Dear brothers & sisters, a week after we celebrated the Baptism of the Lord, and recalled the wonderful gift of our own baptism, St Paul tells us today, quite simply, that we are “called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours”. It’s not just about me and my God. After all, we don’t say “my” Father who art in heaven… We’re part of a community, from the first moments of our existence. It is what it means to be human; we are social beings, and it’s particularly timely for us to recall this truth at the beginning of the week of prayer for Christian Unity. Unity is our strength, and indeed on a spiritual level it is of utmost importance, for it’s by the love we have for one another that we can be known as his disciples. That is a great gift, but it’s also an awesome responsibility! Our hearts long for unity, yet sadly divisions persist. We do call God our Father, but all too often struggle to love our brother or sister who stands next to us. Perhaps an effort we can all make, during a time of prayer or reflection, this week is to take a look at where I experience division in my own life, even within my own self, and ask the Lord, who is One, to unite us, to bring us healing and keep us in harmony for his glory and the good of souls. With a blessing and every good wish, Fr David +

Today, January 18, at 5:00 pm for those who are able, there will be a united Service at Chester Cathedral, with the Rt Rev. Kenneth Nowakowski of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of the Holy Family, London delivering the sermon. Then, each day, in the following places of worship, a brief service will be held at 12 noon:

• 19th - Waverton Evangelical Fellowship and St Peter's, City Centre
• 20th - Rowton Methodists and The Salvation Army.
• 21st - St Peter's Waverton and St Peter's, City Centre
• 22nd - St James's Christleton and Wesley Methodist, City Centre
• 23rd - Christleton Methodist and St Peter's, City Centre
• 24th - St Werburgh's Church.

Then, in conclusion, on Sunday the 25th at 7 pm., Christleton Methodist Church will host the final service. Refreshments served. Do try and go along to one or more of these services.

Give us a follow! The Instagram account is up and running since December 30, giving the parish an opportunity to connect with the digital world, with now over 4,000 visits! See https://www.instagram.com/stwerburgh_chester/

Tuesday 20th January at 6:30 pm in St Werburgh's Church there will be a meeting and class for parents and children not attending St Werburgh's & St Columba's Primary School. This is the final class for the children before First Forgiveness, so attendance is very important. The children will need their preparation books and pencil cases.

Welcome Wednesday on January 21^st  will host an activities session with chat, craft, dominoes from 10 am to 12 noon, in the parish meeting room. Our sincere thanks to Judith Done for her heart-warming and wonderful account of her Ukrainian godson and his family last week. Enjoyed by all who came along.

The Parish History Group will meet for the first time in 2026 on Wednesday, 21^st January at 6.00 pm in the presbytery.

Wanting to become a Catholic? Curious to know a little more? Why not join Fr David and Diocesan Catechist, Natalie Orefice at a meeting on Wednesday 28 January at 7:30pm., to see how we can support you on this beautiful journey. Those who have already expressed an interest will receive a personal invitation to attend.

Stephen McCarthy will come to talk about his latest book, ‘The Slow Work of God’. on 12th February at 7.30 pm in the meeting room (former day chapel). Published in 2025, the work links the climate crisis to excessive consumption and the unequal distribution of wealth. Inspired, among others, by Teilhard de Chardin, Steve argues that a radical change of hearts and minds can and is already happening, albeit slowly, as the title of the book suggests. All are welcome to hear him explain these ideas in detail.

Photo of the week: Thank you to Karen Phillips for sending in this photo of the Sanctuary of St Anthony Wonderworker (Sant'Antonio Nuovo), the largest Catholic church in Trieste, on the Adriatic coast of Italy, built from 1825-1842.