Parish Newsletter

 

November: Month of the Holy Souls

• Wednesday 8^th November, 7.30 pm: Mass for the Recently Bereaved – All Welcome.
• Sunday 19^th November, 2.00–4.00 pm: Blessing of Graves at Blacon
• Sunday 26^th November, 2.00-4.00 pm: Blessing of Graves at Overleigh
• Tuesday 28^th November, 7.30 pm: Mass of the Holy Souls – All Welcome

LOUDfence & Safeguarding Sunday: 19^th Nov

This important day will be marked by events in both our Parish and our Diocese. Here in St Werburgh’s, there will be a presentation at each Sunday Mass, telling us where we are up to. In the Diocese, there is a big Mass at English Martyrs Wallasey on Tuesday 14^th November at 6.45 pm,

LOUDfence is a community activity of solidarity and support with abuse victims and survivors. The aim of LOUDfence is to give survivors, the entire church and wider society a voice. In preparation for this important date, any member of the parish community who wishes to share their prayers and reflections can do so. People may understandably wish to remain anonymous, and their privacy will be respected. Any prayers and reflections can be sent to the Diocesan Safeguarding Office and will be prepared and offered up for prayer during the Mass. They can also be submitted digitally to safeguarding@dioceseofshrewsbury.org.

 

Primary School Christmas Fair Raffle

The Primary School PTA will be selling raffle tickets at 9.00 Mass on 12^th and 26^th November, and at 10.45 Mass on 19^th and 26^th November. Tickets are £1 each. 1st Prize - £50 with lots of other prizes. All money raised goes to the Primary School.

“Thank you for your support!” from Mrs Baggs.

 

Parish History Group: Help Urgently Wanted

Do parishioners have any copies of “Catholicism in Chester” by Sr. Mary Winefride Sturman, they no longer need, to help us with our present project?

The booklets can be placed in the labelled box at the back of church. Please insert a paper within the book, giving your name and contact details, so it can be returned. We also need photos of parish persons, buildings, events, particularly from 1950 to present day. If they could be placed in an envelope/folder, in the same box, with details and donor contact details, that would be very useful.

 

Repository...Christmas Cards and Bottle Bags

It's that time of year again! Our Christmas cards and bottle bags, 3 for £I. will be on sale from next Sunday, 12^th November.  Great value and amazing choice, plus Advent Calendars and Advent Candles. Get in early while stocks last!

 

Bishop’s Pastoral Letter on Funerals

Copies available on table at back of church.

 

Pat Testing of Electrical Appliances

All electrical appliances used in church must be PAT tested, so if you bring any such equipment into church, please bring it along on Tuesday 14^th November, 9.00 am.

 

CathSoc Tonight: Bonfire Night

And guess who’s going to be the Guy this year...

 

Chester City of Sanctuary: Banner on Display

In the porch a useful explanation of what it is and why it’s here. Do have a look as you leave church.

 

First Sacraments Parish Group Opening Meeting

For children not attending the Parish School and their parents. Tuesday 7^th November at 6:30 pm 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; any outstanding  Prayer Sponsor slips; a photograph, not too large of your child if you would like it to form part of a display in church. We look forward to seeing you all there.

Monday 13^th November: Meeting for all Parents at the Primary School in Lightfoot Street, 7.00 pm. It’s important that each family is represented.

 

Posada during Advent

A Mexican custom, following the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. A statue of Joseph, Mary and the donkey (see at the back of the church) spends each night of Advent in a different home in the parish. Hosting families make arrangements for the transfer of the figures between themselves.

Please put your name and contact details next to the date to suit you, on the rota and pick up a flyer.

 

Parish Renewal – This Week’s Update

Thank you to our Parishioners and visitors who joined us this week for our Welcome Wednesday coffee morning. A super turnout and a convivial time had by all. Same time, same place on Wednesday, the more the merrier! Our focus on 'Youth 'continues this month  as we prepare for a Youth Mass on the feast of Christ the King, led by our young people, with CathSoc and our youth volunteers. Not too late to take part, just let FP know.

 

Live Streaming: Preparing to Go Live

GDPR Consent Forms for anyone exercising a Ministry on the Altar, principally Altar Servers, Readers and Eucharistic  Ministers, out today, so, please complete and return. Thank you. .

 

Friday 10^th November 7.45 pm at St Werburgh’s  'Music for a Remembrance and Reflection'

Chester Cathedral Nave Choir will be singing a concert of Remembrance-themed music.

 

Expanding our Hymns Play-List

Thursday evenings, for an hour, straight after Choir Practice, November 9^th, 16^th, 23^rd and 30^th. 7.00-8.00 pm. Everyone welcome! If you can’t come to the meetings, do feel free to send in your suggestions.

 

SVP Notices

The SVP would like to invite you all to the Remembrance Services that will take place at Grosvenor Villas (previously Crawford’s Walk) at 10.30 on Thursday 9^th November, calling first at Lavender Villa and then on to Rose Villa at 11.00.

 

Photo of the Week: SS Benedict and Scholastica

A beautiful photo of their tombs, behind the High Altar of the monastery at Monte Cassino in Italy. Taken and sent in by Marian McC, who’s gadding and gallivanting to Egypt this week, Is she ever at home?? Remember to send us some good pics of the Trip!