Parish Newsletter

 

The Parish Family – The Family of Prayer

I don’t think any of us can remember such a busy Christmas and New Year with respect to deaths and illness in the Parish. But, as we always say, neither knows any season, and, like all families, we just try to pull together in  the bad times and the good, the happy and the sad. Gerry continues to make excellent progress at home, and there’s a message from him to everyone below. But Peter Meredith needed to be taken into hospital last Sunday evening, like Gerry a “Covid plus”, without the doctors being too sure exactly what the “plus” is. He’s receiving excellent attention in the Countess and hopefully will be able to move on fairly soon. Also the very sad news of the death of the mother of our CathSoc President's Mother, Beena Johnson. She has not been in the best of health in recent times, back home in Bahrein, but took a sad turn for the worse over Christmas. Joel has been out there with the family and is travelling back to Chester this weekend.  May Beena and all our deceased parishioners rest in the peace of the Risen Christ.

 

Forthcoming Funerals in Church

• Brian Haslam – Monday 15^th January, 2.00 pm
• Felicity Hughes - Friday 19^th  January, 12.00 noon
• Peter McCabe – Tuesday 23^rd January, 10.45 am
• Kevin Smyth – Tuesday 23^rd January, 1.30 pm

May They All Rest in Peace.

 

Message from Gerry to Everyone in St. Werburgh’s

“There are no words to express my appreciation for the prayers, support and love received over recent weeks. I owe so much to so many people. The treatment in the  Countess of Chester Hospital was fantastic. It will be  a while before I become fully mobile but I thank you all from the bottom of my  heart. God bless, Gerry.”

 

SVP Christmas Tea last Saturday Afternoon

Thanks to the SVP for a fantastic tea up at the Primary School last Saturday afternoon, so many of our parishioners being entertained royally. Super tea – my lemon drizzle cake as appreciated as ever - and wonderful entertainment afterwards, especially from the SVP songsters, all suitably attired. There are photographs, but they have been suppressed under the Official Secrets Act.

 

Taking Down the Christmas Decorations

Many hands really did make light work last Wednesday morning, the Flower Team – Marie, Margaret, Consilia, Simon and Eamon – ably assisted by a group of youngsters from the High School – thanks, Ana! – and with the support of the regular Wednesday Morning cleaning team. Then we all went into Welcome Wednesday for a great cup of coffee!

 

2024 Year Books and Ordo: £5 each.

 

Crib Offerings for the Diocesan Children’s Society

Crib Offerings go to the Diocesan Children’s Society, now part of our Diocesan Caritas.

Total for Christmas 2024: £459.886. (Last Year =£393.40.) Thanks for your fantastic generosity.

 

Welcomers: New Rota Now Out for Next 3 Months

New Rota on the table at the back of Church, so please sign up for January, February and March.

 

Welcome Wednesdays: Great Start to the New Year

Dominoes a big hit with the gents, and lots of nattering and knitting as far as the eye could see. Lovely to see Ana and the High School youngsters joining us, and huge thanks to our three Wednesday Nippies, Pat, Elizabeth and Helen!

 

New Primary School Governor Wanted

We are currently recruiting a Foundation Governor to join our Governing Body. The vacancy must be filled by community members affiliated with the Catholic Church, who are not related to any children within our school. We are a busy, energetic governing body and would warmly invite anyone interested in finding out more about the role to contact the school in the first instance to arrange an informal chat: Sarah on 01244 478954 or email: admin@lovelearnlaugh.org.uk

 

The Synod and Parish Renewal

At the end of July we had a very interesting meeting to talk about progress in the Synod. Since then, there have been important developments. There will be a meeting on Wednesday 24^th January,  7.00 pm – 9.00 pm, to outline these developments and, perhaps, more importantly, to link them to our own Parish Renewal Programme. You are all warmly invited and refreshments will be available!

 

Parish Outings

As a Parish, we have enjoyed some great outings. We would now really appreciate your suggestions for outings in 2024. Please email them to Fr Paul or leave them in an envelope with your name on the table at the back of Church marked Outings.

 

Retreat Day on Prayer

The year 2025 is the next Jubilee Year in the Church. Pope Francis has asked the Church to prepare well. In order to help us do so, (beginning from Advent 2023), Pope Francis has called 2023/2024 “A Year of Prayer." In response, the Shrewsbury Diocese Team for Evangelisation and Mission will be running a Retreat Day on Prayer for parishes in the Chester area on Saturday 3^rd February, 10.00 am-3.00 pm, St Columba’s Parish Hall.  See the Flyers at the back of the Church. All welcome - bring a packed lunch.

 

Forthcoming Meetings Parish First Sacraments Group

Monday 15^th January at 7:00 pm in St Werburgh’s and St Columba’s School.  Meeting for all Parents: The Sacrament of Forgiveness.

 

Renewal of Sick List: Thanks for Updates Received

Any more updates gratefully received.

 

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

As usual, we’ll be marking this with a Prayer Service each day at 12.00 noon, going round the six churches of Christleton and Waverton Churches Together:

• Monday 15^th Jan: Waverton Evangelical Fellowship
• Tuesday 16^th Jan: St James, Christleton
• Wednesday 17^th Jan: Rowton Methodists
• Thursday 18^th Jan: St Peter’s Waverton
• Friday 19^th Jan: Christleton Methodists
• Saturday 20^th Jan: St Werburgh’s
• Sun 7.00 pm: Christleton Methodists: Closing Service

Photo of the Week: Our Lady of the Snows

Beautiful photo from Lourdes in a snowstorm.

Thanks,  Paul, for sending it in!