Parish Newsletter

Bishop Mark Writes on Wednesday 26th Jan…

“I am forwarding to you the updated guidance for our churches received earlier today, Wednesday, following the lifting of Plan B measures, 27th January. The guidance has been drawn up by the Secretariat of the Bishops Conference of England and Wales in consultation with Public Health England. This guidance notes that the scientific consensus is that we are now moving towards the stage where the virus is transitioning from the pandemic to the endemic phase. However, we must move forward with caution, mindful of the risks involved in gathering for sustained periods in enclosed spaces.

1. If displaying symptoms of Covid-19, stay at home and do not participate in acts of worship.
2. All parishioners may continue to wear a face covering whilst in the church building but they are no longer mandatory. During congregational singing there is a “general encouragement” for face coverings to continue to be used.
3. Formal social distancing is no longer required in church buildings; however, we are urged to be sensitive to the needs and concerns of others. Good ventilation remains important.
4. The use of hymn books and congregational missals can be resumed; and Holy Water stoops may be refilled though water should be regularly changed.
5. All ministers of Holy Communion (ordinary and extraordinary) should still sanitise their hands for the distribution of Holy Communion. Holy Communion must continue to be given under one kind (the Sacred Host).
6. The Sign of Peace may be offered again if it is felt appropriate. I would, however, advise you to be cautious in any re-introduction of the practice of handshaking as it is very difficult for a person to refuse, and I fear this might become a barrier for parishioners who are vulnerable or anxious.
7. Parish social activities revert to Plan A and a review of the normal Health and Safety Risk Assessment is recommended.
8. Home visits can continue though we are asked to manage the number of visits to different homes in a single session; and to be mindful of ventilation and cleanliness as good practice.

 

Synod Consultation Exercise: Ready for Take-Off!

Excellent planning meeting on Thursday, and we’re now ready to go for our first Parish Meeting on Monday next, 31st January, in the church at 7.00 pm.
The theme for our first evening together is “What brings me here tonight? Why do I want to be a Catholic and walk together with other Catholics? What are the positives for me about being a Catholic and why would I recommend it to anyone else?” (Next week, Monday 7th, the Negatives!!) Come to the meeting if you can: send us your written ideas if you can’t. There will be Zoom Meetings later on for those who want to contribute that way. Bottom line: we want to hear from EVERYONE about how we can “Walk Together Better”. Your views matter, but we can’t hear you if you don’t talk to us.

CAFOD Afghanistan Emergency Appeal

You can donate on the CAFOD website: cafod.org.uk/AfghanistanAppeal

FoodBank 157.32 kg Donated in Last Five Weeks!

Snowdrops out in the Front Garden

Near the Church Wall – a sight to lift the heart! No?

St Werburgh’s Feast Day and Social

Patronal Feast Day next Sunday, 6th February. Parish Social in the Club on Friday 18th February. We’re limiting numbers this year to SIXTY. Tickets (free) available next week. First come, first served!

Appeal for School Governors

“Our Catholic schools are a vital part of our parish communities, and by law diocesan schools have governing bodies made up of various categories of governor - the majority of which are Foundation Governors. Foundation Governors are practising Catholics who are appointed by the Bishop to help support him in ensuring the ‘Catholicity’ of a school amid all the other objectives required by Law.
If you feel able to offer your services please contact Sue Blackwell, Governance Support Officer for the Diocese, via sue.blackwell@dioceseofshrewsbury.org or telephone 0151 652 9855. The required forms can also be downloaded from the diocesan website www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org. Click on main Education heading and click on Foundation Governors from the dropdowns which will appear on the left hand side. If you do have any problems please contact Sue using the contact details above.”

Chester Gang Show

Vanbrugh Theatre, King’s School, 15th–19th February. www.chestergangshow.net
Always a wonderful show, and lots of Werbie Beavers, Cubs, Brownies, Scouts, Guides, you name’em, taking part this year. Don’t miss it!

Bringing the Day Chapel Back into Use

We’ve started clearing it out, ready for Monday Evening’s Synod Meeting. Then, as it’s used more, we want to hear YOUR ideas for its long-term future.

Parish House Cleaner

Big interest, so many thanks to all who’ve been in touch. Any more contacts gratefully received.

Live Streaming: Can You Help?

We’re already working on it! Excellent first meeting on Friday, and thanks for all offers of help.

Plans for Lent This Year: Stations of the Cross

Each Friday during Lent, 7.00 pm, live-steamed. This was such a success last year: would anyone like to wolunteer to take on one of the Fridays? Four slots now taken: who’d like the remaining two?

Wheelchair Access on Sunday Mornings

Way into church blocked? LET US KNOW!

The Repository: Reopening Today!

A wonderful PRE-LOVED SALE! You could get all your Christmas Presents for next year at one go…

Liturgy Group Meeting Planning Holy Week

Can we have a short Liturgy Group Meeting after Choir Practice on Thursday 3rd Feb so we can plan the whole wonderful week together?

Photo of the Week: St Peter Chanel, Russell Bay NZ

Scene of Mrs Davies’ gadding and gallivanting: St Peter Chanel was a Marist Missionary, one of the first to reach New Zealand, and martyred there in 1841.