My dear parishioners, friends and visitors to the parish: May I wish you and all your loved ones every blessing for the new year 2026, which has just begun. I was very encouraged to see so many join us for Mass at the end and the beginning of the year. Such an expression of love to the Lord can only be a source of blessings for the whole parish: rooted in Christ, listening to His Word and celebrating his love with faith and devotion as we gather to celebrate the sacraments. As you know, Tuesday is a holy day of obligation, while I understand that many will have resumed their professional activities and others returned to school etc., everyone should make an effort to come to Mass and celebrate this important feast day in the Christmas season.

Looking ahead, and as per my discussions with the parish council and other parishioners, we will conclude our 150^th anniversary celebrations with a St Werburgh week. This will include a solemn celebration of Mass on the feast day of our patroness, Tuesday, February 3 at 7:30 pm, as well as the customary social at the parish club on Friday February 6, along with other moments for prayer, reflection and formation during the week (1-6 February). For further information and to help with the organization of the week, you’re invited to an open meeting, in the former day chapel on Thursday, January 15 at 7:30 pm.

Many of you are accustomed to asking for Mass to be offered for particular intentions, this is a great practice. Mass offered for the living or the dead has no cost but does have eternal value! It is customary, however, to make an offering to the clergy when requesting a mass. I have already received some intentions, but not that many, and have applied nearly all those sent in before and since my arrival. You can make a request at any time. When doing so, I’d be grateful if you could write the name/intention in block capitals and indicate if the person is living or deceased, as well as the date and preferred time and we will try and accommodate you as we are able. With much gratitude and a promise of prayer for you all, Fr David +

Crib offerings for CARITAS Shrewsbury. You can make a donation in the baskets provided close to the crib, at the foot of the altar, which will remain in place until January 12. Donations can still be made to the Caritas at Christmas appeal until the end of the month using the two card readers or indeed on line. Thank you, as ever, for your continued generosity and support.

Chris and Liz will deliver Safeguarding Training at 7.00 pm on Tuesday 13th January in the Parish Meeting Room. Attendees will gain an understanding of safeguarding issues and how to respond to any disclosures. Any volunteers who are DBS cleared and have not attended previous training sessions are required to attend. In addition, we invite any Parishioners who wish to increase their understanding of Safeguarding. This is part of our mission to develop a Safeguarding Culture within the parish to help ensure that it is a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

There are several copies of Day by Day, small pocket-sized devotionals, available at the back of church. You can place all monies in the box near the piety stall. These booklets contain the readings for Mass. There were several left over after December and thus thrown away. Why not consider gifting an extra copy for a neighbour or friend? The next orders we make will reflect the actual number of copies required, instead of them ending up in the recycling bin.

From January 7, Welcome Wednesday will be offering a warm drink and friendship after the Christmas recess

The young adults Jesus prayer group will meet on Friday, 9th January, from 6:30 pm in the former day chapel. Whether you’re a student, a young professional, or a couple starting out… do join us for a time of praise and worship, sharing and nibbles followed by a game night at The Storyhouse for those who wish !

The Bereavement and Loss Group will meet in the Day Chapel on Wednesday, Jan 14^th from 1:15 pm to 2:45 pm

Photo of the week: Thank you to Anne Rushton for sending in this photo of Henry VIII’s wine cellar in the original palace of Whitehall, now below a building owned by the Ministry of Defence in Whitehall.