Parish Newsletter

Our Irreplaceable Syd

Last Sunday morning was eloquent testimony to just how much Syd did for us as our Parish Secretary for over thirteen years: ‘Where’s the gaffer tape for securing the piano cable?’ ... ‘The side door hasn’t been unlocked yet’ ... ‘Why have we got last week’s Music Sheets?’ ... ‘The Collection is still out on the altar’ ... ‘Why did no-one unlock for Thursday night’s Choir Practice?’ And that is just scratching the surface. Each and every one of the thousand-and-one jobs Syd did will be replaced, but you can see how it is going to take time. Meanwhile, patient please, everyone. If things don’t run quite as smoothly as usual for the next few months, there's a reason for it. It’s called Syd Jones.

Messages from Frs Emeka and William

We were so grateful last week to receive a lovely message of condolence from Fr Emeka, out in Nigeria on his Annual Leave. This week, an equally lovely message from Fr William, conveying to Denise and all the parish the heartfelt sympathy pf the Spiritans and of everyone in St Columba’s and St Theresa’s. So much appreciated. Thank you.

World Day of Prayer (Formerly Women’s WDP!)

A global, ecumenical, women led movement. A service will be held on Friday 3rd March 2023 at 10.30 am in the Presbyterian Church of Wales, City Road, Chester CH1 (opposite the Premier Inn at this end of City Road). This year's service has been prepared by the Christian women of Taiwan. All are welcome. This is always a lovely gathering, so do come along!

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Building on this wonderful week together, the Christleton Churches Together are planning another series of "Visits to Local Chapels", one a week during the afternoon, for the six weeks of Lent. Watch this space for further details!

New Readers Training and Recruitment

A very good session the week before last, six new Readers coming forward, and benefiting from an excellent hour from Marian McC, our Reader Trainer on "How to Read in Church". Anyone else like to join the team?

Next FHC Parish Group Meeting

The children begin their preparation for First Holy Communion on Tuesday 7th February at 6.30 pm in Church. Parents/Carers meet in the Church House. Children will get new preparation books but will also need to bring their pencil cases and folders.

Confirmation: 10th May 2023

The Sacrament of Confirmation with Bishop Mark will be at St Francis on Wednesday 10th May, 7.00 pm. Classes will be here at St Werburgh’s on Wednesday evenings, starting 1st March. The Launch Meeting (for Candidates and at least one parent) is Monday 20th February. Minimum Age: second year High School (Year 8). No maximum, and always delighted to hear from Adults who weren’t confirmed as youngsters but would like to be now. They will have separate classes. Flyers at back of church with full details.

Would You Like to be a Confirmation Catechist?

Many thanks to all those who turned up last Wednesday: when you’ve made our minds up, and if it’s positive, do contact Liz Aiello, one of our two fantastic Safeguarding Reps, and swing into action on DBS checks. Thanks, everyone!

First Forgiveness Last Saturday

A very joyful celebration last Saturday morning for all our children, from both the Parish Group and our Primary School. Huge thanks to everyone for making it possible. Please keep these youngsters in our prayers as their First Holy Communion day approaches on Saturday 20th May.

Planning for Lenten Fridays

We’ve decided to have three Stations and three Meditations, in each case two ‘in person’ and one zoom. We hope this meets everyone’s needs.

Children’s Liturgy Has Started Again at 10.45 Mass

For children 4-8, please. Parents may come with their children, especially initially: but we’d prefer if you dropped them off and picked them up again afterwards, as they’re much better behaved when you’re not there!! (Cheek!) Many thanks, CL Team!

News from the Diocese and Deanery

Deans’ Meeting last Tuesday, down at the Cathedral, and one of the items Bishop Mark wanted our views on was restoration of the Chalice at Mass, and the physical sign of peace. Matters the Bishops’ Conference have been discussing. I’ll asking for everyone’s views on this in the weeks ahead. Then yesterday, Friday, I took our new contracted Catholic Chaplain for the Countess of Chester Hospital, Deacon Tony from Ellesmere Port, to meet Canon Mike Gannon, our Vicar General for Hospital Chaplaincy. Great to have Deacon Tony on board!

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. Happening in an hour’s time as I write (Saturday 9.00 am!), so full report next week.

Tattenhall "First Thursday" Mass

Twenty of us gathered at Maggie and Dennis’s last Thursday - amazing! Next one will be Thursday 2nd March. All Country Cousins welcome!

Repository Second-Hand / Pre-Loved Sale

The Repository is open once again with our popular Sale of previously loved items. We are always most grateful for the support generated by this Sale but are not seeking further donated items at present.

Photo of the Week: Our Jakey!

Jacob Hutchinson was a wonderful CathSoc Prezzie five years ago - OK, OK, not as good as you, Barl! (They’re so touchy, these students). Here he is outside the Church of St Donatus in Zadar, Croatia, dating from the 9th Century. Lovely lad, Jake. Shame about the legs. (Bit ‘arsh?)