My dear brothers and sisters, just two months ago, as we celebrated the Solemnity of the Apostles St Peter and St Paul, we heard the same gospel passage that is proclaimed at Mass this Sunday. Repetition, as educators and formators will all agree, is good for learning, and what is more, when that which we repeat is the Word of God, which is “alive and active” (see Hebrews 4:12), we sit up and take note! So today, as we consider anew the question Jesus puts to Peter, we are called to make the confession of the Galilean fisherman our very own: “you are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Such words are much more than a formula or a pious idea. They are the very cornerstone of our life as Christians, because Christ is our life (see Colossians 3:4). Our faith in Jesus Christ is a gift that we must use. It is a seed that has been planted and that we must nurture to make it grow, so that it shapes our existence to conform us increasingly to the One whom we follow. Repetition is good. So then let us frequently repeat the words of Simon Peter as our prayer in the coming days, so that everything we think, and do, and say can be built on Christ and express our faith in his Word, our hope in his promises and our love for him and for his Holy Church, the community of believers, which is our home and where we are called to grow. 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.

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.

Exploring the Catholic faith. While we continue to accompany those who were received into the Church last May and encourage them in their growth in faith and involvement in the life of the parish, there will be an enquiry evening on Wednesday September 23^rd at 7 pm, in church, for those considering making a similar step with a view to beginning a new course of preparation to receive the sacraments of new life next Easter, as well as for those who would like to know a bit more about the Catholic faith. Do spread the word and let any family members or friends whom you think such a journey might interest or indeed come along yourself if you think this journey might be for you! Please contact Fr David for further details.

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.

The parish St Vincent de Paul Conference (SVP) warmly invites you to an afternoon tea in the presbytery garden (entrance from Bath Street) on Saturday 5th September, from 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm. Come along and enjoy tea, coffee, ice cream and other goodies in good company. Everyone is very welcome! If you would like to attend, please contact svpchester@gmail.com or call Marco on 07778 392816.

Free Holiday Home Weeks at Talacre SVP St Werburgh has some free holiday weeks available at the Holiday Home in Talacre on 29.08 to 05.09, on 24.10 to 31.10 and 31.10 to 07.11. If you know someone who could benefit from a week’s holiday, or if you would like to apply for this opportunity yourself, please speak to Fr David or contact Marco at svpchester@gmail.com

Rev. Fr Martin Onuoha’s 25^th Silver Jubilee Anniversary of ordination. 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.

Welcome Wednesday on the 9^th of September a coffee morning will be held at the back of the church in aid of the Macmillan Cancer Charity. If anyone would be kind enough to donate cakes for this event, we would be very grateful. There is a sign-up sheet at the back. All are most welcome to support us and join us for tea, coffee and cake anytime from 10 am to 12 noon.

Aid to the Church in Need. We will welcome Rachel Buckley to all masses on the weekend of 12^th/13^th September to speak to us briefly about the remarkable work of this wonderful charity. Please be advised that this will not be a financial appeal, but Rachel will have some of ACN’s products and gifts available for purchase, the sale of which will help with some of their important projects to support Christians who suffer around the world.

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. The presentation will conclude with a short time of Eucharistic Adoration.

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; however, the beautiful chapel is quite small, so early arrival is advised for seating. Please see https://carmelitesbirkenhead.org.uk

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.

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

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

Sunday Message Photo Can anyone spot the mistake with the cover photo used in this week’s Sunday Message? A prize of a St Werburgh’s bookmark for the first correct answer. Email admin@stwerburghchester.co.uk with your answers.

Photo of the week: Thank you to Tony Barbet for sending in this photo showing a simple but magnificent statement on the wall of the cafe at St Winefride’s Well (Holywell).