Dear friends in Christ, this week we will celebrate the Solemnity of the Lord’s Ascension into heaven. It is a Holy Day of Obligation, and so I invite you to come along to one of the three masses to be offered here in church, or indeed at a church or chapel close to where you work. Jesus goes to prepare a place for us, and as we rejoice that in Him our human nature is glorified, we give thanks that the same One sitting at the Father’s right hand gives us his Spirit to “help us in our weakness” and to accompany us on our journey through life. On Wednesday evening, May 13, please do come along and join those preparing to join the Church and meditate together on the mysteries of the Holy Rosary, to contemplate the life of Christ with Mary, our Mother, and implore with her a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit into the parish and into our hearts. What a wonderful gift to offer our Lady during this month of May!

As indicated last week, this year, we will celebrate the Vigil of Pentecost, on Saturday, May 23, here in church, as some members of the Lead, Kindly Light enquiry group will receive the sacraments of Christian initiation and be welcomed into full communion with the Church. Such news is surely a source of joy for this parish community. Please do accompany both the candidates and catechumens with your prayers as they prepare for this important step. On that Saturday evening, there will be no celebration of Mass in Rowton.

I wish to reiterate my thanks for your support, and especially for the recent donations made to the special collection for the Holy Places over Easter, and also given in support of the work of the Sisters of the Holy Family of the Needy, following Sr Mary Lucy’s recent visit. Totals collected will be published in the coming weeks. Watch this space, and may God reward you for your continued generosity.

As we continue to pray for the children who have received Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time, or for those who are preparing to do so, let us think back to our own first holy communion day and ask God to fill us with renewed fervour and awe as we ourselves approach the altar to receive such a gift, and why not make some time to pray quietly in the Lord’s Eucharistic presence by making a visit to the Blessed Sacrament or coming along to spend some time in silent adoration during one of the holy hours each week, here in church, where his love awaits us. Fr David +

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

There’ll be a very special welcome on Wednesday 13^th May 10:30 am to Councillor Sherin Aktar, Lord Mayor of Chester to tell us about some of her experiences during her year in office. Please be aware that the Lord Mayor’s talk will begin at 10.45 am. Based on numbers, we may need to move to church for the talk. All welcome!

The Bereavement & Loss Group will also meet on 13^th May 1:15 pm to 2:45 pm. All welcome for tea and coffee.

A 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 

On Tuesday 26^th May, we welcome the visit of the relics of St Gerard Majella, in this 300^th anniversary year of his birth. The church will remain open in the afternoon, after the 12:15 Mass, for private prayer, with adoration and confessions available. The visit will conclude with Mass at 7pm, with Fr Royston Price, C.Ss.R., spread the word!

Parish Outing to the World of Wedgewood – Wednesday 17th June. There are still some places left. The cost is £35.00 per person, which includes the coach, coffee, lunch and a guided tour of the factory. Details plus a sign-up sheet at the back of Church. Please give Fr David £35 in an envelope clearly marked with your name and ‘World of Wedgewood’ by Wednesday 27^th May.

Wheelchair access to the church. Please remember, when parking, to allow access to the wheelchair ramp. Recently, cars have blocked access to the ramp which has prevented wheelchair/mobility scooter users from entering the building.

The Church Repository has some new gift items available, including cards for First Holy Communion, Confirmation and Welcome to the Church.

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 If you might be able to lend a hand for an hour or so each month, then please email admin@stwerburghchester.co.uk

The Mother and the Magdalene The Chester Theological Society is organising a lecture on ‘The Marys in Jesus films’ given by Dr Siohhan Jolley, Lecturer in Christian Studies at the University of Manchester. Wednesday 27^th May 7:30 pm at Hollybank, Chester University, Liverpool Rd. Cost is £5 and includes glass of wine/soft drink.

Photo of the week: St Werburgh’s School in the 1890s. Charles Creighton, born 1889, is on the middle row, second from the right. Mary Birchall 1890s.