Parish Newsletter

 

Syd Jones: Requiem Mass

The Requiem Mass for our beloved Syd Jones will be celebrated on Monday 27th February at 12.00 noon, followed by Committal at Blacon at 1.20 pm.

Messages from Frs Emeka, William and Jinson

As soon as Fr Jinson was home from his post-Christmas break, he sent us a beautiful message of sympathy and condolence, to Denise first and foremost and then to the whole Parish.
We were so grateful to receive a lovely message of condolence from Fr Emeka, out in Nigeria on his Annual Leave and 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 – all the Parish Priests and Parishes of Chester: St Clare’s, St Columba’s, St Francis and St Theresa’s.

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! (Delighted to hear yesterday that Ana, our wonderful High School Chaplain, is planning to bring a party of High School students. They will be so welcome).

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!

Betty Park

Saddened to hear news in the week of the death of Betty Park, so soon after her beloved husband, John. But, as Sheila said, after John’s departure, Betty only wanted to join him. Two wonderful parishioners, now “Promoted to Glory” in the fine Salvation Army phrase which I love so much. Betty’s Requiem Mass will be on Wednesday 8th March at 12.00 noon.

And now the bulbs start appearing!

Do you remember our fantastic Bulbathon in November 2020, in the middle of he first lockdown, when everyone contributed a back of bulbs and six hardy folk, led by Mrs Tab, braved the rainstorm to plan them in the front garden? They are starting to come up once again now, starting with the beautiful snowdrops in the border by the church. What a memorial to those dreadful lockdown days!

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). Not too late to send names in!

Would You Like to be a Confirmation Catechist?

Excellent response, and huge thanks to Liz Aiello, our indefatigable DBS Safeguarding Rep, for swinging into action immediately on DBS checks.

Bronze Plaque from Ireland

One of the items donated to the Repository Pre-Loved Sale is a beautiful handwrought copper plaque, featuring a 5th Century Cross from Killshannig, Co Kerry. It really is stunning.
£20 to the first bidder.

Angela Bowen – Bon Voyage!

Very sorry in the week to say farewell to Angela, moving across the Pennines to be near her sister Christine in West Yorkshire. After the death of her mother, Carol Barry, there was little to keep Angela here, and we all wish her the very best for her new life near Wakefield. And thanks her for all she did for us over so many years.

First Forgiveness Last Saturday

A very joyful celebration a fortnight ago 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 your 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!

Syria and Turkey Earthquake Appeal

Both CAFOD and Caritas have launched appeals to provide urgent food, water and shelter to the survivors of this dreadful catastrophe. These links have more information and online donation links: cafod.org.uk and www.caritas.org or just google “cafod earthquake appeal”.

Diocesan Day for Chester Catechists – 4th Feb

Very good day last Saturday up at St Columba’s, meeting the Diocesan Catechists Team (Jane, Stephen and Natalie) and a chance to meet each other from all the various Chester Parishes. I hope this will become an annual event each Spring.

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: Grosvenor Park Road 1900

An extraordinary archive photo of the “symphony in red brick” of John Douglas’s magnificent superblock from Chidell Towers down to the old Dentists. How little has changed! And amazing to think that Geoff was around at the time to take it…