My dear friends, as many of you begin to wind down for the summer, with some of us fortunate enough to have a bit of time away from our usual activities, we remember that Jesus himself withdrew from time to time for rest and recuperation. Sometimes, he went alone; at other times, in the company of the disciples, but always enfolded in the Father’s love. I guess that’s the first take away from the example of Jesus: making time for God and thereby finding rest for our soul. Yet, as we see from the Gospel today, Jesus is not alone for too long! The crowds have made their way to him. The second lesson we learn is that in rest or in activity we are called to be compassionate. Jesus is the compassion of God. He is the one who “suffers with us” and offers us healing and hope, and we see this each and every time we come to Holy Mass, of which today’s gospel is a sign. So wherever we may wander during the summer months, as Catholics, we make time for the Sunday Eucharist, and what a great gift to be part of the universal Church, with the possibility of gathering for the celebration of Mass in so many different places, from humble chapels to vast Cathedrals, in different lands and different cultures, yet always the same Lord who is there to feed us. Great indeed is the mystery of our faith! Let us come to him often and listen to his Word that our soul may live (cf. Isaiah 55). May God bless you all, Fr David +

During the month of August, the Holy Father asks us to pray that in large cities, often marked by anonymity and loneliness, we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel, discovering creative paths to build community.

Ad Jesum per Mariam: Lourdes 2026 This week marks the 75th Anniversary Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Please remember the pilgrims in your prayers, as they will remember you in theirs. For those who wish, via the website https://www.lourdes-france.com you join the International Mass this Sunday 2^nd August at 8.30 am and Mass at the Blessed Grotto (where our Lady appeared 18 times to St Bernadette Soubirous) on Monday 3^rd August 9 am.

Safeguarding at St Werburgh’s In consultation with the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer and Fr David, we have produced a Safeguarding Statement for St Werburgh's Parish. Our Parish is committed to promoting a safer environment and culture across all our activities. Supported by the Diocese and the Parish Priest, we will respond promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation and will care pastorally for anyone affected. The full statement is available on the Parish Website. If you have any comments or wish to discuss, please contact Chris Proudfoot or Liz Aiello, our Parish Safeguarding Representatives (safeguarding@stwerburghchester.co.uk).

Sea shanties, sandwiches and strawberries! A great time was had by all at Welcome Wednesday’s Garden Party. The presbytery garden was full of friendship and laughter, and many joined us for the 12:15 p.m. Mass. Enormous thanks to the wonderful team of volunteers who make it all possible week after week, and a special thank you to the “Shandy Group” for their musical accompaniment of the event. There is now a break for the summer, and the next coffee morning will be on September 9.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) Thank you to those of you who have contacted me in the past few weeks, if there are others who might be interested in serving in this way, please do let me know as we begin to plan for spiritual/theological training, as well as to form those who will join the other ministers with practical points related to the role (good practice, safeguarding, health and safety etc.) On Wednesday 16^th of September, Fr Sean Davidson will join us and offer a catechesis as part of the ongoing formation for new Catholics. Those who currently serve as EMHC, and those soon to be onboarded are encouraged to attend, as Fr Sean will help us to focus on the mystery at the heart of our Catholic faith.

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. Do look out in the coming weeks for the date for a preliminary meeting for parents and carers.

To make a joyful sound unto the Lord we are looking for new members to help lead the singing at the two Sunday morning Masses. No experience required – just willingness to sing confidently, learn, and rehearse with a 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.

Gluten-free almond-orange cookies Friends, parishioners and visitors enjoyed a time of fellowship after the vigil mass last Saturday at Rowton, and all those present agreed that among the goodies shared Katherine’s cookies were a big hit! If anyone would like to try baking these, then please email admin@stwerburghchester.co.uk with “cookie recipe” in the subject box and we will share the recipe with you.

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 October 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.

Heritage Open Days Mon 14^th to Friday 18^th September If anyone is willing to act as a steward, to enable us to keep the church open for visitors, please can you put your name and contact details opposite the date which you are volunteering on the sheet at the back of church, or email admin@stwerburghchester.co.uk We need two stewards for each day between 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm. A member of the parish History Group will act as one of the stewards.

Ancient Byzantine Iconography course, 12^th to 18^th October 2026 A seven-day course writing an icon in the ancient Byzantine style, using the liquid egg tempera technique. The course leads the student through each step of writing an icon of their own, providing theological explanations and practical demonstrations. Our October course is for those with some experience: please register your interest for an opportunity to book onto the next novice course. https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/ancient-byzantine-iconography-course/

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

Thank you to all parishioners who supported the recent Primary School Summer Fair! By buying raffle tickets, baking a cake or coming along, you helped the PTA to raise an amazing £3,500 profit for school projects!

Communication reminder some are still sending messages to the defunct werburgh465 email address. Please remember that we are no longer using this email, and it is checked very occasionally. To contact the parish priest parishpriest@stwerburghchester.co.uk For newsletter submissions, admin issues, and other enquiries please use admin@stwerburghchester.co.uk

Please take a copy of Day by Day for August and/or the Sacred Heart Messenger, please leave your contribution in the black box. 

Photo of the week: Thank you to Mike Hague for these photos of the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Lindisfarne. The current parish church stands on the site of the wooden church built by St Aidan in AD 635. It was rebuilt in stone by the Normans and was restored in 1860.