Brothers and sisters,

I was so pleased with the response to the first Saturday Mass, I have decided to make this a fixture for the parish weekly schedule. So each Saturday, church will be open from 8:30 a.m., for Mass at 9, with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament immediately following, thereby allowing us to keep the church open for parishioners, visitors and city centre shoppers. Confessions will be available as usual from 10:30 till noon. I hope to use the Saturday Mass to introduce some simple plain chant for parts of the Mass, and we will end with the Marian anthem according to the season. Watch this space: all are welcome! Last Sunday, at the three celebrations in church, we replaced the penitential rite with the blessing of water and sprinkling of the congregation, this is an alternative used, particularly during Eastertide, as a reminder of Baptism, but was especially fitting last Sunday on the Solemnity of All Saints. The call to holiness - one of the hallmarks of the Second Vatican Council - is addressed to all of us and begins at our Baptism. As the saying goes “every saint has a past, every sinner, by God’s grace, has a future!  Fr David +

During the month of November, Mass will be offered once a week for our dearly departed and for those whose names are written in the book which will be open in the sanctuary throughout the month of the holy souls. May they rest in peace. 

 

Music for Remembrance and Reflection 

7.45 pm., Tuesday, 11th November St Werburgh’s Church with Chester Cathedral Nave Choir. Free entry with a retiring collection for the choir and the Hospice of the Good Shepherd.

 

Mass for the recently bereaved

Mass will be offered on Wednesday, November 12 at 7 pm. This Mass has been celebrated traditionally for those who have died in the past few years and for their loved ones mourn their passing. All parishioners, however, are very warmly invited to come along and remember their loved ones who have gone to the Lord. 

 

Bereavement and Loss Group

The group will meet on Wednesday 12th November in the Day Chapel from 1.15 pm to 2.45 pm.  All are very welcome for a cuppa and a chat.

 

The traditional blessing of graves

The blessing will take place at Blacon Crematorium on the 16th November 2025 and at Overleigh Cemetery on the 23rd November from 2 pm till 4 pm on both Sundays. 

 

First Holy Communion Meeting for Parents of those in this year’s program

Monday 10th November at 7:00 pm. The meeting will take place at St Werburgh's and St Columba's Catholic Primary School, Lightfoot St., Hoole, CH2 3AD. It is important that each family is represented, and we look forward to seeing you all there.

 

The St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP)

The SVP would like to invite you to the Winter District afternoon tea which will take place at St. Columba's Hall, in Newton, Chester, from 2 pm., on Saturday 15th November. Please join us to enjoy cake, tea and fantastic entertainment!

 

Welcome Wednesdays

Last week we enjoyed Fr David’s presence in the “Hot Seat”, and we thank him for his open, frank and fascinating response to the many questions directed to him. It was an extremely enjoyable and informative morning.  This coming Wednesday there will be more coffee, tea, chat and craft and crowns! 

 

Drop-in-Social

A date for your diary - Friday, 28th November, in the Day Chapel from 7 to 9 pm. New and Old Parishioner very Welcome for chat, wine and nibbles. 

 

Reaching the Unreached

Please see leaflets at the back of Church for information on this charity that serves the rural poor in South India, helping with childcare, education, health, housing, water and welfare. 

 

The Posada

A Mexican tradition in the form of a journey that starts on Advent Sunday, November 30. A leaflet, with instructions and suggestions for prayers for each host family to use is available at the back of the church. Please add your name to the rota, if you wish to “welcome” our Lady and St Joseph, providing your home location and contact telephone number. The arrangements for transfer are made between host families. The rota needs to be filled by the end of November. For further information please contact Elizabeth Hoey on 07884581897

 

St Werburgh's Prayer Group

We meet this coming Friday, 10.45 am November 14th in the Day Chapel. All are welcome. For further information, email Liturgy@stwerburghchester.co.uk

 

Date for your diary

On Friday, December 12, at 7 p.m., Bishop Davies will celebrate Mass at St Werburgh’s, during which he will receive Monsignor David’s Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity, as he is formally inducted as your new parish priest. More details to follow… 

 

The Holy Father’s prayer intention for the month of November

For the prevention of suicide:  that those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts might find the support, care, and love they need in their community, and be open to the beauty of life.

 

Please Note!

Deadline for Newsletter Items by Monday evening at the latest. Thank you for your cooperation. 

 

Photo of the week

Thank you to Ana Gasparini for sending in this photo taken by a group of Catholic High School students who visited Venice and Verona. They attended Mass at the Parish Church of San Martino di Venezze, near Rovigo, dedicated to St Martin of Tours. The group had travelled to Rome as part of the Jubilee celebrations, giving students the opportunity to visit many churches, as well as magnificent landmarks. They were able to enter through the Holy Doors of some of the major basilicas. On the feast of All Saints, the group had the unique opportunity to attend Mass with Pope Leo XIV in St Peter's Square, where our very own  St. John Henry Newman was declared Doctor of the Church.  The students loved every minute of the Jubilee Pilgrimage to Rome. One girl, in Y9, said she had “an unforgettable time and it will stay with her forever”.