The kingdom of heaven, so central to the preaching of Jesus, is illustrated, by our Lord, using various parables to help us understand something of its dynamism and growth. The challenges, as we see from the Parable of the Sower (last Sunday’s gospel), and from the Parable of the Weeds, which we hear proclaimed today, as the kingdom seeks to take root in our lives and in the world, show quite clearly that it is not to be understood, in the first place, as ‘some other world’, but is rather as a here-and-now reality; a lifegiving transformation that happens within; the work of the Spirit in space and time, which Christ brings about through his preaching and the signs he performs, so that people, places and all the circumstances of life become a worthy offering to the Father, which bears the imprint and the characteristics of his beloved Son Jesus Christ. The kingdom is Christ among us, and Christ founded the Church, in which “the kingdom is already present in mystery” (cf. Lumen Gentium), precisely so that his kingdom would continue to unfold in the midst of the world according to the gracious will of God. We do not build the kingdom, but rather we welcome it and, by God’s grace, do all that we can to allow it to shape us and our choices, so that its message might reach others and be for them the light they seek to guide them along the path of life. Fr David +

Fr Neill, Alexander, Miriam and the family would like to record their sincere thanks for the many messages of condolence, letters. cards, and Mass cards received following Marlene’s passing. Also to those who supported them at the Requiem Mass with their presence and to the Choir for their part in that very memorable Mass. They have received many warm words about the Mass from non-Catholic family and friends. Thanks again and the Lord’s Blessing be on you all.

Money matters – Parish Financial Statement 2025/2026 Summary figures for the financial year 1^st April 2025 to 31^st March 2026 are as follows:

• Income: £155,843
• Payments £156,303
• Surplus/loss -£460

For comparison we had surpluses of £30,418 and £26,953 for the financial years 23/24 and 24/25 respectively. The reduction in surplus is due mainly to the carryover of heating and lighting costs and increased property maintenance. Our overall Parish Account remains healthy. More details will soon be made available on the website, or feel free to contact the finance committee at finance@stwerburghchester.co.uk. With much gratitude to the members of the Finance Committee and to all our parishioners for your continued generosity and support.

To serve is to reign - We were delighted to meet four potential new recruits for altar servers last Monday afternoon. The second training session and the last before the school summer holiday break will be on Monday, 20^th July at p.m. in church. We also bid farewell to those servers leaving us and thank them for their faithful service over the years. We remain united in the friendships formed here St Werburgh’s.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion - I am grateful to those of you who have contacted me in the past few days, if there are others who might be interested, please do let me know as we begin to plan for spiritual/theological training, as well as other practical points related to the role (good practice, safeguarding, health and safety etc.)

“Sing a new song unto the Lord!” The music team are looking for new members to help lead the singing at the two Sunday Masses. 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.

Welcome Wednesday 22^nd July. Mr Miles will entertain us with stories about his experiences as a taxi-driver. The talk will be in the Church at 10.45 am but do come at 10 am for tea / coffee, biscuits, dominos and chat. Please sign up for Welcome Wednesday Garden Party which will be held in the presbytery garden on Wednesday 29th July. All are Welcome.

Dementia and Carers’ Group. Are you caring for someone with Dementia or another illness? You would be welcome to join for a special time of prayer and a sharing of experiences over a cup of coffee. We look forward to getting together on Thursday 23rd July at 10.45 am in the parish meeting room. All are warmly welcome.

First Sacraments A reminder that parents of children living in the parish and not attending the parish primary school, should contact Fr David parishpriest@stwerburghchester.co.uk and Louise Robertshaw at robertshaw499@btinternet.com before 1^st September for information regarding enrolment etc.

Take a hike with St Werburgh’s Young Adults’ Prayer Group! Moel Famau is our destination 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. 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 30^th August. Christleton Methodist Church Schoolroom. Donations gratefully received for Hospice of the Good Shepherd.

11th – 13th September - The Traditional Roman Rite study weekend, Explore the elements and origins of the traditional Roman Rite. The weekend is intended to offer a deeper understanding of both the Traditional Rite specifically as well as of the ordinary form of the liturgy, which draws principally on the same heritage of the Church's worship over the centuries. https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/the-traditional-roman-rite-study-weekend/

Foodbank donations: Please remember to donate (non-perishable foodstuffs only), especially during school holidays when families might need an extra helping hand.

The repository is now closed till Sunday 13^th September. If you wish to pick up a copy of Day by Day for July or the Sacred Heart Messenger, please leave your contribution in the big black box. 

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 taken on the path of the Camino. Many such crosses are erected along this pilgrimage route in the north of Spain.