Parish Newsletter

Live Streaming Official Launch This Weekend

We’ve ironed out the last few snags and issues and are now ready officially to Go Live for all our Church Services. They may now be viewed via the Parish website (follow the link from the home page) or at

https://www.churchservices.tv/stwerburghchester

 It shows a fixed high-resolution view from the back of the Church of the whole sanctuary area (including pulpit and lecterns) and the first three rows of the

congregation. Thanks to all the altar servers, readers and Eucharistic Ministers who completed the consent forms necessary for GDPR compliance.

 

Christmas Service Times: 4.30 pm Booking Up fast! 

• Christmas Eve: 4.30, 6.00, 8.30 and 11.30 pm. Booking Essential for the 4.30 pm: 150 booked so far!
• Christmas Day: 9.00 am and 10.45 am.
• Boxing Day: 10.00 am: Altar Servers Mass.

 

Christmas Volunteer Rota Out Today

For all those hundred and one volunteer roles.

Please sign up today if you can help out in any way.

 

Parish Banner Group – Two New Advent Banners

One of our new “Parish Renewal” initiatives is our Banner Group. Today we display the first fruits of their labours, two fantastic new Advent Banners.

To everyone who’s admired them so far, I’ve simply said that they didn’t take me long…

 

“Annie” at the High School

Heartfelt thanks and congratulations to the High School for their superb production of the musical “Annie” last week. Seeing the joy on the faces of all those youngsters on stage was wonderful. And thanks to everyone who’s said nice words about my own performance as Miss Hannigan. I’m here to serve.

 

Entertaining Keele CathSoc Last Sunday Night

Great to welcome the students from Keele last week, for Mass and Supper, joining with our own Chester University CathSoc. Welcome, Keele!

 

FHC Enrolment Mass Last Saturday

Many thanks to everyone who helped with a super First Holy Communion Enrolment Mass, the official start of their preparation for First Forgiveness in January and First Holy Communion in May. This lovely Mass fully vindicated Louise’s decision to opt for the stand-alone Saturday Mass rather than trying to make it part of the Sunday Morning Parish Masses. Well done, Louise and team!

 

Message from the Flower Team - Christmas Tree

“This year we’d love to fill our Parish Christmas tree with the prayers and wishes of our congregation (and especially the wishes of all of the children!)

There are small white stars at the back of church: please take one, add your special wish and leave it in the box to be added to the tree. No message too small, let’s fill our tree with hope and positivity.”

 

November: Month of the Holy Souls

Thanks to everyone who made November so special in our church. As we always say, a good November is the best preparation for a good Christmas.

 

Cakes for Claire: In  Memory of Claire Graham

“To raise funds for MIND, there will be cakes and hot drinks available in the church hall at St Columba's 12-1.00 pm on Sunday 3^rd December. Do come along”

 

CathSoc Fundraising Events in December

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.

 

Thanks from the Parish History Group…

…for all the books and photos! 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 now until Christmas. Perfect stocking fillers!

 

Youth Mass for Christ the King

What an amazing Mass! The youngsters absolutely came up trumps, reading, altar serving, bringing up their artwork, and as musicians: Luca, Harry, Tina, Jeremy and Tom made a joyous sound unto the Lord. We’re planning regular Youth Masses now, initially every two months.

 

Advent Posada Statue Traveling Round the Parish

The journey began on Friday with the blessing of the Statue. Now for Advent it travels around the Parish.

 

Welcome Wednesdays – Have You Been Yet?

Another lovely morning spent together last Wednesday, making Christmas Wreaths. 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!

 

Advent Prayer Evening Next Wednesday

A beautiful way to prepare for the birth of Our Lord. Prayer, reflection and  Advent music, on 7.00 pm Wednesday  6^th December.

Many thanks to everyone who came along for the Advent Reflection Morning last Friday, and to Anne, Elizabeth, Jan and Pat for leading it so beautifully.

 

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!

 

SVP Christmas Second Collection Today

 

High School Christmas Fair Tuesday 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. You are all invited to the Fair, 4.30 pm onwards, Entrance £1, followed by the Carol Service at 6.30 pm.

 

Advent Day by Days Now on Newsstand: £1

Also the Sacred Heart Messengers (£1).

 

SVP High School Tea: Thursday 7^th Dec 2.30 pm

The SVP would like to invite you all to our annual CHS Tea. Please get in touch with Fran on fran.waldie@gmail.com if you need transport!

 

Photo of the Week: Last Year’s Chester Santa Dash

But can you recognise who the Santa is??