Dear friends, today we have much to celebrate: Easter is that bit closer, when we will, once again, celebrate the mysteries of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus, which give us life, and it is for this reason that Holy Church bids us rejoice. How many situations and difficulties do we encounter that seem to rob us of that joy. We must resolve to be fervent in prayer and offer our lives in loving service of others, so that our joy may increase and we can share the joy of the Gospel, that is the joy of knowing Christ and share his message with others. The fourth Sunday of Lent is traditionally Mothering Sunday, and so we also give thanks for those who gave us life and those who continue to do so, by their care and attention. We pray for mothers everywhere, for those who are with us and those who have died. We also give thanks for the light of faith, which illumines our life on earth and pray that we be enabled to see in a new way, going beyond appearances to that which is essential, for this is the dynamic of the sacraments, which we ought to celebrate and receive with lively faith and devotion. May God bless you and keep you always in his care. Fr David +

Planned Giving/Gift Aid - If you pay income tax, joining the Gift Aid scheme increases the value of your donations to the Parish by 25% at no extra cost to you. If you no longer pay income tax, have changed your home address in the last 2 years, wish to join the Gift Aid Scheme, or simply update your planned giving/gift aid, please contact Denise Jones via the parish office admin@stwerburghchester.co.uk by 5^th April.

New Tax Year Weekly Offertory Envelopes. The 2026/27 envelopes are available at the back of church. They start from the first Sunday in the new tax year which will be Sunday 12th April. If you use envelopes, please help by collecting yours as soon as possible. Thank you.

The Lenten Lunch on 9^th March, which was hosted jointly by parishioners of St Werburgh’s, and members of the Wesley Methodist church and the Welsh Presbyterian church, raised a whopping £543 for Christian Aid. This event is always popular and was attended last week by 60 people. Well done to everyone who helped organise this.

SVP and the Sixth Form students from Chester Catholic High School would like to invite everyone to Afternoon Tea and Bingo at the school on Tuesday 17th March 2026 at 2:00 pm. If you need transportation or would like further information, please contact Marco: svpchester@gmail.com or 07778 392816; meanwhile, the SVP Winter Collection raised £1873.13. Thank you for your generous support to allow the Conference to continue to “turn concern into action!” Another practical way to show love for our neighbour this Lent, is through Refugee Assist, an Ellesmere Port-based charity created to support refugees arriving in the UK. They need the following items: Men’s jackets, T-shirts (sizes m &l), jeans, joggers, socks and trainers sizes 7 8 9 10 11. They also need backpacks that will take an A4 folder, new pillows, blankets, pans, tents, sleeping bags and suitcases. Please contact a member of the SVP for further information at svpchester@gmail.com or 07778 392816

First Holy Communion Group Events: On Tuesday 17th March at 6:30 pm at St Werburgh's church, there will be a meeting for parents and a class for the children who don't attend the parish primary school. Children will need their new workbooks and pencils.

Welcome Wednesday. Thanks to Bernice for the enjoyable Bingo games last week. This coming Wednesday 18th March 10:00 am to 12:00 pm., students from the Catholic High, and their chaplain, Ana Gasparini who will lead a Lenten reflection at 11 am in the church. Everyone is most welcome to join. 

Annual Reader’s Review – Wednesday 18^th March 3:00 pm or 7:30 pm. A reminder to all readers that although the training sessions are not mandatory, all readers are encouraged to attend one of the sessions.

The Parish History Group will be meeting on Wed 18^th March at 6.00 pm in the Presbytery. Newcomers welcome.

Dementia / Carer’s Prayer Group: 10.45 am Thursday 19^th March. In the Day Chapel. Please bring a prayer, a poem or a piece of prose to share. All very welcome.

A reminder that on Saturday 21^st March, we will have a Service of Healing and Hope during which the sacraments of reconciliation and anointing of the sick will be offered to those who wish to receive them. All are welcome and refreshments will be served by members of the SVP at the end.

Lead, Kindly Light – The Journey in Faith. The next meeting will take place on Wednesday 25^th of March at 7 p.m., when the group will meet to consider the question “Are we Tradition-bound or Spirit-led?”. It’s wonderful to see how this group has developed. Please pray for those who are considering joining the Church.

Please do sign up if you wish to help out in the forthcoming Holy Week Liturgies. Thank you!

Faith Stories Christleton Churches Together has organised a series of informal talks. There will be an opportunity for questions and refreshments afterwards at Christleton Methodist Chapel: 7:00 pm 25th March.

“Come and Sing Messiah” April 18^th, All Saints Church, Hoole, Chester, CH2 3HZ. Registration 10:00 am, Rehearsals 11:30 am. Performance at 7:00 pm. See https://www.deogratiaschoir.com/blank-5 for details

 Photo of the week: Thank you to Chris Proudfoot for this photo of the 16^th-century Cathedral of Seville, at its construction the largest cathedral in the world, and still the largest Gothic Church.