Parish Newsletter

Arrangements for 14th September – St Bernadette

All the hundred and one details are starting to fall into place now. Tuesday was a big meeting with the Diocesan Health and Safety Officer and the Lourdes Stewards who will be working alongside our own Stewards to look after everyone on the day. When we know how many will be required, Marian will be asking for wolunteers. Tom has chosen the music, and that’s been sent over to the Diocesan MC for putting in the booklet. Gerry has already recruited a great team of Altar Servers. Bernice and Denise are well on with the Catering. As you all know, there was some bad feeling during lockdown when Bernice’s Burger Bar and Denise’s Diner were in competition for the same pitch outside the Chester City ground. The Diner was smeared in ketchup and the Burger Bar had stale bread rolls thrown at it. But that’s all been settled now, and harmony restored. Burgers and kebabs will be available for all our VIP’s on the day. Thanks, both!

FP’s Holiday Dates

Yes, at long last, I’m going away for some hols, and leaving you all in peace. Tuesday 16th August to Friday 2nd September, hopefully in my beloved Italy. You’re going to miss me, aren’t you? (I heard that, and it was very hurtful). While I am away, Syd Jones will be in charge as Parish Administrator, a role he has fulfilled excellently in previous pre-Covid years.

Annual Mission Appeal: 27/28 August

For one of the two weekends that I shall be away, Fr William Hattie
from the Xaverian Fathers will be with us for all the Masses and preaching the Annual Mission Appeal. I know you will make him very welcome.

Getting Back to Normal and Autumn Parish Renewal

Just a reminder that when September comes, we will have a major Parish Renewal exercise, which will involve looking at all our activities together and asking what we’ve learnt over the last two and a half years.

Events for Ukrainian Refugees & their Host Families

“Meet and Chat Drop-ins” at Upton URC on Tuesday mornings. Details on the Notice Boards.

Refugees from Ukraine: A Parishioners Writes…

“I am shortly going to be welcoming a Ukrainian family to stay with me until it’s safe for them to return home. They have contacted me today to ask if I know of anyone who could sponsor/host their friends (mum 51, son 18 and pet cat). They would like to be near to their friends as they do not speak very good English, although my guests will be able to help with this.
Being a sponsor is fully explained in the government’s website here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-visa-under-the-ukraine-sponsorship-scheme”

Catholic High School Governors

From September 2022 we will be looking to recruit three new Governors. Foundation Governors are appointed by the Bishop to oversee the Catholic ethos in the school. You must be a practising Catholic to apply and belong to a parish. Community Governors are open to everyone regardless of their faith. If you would like an informal chat about governance or wish to express an interest in the Community Governor role, please contact the Chair of Governors via the school email: johnsonj@christofidelis.org.uk.

Next Year’s First Sacraments Programme

If you have a child in Year 3 or above who does not attend our Catholic Primary School, please contact Fr Paul, preferably by email. The classes begin in October. Closing date for enrolment is Sunday 4th September ‘22.

Welsh Railways Day Out September 19th 2022

If the last few payments could come in, that would be great. More Booking Forms at back of church if needed.

Ordination to the Diaconate of Tony Nuttall

On Saturday 16th July, Tony Nuttall from the Ellesmere Port Group of Parishes will be ordained a Deacon in our Cathedral by Bishop Mark. Coaches will be going from the Port with Fr Edmund, but I thought that as this is our Deanery, it would be good to support Tony and his family by joining them by train – which for Shrewsbury is honestly quicker than driving!

Defibrillator Training: Thursday 14th July 7.30 pm

An excellent training session on Thursday evening last, led by Dr Rose. Twenty-five of you turned up, for which we are very grateful. She explained clearly what to do if someone collapsed and showed no signs of life. The machine is designed for use by someone who has no medical background or training, and really is simplicity itself. As you know, you asked us to purchase a Defibrillator for here in church, and this we have done – and it’s been the gift of one extremely generous Parishioner, Laurie from Larshay. There are three excellent training videos posted on our website, via the Home Page. Do make sure you give them a good look. Grateful thanks to Dr Rose for giving up her time last Thursday, to all of you attending, and to Madame Prezzie Barl for demonstrating the Recovery Position in such a realistic way. So realistic, in fact, that she was still there the following morning…

“First Thursday” Tattenhall House Masses

Please email or contact FP if you would like details of the venue. Next One: Thursday 4th August, 10.30 am.

Clearing Day Chapel Corridor: Wednesday 13th July

As the Day Chapel comes back into use for a whole variety of activities, it’s important that the corridor leading to the outside door (by the organ) is now cleared. Many thanks to the Team who did the clearing, and to all of you for removing your personal stuff. We’ll have the corridor, outside door and door into the Day Chapel open for all Masses this weekend, so do wander through and see what we’ve done.

Chester Catenians: Feast of St John Plessington

The Catenians will be marking the Feast Day of St John Plessington, with Mass on Tuesday evening 19th July. Everyone warmly welcome to come along.

Dickens Set: Sealed Bids: Last Chance this week

A good set of Dickens has been donated to the church and is on the table at the back of church. It’s complete and would grace any bookshelf! Sealed bids to FP, please, with your name, phone number and amount you would be prepared to pay. Proceeds to Caritas.

Photo of the Week: St Francis of Assisi on Gozo

Lovely statue of the saint in the main square in the centre of Gozo, the island to the north of Malta. He is looking at his church and seminary in the square. Many thanks to Peter and Magda for sending it in (aka Tommy and Tuppence from Tarporley!)