Parish Newsletter

The Old Day Chapel Becomes the New Celia Murphy Room

For some three or four years now we have been discussing how best to bring the old Day Chapel into use, now that it has not for some time been used for Weekday Masses. Great thanks to those parishioners who steered this project in the early days, inviting you all to come and see the space and give us your views on how it should be developed. Out of these discussions emerged the widespread opinion that it should become a multi-purpose Meeting Room, capable of being used independently of the rest of the church and house. It has its own entrance, of course, from the passageway along the side of the church, and would need its own heating, lighting and kitchen facilities. God is good – you don’t believe me, but He is – and just as these discussions were taking shape, we received the fantastic news that our late, wonderful Celia Murphy, who worked tirelessly for this Parish, had left us a very generous Bequest in her will, if we could identify a fitting project. We met with her Executors and family, and after a series of excellent meetings, listening carefully to their wishes and views, they told us they were more than happy to see Celia’s Bequest support this project. We cannot thank them enough and had no hesitation in deciding that it should be called the Celia Murphy Room in her honour. The Diocesan Architect has been working hard on plans, and on Friday we had a morning with the Electrical and Lighting Contractors. Our detailed plans will go to the Historic Churches Committee in September for approval, and if they give it the thumbs up, which we hope they will, work will start! Exciting times!

 

Parish Renewal: Our New Parish Council

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.

 

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 welcome 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 Sat 4^th May. Flyers at back of church with details.

 

Coming Up: Repository Pre-Loved Sale

We will be having our popular Sale of pre-loved items on Sunday 12^th May. Donations welcome!

 

Lighting the Paschal Candle

I know I’ve set a rotten example standing on a chair myself to light it, but we really mustn’t! Please take the candle out and light it that way.

 

SVP Second Collection: 11^th / 12^th May

To support the work of the Holiday Home at Talacre.

  

Apologies for References to Donald Trump

Many of you took me to task last week for allowing political references to creep into the last hymn (“Till trump from east to west shall wake the dead”). Thanks to Clare Black for suggesting we restore balance by now singing together “Abiden with me”. She says she thought of it during the sermon.

 

Calling all Gardeners: Come and Join us!

Thursday Afternoons Our amazing team of gardeners would welcome some extra help. Just a one or two hours a week to keep our gardens looking beautiful.  Let FP or the team know if interested.

 

Sunday Mass Welcomers

Please sign up on the new rota at the back of Church.

 

Pentecost Sunday Evening Youth Mass

We’d like to celebrate our diverse Parish on the Feast of Pentecost by asking children with two languages to take part in the prayers of Intercession. All children at the Mass will take part with the offertory procession, singing or playing instruments. 6.00 pm May 18^th. Please put child’s name and parents contact details on the sheet at the back of Church.

 

New Diocesan Director of Schools

Applications are now open. Details of the role and the application process can be found at

https://www.tes.com/jobs/vacancy/director-of-schools-birkenhead-2040730

 

A Year of Encounter

With a UK general election due sometime this year, politicians will be looking for our votes. We have a responsibility as Catholics to make sure that parties commit to tackling issues such as poverty and injustice. Raising our voices and contacting parliamentary candidates as a parish community will send a strong signal to those standing for election in our local constituencies. See cafod.org.uk/encounter for more information, inc online sessions on Thursday 25^th April and Saturday 4^th May to learn more.

 

Wayfarer Productions present “The Beloved Son”

A remarkable new play about the life of Henri Nouwen. 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 (323037) or at the door.

 

Bodnant Gardens & Llandudno: Tuesday 25^th June

Booking open for all parishioners. A few places left!

 

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.  

 

House Masses

Many thanks to Denise Joens for a lovely House Mass last week. Next up is Mary Briody’s in Newton, (lunchtime on Tuesday 14^th May). Sign-up sheets out now, and all welcome.

 

Photo of the Week: The Parish House

An unusual angle, shot by Geoff standing on Jill’s shoulders. Thanks, both!