Today, in the Gospel, as we return to the Upper Room with our Lord and his disciples, and we hear the most amazing claim concerning Jesus’ identity. We build our lives on Him and his love demands nothing less than our soul, our life, our all. Isn’t that what it means to be a royal priesthood? A people called and chosen by Him, to offer all that we are, all that we have and all that we do, each and every day of our life, by God’s grace, so as to live like Jesus and give glory to God the Father. This, my dear brothers and sisters, is what it means to be Christian. It’s our very wonderful calling and gift to the world, and it is so encouraging that others want this for themselves, and so, I ask you to pray for those who have been journeying with us over the past weeks and months to deepen their understanding and love for Christ, some of whom will be received into the church during Mass celebrated on the Vigil of the Solemnity of Pentecost, Saturday, May 23, here in church. Please note, Rowton Regulars, that there will be no mass celebrated in the Methodist chapel on that date.

As part of their journey in faith, next Wednesday, May 6, at 7 p.m., the Lead, kindly light group will consider the place of Mary in the plan of Salvation, and then on the evening of Wednesday May 13, also at 7 p.m., parishioners are invited to join us for a time of Marian devotion, during which we will meditate on the mysteries of the Holy Rosary. Please make a note and come along, if you are able, as we entrust ourselves, the parish, to pray for peace in the world and present all our intentions to the Blessed Mother during this month of May. The Catenian Association has kindly donated some rosaries, with ‘How to pray the rosary’ cards. Please take one and make good use of them and give our Lady a place in your home and in your heart, just as God has given her a place in his Heart in the glory of heaven.

Earlier this week, I received the following message from Sr Mary Lucy, from the Holy Family Sisters of the Needy “With a grateful heart I express our profound appreciation for your generosity of heart in allowing us to come to your parish for mission appeal last weekend. I sincerely appreciate the warm reception and hospitality I enjoyed within that short period and in a very special way your wonderful motivation of your parishioners to donate generously to the appeal. I sincerely appreciate the welcoming attitude of your parishioners and their generosity. I pray the good Lord to enrich and reward you all immensely.” Should you still wish to make an offering, you can still do so via the card machine or place your donation in an envelope marked Holy Family Appeal. Thank you!

In this 300^th anniversary year of the birth of St Gerard Majella, the Redemptorists have organized a pilgrimage with his relics to every diocese in England and Wales. I am delighted to say that we are one of four churches in Shrewsbury Diocese to welcome these. There will be a Mass on the evening of Tuesday, May 26, in honour of the Italian saint at which we will welcome Fr Royston Price, C.Ss.R., who is organizing the tour. The relics will be exposed for veneration throughout the day. Please let your friends know. Further information will follow.

And finally, let’s not forget to pray for the children who will receive Holy Communion for the first time this month for them to receive Jesus with love and devotion and grow in friendship with him throughout their lives, after all, isn’t that what we all desire? United with you in this prayer. May God bless you. Fr David +

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

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: May 5^th, 12^th, 19^th, 26^th, June 9^th. For details: https://jesuitinstitute.org/events

Welcome Wednesday enjoyed Gordon Vickers’ presentation about his childhood, teenage and adult life and work in Chester. Gordon has a remarkable memory, and his story was full of amusing anecdotes scattered with golden nuggets of information. Thank you, Gordon! On May 6, there we will tea/coffee chat and dominoes. As always everyone is very welcome.

Day of Reflection on Saturday 23rd May at Shrewsbury Cathedral Chapter House. The day will include reflections from Father Sean Henry and Dr Kieran Moriarty for members and friends of Shrewsbury Lourdes Hospitality. Please confirm your attendance to secretary@teamshrewsbury.co.uk

Pentecost at the Cross Sunday 24^th May 5 pm – A gathering for all Christians in the area to express our desire for unity as we worship and pray for the City of Chester and our region. For more information email parishadmin@chesterstpeters.org.uk 

Parish Outing to the World of Wedgewood – Wednesday 17th June. This gold award-winning centre has been producing ceramics since the 17th Century. The special cost is £35.00 per person, which includes the price of the coach, coffee on arrival, lunch and a guided tour of the famous factory. Further information is at the back of the Church plus a sign-up sheet 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 could use a little more help. If you feel you could do this once a month, please contact Pat Floate, or email admin@stwerburghchester.co.uk

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

Photo of the week: A beautiful Margaret Rope stained-glass window from Shrewsbury Cathedral depicting The Visitation, showing Mary with St Cecilia on the right.