My dear brothers and sisters, in the gospel this Sunday we encounter the expression “figure of speech” referring, of course, to the “images” that Jesus uses to speak of himself, of his Person and Mission. Just as we never find the word “miracle” used in the fourth Gospel, but rather “sign”, neither do we see the word “parable”; instead, we have “figures of speech”. Such an expression resonates, perhaps a little more, as we listen to the readings from the translation of the Word of God now being used in the liturgical setting, which seeks to render the original text in a more precise manner.

In the first reading, taken from Peter’s great sermon on the day of Pentecost, we see that the Apostle speaks of Jesus using language that is very familiar to us, namely “Lord and Christ”: words which we need to hear again with all the power of the Spirit, for we should never take such words for granted, but rather allow the One, of whom these words are spoken, to shape our lives and open our hearts to his divine and anointed presence. In the second reading, the same Peter, now an elder himself, speaks of Jesus as “the Shepherd of our souls”. Jesus is the wounded one who brings us healing; the one who died that we might live, he is, in Christ’s own words, “the door of the Sheep”, the one who leads us to rest and gives us all that we need.

As you can see from just a few examples, there are so many ways of referring to our beloved Lord, which, in turn, become invocations, ways to call upon him, to speak to him. So which expression or figure of speech resonates with you… right here, right now? How do I see Jesus? How indeed do I cultivate my own relationship with him: listening to his voice and responding to him in prayer… How does one do this from one Sunday Mass to the next? The Lord is calling. He calls each of us by name. He calls us to life. He calls us to holiness. How will we respond?

May God bless us all, as we grow, please God, and by his grace, in faith and in love in a way that is worthy of our calling. Fr David +

Holy Family Appeal On Saturday evening and Sunday morning, we welcome Sr Mary Lucy Mbamara, who will speak about the work of the Holy Family Sisters of the Needy is a female religious institute founded in Nigeria that dispenses God’s love among the needy in difficult situations especially in Africa and other developing countries,

Welcome Wednesday 29^th April 10:45 am look forward to the return of Gordon Vickers in the Meeting Room, sharing his memories of “War-time Chester” part 2. Our usual coffee & tea will be on offer from 10.00 am.

The Lead, Kindly Light enquiry group, having considered the beauty of the faith last Wednesday, will meet again on Wednesday the 29^th from 7 pm, as we step into the moral maze and consider the splendour of the truth as set forth in the Church’s teaching on morality and the principles of social doctrine.

Encountering Jesus in the Gospels. The Jesuit Institute is running a short online formation course building the skills and confidence needed to hold and guide groups of those who wish to deepen their relationship with Jesus, in conversation with others, through reflectively praying with gospel texts. Time: Tuesday evenings 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Dates: April 28^th, May 5^th, 12^th, 19^th, 26^th, June 9^th. For details: https://jesuitinstitute.org/events

First Sacraments Meeting and Class for families whose children are not at the parish primary school will take place on Tuesday 28th April at 6:30 pm at St Werburgh’s church. The children will need their workbooks, folders and pencil cases. This is the last meeting before the children make their First Holy Communion, so it is important that all attend, children and parents alike.

CARITAS boxes Spring Collection: If you are a Caritas box holder, please bring monies to 9:00 am or 10:45 am Mass on Sunday 3rd May in a strong bag or envelope clearly marked with your name. You can also set up a Standing Order or donate via the Caritas website www.caritasshrewsbury.org.uk Standing Order and Gift Aid forms are available on the day or online. New contributors welcome. Please contact 07757518312.

Motor Neurone Disease Association: Ruth Johns and her dad, Don McMahon, are running the Belfast Marathon on May 3rd and hoping to raise as much money as possible for this charity. To donate, please visit the Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/page/ruth-johns-2

The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated by the Bishop on 11th November next at St Columba’s church, and is open to all parishes in Chester. Anyone currently at high school, or older is encouraged to prepare. Please email stcolumbatheresaconfirmation@hotmail.co.uk if you are interested.

“Welcomers” for Sunday Mass – the Rota for May is now at the back of the church. We are grateful to our regular Welcomers, but we do need more people to help with this important job. If you feel you could do this once a month, please contact Pat Floate, or email admin@stwerburghchester.co.uk or add your name to the rota.

Church Cleaners – Please can you lend a hand to help keep the Church looking presentable and welcoming. If you might be able to lend a hand, then please email admin@stwerburghchester.co.uk

CAFOD: Stand with Sudan. Give monthly. On the third anniversary of the war in Sudan, Kayode Akintola, CAFOD’s Head of Region for Africa, asks for your help: “So many of our sisters and brothers in Sudan are facing increasing violence, hunger, and disease. That is why today, I’m asking you to consider setting up a monthly gift. Monthly gifts are an act of steady love for our neighbours, a way of saying: we will not abandon you; we will stand with you until peace is restored.” Donate at https://cafod.org.uk/StandWithSudan

Photo of the week: Thank you, Yana Laszcziw, for this photo taken on 17^th January 2025 when Fr Paul joined members of the Multi-role Medical Regiment to celebrate the 102^nd birthday of Army Pay Corps veteran Joan Hall at Grosvenor Manor Care Home.