Brothers and sisters in Christ, last Sunday, several young people from Chester enrolled in the confirmation program over at St Columba’s and St Theresa’s, please do pray for them as they prepare their hearts and minds for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and we remember each other that we might remain open to the gifts with which the Lord endows his Church.

You’ll see below a couple of appeals for new recruits, may I highlight, also, our need for new extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist. Currently we rely on the good will and availability of a few. If you feel called or know someone else who might consider serving in this way, please let me know; a word after Mass, accompanied by an email would be great. An important part of this ministry is bringing communion to the sick and housebound, to be considered case by case. Obviously, training will be provided in view of all aspects of the ministry.

A special word of thanks to those who came to support Fr Neill and his family last Thursday, as we bade farewell to dear Marlene with a concelebrated Requiem Mass. Please do keep Marlene in your prayers, that she might assist us with hers! And let us join in praying especially for the Pope’s intention for this month of July for greater respect for human life in all its stages. May God bless us all, as we strive, by the help of his grace to be “rich and welcoming soil” for the Word. Fr David +

The Chester Catenians are part of a national association of Catholic men, established originally in Manchester in 1908. The name derives from ‘catena’, the Latin word for ‘chain’. Our local groups are known as Circles to reflect that bond. Chester Circle is a group of Catholic men who are active in Chester parishes, and it provides them and their families with a supportive social network built on the deep and lasting friendships developed through shared faith and values. Our unofficial motto is ‘Faith, Family, Friendship and ... Fun’. We get together monthly for socialising usually with a meal and a speaker, quiz or other entertainment. Fewer of our meetings are men only these days – ladies are invited but don’t have to do any of the organising! If you would like to find out more, contact Francis Coxhead fcoxhead@yahoo.co.uk Jim Strain jim.strain@talk21.com or Vincent Hatton vincenthatton@btinternet.com for a chat and an invitation to join one of our events.

The repository will close after morning Masses on Sunday 12^th July and reopen on Sunday 13^th September. Why not pick up a copy of Day by Day for July or the Sacred Heart Messenger? Please leave your contribution in the big black box.

Altar Serving at St Werburgh’s Church. Several Senior Servers are moving on for very good reasons in the coming months. Accordingly we shall be recruiting some potential new members, particularly for the 10.45 am and 6.00 pm evening Masses. Applicants must be keen and enthusiastic and prepared to serve on a regular basis. The minimum requirement is to have received First Holy Communion, but it will be great to hear from girls and boys, and youngsters currently at secondary school or college! Want to know more? Contact Gerry on 01244 319353 and come along to a “Getting to Know Us” 30 minutes on Monday 13^th July at 4.00 pm in the church.

Parish Music: Qui cantat, bis orat! Do you enjoy singing? The music team are looking for new members to help lead the singing at the two Sunday Masses. We are planning a special music liturgy for the new church year and invite singers of all ages to join us. No experience required – just willingness to sing confidently, learn, and rehearse with our friendly team. We encourage especially families to consider this invitation to have our young voices, steeped in the rich music liturgy of the Catholic Church, ring out joyfully at the Sunday Masses (including a monthly Family Mass from September)! Contact Tom Rozario, Music Director, at music@stwerburghchester.co.uk.

Looking forward to looking back? The history group will meet this coming Wednesday 15 July and again on Wednesday 19 August at p.m. in the presbytery.

Welcome Wednesday Dr Helen Monk soke to us last week about a healthy lifestyle and its effect on the brain. The talk was full of valuable information and extremely thought-provoking. We are grateful to Helen for sharing her research, time and life journey. Our sincere thanks. Do come and join us on Wednesday 15^th July at 10:00 am for chat and tea/coffee/biscuits.

Reminder of a short meeting on Thursday 16th July at 6 pm at St Werburgh’s and St Columba’s primary school for parents of pupils starting in year 3 in the next academic year who attend the school and who would like their child to prepare to receive First Sacraments. Meanwhile, parents of children living in the parish and not attending the parish primary school, should make contact with Fr David parishpriest@stwerburghchester.co.uk and Louise Robertshaw at robertshaw499@btinternet.com before 1^st September for information regarding enrolment etc.

WE BELIEVE - FESTIVAL of Catholic Life. St Mary's College, Oscott, 24-27 July 2026. There will be content for all ages and all stages of the faith journey. Great program! Great for families and for everyone! Book a place here https://www.webelievefestival.com/

St Werburgh’s Young Adults’ Prayer Group – invites you to join them on a summer walk/hike to Moel Famau on Saturday, August 1^st If interested, please contact Nithin Kuncheria & Diya Denny: +44 7587891623 / munnapalakunnel@gmail.com / diyadenny123@gmail.com For details visit: https://forms.gle/gVyjWao4QkPUUGo1A

Annual Pilgrimage of Reparation and Prayer for the Sanctity of Life - Saturday 1^st August. All are welcome to join us at the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. This pilgrimage aims to be a reparation for abortion, with prayers to commend to God the souls of aborted children, but also to pray for all mothers and fathers facing this decision. The pilgrimage begins with Mass and the Angelus in the chapel at 12 noon. The remaining outline of the day includes Eucharistic Adoration, Stations of the Cross, and other prayers. For details: https://prolifepilgrimage.org/ If you cannot join in person, please join the pilgrims in prayer.

Catholic holidays in the Lake District August/September. Castlerigg Manor in Keswick is opening its doors to families, groups of friends, or private individuals who are looking for an affordable stay in the Lake District. Breakfast and evening meal are provided, and Mass is celebrated on site. They are also offering a quiet retreat for adults during October half term. For more information: https://castleriggmanor.com/events / director@castleriggmanor.co.uk or 017687 72711

Marriage in a rut? Or need help with deeper issues? Retrouvaille has helped thousands of couples find hope and healing in their marriage. Next dates: 2^nd - 4^th Oct. www.retrouvaille.org.uk/info Tel: 0788 7296983

Christleton Churches Together Tea and Cake Sundays. Every Sunday 2.30 pm - 4.30 pm until 30th August. Christleton Methodist Church Schoolroom. Donations gratefully received for Hospice of the Good Shepherd.

Foodbank donations: Please remember to donate, especially during school holidays when families might be struggling.

CAFOD-Disaster Emergency Committee Venezuela Earthquake Appeal Please help our neighbours affected by the earthquakes in Venezuela with emergency shelter, water and food. CAFOD is working with local Church partners to support people who have lost their homes, but we need your support to help more survivors. Your donation will provide essential supplies and help families rebuild their lives. To donate visit: https://cafod.org.uk/Venezuela or call 0300 999 0030

Photo of the week: Thank you to Yana Laszcziw for this photo of Norwich Cathedral. The Cathedral dates to 1096, when it was founded as a Benedictine monastery by Herbert de Losinga, the first Bishop of Norwich. It is now the mother church of the Anglican diocese of Norwich.