A few words from your parish priest… My dear brothers and sisters, we have almost reached the end of the beautiful season of Advent. A time of waiting. For those of you with young children at home or nearby, I’m sure they’ve been counting down the sleeps ‘til Christmas day. It’s a time of hope, we are, by virtue of our baptism, a people of hope, and this past year we have celebrated a JUBILEE OF HOPE, opened by Pope Francis (RIP) and which will soon be closed by Pope Leo XIV. How have we used the time of Advent, indeed how have we made use of the special graces available throughout the Holy Year? Have we deepened our relationship with the Lord? Have we made more time for prayer? Have we spent ourselves in the service of others? Wherever we find ourselves on the road, we’re invited to come to the manger; to come as we are… It’s been a year of changes for the parish, and now, we prepare to celebrate the 150^th anniversary of the first solemn celebration of Holy Mass on Christmas day. Surely that is the key or put simply HE is the key. To Him we come, before Him we fall on our knees… He is the One who, amid changes, ups and downs, uncertainties and challenges is the same, yesterday, today and forever, Jesus Christ, who became one like us and whom we encounter, unworthy as we are, in the Blessed Eucharist. Come, let us adore Him and may He find an open doorway into our hearts this Christmas. May God bless you all and may you and your loved ones, near and far, experience the joy and peace of this holy season.

With gratitude and affection, Feliz Navidad. Fr David +

Why not join us for early morning Mass, at the end of the Novena, celebrated at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this week.

Sacrament of Reconciliation. Once again there will be a priest available for confession from 8:30 am., this Sunday morning, (and for as long is necessary). Do come and experience the tender compassion of our God in this wonderful sacrament. There are also plenty of opportunities at St Francis in the last few days before Christmas.

Decorating the Church for Christmas Monday 22nd December - Please do come along to church at 10.30 to help decorate for Christmas. There are the nativity figures to arrange, a tree to set up and radiators to adorn. Many hands will help get the job done quickly and there may even be a snack or two to keep the energy levels up! Thanks in advance. There won’t be Eucharistic Adoration on the 22^nd.

Christmas Eve Family Masses (4 pm and 6 pm) online booking available: do let your friends and family know! 

Volunteers for Christmas readers, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion and welcomers: Please sign up using the form available at the back of Church. There are still a few spaces to cover!

Welcome Wednesday finished the year with a prayerful and moving Advent reflection composed of well-loved carols and poetry, prepared and led by Lyn. This was followed by a Christmas quiz led by Mave and Shirley. The welcome team looks forward to seeing you all again from January 7, 2026.

Besides the History Book (£7 donation) a fictional story based on our patroness, St Werburgh, written by Zosia Archibald and illustrated by CHS student May Haydock and Stephen Hutchinson, will be available after all Sunday masses. The suggested price for this book is £5. An additional donation to the Hospice of the Good Shepherd is very welcome.

Money Matters A brand-new card machine is now located at the side altar, near the sacristy door. Please make good use of it for various donations. There’s still the opportunity to donate to the flower fund. We had a great response on the plate, and I know that many did use the machine. The full amount will be communicated soon. As of Christmas, you’ll be able to make Crib offerings using them, which will be forwarded duly to Caritas. You can also use the QR code to the left. Thank you for your continued support to the parish and the Diocese of Shrewsbury. 

Photo of the week: Posada at the Presbytery: 9 am Altar Server and Domino champion, Joe Baxter, hands over the Holy Family to Fr David, after making room for them in his home the day before