St Werburgh's Roman Catholic Parish, Chester
Parish Newsletter
SUNDAY 19th DECEMBER: FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT (YEAR C)
Christmas Bookings as of Saturday, 18th December
160 Maximum for each Mass. These are the numbers for how many have booked by Saturday Morning:
Friday 24th, Christmas Eve
- 4.30 pm: Children’s Christmas Eve Mass I: FULL
- 6.00 pm: Children’s Christmas Eve Mass II: FULL
- 8.30 pm: Vigil Mass of Christmas: 147/160
- 11.30 pm: Carols and Midnight Mass: 137/160
Saturday 25th, Christmas Day
- 9.00 am: Dawn Mass of Christmas: 115/160
- 10.00 am: Day Mass of Christmas: 67/160
- 11.00 am: Day Mass of Christmas: 133/160
As there is still room at these other Masses, we will not be running a 12.00 noon Mass on Christmas Day.
Booking essential for all Masses, as numbers will be limited due to Social Distancing. Tickets will be issued, and no admittance without a ticket. Booking online (through the Parish website) or by telephone. If booking online, please go through the parish website and complete everything there.
CAFOD Afghanistan Emergency Appeal
CAFOD is combining efforts with the DEC to launch the Afghanistan Crisis Appeal. In Afghanistan, 8 million people are on the brink of famine because of drought, collapsing economy, food shortages, conflict, and COVID. CAFOD is supporting sister Caritas agencies to reach communities most in need with food, clean water, and fuel. Let’s do all that we can to save lives. You can donate on the CAFOD website: cafod.org.uk/AfghanistanAppeal and please pray for the people of Afghanistan.
Bishops’ Conference Advice: Friday 17th December
- Not feeling well? STOP AT HOME!
- Masks now Mandatory in Church
- Use the Hand Sanitiser
- Make sure buildings are well ventilated
- Get jabbed
St Werburgh’s Christmas Mass Times Cards
On the table at the back of church – please help distribute them far and wide!
Emergency Lights Installation in Church
Almost finished – couple of days to go.
Fr Vincent O’Toole CSSp
We were saddened to hear news of the death of Fr Vincent, one of the great retired Spiritans living here in Hoole. May he rest in peace.
The Repository will close after morning Masses On Sunday 19th December.
A little reminder for those last-minute gifts is that our excellent parish Notelets (10 in packet) are still available at the special price of £2.00 per packet. Reopening on Sunday 30th January with a SALE of donated and pre-loved items. Thank you for your valued support during this extraordinary year. Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year. Paula & Bernice (May be contacted during next six weeks at Mrs Peabody’s Guest House, South Shore, Blackpool).
Christmas Volunteer Rota: Just a Few Gaps
Now out at the back of church, for Readers, Welcomers, Collectors. Please sign up! We still need Readers for the 6.00 pm, and 11.00 am Masses, and Collectors for the 11.00 am. Any offers of help gratefully accepted!
Ideal Christmas Gift: Tanglewood Acoustic Guitar
For sale by a parishioner. Can be inspected at rear of church. Excellent condition and would be £800 new. Sealed offers to FP (your name, your contact details and your bid) by 20th December. Money to be donated to church funds
New Diocesan 2022 Year Books and Ordos
Now arrived. On the Newsstand at the back of church, £5 each.
Autumn Mass Count 2021
- 25/26 September: 369
- 2/3 October: 372
- 9/10 October: 380
- 16/17 October: 399
- 23/24 October: 414
- 30/31 October: 383
- 6/7 November: 413
- 13/14 November: 397
- 20/21 November: 383
- 27/28 October: 343
- 4/5 December: 400
- 11/12 December: 327
Day by Day and Sacred Heart Messengers
New editions of our popular little monthly magazines now also on the Newsstand: January’s Day by Day (£1) and Sacred Heart Messenger for January (£1.50).
Photo of the Week: Notre Dame, London
The church of Notre Dame de France is in Leicester Place, just off Leicester Square. The tapestry behind the Main Altar is by Dom Robert, a Benedictine Monk of En Calcat Abbey. It is on the theme of “Paradise on Earth”, with references to the Creation and the New Eve. The quotation is from Proverbs: “I was by his side like a master craftsman, ever at play in his presence.” Thanks to Martin O’B for sending it in.
