Parish Newsletter

 

Christmas Service Times

Usual times, everyone, but please note, you must book for the 4.30 pm Christmas Eve Children’s Mass. Booking opens via the website today, Sunday.

Christmas Eve

• 9.00 and 10.45: Normal Sunday Morning Masses
• 4.30 pm: Children’s Vigil Mass – Booking Essential
• 6.00 pm: Children’s Vigil Mass
• 8.30 pm: Vigil Mass of Christmas
• 11.30 pm: Carols and Midnight Mass

Christmas Day

• 9.00 am: Dawn Mass of Christmas
• 10.45 am: Day Mass of Christmas

Boxing Day

• 10.00 am: St Stephen’s Day Altar Servers Mass

 

November: Month of the Holy Souls

• 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

 

CathSoc Fundraising Events in December

In order to raise money for Mary's Meals, CathSoc's charity for this year, we are planning a 24 hour fast between the 9^th and 10^th of December. To sponsor us, please donate to Mary's Meals using the JustGiving link below: https://www.justgiving.com/page/marysmealsukccathsoc?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Fmarysmealsukccathsoc&utm_source=whatsapp&utm_campaign=pfp-whatsapp We are also organising a raffle for a Christmas hamper in Church. We will be selling raffle tickets at the 9.00 am and 6.00 pm Masses on the 3^rd and 10^th of December. The winner will be drawn the following week.

 

Cakes for Claire: In  Memory of Claire Graham

“Many of us remember the shock and sadness we felt in April when we heard we'd lost Claire Graham, a champion for children and young people with special needs, a formidable fund raiser and for us all, a great friend whose smile brightened the dullest day. In her memory and to raise funds for MIND, there will be delicious cakes and hot drinks available in the church hall at St Columba's 12-1.00 pm on Sunday 3^rd December.  Please do come and join us.”

 

Thanks from the Parish History Group…

…for sufficient copies of “Catholicism in Chester” and for the photographs which you have left. We will get them back to you shortly. Please keep the old photos coming! A reminder that we will be selling copies of our two books, (red £5 about parish WW1 soldiers  and blue £10 about the parish in the early 1900’s), at all Sunday Masses from 26^th  Nov until Christmas. Just right for stocking fillers!

 

Primary School Christmas Fair Raffle

The Primary School PTA will be selling raffle tickets at 9.00 and 10.45 Masses on 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!” says our Mrs Baggs.

 

Youth Mass for Christ the King

A new venture from our wonderful Parish Renewal Team: A Youth Mass today at 6.00 pm, Christ the King, Youth Sunday with hymns and readings, all presented by the youngsters of our Parish.

 

Library Open Morning: Monday 27^th November

9.30-11.30 am. A selection of books on the theme of Advent will be available to borrow or browse.

 

Our Advent Posada Statue Travels Round the Parish

Remember to take down  the details of the person you have to take the statue to. The list will remain at the back of the church.  Enjoy the journey!

Enquiries contact: Elizabeth Hoey 01244 683258

 

Welcome Wednesdays Go From Strength to Strength

Another lovely morning spent together last Wednesday. Doors opened at 10.00 am and very soon the chatter and activities were in full flow. On

Wednesday 6^th December, Welcome Wednesday will be inviting a small donation from our friends  to support CAFOD. We will purchase a gift from World Gifts with our contribution. Why not drop in  and make a difference? We’d love to see you!

 

Two Lovely Ways of Celebrating Advent

• A beautiful way to prepare for the birth of Our Lord. Prayer, reflection and  Advent music 7.00 pm Wednesday  6^th December.
• Advent Reflection Morning: Friday 1^st December 9.30: Coffee; 10-12  noon: Morning of Reflection

This will be a time for listening, reflection and conversation in preparation for

remembering and sharing the Advent journey.

To give some idea of numbers please put your name on the sheet at the back of church.  All welcome.

 

Carol Singing in the Nursing Homes

Thursday 14^th December: Grosvenor Villas at 11.00, and Oaklands care home at 14.30. Come and join us!

 

Catholic High Foundation Governor Vacancy

https://educationshrewsbury.org/schools&academies-governance If you would like an informal chat, please contact the Chair of Governors via the school email: johnsonj@christofidelis.org.uk.

 

Repository… Christmas Cards and Bottle Bags

Going fast, so don’t miss out!

 

SVP Second Collection: 2^nd / 3^rd  December

Thanks in advance for your support.

 

High School Christmas Fair: 19^th December

If you have any books in good condition that you would like to donate, please drop them off at the school reception for the attention of Ana.

 

Red Box (APF) Missions

Bernie will be available at all Masses on Sunday 26^th November for you to bring your donation or your box for emptying. Bernie is happy to collect if you would like to call to arrange this: Tel 340768.

 

Advent Day by Days Now on Newsstand: £1

Also the Sacred Heart Messengers (£1).

 

SVP High School Tea

The SVP would like to invite you all to our annual CHS Tea, Thursday 7^th December, 2.30 pm in the Catholic High School. Please get in touch with Fran on fran.waldie@gmail.com if you need transport to attend. We look forward to seeing you all there!

 

Photo of the Week: The Top of the Ferris Wheel

A spectacular view over the Groves and the River Dee. Thanks, Louise, for sending it in.