Parish Newsletter

Forthcoming Funerals

Sadly, we have a number of funerals to report between now and Christmas:

• Wednesday 7th December, 10.30: Maureen Sands
• Monday 12th December, 10.30: Diana Scipanova
• Wednesday 14th December, 12.00: Maureen Wilkinson
• Friday 16th December, 12.00: Donal Farrell
• Wednesday 21st December, 10.30: Maureen Scargill
• Thursday 22nd December, 12.00: Evelyn Parry

May They All Rest in Peace.

Christmas Volunteer Rota Now Out

For all ministries over the Christmas Period - please sign up as soon as possible.

Diocesan Day for Chester Catechists - 4th February

The Diocesan Mission for Catechesis team is organising a day for all catechists (Baptismal, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, RCIA, Marriage Prep, the lot) for all the Chester Parishes, to introduce themselves and explain how they might be able to support our individual work. Saturday 4th February, 10.00-5.00 pm, St Columba’s Parish Hall. Get the date in your Diaries, everyone!

Wistaston Retreat Centre Brochures

The OMI Retreat Centre at Crewe offers a whole range of guided talks and retreats, as well as the opportunity for individuals to stay there for their own quiet time. Brochures at back of church.

FHC Parish Group Next Session

For the children and parents not at our Parish Primary School: Tuesday 6th December at 6.30 pm. Children will need to bring their Preparation Books and Pencil Cases. We look forward to seeing you all again on Tuesday!

Forthcoming Concerts Here in St Werburgh’s

• Saturday 10th Dec, 3.00 pm and 7.00 pm: Chester Bach Singers Christmas Concert: traditional carols alongside some new arrangements, and compositions by Elizabeth Poston and Francis Poulenc. Some to listen to and some to join in with!
• Friday 16th Dec, 7.00 pm: Dee Ensemble Christmas Concert: a female singing group based here in Chester, presenting an hour-long concert of Christmas music and readings.

Advent Day-by-Days - Now on News-Stand-- £1

Plus December Sacred Heart Messengers

Re-Forming our Parish Liturgy Group

Thanks to everyone who came along on Thursday to help the planning for Christmas Services. Next meeting in the New Year, as we look at the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and start to think about Lent. Everyone warmly welcome!

"Ministry of Welcome" Recruitment Drive

We’re soon going to re-launch our whole Welcomers Programme: meanwhile, if you can help out at Christmas to extend a warm welcome to our hundreds of wizziters, do please sign up on the Wolunteer Rota at the back of church.

Children’s Liturgy at 10.45

Ready to swing into action as soon as DBS checks have been completed. We’re almost there!

Slippery Garden Path: Thanks, Gordy Gorbals!

It’s never looked cleaner - or been safer!

Sale of Red and Blue Parish History Books: £10

Excellent value at £10 each and a fascinating read for any parishioner/ lover of history. Stocks of the Blue Book in particular are limited.

"First Thursday" Tattenhall and Hospital Masses

Both moved to 2nd Thursday this month, 8th December: 10.30 Tattenhall, 12.15 in the Hospital.

SVP Second Collection 3rd / 4th December

Used to support families in need with food and Christmas presents, to provide small gifts to prisoners’ children and to fund a Festive Party in January for those we support and befriend in our local community. Gift Aid envelopes available.
Christmas Flowers 2nd Collection 17/18 December

SVP Holiday Home

They need as many people as possible to back them by pledging to give £2 towards the fund. www.spacehive.com/holidays-for-disadvantaged-people
Update: Saturday, 26th November - we now have fifty backers, which is great, but we still need more. Meeting with CWAC next week to see if we reach the threshold for Community Support.

Keyboard and Vatican Stamps to Highest Bidder

On the table at the back of church. Would make a lovely Christmas present for someone. Sealed bids to FP by Sunday 18th December. Highest bidder wins! Plus, excellent Vatican Stamp Album, which we have a Reserve of £50 on. Let me know if you’d like to have a look. Again, it would make a first-class Christmas Present for the right person.

CHS Tea

The Catholic High School Tea will take place on Thursday 8th December at 2.00 pm. Everyone is welcome! Join us for a chat and nice tea and cakes! Please get in touch with fran.waldie@gmail.com if you would like us to organise transport for you.

Coming up: Carols in the Nursing Homes

Thursday 15th December - Morning in Grosvenor Gardens (Crawford’s Walk) and afternoon in Oaklands, Littleton. Why not come and join us?

Photo of the Week: The Very Far North

Church of St Margaret and the Sacred Heart in Lerwick, right up in the Shetland Isles. Many thanks to Tony Baxter for snapping this one and sending it in. Keep’em coming in, everyone!