Parish Newsletter

 

St Werburgh’s “The New Normal”

Off to a flying start last Tuesday. Here are some of the points the various groups came up with:

1. What do we want to re-start as before? Children’s Liturgy at 10.45; Music Group at 10.45 am; music generally at 10.45 (Choir not just at 9.00 am?); Welcomers at all Sunday Masses; Two Sunday Readers at each Sunday Mass.
2. What do we want to re-start, but with changes? The Liturgy Group, to plans liturgies together; a possible Bereavement Group; Traidcraft stall; Parish CAFOD group; training days for Catechists, possibly Deanery-wide.
3. What do we want to drop? Catholic newspapers (hardly anyone was buying them).
4. What do we want to start from scratch? Using the Day Chapel as a great resource; having the church open for longer each day; more Open Parish Meetings, one meeting for one issue; Bible Studies; greater range of Prayer Groups; Live Streaming of Masses; a Young Families Group, plus Mothers and Toddlers; A Divorced and Separated Group; hymns at Holy Communion; parishioners writing and reading Sunday Bidding Prayers; a Green Eco-Friendly Parish Group; a Parish Face Book page; more engagement with Social Media generally; special Sacristans for Weddings and Funerals; keep Communion Stewards, but review their role.

So many super ideas here: do come along next Tuesday at 7.30 pm as we start looking at priorities, and what we should tackle first. PLEASE NOTE: 7.30 (AFTER FHC LAUNCH).

“I’d like to get more involved…”

For me, it was a lightbulb moment when, four weeks into the first re-opening of our church in the pandemic closures, one of our Stewards said to me that this was the first time they’d really felt involved in the life of the Parish, and what a lovely feeling it was. So… Today, as part of the Autumn Renewal Programme, there’s a sheet inside every Newsletter inviting you to sign up for any of the 80 or so activities we’ve listed, and a space at the end for any we’ve missed! If you’d like to get more involved in anything we do here, we’d love to have you. Sign up and get the form back to us.

Rowton Masses Can Re-Start on Saturday Evenings

Thanks for those who’ve wolunteered to help run the show – anyone else like to get on board? Then we need to fix a Re-Start Date. Would Saturday 5th November sound sensible? Mass and then a Bonfire…

Welsh Railways Day Out Monday 19th September

If any of you booked on the trip would like a refund rather than wait till next Spring, do please let me know and one will be issued with pleasure.

Marriage Prep – Saturday 1st October, 10.30-4.30 pm

Eight couples came along, all preparing to marry in the months ahead. Please keep them in your prayers.

Missio Envelopes

Available today if you would like to make a contribution for World Mission Sunday.

Induction of Lead University Chaplain on Friday

Rev Gill Reeve will be formally inducted by the Bishop of Chester on Friday: please keep her in your prayers.

Repository: Christmas Goods

Advance notice that our brand-new stock of extremely good value best religious Christmas Cards, will be on sale from Sunday 9th October, including Advent Calendars, Candles and some unusual Nativity gifts. In addition, we have our regular stock of beautiful Sympathy and Thinking of You cards, and don't forget our parish Notelets (10 in pack) are still available at the special price of £2.00 for those last minute gifts!

Free Catenian Rosaries

The Catenians have very kindly re-stocked their box of Free Rosaries at the back of church: please take one, but only if you don’t have one already!

Parish Employment Vacancy

A neighbouring parish is looking to employ a new parish Secretary/Book-keeper This is a permanent part-time position, between 10/15 hours per week. The role provides administrative and clerical support to the Parish. Applicants should have a good working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel, plus the ability to use accounting software. Duties will include Parish financial matters (using OPAS accounting software); creation and distribution of the weekly Parish Bulletin in both electronic and hard copy formats when resumed; and liaising with and supporting all parish groups and committees. A full job description can be obtained from the Parish and Diocesan websites or the Parish Priest. The ideal candidate will be familiar with the practices of the Catholic Church; however, applicants are welcomed from all denominations.
Interested? See FP for contact details.

Tattenhall Monthly House Mass next Thursday

A great group of Tattenhallers (and waifs and strays from neighbouring villages) get together every First Thursday for Mass. Like to join us? See FP for venue.

SVP Sponsored Walk in Aid of the Holiday Home

Sunday 2nd Oct, starting 13:30 from Parkgate, going to Neston and returning. (Glad they’re returning!)

Calling All Students! Come and Join CathSoc!

Are you a student at the University of Chester? Are you a student elsewhere, but living in Chester? Either way, we’d love to hear from you and invite you to be part of our Catholic Student Community. Our main meeting night is Sunday, and this week flyers are available telling you all about us. There are sheets at the back of church for you to give us your details – and we’d love to hear from you!

2022-23 First Sacraments Programme

Launch Meeting: Tuesday 4th October, 6.30 pm
Just parents, please – and for about 45 minutes.

Photo of the Week: St Malachy’s Belfast

In Alfred St, a short walk from the City Hall. The third oldest Catholic Church in the city, consecrated in 1844. Thanks, Consilia – and glad you enjoyed Amsterdam!

Bequest from Tony Kane – Grateful Thanks

Tony remembered St Werburgh’s in his Will, and we are extremely grateful to him. These legacies, large and small, do allow us to do things we wouldn’t be able to otherwise. Thanks, Tony!