Message to St Werburgh’s from our Lord Mayor

“I was deeply saddened to hear of the sad passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. His departure marks a profound loss not only to the Catholic Church and its community but to all who were touched by his messages and dedication. Pope Francis dedicated his life to serving others and promoting peace, justice and those living in vulnerable situations. Therefore, during this period of mourning and on behalf of the City of Chester, I would like to extend my deep respect and condolences to you all and to those who cherished him. May you find comfort in the memories of his work and the knowledge that Pope Francis provided inspiration to many across the globe.  With deepest sympathy, Razia Daniels.”

 

Parish Council Thursday this week

Items for inclusion should be sent to any PC member.

 

Cake Sale for Hospice & Scouting Overseas

Katie and Juliet Rothwell will be running a cake sale on 4th May after the 10.45 Mass to raise money for the Hospice and for Scouting Overseas. Allergy friendly gluten, dairy and egg free options will be available. 

 

Online Giving and Donations

A link for Online Donations is now available on the Home Page of our website, including a QR Code.

 

Bereavement Group Meeting

Come for a coffee and chat on Wednesday 14th May, 1.15 - 2.45 pm. In the Day Chapel. All welcome.

 

Christleton Churches Together 

Our popular Sunday Teas run from the beginning of June till the end of September. We are looking forward to your continuing support and hope that some people might feel able to make a cake or offer to help out at one of the Sunday afternoons. This year we are raising funds for Medecins San Frontieres (Doctors without Borders). If you feel you would like to know more about their work you would be most welcome at our AGM on May 21st, 7.30 pm at Christleton Parish Hall, when MSF will be giving a zoom presentation. Offers of help to  Sheila  01244 335764 or Anne 01244 313409.

 

Next Theatre Outing – Romeo & Juliet at Hillbark

Tuesday 24th June at 7.30 pm. For over 60 years Hillbark Players have been creating open air productions of Shakespeare’s plays and have become a unique part of Wirral’s cultural heritage. Venue - Royden Park, Frankby, Wirral. Tickets £16.50. The plan is to book a minibus from Chester (tba). Please sign up at the back of Church - deadline Monday 12th May.

 

Next Lourdes Hospitality Meeting – 21st May

You are invited to continue our reflection on the role of the Hospitality, building on the previous lively discussions and consider areas for further development.  Wednesday 21st May 7.00 pm at St Columba’s. Confirm your attendance at secretary@teamshrewsbury.co.uk

 

Talk by Michael Merrick on Young Catholics Today

Catholic commentator and teacher Michael Merrick will come here on Thursday, June 5th to give a talk on young people and the Church, the pressures young people face today, and on the response that the Church and Parish Communities can offer. Talk starts at 7.30 pm. It is free and open to all. Michael is a Catholic parent himself and director of Education for Diocese of Lancaster.

 

Financial Year End Headline Figures: 2024-25

• Income = £138,796
• Expenditure = £111,843
• Surplus = £26,953.

More Details next week. 

 

Chester Photo Festival: Making Voices Heard

9th-22nd May: entries from all over the world and many people will be coming to see their exhibits here.

 

Hospice Fund Raising: 28% of the Way There!

Please read the flyer in every newsletter this weekend about our fabulous Lego Model of the Church which I have personally constructed (he lied) as part of our 150th celebrations. There are three versions on offer: Bronze (over 700 bricks + special “1875” commemorative brick), Silver ( bronze + Fr Paul minifigure ), Gold ( silver + Hardback book of instructions). Loose leaf instructions come with Bronze and Silver. The price of each kit is the cost of the bricks and a minimum donation to the Hospice. These kits would make fantastic presents and orders are already coming in. Also almost ready now with our fabulous Parish Recipe Books. Our Just Giving page is https://www.justgiving.com/page/150-years-of-st-werburghs 

 

SVP Spring Mass - Sunday 11th May at 2.30 pm

All warmly invited and you’re most welcome to stay on for a tea party in the back of the church afterwards. If you need transport, please ring Fran 07990-524-780.

 

Welcome Wednesdays Rock On!

As a result of the very worthwhile talk last Wednesday from Laura Jones (Age UK Cheshire) we are all a bit more Scam Savvy. Her Talk created a lot of discussion and gave us very valuable information. Next week we will have up-dates on the Recipe Book, Summer Fete on 21st June and the sponsored Domino Marathon, plus our usual coffee, tea and chat. ALL Welcome.”

 

Safeguarding Training for All Volunteer Parishioners

Our Parish Safeguarding Representatives will be holding Safeguarding Training Sessions on Tuesday 13th May at 7.00 pm and Thursday 15th May at 2.00 pm. If you work in the parish as a volunteer with children or vulnerable adults, we would like you to attend. 

 

St Werburgh’s Parish Pilgrimage Walk to Flint

Saturday 28th June, then on Sunday 29th on to Holywell. John writes: “We are doing really well with numbers signed up to walk – only 5-6 places left each day. But we’ve only one offer of non-walking support so far. It would be great to have one or more volunteers either or both days who could support by car in case anyone struggles to complete the walk.” Help out? Please contact: john.egan1935@gmail.com

 

SVP Second Collection 17/18 May

In support of the SVP activities in the Parish and in the wider area of Chester. The SVP Holiday Home at Talacre is available for 30 weeks a year and allows a family to have a holiday who otherwise couldn’t.

 

Photo of the Week: Mull of Kintyre

In 1887 a painting of the crucifixion was discovered by a fisherman in a small island cave off the Mull of Kintyre. It was made by local art teacher Archibald MacKinnon who said the image had come to him in a dream. He returned to the area a number of times to retouch the painting, and restoration has continued to this day. Stephen Barnes 2024 – thanks, Steve!