Parish Newsletter

Liturgical

Acts 1, 12-14; Psalm 26; I Peter 4, 13-16; John 17, 1-11

Saturday 6.00 pm: Rowton Methodists: Special Intention (V&P)
Sunday 9.00 am: St Werburgh’s: Harry Teague (9th Anniversary)
Sunday 10.45 am: St Werburgh’s: John Baxter (L.D.)
Sunday 6.00 pm: St Werburgh’s: Intentions of Justina

Monday 22nd May: Dedication of the Cathedral: Ezekiel 47, 1-12; Psalm I Chronicles 29; I Corinthians 3, 9-17; John 2, 13-22
12.15 pm: St Werburgh’s: Intentions of Paloma Molly
1.10 pm: University Chapel - Weekly University Mass - All Welcome
2.15 pm: Hawarden Cemetery: Blessing of the Headstone for Lana and Laura

Tuesday 23rd May: Ferial: Acts 20, 17-27; Psalm 67; John 17, 1-11
12.15 pm: St Werburgh’s: Owen Purcell (L.D., Belfast)
6.30 pm: High School: Year 11 Leavers Mass

Wednesday 24th May: Our Lady Help of Christians: Ecclesiasticus 4, 11-18; Psalm 112; I Corinthians 1, 18-25; John 19, 25-27
12.15 pm: St Werburgh’s: Intentions of Glenda Otto
2.00 pm: St Columba’s: Requiem Mass for Margaret Collins
7.30 pm: St Werburgh’s: ‘Christ and Creation’ - Second of Four Talks and Discussion

Thursday 25th May: St Bede: I Corinthians 2, 10-16; Psalm 118; Matthew 7, 21-29
12.15 pm: St Werburgh’s: Elizabeth Donaghy (L.D., Hazel Grove)
6.30 pm: High School: Year 13 Leavers Mass

Friday 26th May: St Philip Neri: Acts 25, 13-21; Psalm 102; John 21, 15-19
9.30 am: St John’s New Ferry: Requiem Mass for Ann Gemmell, late of Oak Grange NH
12.15 pm: St Werburgh’s: Thanksgiving
1.05 pm: High School: Weekly Voluntary Mass

Saturday 27th May: St Augustine of Canterbury: I Thessalonians 2, 2-8; Psalm 116; Luke 10, 1-9
10.00 am: HMP Berwyn: Mass for Prisoners and Visitors
10.30 am - 12 Noon: St Werburgh’s: Confessions
6.00 pm: Rowton Methodists: Terry Collier (6th Anniversary)

SUNDAY 28th MAY 2023: PENTECOST SUNDAY (YEAR A)
Acts 2, 1-11; Psalm 103; I Corinthians 12, 3-13; John 20, 19-23
Saturday 6.00 pm: Rowton Methodists: Terry Collier (6th Anniversary)
Sunday 9.00 am: St Werburgh’s: Brian Boardman
Sunday 10.45 am: St Werburgh’s: Katie Curtis (4th Anniversary)
Sunday 12.30 pm: St Werburgh’s: Baptism of Iris Jayne Theresa Fennell
Sunday 5.00 pm: The Cross, outside St Peter’s: Ecumenical Pentecost Service
Sunday 6.00 pm: St Werburgh’s: Celia Hickey (Anniversary)

Prayer intentions

Your prayers are asked for the following who are sick: Kath Stanton, Brian Boardman Jnr, James Convey, Bill Hackett, Laura Chadwick, Stuart Clark, Keith Hayes, Ruth O’Kane, and Kevin Maguire and for all the sick of the Parish; and for those who have died recently, especially Claire Graham, Margaret Collins and Ann Gemmell; and for those whose anniversaries occur about this time: Teresa Holt, Paddy White, Daisy Chesworth, Rodney Carrigan, Christopher Rose, Martha Pattison, Elsie Wilson, Dianne Roberts, Samuel Wingrove, John Carter, Charles Donachie, Carmela Calouri, Mick Fields, Jean Asher and Vicky Boultbee. May They All Rest in Peace.

Parish Information and Contacts

SVP: svpchester@gmail.com Countess of Chester Chaplaincy: 01244 364543.
St Werburgh’s is part of the Diocese of Shrewsbury: Registered Charity No 234025.
Safeguarding Reps: Liz Aiello (email: elizabeth.aiello20@btinternet.com, tel: 07813743723) and
Chris Proudfoot (email: chrisproudfoot.stwerbughs@btinternet.com, tel; 07711495070)

Parish events

First Holy Communions

A wonderful month in the life of the Parish, 33 youngsters making their First Holy Communions yesterday, Saturday 20th, and a similar number Confirmed by Bishop Mark ten days ago. Great thanks to all the catechists, and please keep all the children and youngsters in your prayers.

Front and Back Gardens

Garden Gnome is laid up for a couple of weeks, so is there anyone who could cut the lawns meanwhile?

Helen Pile: Fundraising for Parkinson’s

I’m walking the Sandstone Trail, all 34 miles of it, in one day to raise money for Cure Parkinson’s Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Thanks, everyone!

https://www.justgiving.com/page/helen-pile-1680118370449

A Grand Piano for Church

This has long been one of our aspirations, as you all know: and it now looks as if it might be coming true, thanks to the generosity of Roger Fisher and the Cathedral. Roger was a great friend of ours, Organist at the Cathedral for many years. His successor, Philip Rushforth, is equally a really good friend of ours. Roger went home to the Lord two years ago, and he bequeathed his Grand Piano to the Cathedral, for use in the Song School where the Choristers do all their practising and rehearsals. That releases their existing instrument, a Broadwood Grand of First World War vintage, but still in good shape. The family that donated it to the Cathedral is very happy for it to come now to St Werburgh’s, so watch this space...

National Gallery Exhibition - St Francis of Assisi

On until 30th July, it’s already attracting a lot of interest. nationalgallery.org.uk/exhibitions/saint-francis-of-assisi. How about a parish trip down by train, mid-morning (when the prices come down), stroll down to Trafalgar Square, see the exhibition, meal somewhere and back early evening? Any takers? Sign up if interested and we’ll see what’s what.

Diocesan Podcasts on Vatican Two

We continue our reflections with Lumen Gentium, and the nature and purpose of the Church. Podcasts and handout available at dioceseofshrewsbury.org

Pentecost Sunday at the Cross: 5.00 pm

City Centre Churches Together are holding a short service at the Cross, outside St Peter’s Church, on Pentecost Sunday at 5.00 pm. We want to re-enact the Pentecost Miracles of Languages by having the Our Father said in as many different languages as possible. Can you offer one? If so, please sign up on the list at the back of church. Grazie molto! (As they say in German)

Ascension Holyday of Obligation Last Thursday

Great to see so many of you here for the three Masses. Thanks to the Choir for singing at 7.30 pm.

Chester Heritage Festival June 17th–28th

Once more we have been asked to contribute to this popular festival. Ann Marie Curtis will give a powerpoint presentation at 2.30 pm on Sunday 25th June, at St Werburgh’s, about Chester Lead Shot Tower, its owners and the people who worked there. She may also lead a walk around the Boughton area on the following morning, of Monday 26th June. Anyone interested in helping, please contact cheshire.historian@outlook.com

New Day by Days now on the News-Stand: £1 each

For June and July. Also the latest editions of the monthly Sacred Heart Messenger. All at £1.

What does Chester Cathedral mean to you?

Join Chester Cathedral and the University of Chester in the initial research and exploration of our Cathedral’s place in British history, its empire, and slavery in our exhibition Imperial Legacies, Sacred Space. Open in the South Transept from Thursday 18th - Tuesday 30th May, this exhibition seeks to tell the hidden narratives of colonialism, slavery, and empire at Chester Cathedral. The content of the exhibition has been informed by research from the University of Chester, and the Cathedral Archives. Click to chestercathedral.com to find out more about the exhibition.

40 Hours Eucharistic Adoration: Our Lady’s, Ellesmere Port: 26th - 28th May

Starting with 12.15 pm Mass on Friday 26th May and concluding 11.00 am Mass on Sunday 28th May.

Parish Renewal Steering Group

Meeting again both Sunday and Monday. They really are going great guns! Thanks, one and all.

Christ and Creation: Four Talks and Discussions

We got off to a great start last Wednesday, looking at Creation in the Old Testament and the central role of Sophia / Wisdom in Creation. Then we saw how powerfully this prepares us for the Christ of the New Testament and His central role in Creation. Do come and join us next Wednesday, 24th May, here in Church at 7.30 pm, for the second of Claire’s fascinating talks. 7.30-9.00 pm.

The Catholic High School 50th Anniversary Mass

You are warmly invited to join the CHS celebration Mass on Friday 9th of June, 11.00 am at Chester Cathedral. Please contact Mrs Mallon by email at mallonk@christofidelis.org.uk.

Photo of the Week: CathSoc Christmas Meal

Students and Wrinklies marking the end term with our usual lovely Christmas Meal together. Barl, our outgoing (in every sense!) Prezzie is now passing over to Joel (aka BB1), who’s on the left of the photo. Not sure who’s on the right...