Benediction in Honour of St Thérèse of Lisieux

Sunday 28th September, 3.00 pm, followed by veneration of the Relic of St Thérèse. Carmelite Monastery, 
12, Grosvenor Place, Birkenhead CH43 1UA

 

“Come to the Cabaret!” – And We Did!

Our newly formed Theatre Group has been another run-away success, with trips to Sister Act at Liverpool Empire, The Tempest at Chester Little Theatre, Romeo and Juliet at Hillbark and Spend, Spend, Spend, at Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre. It was six months ago that we floated the idea of a show in London’s West End, and Cabaret was the stand-out winner. Could it ever work? Well, on Wednesday 13th it triumphantly did, 24 of us on the train down to Euston, a very pleasant stroll through the heart of London, picnic lunch in Trafalgar Square and ready for Curtain Up at 2.00 pm. Tube to Warren Street afterwards was the only hairy part of the day – how on earth do people do this every day of their working lives? – and ready for that pizza and glass of wine. Our 8.00 pm train back was cancelled – could have been a disaster, but the 8.30 Manchester train, change at Crewe, meant we were only half an hour later back than expected. A wonderful day out ,and huge thanks to the Mommalat Booking Agency for making it all possible.

 

Talk from Historian Dr Anna French: 11th September

Dr Anna French of the University of Liverpool will come to St Werburgh’s on Thursday September 11th, to talk about the challenges that Catholics in this area faced after the Reformation. She will explain some of the developments that allowed a confident Catholic community to emerge and build a beautiful church like St Werburgh’s in 1875. The talk starts at 7.30 pm. Everyone welcome.

 

Heritage Open Doors 12- 21 Sept: “Architecture”

As usual we will be contributing to this occasion by opening the church to the public and giving formal and informal talks about the architecture and history of the church. Timetable:

• Sun 14 to Sun 21 Sept: Church Open each day, 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm: We would welcome two stewards each day, to assist the History Group member on duty. Please sign up on the stewards’ rota, if you can possibly help us for a session. In addition, the following events will take place during some of these open church sessions.
• Sun 14 Sept 2.00 -3.00 pm: Talk about the Architecture of St. Werburgh’s and how it changed over the years, in response to Historical Events.
• Wed 17 Sept from 1.00 pm - 3.00 pm: Aleta Doran will be in the porch to talk to anyone about the Trena Cox stained glass windows.
• There is also an event at the Lead Shot Tower from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sat 20 Sep. We have been asked to advertise/attend it, as so many of our parishioners have worked there in the past. You may drop in to see the display and chat to interested visitors.

 

Parish Diary September 2025 to July 2026

Almost ready to roll! Steve H is ironing out the last few clashes and glitches and hopes to have it ready for the printers – and the website – in the next week or so. It will be fairly detailed up to Christmas, and then more flexible after that, as Fr David settles in and does things his way!

 

Back from hols: Tea-Time Friday 5th September

 

House Mass: Wednesday 24th September 5.00 pm

Caritas Boxes Collection, 13th/14th September

 

150th  Celebrations - Wildflower scheme.

Dear parishioners, in celebration of our 150th year, we have 150 envelopes filled with wildflower seeds which can be planted all year round to create wildflowers in gardens and around the community.
Available after each Mass. Suggested donation £2.

 

Free Table – My Literature Books

Still a few Literature Books left: next up, History!

 

Donating to the Parish – Update

Our Card Reader/Contactless facility is at the back of church, plus online donations through the website and QR Code, now on Newsletters.

 

Our New 150th Anniversary Parish Prayer Book

Personal favourites Liturgy@stwerburghchester.co.uk

 

Dementia Group.

Our next get together is Thursday 4th September 10.45 am in the Day Chapel. Please join us.

 

How does this Priestly Retirement thing work? Pt II

Another question many of you have asked is, “Can you request a move from the Bishop? Can you refuse one?” The honest answer is “I don’t know!” I had a wonderful Seminary Rector in my tine out at the English College in Rome, 1986-92, Mgr Jack Kennedy, and he always dinned into us the mantra “Never request a move, never refuse a move”. It’s a policy I’ve always followed. He said it was one of the keys to a happy Priesthood, and I don’t think he was wrong. 

 

Caritas Boxes Collection, 13th/14th September

 

Loop System in Church Playing Up

We’re aware of the problem: Sound Engineers on their way.

 

Bereavement & Loss Group

Next meeting September 10th at 1:15 pm to 2:45 pm. Old friends and new very welcome to join us.

 

Parish Safeguarding Training Sept 22nd 7 pm.

Parishioners who would like to continue working to ensure that our parish is a safe and welcoming place, are required at the Safeguarding Training session detailed above. Parish volunteers who have not attended previous sessions and who work with under 18’s and vulnerable adults are required to attend. 
This is a repeat of previous sessions.

 

Welcome Wednesday

Re-Starts in the Day Chapel Wednesday 10th September at 10.00 am. We look forward to seeing old friends and new!

 

St Werburgh’s Young Adults – You’re Invited!

We’re excited to welcome you back for our next meet-up on Friday, 5th September, from 6:30 pm onwards at St Werburgh’s Church Day Chapel. Whether you’re a student, a young professional, or a couple starting out, this is a space for anyone aged 18+ to feel welcome. 

 

Gardening Group – New members wanted

Our gardening group need some help. If you’d like to find out more email : liturgy@stwerburghchester.co.uk

 

Photo of the Week: What Was There Before Indigo?

The Petrol Station, with the driveway into the church on the left. Shot from the far side of Grosvenor Pk Rd.