All about Advent. This Sunday and next, it is “the greatest born of women” who accompanies us, nevertheless, John knows he is the voice and not the Word, not even worthy, as he says, to untie the sandal straps of the Messiah. The Baptist gives us a great example of humility as he points to the Lamb, for he knows that he must decrease so that Christ may increase. We need that same humility to allow Christ to enter into our lives and shape them more and more after his likeness. For this to come about we need to repent – metanoia – a fundamental theme of Advent: the reset we all require to become better Christians and more faithful witnesses to God’s love in the world. To help us, the Church gives us the Sacrament of Reconciliation. For those who wish to avail themselves of this beautiful gift, confessions will be available between the two morning masses this Sunday, and from 8 till 9 a.m., on the Third and Fourth Sunday, as well as from 10-11 a.m., on those Sundays. There will also be a short reconciliation service, with time for personal prayer and individual celebration of the sacrament on Monday, December 15 at 7 p.m. Christ was born in a stable, but our Lady and St Joseph made every effort for the space to be just right for God’s greatest gift. Salvation is close at hand…Let’s use this time to prepare our hearts. Fr David +

Liturgy Matters I am very grateful to a member of the parish community for the generous donation of a beautiful new Book of Gospels, which will be used during the rite of induction next Friday and then be used as a regular feature in our Sunday and more solemn liturgies throughout the year. I am currently preparing a paper on the liturgy more generally, which will soon be available on the website and in hard copies at the back of Church. 

Immaculate Mary. Solemn Mass on Monday to honour our Mother on one of the Church’s most important days: a mystery of mercy. Why not join us, along with some of the students from the Catholic High for Mass, in church, at 12:15 pm.

Christmas Novena, from December 16 till the morning of December 24, (with the exception of Saturday and Sunday), an extra Mass will be celebrated at 7:30 a.m., each morning: a quiet and reflective opportunity to make immediate preparation for the birth of Emmanuel. I think especially of those who work and might welcome the opportunity to come to Holy Mass during the week. Reminders will follow. 

Flower Power I am grateful to those who regularly arrange flowers for us in church. Perhaps there are some more willing volunteers among you? Do make yourself known to the parish office or to Marie Cunniff, who will be happy to train. Also next Sunday, we’ll take up a special retiring collection for the flower fund to embellish the church for Christmastide. Please give generously! There will be an option to contribute via the card machine. We will purchase a Christmas tree. for the porch for which you are invited to write a prayer on a small white star provided to be hung upon it. Similarly, Welcome Wednesday wishes to thank Marie for her brilliant Christmas floral demonstration. The stunning results were sold plus other floral arrangements Marie had made beforehand and all together £127 was raised for the Hospice.  

Time for a tune? Our fine church organ needs one. It’s booked for Wednesday the 10^th from 10 am till 4 p.m.  Holy Mass will be celebrated at 7 pm, on that day. Thank you for your cooperation.

CathSoc Cakes: Sunday, December 7, after the 9 and 10:45 masses CathSoc will hold a cake sale to help the work of Mary’s Meals. Why not but a pre-Christmas treat and support a great cause at the same time?  

The Bereavement & Loss Group will meet on Wednesday 10^th December, from 1:15 pm to 2:45 pm in the former Day Chapel.

St Werburgh's Prayer Group meets on Friday 12^th December 10.45 am in the Meeting Room. All are welcome. For further information, email Liturgy@stwerburghchester.co.uk 

Christmas Eve Family Masses (4 pm and 6 pm). Due to the high demand for attendance at these celebrations in previous years, an online booking system is now available. Alternatively contact admin@stwerburghchester.co.uk

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

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). 

Welcomers Rota: Please sign up for the December Welcomer’s Rota for Christmas celebrations is on the chest of drawers at the back of the Church. We are grateful to anyone for being a Welcomer —  all that is necessary is your warm smile and to arrive 30 minutes before Mass!

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. An option on the card machine is also available.

A special celebration to thank Mrs Oates for her dedicated years of service as Headteacher at the primary school will take place on Thursday, 18th December at 6:30 pm, at St Columba’s Church. For further information or to confirm your attendance, please contact the primary school or via https://forms.office.com/e/9bNg70BFcR

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the annual retiring collection last Sunday for the Clergy Education and Training Fund. There was a great response; over £900! If anyone was not able to contribute and wishes to do so, just put your offering in an envelope marked “Training Fund” and we’ll ensure that it’s sent to the Diocese. A BIG thank you for your continued generosity in all areas of the life and mission of the Church. 

Photo of the week: Thanks to Pat Cummins for scenes from tranquil Ballina, Co. Mayo in the west of Ireland: Ballina Cathedral; a fairy house in the woods; floral arrangement in the hall of Mount Falcon; and a trout leaping out of the Lake at Mount Falcon (taken by Aoife).