Parish Newsletter

FP on Hols: Wednesday 17th – Thursday 1st Sept

Good to be back Thursday evening after a wonderful two weeks in Bologna, exploring that magical city and its surrounding areas. Huge thanks to Syd and team for minding the shop so expertly while I was away, to Fr Neill and Fr Colin for helping out with all the Masses, and to everyone who works so hard to keep the show on the road. I am immensely grateful to you all.

Arrangements for 14th September – St Bernadette

No need to book for the Mass at 12.15 pm with Bishop Mark, but do please turn up in plenty of time as the church may well be full. Have you booked yet for the afternoon visits? The slots are filling up well now, so don’t leave it too late. Go to the Home Page on our website and click the button “St Bernadette Relics – 14th September”. Eight lines down you’ll find the link to the National Website. Click that and you’ll find a wealth of information. Click “Registration” on the menu bar at the top of the page. Find the Map Pin for Shrewsbury Diocese (hiding behind Liverpool – cheek!) and that will bring up the two venues, our Cathedral and St Werburgh’s. We’ll do our best to admit those who haven’t booked, but obviously will need to give priority to those who have.

Carmel Kimpton RIP - Memorial Mass next Saturday

As you all know, Carmel went Home to the Lord during lockdown, and it was not possible to celebrate her amazing life and faith as we would have wished to have done. So, on Saturday 10th September, at 12.30, we are having a special Memorial Mass, with many members of her extended family able to attend, and to which everyone is warmly invited.

Annual Mission Appeal: 27/28 August

Fr William Hattie from the Xaverian Fathers was with us for all the Masses and preaching the Annual Mission Appeal last weekend. Thank you for your generous response. There are still Mission Appeal envelopes at the back of church if you haven’t made your contribution and would like to do so.

Spring Cleaning (Autumn Cleaning?) the Church

A long time since the church has had a jolly good clean, so Friday morning, 9th September, all welcome at 9.00 am with mops, buckets and hoovers. All ladies, please have your hair up in headscarves à la Hilda Ogden. Elevenses provided half-way through!

Bequest from Mr James Robert Hodson

We were very touched and grateful to learn recently that we have been left a small Bequest in the will of the late James Robert Hodson. I am most grateful to Geoff Hewson, as always a wonderful source of knowledge about Werbies young and old, past and present. While on that subject, sincere condolences to Geoff and his sister Lucy on the death of their sister Dot while I was away. Her Funeral will be on Tuesday 20th September, time to be confirmed.

September’s Here: So, 2023 Mass Diary Open!

It’s always a privilege and a pleasure to say Mass for your intentions. As ever, the Diary for the year ahead opens in September every year, so I’d be pleased to receive your intentions for 2023 as soon as convenient to you. Many like to write out their list for the whole year, which I can then enter straightaway into the new Diary. Remember, first come, first served!

Getting Back to Normal and Autumn Parish Renewal

1. What does the “New Normal” look like for us as a Parish as the Covid Pandemic starts to recede?
2. What do we need to pick up again?
3. What do we pick up again but with changes?
4. What do we need now to drop?
5. What do we start that we’ve never done before?

As with the Synod Consultation in January, we’ll be having four Open Parish Meetings to discuss these questions: Tuesdays 27th Sept; 4th, 11th and 18th Oct. We looked at the Universal Church in January: now let’s put our own Parish under the microscope! As with January, I’d be delighted if there was a small group of Parishioners who’s like to help me organise this next stage of Parish Renewal Consultation.

Christleton Summer teas Hosted by St Werburgh’s

This afternoon, Sunday 4th September, it’s our turn to organise this popular local event, in the Methodist School Room at the heart of the village, 2.30-4.30 pm. It’ll mean a 2.00 am start for me, of course, but then my Lemon Drizzle Cake is such a must…

Wine and Cheese Evening for Meningitis Now

An evening with entertainment, a raffle and an auction will be held at 7 30 pm on Saturday 8th October at St Columba's Church Hall to remember Helen Cadden and Richard Murphy and raise funds for Meningitis Now. Tickets, price £10 including a glass of wine, are available from c.murphy900@btinternet.com. You are welcome to bring your own drinks. Donations, if you are unable to attend and would like to make a donation remembering Richard and Helen, can be made at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/richard-helen

“First Thursday” Tattenhall House Masses

Thursday 8th September is our next Tattenhall get-together. Delighted these monthly Masses are so well supported, with up to twenty folk attending. If you’d like the venue for the next one, please email FP.

Monday Lunchtime University Masses Re-starting

After our two-month Summer Break, we resume Uni Masses on Monday, at 1.10 pm in the University Chapel. If you’re not sure where that is, it’s the church going down Parkgate Road immediately opposite St Thomas of Canterbury, the two churches either side of Cheyney Road. Everyone welcome!

2022-23 First Sacraments Programme

4th Sept was the deadline, so here’s the Final List:

1. Harriet Keogh
2. Thomas Burns
3. Alice Connolly
4. Lucia McDaid
5. Timothy Kusiak
6. Casper Kusiak
7. Eric Kusiak
8. Isabella Ward
9. Abigail Garner
10. Edith Willett
11. Rose Polanczyk
12. Benedict Penson
13. Grace Naylor
14. Alice Allwood
15. Giulia Armenio
16. Francesco Armenio
17. Dougie Marks
18. Sophia Harris
19. Julia Budavari
20. Cara Spiteri
21. Edie Bithell
22. Tom Hughes

Photo of the Week: Orla, Ciara and the Scompsies!

Another lovely reminder of our Children’s Christmas Eve Mass last year, with Brenda’s two gorgeous angels, and Fr Christmas and Mary (aka the Two Scompsies!). Start getting those cozzies ready for this year, Mums!