Here Friday 12^th Nov

Once again, after a gap of almost two years, our Concerts and Recitals can begin again. Starting with the Cathedral Nave Choir coming here for an hour’s concert of music to mark Remembrance Sunday. It’s a mix of choral and organ pieces, commencing at 7.30 pm. Free entrance, retiring collection. Come and join us for this next “first”!

 

Blessing of Graves at Blacon and Overleigh

Sunday 21^st November at Blacon, the following Sunday, 28^th,  at Overleigh, 2.00-4.00 pm each afternoon. Just turn up!

 

Mass of the Holy Souls Monday 29^th November

7.30 pm, when every name in our Holy Souls Book will be read out and you are invited if you wish to come forward and light a candle in their memory.

 

November Holy Souls Book

The book is updated every week during November: the cut-off point for each update is Thursday evening. Thanks, everybody!

 

Caritas Christmas Appeal

Please use the QR code on the church door or put your contribution in an envelope on the Collection Plate, if you’d like to support.

 

Repository: the wait is over!!

Our brand-new stock of Christmas Cards has arrived – boxes of 16 or 18 cards at the amazing price of only £3. Get in early too with our lovely glitter Advent Calendars and Candles. Plus, our closure during lockdown means we have other great gifts for every occasion: porcelain crosses, photo frames, candles, rosaries, Guardian Angels and cards galore! Do come and have a browse!

 

Donations in Memory of Cath Blucher

Dave would like to thank everyone for their phenomenal generosity: an amazing total of £2,800 was donated, to be divided between Parkinson’s, Dementia, the Heart Foundation and the Hospice.

 

Photo of the Week: Aberdeen Cathedral

Designed by Alexander Ellis and opened in 1860. Many thanks, Helen, for sending it in!