“Whose likeness and inscription is this?” Such is the question, my dear friends, that our Lord puts to those who were trying to catch him out. He says these words as he contemplates a simple coin, which bears the image of an earthly ruler. A reminder to take our place in society and live as responsible citizens who seek, as believers in Christ, and by his grace, to make the world in which we live a better place. Yet can we not also see, in the final sentence of the Gospel today, an invitation to take a good look at ourselves, made, as we are, in the image and likeness of God (cf. Gen 1:26) and thereby heed and answer the call to give ourselves totally to Him? To surrender our life to him who made us, the same who calls and wants us and all that we are to be his and join in bringing other souls to him. May God bless you. Fr David +

Seeking Christ in the Catholic Church? Our first formal meeting will take place this coming Wednesday 21 October at 7 pm, in church. Those who have already made an enquiry about the OCIA will be contacted directly, but anyone else who wants to embark on or indeed continue their journey in faith is most welcome to come along. Speak or write to Fr David for more information if you wish to join the journey of a lifetime.

MISSIO Please note the collection will made this weekend. Bernie will be at all the masses. Please bring in your red box or donation in a bag clearly labelled with your name. I also encourage you to take a prayer card and perhaps an envelope, if you want to make a one-time donation. You can certainly speak to Bernie if you’d like a red box.

Safeguarding policies and procedures in St Werburgh’s are promoted not only to comply with the law, but also to demonstrate how Safeguarding is central to living our faith. We would like to share the following quotation by Canon Paul Kelly, which puts this into context. “Safeguarding” he says “must be central to the pastoral care of the parish because it is about protecting vulnerable human beings. One way, and perhaps this is the only way, we can take on a mind-set that sees safeguarding as being so central is if it is also central to our faith and theology. It is not just putting in place that which is required of us by the law of the land. Indeed, it is not just about what we do or fail to do. It is about what we think and believe and must inform what we do. Moreover, theology helps us to unify our experience and resist the temptation to compartmentalise it.”

The St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) wishes to thank parishioners for their incredible generosity! The SVP gardening gloves and tools fundraiser raised a wonderful £1,120. Your kindness will help SVP do beautiful things for those in need—and the SVP hopes your new gloves and tools help you create beautiful gardens too! Why not Join the SVP Holiday Home Committee today, Sunday 18 October to raise funds for the Holiday Home. 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 for more information.

Catholics on Campus. You are invited to join Chester CathSoc for a come and see session in the parish meeting room after the evening Mass, next Sunday, October 25. Spread the word and bring a friend!

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

Welcome Wednesday offers sincere thanks to Fr David who gave a very insightful talk on the work of Diplomacy and the Holy See and thanks all those who came to join us. It was a terrific turn out! Do come along next week for a cuppa and a chat.

Session for extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) 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.

“Come and visit our school!” St Werburgh’s and St Columba’s Catholic Primary School Families considering a school place for Sept. 2027 are warmly invited to visit us at one of our open days in 2026: 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@lovelearnlaugh.org.uk 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 those who knew her are very welcome to attend.

The Parish History Group will have 2 more meetings before the end of this year on Wednesday 28^th October and Wednesday 18^th November. These will take place the newly refurbished meeting room at the earlier time of 1:00 pm. New members will be most welcome to join.

Parish Autumn social evening at Hotel Indigo (The Forge) on Wednesday 4^th November - those who have signed up are kindly invited to pay for their tickets by next weekend 23/24 October. Many thanks!

Last call for “Jesus Christ Superstar" 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. We need at least 30 by next week or the trip will be cancelled.

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

November list – Month of the Holy Souls – Please submit names of those whom you wish be included in the Celebration of the Mass and in the prayers of the Parish during the month of November to admin@stwerburghchester.co.uk Envelopes will also be available in which you can also leave the names of your beloved along with your offering.

The annual Mass for the recently bereaved to remember their loved ones who have died will take place on Wednesday, November 17th at 7 pm. News about the blessing of graves to follow…

Parish Primary School PTA Christmas Wreath Workshop on Monday 30 November from 6 pm to 9 pm at St Columba’s church hall. £55 per ticket includes festive nibbles and a glass of Prosecco or non-alcoholic alternative. Order by emailing werburghcolumbapta@gmail.com 24 places available.

The Catholic High School Christmas Fair and Grotto will take place this year on Monday 14^th December, from 3:30 pm to 6 pm. 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 The Catholic High is extremely grateful for your continued support and looks forward to welcoming you to this festive community event.

Christleton Methodist Church – Sunday Afternoon Teas (2:30 pm to 4:30 pm) 1st Sunday in the month at the Methodist School Room, October to May. All welcome. Donations will go to the ‘KidsBank’.

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

Photo of the week: Thank you to Danny Evans for sending in this lovely photo of Pope Leo XIV, taken at the General Audience, during Danny’s recent trip to Rome. Do pray for our Holy Father that he makes a full recovery.