Parish Newsletter

Parish Renewal: The Work Begins!

Today is the final day for submissions of your views on what the “New Normal” should look like in St Werburgh’s, and for Volunteer Recruitment Forms telling us what Parish Activity you’d like to be more involved with. Our Steering Group will then sit down with all the many ideas you’ve sent in and start preparing the “Report to Parish” which we’re aiming to publish on Sunday 4^th December. Meanwhile, one by one, your ideas will start being actioned, as you’ll see.

 

Choir and Musicians Recruitment Drive

We are looking to grow the number of singers at Masses and feast days, including support from instrumentalists.

Choir Members will be around before and after all the Masses on 30^th October 13^th & 20^th November to tell you more about the choir and answer your questions.

Interested? Come along for a chat or contact Tom Rozario at tom.rozario@gmail.com or speak to any member of the choir after 9.00 am.

 

Live-Streaming from St Werburgh’s

Thanks to two recent small bequests to the Parish, we are able to go ahead. The company has been contacted, and surveys started. On the Notice Board today you’ll see the results of those Surveys. Quite an undertaking but we’re sure it will be worth it.

 

Re-Starting Children’s Liturgy

Great meeting last Saturday with some of the Team – Claire, Raluca, Shabna, Ruth, Jo, Katie and Chloe. We’re hoping to start up again at the 10.45 Mass as soon as possible, but a fair bit has to be done first, as you’ll appreciate: DBS checks updated for everyone, meeting the new Volunteers, drawing up the rota, checking the Resources Cupboard… Initially, we are starting with a single Age Group, 4-8, with the possibility of going to an older group later on.

Watch this space for details, everyone!

 

November Holy Souls Book

Page One of the First Edition will be read out at the 7.30 am Mass on 1^st November – thereafter, one page at every Mass during the month. New editions come out every Sunday morning, proof-reading and printing on the Saturday morning beforehand. Names that reach us by Friday should be in the Book, but always “sooner rather than later”, everyone!

 

'Peace to this house': Words and Music for the Soul

An evening of classical and contemporary pieces with a meditative theme, presented by Retreat House Chester. Friday 4^th November 7.30 pm at St Mary's Centre, Handbridge. Tickets £12 include an interval drink. Prize raffle! www.retreathousechester.co.uk

 

Deanery Conference last Wednesday

Great to have almost all the nine Priests and five Deacons of Chester and Ellesmere Port for meeting and lunch last Wednesday. One of the big items on the Agenda was Bishop Mark’s request for all Deaneries to review their membership and life together. You’ll hear a lot more about this in the months ahead.  

 

Notice Board Updated

The eagle-eyed among you will notice we’ve updated all the Sunday Mass times for the Chester Parishes on our Noticeboard on the wall of church. Particular thanks to Fr Neill for helping steer this project.

 

Rowton Masses Re-Starting on Saturday Evenings

Thanks for those who’ve wolunteered to help run the show – anyone else like to get on board? Saturday 5^th November is Launch Date. Mass and then a Bonfire…. Maps are available today for anyone not sure where the Chapel is: 1.8 miles on the A41 from Sainsbury’s Roundabout, Esso Garage on your left, turn next left (Moor Close), the Chapel is fifty yards on your left. Simples! Please park AFTER Chapel Close, everyone!

 

Church Opens 8.00 am Sunday Morning

Back to our normal Opening Time of 8.00 am on Sunday Mornings. Getting quite like the old days?

 

Re-Starting Monthly Hospital Masses

Countess of Chester Chapel (first floor), First Thursdays at 12.15 pm. Everyone warmly welcome.

 

John Park RIP

We were all very sorry to hear news on Saturday Morning of the death of John. He’s been battling ill health so valiantly for the last year or so, as many of you will know. He and Betty have been fantastic servants of this Parish, and we send Betty and all the family our deepest sympathy at this sad time.

 

Day Chapel Refurbishment

The Diocesan Head Honchos are coming here on Thursday 24^th November to cast their beady – and very professional – eyes over our ideas. Before then, I’d love to get together a little group to help me formulate those ideas. Any wolunteers?

 

First Sacraments Parish Group

For children not attending the Parish School and their Parents. Our opening meeting takes place on Tuesday 8^th November at 6:30 in Church. Please could the children bring the following: a folder for their preparation book; a pencil case with coloured pencils and a handwriting pencil; reply slips if children are happy to have their photographs displayed in church, or to have a Prayer Sponsor. See you all there!

 

November: Month of the Holy Souls

• Tues 1^st: All Saints: Masses 7.30 am, 12.15, 7.30 pm
• Wed 2^nd: All Souls: Masses 7.30 am, 12.15, 7.30 pm
• Wed 16^th: Mass for the Recently Bereaved: 7.00 pm
• Sunday 20^th: Blessing of Blacon Graves: 2.00-4.00 pm
• Sunday 27^th: Blessing Overleigh Graves: 2.00-4.00 pm
• Wednesday 30^th: Mass of the Holy Souls: 7.00 pm

 

Calling All Students!  Come and Join CathSoc!

We’d love to hear from you and invite you to be part of our Catholic Student Community. Our main meeting night is Sunday. Flyers available telling you all about us

• Sunday 24^th October: Shared Table Supper
• Sunday 6^th November: Mastermind
• Sunday 13^th November: Cake and Catch-Up
• Sunday 20^th November: Advent Candles
• Sunday 27^th November: Film Night
• Sunday 4^th December: Christmas Quiz
• Sunday 11^th December: Christmas Meal Out

 

On the Free Table Today: Last of the A3 Blank Paper

 

Photo of the Week: Freda from Frodsham…

Been snapping away, this time the American Window in Holy Trinity Church, Strafford-upon-Avon. Figures either side of the Virgin Mary symbolise links between Britain and America. You’re a good’un, Freda!