Dear brothers and sisters,

I write these lines as I reach the end of my annual retreat; an opportunity, over five days, away in the countryside, immersed in greater silence, to step back, spend more time in prayer and reflection, and consider what or rather who is at the heart of my life and ministry as a priest.

Saturday, the 10th, marked exactly one year since my arrival at St Werburgh’s. Time goes by so quickly; a reminder, as the Gospel today shows us, to use our time well. It seems like only yesterday that I was preparing to leave Bogotá to come here. Over the past 12 months, I have been blessed to meet so many of you, to hear your stories and be encouraged by your faith and commitment. I have shared in your joys, and, yes, in some cases in your sorrows. At times, just one day can feel like something of an emotional rollercoaster, and it would make no sense without prayer, the source to which I must return daily, as I try to live out the demands of my vocation and lead our parish community, and those who visit us to Christ, through the proclamation of God’s Word and the celebration of the sacraments. I am conscious that there is much to be done, and the harvest in Chester is indeed rich and plentiful! Yet the work of a priest can only be done, to use the words of St Paul, “through him who strengthens me.” Aware of my own shortcomings, especially when considering the extensive field of my apostolate, I must begin again and again in prayer, confident that “my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus, after all, the Lord is our shepherd, as this Sunday’s most familiar psalm recalls, and in him we want for nothing. Please continue to pray for your parish priest and be assured that I pray daily for you all and for your intentions. Yours in Christ, Fr David +

Welcome Wednesday This week, it’s the turn of Fr David who will give us a talk based on his previous work as a diplomat for the Holy See. The talk will start in church at 10:45am on Wednesday 14^th October. Please come at 10 am for tea/coffee, biscuits and dominoes.

The Bereavement and Loss group will meet on Wednesday 14th October a 1:15 pm to 2:45 pm with tea and coffee, all most welcome.

The Mystery of the Church – We look forward to welcoming Barbara Davies on Wednesday 14^th October at 7pm, 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 for those who recently joined the Church. Barbara’s talk is, however, open to all parishioners who may wish to deepen their understanding of the faith and what it means to be a member of the Church of Christ.

The Repository is now open at both Sunday morning Masses to choose from a wide selection of Christmas cards and other gifts.

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. To take part, email svpchester@gmail.com or contact Marco on 07778 39281.

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

Formation session for extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) on Wednesday 28^th October at 6:30pm, in church, for all current and future special ministers to consider various practical aspects of the role.

“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: Tue. 20^th Oct. at 9:30am, 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.

The Requiem Mass for the late Kate Hughes will take place St Clare’s on Wednesday 21^st October at 12 noon, and her family wishes you to know that you are very welcome to attend.

The Parish History Group We have 2 more meetings before the end of this year on Wednesday 28^th Oct and Wednesday 18^th Nov. They will hopefully be held in the newly refurbished meeting room and will be held at 1:00 pm. New members will be most welcome to join.

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 9:30pm. Tickets will cost £30 per person, based on at least 40 participants, and are now available. 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.

Parish Primary School PTA Christmas Wreath Workshop: Monday 30 November 6pm to 9pm at St Columba’s Church Hall, The evening will by led by local expert florist Ellie from Thistle and Thyme. All materials provided and foliage sustainably sourced locally and take your finished wreath home! No link to school required. All are welcome. £55 per ticket includes festive nibbles and a glass of Prosecco or non-alcoholic alternative. Order by emailing werburghcolumbapta@gmail.com Only 24 places available.

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

“Jesus Christ Superstar" at the Palace Theatre, Manchester on Tuesday 16^th February 2027 at 7:30pm. 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 ASAP. We have 40 places. If you would like more details, please speak to Fr David or Tina Bainbridge.

Aid to the Church in Need - Rachel Buckley wrote to thank our parish for its warm welcome last month and to express her gratitude on behalf of the Charity. Your generous donations and the gifts you bought amounted to £885.20, which will go to support some of CAN’s wonderful projects around the world, and remind our brothers and sisters who suffer for the faith that they are not alone. Please do continue to pray for them and may God bless you for your solidarity with the suffering Church.

MISSIO Red Box Holders - Please note the collection will be on the weekend of 17^th and 18^th 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.

The Catholic High School Christmas Fair and Grotto will take place this year on Monday 14^th December, from 3:30 pm to 6pm. Entry is just £1 per person. If you would like to run a stall at the fair, tables are available to hire for £10. To reserve a table, please contact Sally Faulkner at faulkners@christofidelis.org.uk We are also gratefully accepting donations for our raffle, including unwanted gifts, bottles, chocolates, and other suitable prizes. Donations can be dropped off at the school reception. The school is extremely grateful for your continued support and looks forward to welcoming you to this festive community event.

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

Photo of the week: Thank you to Anne Rushton for sending in these photos from Auschwitz concentration camp on the eve of a Mass commemorating St Maximilian Kolbe.