Dear brothers and sisters, I greet you with the traditional Franciscan salutation “Pax et Bonum”, with peace and goodness. What better wish for you, for your homes and your families, indeed for our world, at times so divided and confused, than peace and goodness? The exhortation of St Paul, in today’s second reading, would have found an echo in the heart of a young Francesco who found perfect joy in turning aside from wealth, worldly pleasures and ambition to find meaning and purpose in the Cross of Christ, in the company of lady Poverty and praising God joyfully for the gift of His wonderful creation: Laudato si’.

Back in 2013, when the late Pope was elected and chose the name Francis, he asked those present, (I had the great privilege of being there among the huge crowd), as well as those watching at home, including many of you, I am sure, to pray for him; a request he made repeatedly throughout his pontificate. I committed to doing so with the words of a much-loved prayer of St Francis himself, which I happily share with you and which I pray each morning. Most High glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart and give me right faith, certain hope, perfect charity, wisdom and understanding, Lord, that I may carry out your true and most holy command. May this be our prayer, as we give thanks to God for the life of St Francis and all the saints, that our lives be filled with goodness and with “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding”. Fr David +

The Mystery of the Church – I am delighted to inform you that Barbara Davies has agreed to come and give a presentation to the newly baptised and confirmed Catholics on Wednesday 14^th October at 7pm, on the Mystery of the Church, based on her reading and years of reflection on the Second Vatican Council’s Document Lumen Gentium. This will the first of a two-part series and like Fr Sean Davidson’s talk on the Eucharist, all parishioners who may wish to deepen their understanding of the faith are encouraged to attend.

Jubilee Celebrations at St Francis’ church Today, Sunday 4^th October, Bishop Mark Davies will celebrate Solemn Mass at 10 am. Polish Mass at 5 pm. Please note: Due to the Transitus celebrations, there will be no 6:30 pm Vigil Mass at St Francis Church on Saturday 3^rd October.

Fire Drill There will be a practice fire drill at the end of all three Masses, in church, on Sunday 4th October. There will be a briefing for the congregation before Mass starts followed by a practice evacuation of the church at the end of Mass. Please listen carefully to the briefing and then follow the instructions of the Fire Safety Marshals as the church is emptied swiftly and safely.

The Repository is now open at all Sunday morning Masses. From October 11^th there will be a selection of Christmas cards and other gifts.

Calling all extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC), as per the announcement made at the end of the Eucharistic Catechesis, we will host a meeting on Wednesday 28^th October at 6:30 pm, in church, for all current and future special ministers to consider various practical aspects of the role.

Welcome Wednesday will take place at the back of the church from 10 am to 12 noon on Wednesday 7^th of October. All are welcome to join us for chat, tea/coffee and biscuits. Soon enough we should be in the refurbished meeting room! Sincere thanks to Fr Neill for his fascinating talk last Wednesday on ‘The Solomon Islands and Vanuatu’. It was full of interesting facts, experienced at first-hand about a remote country that previously we knew very little about. Thank you, Fr Neill.

“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. The open days are scheduled for the following dates in 2026: Wed. 7^th Oct. at 9.30 am, Tue. 20^th Oct. at 9.30 am, Wed. 4^th Nov. at 1.30 pm, Wed. 11^th Nov. at 9.30 am, and Wed. 2^nd Dec. 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.

Walk this way! Join the SVP Holiday Home Committee on Sunday 18 October to raise funds for the Holiday Home in Talacre. Meet at Catholic High School car park, Chester, at 1.30 pm. Choose a 3-mile walk within the Duke’s Drive or a 5½-mile route via the Duke’s Drive, Eccleston, the River Dee and the Meadows, returning to the school. Tea, coffee and cakes will follow. To take part, email svpchester@gmail.com or contact Marco on 07778 39281.

Shrewsbury Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage Reunion. Participants in the recent Shrewsbury Diocesan Pilgrimages are invited to a reunion on Saturday 10th October at St Columba's Church, Plas Newton Lane, Chester CH2 1SA. The reunion will start with Mass at 2:00 pm followed by refreshments in the church hall. All former pilgrims are welcome.

An autumn social evening of wine, charcuterie and song is being organized for St Werburgh’s parishioners at Hotel Indigo (The Forge) on Wednesday 4^th November from 7 to 9:30 pm. Tickets will cost £30 per person, based on at least 40 participants, and are now available. Numbers will be finalised mid-October. Please put your cash, or cheque payable to St Werburgh’s parish, in an envelope marked parish social and hand it to Fr David or Pat Floate.

Free Holiday Home Week at Talacre SVP St Werburgh still has one last week available at the Holiday Home in Talacre from 31^st October to 7^th November 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

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. For information regarding road closures, please visit https://bit.ly/CMRoadClosures

“Jesus Christ Superstar" at the Palace Theatre, Manchester on Tuesday 16^th February 2027 at 7:30 pm. Total price per person including coach transport to and from Chester and theatre ticket £90. Please sign the form at the back of the church by Monday 12^th October. We have 40 places which will go on a first come first served basis. If you would like more details, please speak to Fr David or Tina Bainbridge.

Pause For Hope – An ecumenical service for anyone in anyway affected by cancer. Sunday 18th October at 3:30 pm in Saint Michael & All Angels church, New Hey road, Woodchurch. https://www.pauseforhope.org.uk

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 https://cafod.org.uk/envelope or call 0303 303 3030.

MISSIO Red Box Holders - Please note the collection will be on the weekend of 17^th and 18th October, Bernie will be at all the masses. If you would like to bring in your red box or donation in a bag clearly labelled with your name.

Please take a copy of Day by Day for October leave your contribution in the black box.

Photo of the week: Thank you to Maureen McCabe and Andrée Charbett for sending in this photo of the original 9th century chapel close to where St Francis of Assisi served and died. It has been refurbished since and is surrounded by the great Basilica of St Mary of the Angels. The chapel is situated in the valley below Assisi itself. A most appropriate choice for this week!