My brothers and sisters, in this Sunday’s Gospel, we contemplate the second joyful mystery of the Holy Rosary, namely our Lady’s Visitation to her cousin Elizabeth, a familiar scene, which I am sure many can relate to: coming to the help of a relative in a time of need. The biblical account reveals to us something rather profound concerning the great Solemnity we keep this weekend, namely the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, body and soul into the glory of heaven, which we contemplate in the fourth glorious mystery. St Luke tells us that “Mary arose and went in haste to the hill country to a town in Judah.” Our Lady’s movement is upward, to the hills: where else could she go since she carries God within? It’s because our Lady is so full of Christ, full of God, full of grace that at the end of her earthly life, she is drawn totally towards God. The Assumption tells us that for Christians, the only way is up, that is towards God. The one whose life is filled with God, finds his or her true place where God is. Now back to the Gospel text, Mary’s movement is not only upwards, but also outwards. She goes beyond herself in love and service of her neighbour. Our Blessed Lady shows us, like no other, how to live out the fundamental and twofold commandment of love of God and of neighbour, and so rightly do we sing “to our needy world of today, love and beauty you portray showing the path to Christ we must trace, Mary, we love you, Hail full of grace.

Ave, Maria!” A blessed Sunday and blessed feast of the Assumption to 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.

Safeguarding at St Werburgh’s If you have not done so already, lease take a look at the Safeguarding Statement for St Werburgh's Parish, which underscores our commitment to promoting a safer environment and culture across all our activities.  If you have any comments or wish to discuss, please contact Chris Proudfoot or Liz Aiello, our Parish Safeguarding Representatives (safeguarding@stwerburghchester.co.uk).

The Parish History Group will meet in the presbytery on Wednesday 19^th August at 6.00 pm at to consider some new initiatives which have lately presented themselves.

On that same evening, the parish council will meet at 7pm, after a long recess for prayer and reflection, to discuss, among other things, a document prepared in 2020 by the Dicastery for the Clergy entitled the Pastoral conversion of the Parish community in the service of the evangelising mission of the Church. It is my hope that our ongoing conversation will help us discern how we can continue to grow and develop our mission here at St Werburgh’s, which is none other than the mission of the Church: rooted in and centred on Christ in the service of the community.

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 to add a child’s name to the list. On Monday 21^st September, at 6:30 p.m., there will be a general information evening for the parents and carers to meet with Fr David and the team for the presentation of the programme and what will be required for those families who intend for their child/children to enrol formally to prepare for and receive the Sacraments of penance and First Holy Communion. Attendance is essential. 

MISSIO Red Box Holders St Werburgh's parish gave a total of £4743.28 for 2025 which is made up of contributions from the  red box donations, direct debit or on-line payments and gift aid.  Thank you so much for your generosity to support those who spread the Gospel across the world.  Please note the collection for 2026 will be weekend 17 &18 October, Bernie, our parish representative, will be at all the masses, if red box holders would like to bring in their box for emptying.  Or you can empty your box and bring your donation in a bag clearly labelled with your name.  

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.

25^th Silver Jubilee Anniversary of the ordination of Rev. Fr Martin Onuoha. Everyone is welcome to join Mass on Sunday 6^th September at 1 pm at Our Lady and the Apostles Church, Shaw Heath, Stockport, SK3 8BQ. There will be a reception buffet at the back of the church following the celebration.

Eucharistic Springtime. On Wednesday 16^th of September, from 7- 8:30 pm, Fr Sean Davidson will join us, here in church, and offer a catechesis as part of the ongoing formation for new Catholics. Those who currently serve as extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, and those considering this service in the parish, are encouraged to attend, as Fr Sean will help us to focus on the mystery at the heart of our Catholic faith. More information nearer the time.

Heritage Open Days Monday 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 1 pm and 3 pm. A member of the parish History Group will act as one of the stewards.

Annual Benediction in honour of St Therese of Lisieux to be held at The Carmelite Monastery, 12 Grosvenor Place, Birkenhead, CH43 1UA on Sunday 27^th September at 3:00 pm. All are welcome. Please see https://carmelitesbirkenhead.org.uk

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/

Join the Catholic Medical Association – whether you are a doctor, nurse, student, or allied professional – if you are a Catholic in healthcare, you are welcome to join the Catholic Medical Association to grow in fellowship, prayer and formation together. For more information & upcoming events, visit https://catholicmedicalassociation.org.uk

CAFOD school volunteers needed! Could you visit your local Catholic school to talk about the work of CAFOD? We are looking for volunteers to deliver school assemblies and workshops  and inspire children and young people to make a difference. For further information please contact Anna Letizia on 07710 094449 or email aletizia@cafod.org.uk

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 Samanta Scipanova for sending in this photo of the baldacchino of Sicilian marble above the tabernacle in St Joseph's Church, Highgate, North London. The present Grade II building was built in 1888.