Brothers and sisters, the greatest of all commandments is two-fold: love of God and love of neighbour, and what better place to start than with Jesus himself, true God and true man - the one who comes to us from God and shows us by his words and deeds just how much God loves us. St John tells us in his first Letter “God loved us first” and therefore to love our brothers and sisters, made in his image and likeness, we need to come back to his love, to the source of all love, to love itself: to God. That is why we begin each week with the Sunday Eucharist, as we celebrate the one who “loved us to the end,” to bring that love to others. Where Mass ends the mission begins. From Christ in the Eucharist to Christ in our neighbour. May the words of St John find reflection in our lives: “since God has loved us so much, we too should love one another.” And finally, do wrap up warm as you come to Mass! We are dealing with heating and boiler issues, which I hope we can resolve swiftly! With every good wish and blessing, Fr David +

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. Canon Paul Kelly notes that “Safeguarding 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. 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.”

We are hiring! We are looking to employ a cleaner for 10 hours per week to assist with some housekeeping duties and cleaning in the presbytery, meeting room, and other public spaces. Further details can be found the Diocesan Website http://www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org/careers/parish-cleaner-stwerburgh A CV and covering letter should be sent to Pauline McCulloch recruitment@dioceseofshrewsbury.org Closing date: 13 November 2026.

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, this Sunday, October 25^th. Spread the word and bring a friend!

The Welcome Wednesday volunteers are very grateful to all who helped us raise £825.78 at the Macmillaan Coffee Morning in September. As he approaches his 90th Birthday, Geoff Hewson will be the special guest, and Liz Arrowsmith will host Desert Island Discs. Do join from 10 am for a cuppa in the newly re-furbished meeting room.

Chester Photo Festival 2026 You may wonder why there are photos displayed in the church. Over 114 photographers and artists from across the world have come together to meet, share and learn from one another. The festival encourages people at all levels of experience to engage with photography, using it to share stories, cultures, folklore and myths, to build relationships, and to make their voices heard. See https://chesterphotofestival.com/ for artist and other venue details. Photos on display till 29^th October.

Reminder to all extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) of the meeting to take place on Wednesday 28^th October at 6:30 pm, in church. Do make best effort to attend.

The Parish History Group will meet on Wednesday 28^th October and Wednesday 18^th November in the newly refurbished meeting room at the earlier time of 1:00 pm. New members are most welcome to join.

The Carers Group looks forward to getting together on Thursday 29th October at 10:45 am., in the parish meeting room, for a special time of prayer and a sharing of experiences over a cup of coffee. All are welcome, for further details, please email: rich_lyn@hotmail.co.uk

Remember, remember - November 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 blessing of the graves will take place this year on Sunday 15^th of November at Blacon from 2-4pm., and Sunday 22^nd of November at Overleigh from 2-4 pm. The annual Mass for the recently bereaved to remember their loved ones who have died will take place on Tuesday, November 17^th at 7 pm. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord…

Open Days at St Werburgh’s and St Columba’s Catholic Primary School Families considering a school place for Sept. 2027 are warmly invited to visit on 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)

Parish Autumn social evening at Hotel Indigo (The Forge) for those who are yet to do so, you aree invited to leave the money for your ticket(s) in an envelope this weekend at Mass. Thank you!

Interested in joining the team of Sunday Readers? We are looking to appoint a total of 5 new readers for 9 am and 6 pm masses. If you would like to “try out” reading, we will be holding a training and microphone session here in church at 12:15 pm on Sunday 22^nd November. To attend this, you must first register your interest by contacting David Quayle email: readers@stwerburghchester.co.uk and take a look at the parish website and our Ministry of the Word page https://www.stwerburghchester.co.uk/parish-activities/ministry-of-the-word-our-readers

Christmas trees that raise money for St Werburgh's. This Christmas, Grange Christmas Trees will donate £5 to St Werburgh’s for every tree bought provided St Werburgh's Church is mentioned when purchasing. Fresh Nordmann and Fraser Firs from 5 ft, plus stands and wreaths. Delivery is also available locally. Opening Saturday 28th November. Iddenshall Grange, Clotton, Tarporley, CW6 0EQ (Tel: 07985 235884)

Parish Primary School PTA Christmas Wreath Workshop on Monday 30^th 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 on Mon. 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 November leave your contribution in the black box.

Photo of the week: Thank you to Geoff Taylor for sending in these photos of St David’s Cathedral set upon the site of an earlier 6^th century monastery built by St David. The present cathedral was begun sometime between 1180 and 1182. It has been extended and altered over the centuries by many individuals, notably in the 19^th century by Sir George Gilbert Scott.