TWO IMPERATIVES set the tone for the beginning of Advent in this Sunday’s readings. The first is from St Paul “Wake up!”: You know that feeling when that alarm goes off on a cold winter’s morning, and with it comes the temptation to stay just a few more minutes under the warm blankets.  The second is from our Lord himself “Stay Awake!”, which after a long day, I certainly struggle to do and quite easily begin to drift or yawn, or both! At the start of the Church’s new year, it’s good to look at the ordering of our lives and see which of these biblical commands to which we need to pay the most attention. Have I drifted off? Am dormant in the faith? Just how is the Lord calling me to grow? it’s always going to be a call to convert, “for salvation is nearer to us now, then when we first believed…” So let’s “put on Jesus Christ” and make ourselves ready, for “the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect”. May Advent be a time of profound renewal for us all. Fr David +

The study series on the Advent Sunday Gospels has begun: why not sign up and follow Mauro’s talks and gain from his spiritual insights? https://comeandsee.org/advent25 . Can’t do Wednesday? No Problem! Recordings are available if you register online. 

 

Paula & Bernice wish to inform us that the Repository will close after morning Masses on Sunday 30th November.  The sale of Christmas Cards for the Hospice of the Good Shepherd amounted to the wonderful sum of £600. There are a few more available.  Thank you for your continuing and valued support during the year. 

 

The First Sacraments Meeting and Class for families whose children are not at the Parish Primary School will take place on Tuesday 2nd December at 6:30 pm at St Werburgh’s. The parents will meet with Fr David in church, as discussed, to allow for both parents to attend, if they wish, meanwhile, children will need their workbooks, folders and pencil cases for their own catechesis in the meeting room.

 

The St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) invites you all to enjoy some tea and cake at the Chester Catholic Highschool on Wednesday 3rd December at 2 pm. Please contact Marco on svpchester@gmail.com mobile 07778 392816. 

 

Welcome Wednesday, December 3rd will host Marie Cunniff for a “Christmas Floral Demonstration” from 10.45 am. Please do come for coffee, dominoes and chat beforehand. Marie is also bringing with her some pre-prepared small Christmas floral  arrangements, and these will be on sale on behalf of our Jubilee Hospice Appeal - so bring your wallets and purses too!

 

St Werburgh’s Young Adults – You’re Invited! : We’re excited to welcome you back for our next meet-up on Friday, 5th December, 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.

 

“King most holy, King of truth… guide the youth..” A special word of thanks to all who took part in last Sunday evening’s celebration: readers, servers, musicians and more, as well as those who worked in preparation for the Mass. All called to be witnesses to Christ by growing in friendship with Him. 

 

Bishop Mark Davies will induct our parish priest just under two weeks from now on Friday 12th December during the celebration of Mass at 7pm. All are warmly invited to accompany Fr David and to pray for him and his mission in our parish. More details will be shared next week

 

Carol Singing around Countess of Chester hospital wards. Wednesday 17th December at 6.30 pm.  Meeting Point - Spiritual Care Centre F1. For more information: Chaplaincy (01244) 364543 coch.chaplaincy@nhs.net

 

Christmas Eve Family Masses (4 pm and 6 pm). Due to the attendance at these celebrations in previous years, a booking system will be available online from 7th December, alternatively contact admin@stwerburghchester.co.uk 

 

Volunteers for Christmas Ministries. Please sign up as soon as possible using the form available at the back of Church for trained readers, welcomers, and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC). Altar servers have their own version in the sacristy.

 

Fr Paul has been in touch. He was so surprised and sincerely appreciative of your generosity  and has asked that his sincere thanks be conveyed to everyone. The money collected, as per his request, is to go to the 150th Hospice Appeal. 

 

The “St Werburgh’s Church 1875 to 2025” book is now ready to purchase! This 208-page colour softback is a fascinating history of St Werburgh’s Church and is available for purchase for a minimum donation of £7. 

 

To  celebrate Mrs. Oates’ dedicated years of service as Headteacher of St Werburgh’s and St Columba’s School, a Mass of thanksgiving will be celebrated on Thursday, 18th December at 6:30 pm, at St Columba’s Church. A cheese and wine Reception will follow in the church hall. Children are welcome at both the service and the reception. For further information or to confirm your attendance at the event, you are invited to contact the primary school or via https://forms.office.com/e/9bNg70BFcR , for catering purposes. 

 

This weekend, at all the Masses, we will have the annual retiring collection for the Clergy Education and Training Fund. Please give generously to support the formation of our future pastors and remember them in your prayers.

 

CathSoc Cakes: Next Sunday, December 7, after the 9 and 10:45 masses CathSoc will hold a cake sale to support the great work of Mary’s Meals. Please support their efforts for such a wonderful cause. 

Photo of the week: Thanks to Peter Lunt for sending in this photo of St Werburgh's Church, taken just before the 7:30 a.m. Mass on All Saints Day 2017. Early building work on the hotel next door can be seen in progress.