My dear brothers & sisters in Jesus Christ, today we reflect on the Word of God in the life of the Church and in the life of each one of us. How do we approach the Word? Do we listen attentively and in a spirit of faith at Mass? Do I make time to read the scriptures during the week? Important questions for people of faith to consider… There are some copies of St Matthew’s gospel at the back of Church. It’s the Gospel we’ll hear at Sunday Mass throughout the year. Do consider taking a copy, at no charge! and commit to reading even just a few verses each day, so that it’s His Word that becomes our first reference point, as a light for our steps to help us grow in faith and discipleship.

As you know the feast day of our patron, St Werburgh, is fast approaching! Please do try and come to one of the events during the week beginning February 2nd! There’ll be a Mass of Thanksgiving on February 3rd and a special open evening celebration with music, poetry and song, on Thursday, February 5th, as we reflect on the past and embrace the present and future with trust in God’s love and hope in his promises. These are great opportunities for parishioners and friends to come together. I am encouraging each one of you to take home a flyer announcing these two key events and to invite a friend or neighbour to come along with you… There’ll be the usual social, at the parish centre, from 7 -10 pm on Friday the 6th: a chance to relax and catch up with friends, with a singsong and a prize draw. If you’d like to come along to the social at the club, do please sign up at the back of church or via the website (before Feb 2, please for catering purposes). stwerburghchester.co.uk/parish-social/

It gives me great joy to know that our community is growing, and to those who have made an enquiry about the Catholic Faith, and to any others who might wish to come along, I will host a meeting with our Diocesan Catechist, Natalie Orefice, on Wednesday 28th January at 7:30 pm. Spread the word and ask the Holy Spirit to help and inspire us. May God bless you all and may our Lady, Help of Christians form us into missionary disciples of her Son. Fr David +

Last chance to donate to the CARITAS Shrewsbury Christmas appeal (aka Crib offerings) and to the priests’ retirement fund via the card reader. Thank you for your continued financial support. May God reward your generosity.

We would like to thank all who attending the Safeguarding training on Tuesday 13th January. This, as indicated previously, is an important part of developing an understanding of Safeguarding withing our Parish. Further training will be offered later in the year. Belatedly, we have now received Training Certificates for those who attended training in January and May 2025 (sorry for the delay). These will be available to collect at the back of Church this weekend. We will also issue certificates for those who attended the last session asap.

Welcome Wednesday – On January 28, Tony Proctor will be presenting the Final Episode of the History of a Pocket Watch. All are welcome for a cup of tea and a chat in the parish meeting room. 10 am to 12 noon. (If you missed the first two episodes, Tony will start with a brief re-cap).

Flamenco Show - Friday 30th January St Werburgh's Parish Centre - 7:00 pm. Featuring award winning Flamenco dancer Maria del Mar, and local dance group Deva Flamenco. Tickets £9.90 (£8 for St Werburgh’s parishioners) http://www.wegottickets.com/event/686665 Email: contact@devaflamenco.com for tickets.

A Choral Workshop led by Will Todd Saturday 31st January Saint Mary's Church, Handbridge. Registration: 11:30 am. Workshop: 12 noon to 4:30 pm (lunch 1 pm-2 pm). Performance: 5 pm to 6 pm. 4:30 pm tea/coffee/cakes! Audience tickets can be purchased online for £5 or at the door. See:

https://chesterbachsingers.org.uk/event/workshop-with-will-todd-all-will-be-well/

 ‘The Slow Work of God’. A presentation at St Werburgh’s 12th February at 7.30 pm, by Stephen McCarthy about his latest book, of the same title. Flyers at the back of church.

St Bede’s School Reunion Tuesday 3^rd March 1:00 pm: All former pupils are invited to a reunion at the Albion Inn, Albion Street, Chester, CH1 1RN. The pub provides food if required. Please spread the word to family and friends and if you have any photos or memorabilia please it along to share those memories. Please contact Geraldine Jones (née Hughes) on 07763662701 for further information.

The School Mission Team (SMT) at St Werburgh's & St Columba's School will use the arch in the prayer garden as a focus for prayer. The school are invited to tie a ribbon on the arch for each prayer intention. Please donate ribbons or coloured string you no longer need by placing these in the box at the back of Church. The SMT are really excited about seeing the arch become colourful with prayer intentions! Thank you in advance.

St Werburgh’s on the ‘Gram: Please visit: https://www.instagram.com/stwerburgh_chester/

Photo of the week: Thank you to John Curtis for sending in this photo of the Crib in front of the Altar: Christmas 2025.