St Werburgh's Catholic Parish, Chester
SUNDAY 15th FEBRUARY 2026: Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dear friends, Wednesday marks the beginning of our Lenten journey towards the celebration of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ at Easter: the holiest time of the Christian year, for which we make our hearts ready through prayer, fasting and works of charity. We will renew, once more, the promises of our baptism and publicly profess our faith together. As you can see, on Wednesday, we will have the blessing and imposition of the ashes at mass to be celebrated at 7:30 am, the usual 12:15 pm, and then at 7:30 pm, at which the choir will sing the Mass of San Lorenzo, which will then be used on each of the Sundays throughout Lent.
Each Friday evening, Stations of the Cross will take place at 7 p.m., and will be led by individuals or groups from the parish), beginning on the 20th of February, followed by Eucharist Adoration, which will conclude with Benediction and Night Prayer of the Church (Compline). Also, I will offer an extra Mass each Thursday morning at 7:30 a.m., during Lent; a quiet and reflective moment for those who wish to come along before heading off to school or to work.
On Saturday, March 21st, at 2 p.m., we will have a service of healing and hope during which we will pray for those who are sick, and the sacrament of reconciliation and anointing of the sick will be offered. More details will follow nearer to the time.
Brothers and sisters, I do encourage each one of us to use the Lenten journey well and make the most of the opportunities, both here in the parish and at home, to grow in your relationship with the Lord, through prayer and service to your neighbour. As St Paul reminds us: “Now is the favourable time, this is the day of salvation.” With every good wish and blessing, Fr David +
Welcome Wednesday. 18th February 10 am to 12 noon. We look forward to a talk from David Kluth. He will tell us about his experiences with “The Great Man-made River Project”. All are welcome. Come along for a cuppa & a chat.
A Liturgy Planning Meeting to look specifically at Holy Week and Easter will take place on Thursday 19th February at 7 p.m. in the parish meeting room (former day chapel)
Lead Kindly Light – The Journey in Faith. The next meeting will take place on Wednesday 25th February at 7 p.m., when Fr David will share with the group on the theme of Divine Revelation “The God who speaks”. There is still time to join us, however, we will soon finalise the calendar of meetings for those who wish to commit to this journey.
Hospice fundraising – read all about it! Please see the information sheet at the back of church for details of monies raised during the 150th anniversary year.
Parish prayer book to be launched at the start of Lent and will be available for a donation of £5. All proceeds to Mary’s Meals. www.marysmeals.org.uk
Lenten material at the back of church from CAFOD including information & envelopes for the customary Family Fast Day, scheduled this year for Friday 27th February. Please help yourself to an envelope and prayer card and visit cafod.org.uk/livelent for further resources and information.
Sacred Heart Messenger for this month and next, and My Day by Day for Lent are also available at the back of church, please do take one if you wish to nourish your spiritual formation. Offerings in the box. Many thanks!
World Day of Prayer Service, International, Ecumenical, Women-led, All Are Welcome Friday 6th March 10.30 am, At St John the Baptist Church, Vicarage Lane, Chester CH1 1QX
Photo of the week: Thank you to Anne Rushton for sending in this photo of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour and St Cumin in Morar, near Mallaig on the west coast of Scotland. The church was built and dedicated by the Lovat family in 1889 for the people of the area.
