Dear friends in Christ, if last week’s Gospel had us consider the importance of fraternal correction in the life of the Christian community, then this Sunday we are reminded of the need to ask for the grace of forgiveness. Not an easy task and one which can demand a lot from us. Seven times might seem generous to Peter, but it’s not enough! If we are to love as Christ loves, and if we want to forgive as God has forgiven us – as we pray each day in the Our Father – then we need divine grace. We cannot go it alone. When it hurts to forgive our brother or sister for a particular wrong that they have might have done to us, we must call to mind how often God lifts us when we fall and look to Christ who, as he was being nailed to the cross for the salvation of the world, prayed “Father, forgive them…”. Let us pray for that immense love, which filled his heart and held him to the cross to touch our own hearts. God bless you all. Fr David +

Aid to the Church in Need. This weekend we welcome Rachel Buckley to all masses to speak to us briefly about the remarkable work of this 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 and be available should someone wish to know more about how to offer support.

Fr Sean Davidson, the Diocesan Vocations Director, will join us, here in church, this coming Wednesday 16^th of September, from 7- 8:30 pm, and offer a catechesis as part of the ongoing formation for new Catholics. I am inviting all extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, and those considering this service in our parish, to do their utmost to attend. Fr Sean’s talk will help us to focus on the mystery at the very heart of our Catholic faith, so please do come along if you can. The presentation will conclude with a short time of Eucharistic Adoration.

Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) a reminder of the enquiry evening to take place on Wednesday September 23^rd at 7 pm, in church, for anybody wanting to know more about the faith. Please do let any family members or friends know whom you think such a journey might interest. Please contact Fr David for further details.

Former Day Chapel/Meeting Room conversion is now underway. As previously noted, during the work there will be no access to the corridor or to the room itself, and patience will be needed regarding some car parking reduction during the working week. Thank you for your cooperation.

Free Holiday Home Weeks at Talacre SVP St Werburgh has some free holiday weeks available at the Holiday Home in Talacre from 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

Coffee for a cause. The Welcome Wednesday volunteers would like to thank all those who supported the coffee morning in aid of the Macmillan cancer charity. Big thanks to all who provided cakes for the event, those who contributed prizes and those who supported us with donations and for joining the event. So far, over £700 has been raised (including £210 from the raffle). The names of raffle prize winners are listed on the table at the back of church. This coming Wednesday 16^th of September, church florist and parishioner, Marie Cunniff will demonstrate with floral arrangements a talk entitled, ‘The Language of Flowers’ at 10.45 am. All welcome. Join us for coffee, tea and biscuits 10 am to 12 noon at the back of the church.

Parishioner and talented violinist Philip Chidell will be performing with his orchestra at Chester Town Hall, on Thursday 24^th September (2:30 pm and 7:00 pm) playing a selection of light classical music, with special guest appearances. For tickets to what promises to be a wonderful concert, please visit: www.PhilipChidell.com

The 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 to attend what will be a beautiful prayer service in honour of a much-loved Saint.

COME AND VISIT OUR SCHOOL! St Werburgh’s and St Columba’s Catholic Primary School Families considering a school place for September 2027 are warmly invited to visit us and discover what makes our school such a welcoming and special place to learn. Each open day will include a tour of the school with our headteacher, giving prospective parents and carers an opportunity to see the school in action, meet members of our community and ask any questions they may have. The open days are scheduled for the following dates:

• Wednesday 30 September 2026 at 1.30 pm,
• Wednesday 7 October 2026 at 9.30 am,
• Tuesday 20 October 2026 at 9.30 am,
• Wednesday 4 November 2026 at 1.30 pm,
• Wednesday 11 November 2026 at 9.30 am,
• Wednesday 2 December 2026 at 9.30 am.

For further information or to reserve your place please contact the school office by emailing office@lovelearnlaugh.org.uk or calling 01244 478968.

Run for your money: Rowton regular and reader, Anne Rushton will be running the Chester Metric Marathon with Lina Salim, on October 11^th. Donations for the Hospice of the Good Shepherd, as sponsorship, can be made via the parish (an envelope clearly marked on Sunday or left at the presbytery) and will be forwarded after the completion of the race.

Fish and Chip Supper with Fiddlestone Shanty Band Friday 16^th October, 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm, at St Columba’s Church Hall. Tickets £20, in aid of the RNLI. Tickets are available on Eventbrite or by emailing frances.douglas2@btinternet.com Thank you.

Getting married in 2027? Why not prepare for the big day at a residential Marriage Preparation course will run 8-10 January 2027, offering engaged couples a theological and spiritual reflection on the Sacrament of Matrimony. Structured around foundational, Scriptural texts, inspired by St John Paul II’s Catechesis on Human Love. See https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/marriage-preparation/

Jesus Christ Superstar Palace Theatre Manchester:  On Tuesday 16^th February 2027: 40 places will be available, with transport and entrance included. More details and costs to follow. Watch this space!

CAFOD Family Fast Day Appeal this Harvest. You may wish to consider supporting this appeal. Your gift could, among other things, support children in Zimbabwe to stay in school by helping communities and schools provide nourishing meals, improve access to water and grow food in school gardens. Use the CAFOD envelope in church, donate online at cafod.org.uk/envelope or call 0303 303 3030.

Please do take a copy of Day by Day for September, if you have not done so already and leave your contribution in the black box. 

Photo of the week: Thank you to Jake McCallum for sending in this photo. A Franciscan Friary was established in Cork around 1230 AD. The present church was opened and blessed on 14 July 1953.