Parish Newsletter

Resuming Home Communions

Many thanks to the six Eucharistic Ministers who came to the meetings on Tuesday, ready for resuming Home Communions: Marie Broadhurst, Liz Brook, David Kluth, Helen Pile, Anne Proctor and Barbara Turner. Once DBS checks have been completed, we’ll be ready to swing into action!

 

Parish Renewal Programme: What’s Next?

Excellent Away Day on Friday up at Foxhill, brainstorming the next part of our Parish Renewal programme. As we’ve already said, that is about “governance”, putting the structures in places that make sure all the fantastic renewal work we’ve started this year doesn’t stop here but powers ahead in the years to come. The Renewal Steering Group – Pat Floate, Marian McCarthy, Bernice Meredith and Lyn Williams – have drawn up a very effective and far-seeing blueprint for what a new Parish Council would look like, six “Portfolio Members” (Buildings & Maintenance, Finance, Housekeeping & Hospitality, Liturgy, Social and Outreach) and three elected members without specific responsibilities at this stage. We aim to have these proposals to put to you in detail for Pentecost Sunday, followed shortly afterwards by an Open Parish Meeting for you all to give us your reactions and responses. Then, if you agree, Elections and the new Parish Council having its first get-together in July, to meet each other and be ready for our first Business Meeting in September. We were very pleased to be joined in the afternoon by Denise Jones, to brief us on the Finance portfolio and for us to thank her for the tremendous work she’s done for the Parish over Covid times and since.

 

SVP Spring Mass

All are invited to the SVP Spring Mass, Sunday 5^th May 2.30 pm here in church. If you'd like to attend, please let Madeleine madeleinemorrin@aol.com 

 

St Francis Parish Retreat

All warmly invited to join the Franciscans for twenty-four hours of continuous prayer and praise, starting 8.00 pm Friday 3^rd May, finishing 10.00 pm Saturday 4^th May. Flyers at back of church with full details.

 

Coming Up: Repository Pre-Loved Sale!

We will be having our popular Sale of pre-loved items on Sunday 12^th May and are always most grateful for the support and donations this generates. Old relics especially welcome by Paula & Bernice, a couple of… [Don’t go there. Ed]

 

FHC Parish Group – Tuesday Evening

The final FHC Parish Meeting takes place this coming Tuesday 16^th April at 6.30 pm in the Parish House and Day Chapel. The children will need their preparation books and pencil cases. It is very important for all to attend. The children will have an opportunity to practise receiving the host.

 

Chester Bach Singers Messiah in St Werburgh’s

Here, next Saturday evening at 7.30 pm.

 

WW welcomes Liz and Kathryn from CAFOD.

We look forward to hearing more about the work of CAFOD and we’ll be delighted to present them with a Cheque for £150.00, the money raised by our young people from their wonderful Easter cards.

 

Parish Library: Open Morning on Monday 15^th April

9.30 am-11.30 am when a selection of works by modern writers will be on display. The library is also accessible every Sunday before and after Mass. Do come and take a look at all the books available. Just help yourselves and return when finished reading.

 

Wayfarer Productions present “The Beloved Son”

A new play by Murray Watts, performed by Andrew Harrison, a remarkable new play about the life of Henri Nouwen (80 mins duration). Saturday 11^th May at 3.00 pm, Wesley Church Centre. Tickets £10 (under 18’s £5) from Brian Heald (07734 582061, bcheald92@gmail.com), the Wesley Office

(01244 323037) or at the door – see www.wesleychester.co.uk for more information.

Refreshments available.

 

Can Peace Exist in a World with Religion?

Join Chester Cathedral in tackling the BIG topics in our society. Speakers to include Prof Caroline Tee (University of Chester) and Peter Gaskin (Chester Humanist Congregation). More information and free tickets: chestercathedral.com

 

Bodnant Gardens & Llandudno: Tuesday 25^th June

Date now fixed and booking now open. Priority Booking until April 21^st for those who put their names on the Expression of Interest list.

 

Children’s Liturgy

On a well-earned Easter Break, starting again today, Sunday 14^th April. Anyone else like to join the team? Please let FP or any team member know. (Apologies for announcing it was last Sunday – and huge thanks to Chlo-Jo for improvising so amazingly!)

 

Welcome to all our New Parishioners!

We’d like to invite all new Parishioners for coffee and a catch up in the Day Chapel 7.00 pm on Friday April 26^th. Please email to accept the invitation or add your name and contact details to the sign-up sheet at the back of Church. Plus any parishioners who’d like to be “welcomers” and pal up with one of our new friends.

 

Inspecting the Drains

Work on the Day Chapel is storming ahead. Last week, we needed the drains down the side of the church to be inspected, so that the new sink can be connected. Hugely grateful to Bernice for donning the dungarees and goggles and going down there for us.

 

House Masses

A lovely gathering recently up at Lyn and Richard’s in Hawarden. The next two are at Denise Jones’s in Vicars Cross (Thursday lunchtime, 18^th April) and at Mary Briody’s in Newton, (lunchtime on Tuesday 14^th May). Sign-up sheets out now, and all welcome.  If anyone else would like to volunteer, we’d love to hear from you, for either lunchtime or evening.

 

Photo of the Week: Hunter Valley, New South Wales

The little chapel of St Michael the Archangel, one of the oldest churches in Australia, though the original building was destroyed in a flood. It still holds Catholic Masses as well as other religious services. Thanks to Bury Convent and Tekkie One for sending it in – and good luck for tonight, BC! “I’ve got rhythm…”