The Catholic Parish of St Columba and St Theresa, Chester

Serving the Chester Community

  • Facebook

Mass Times
St Columba’s: 

Saturday 6.30pm
Sunday 11.00am
St Theresa’s: 
Saturday 5.00pm
Sunday 9.30am

  • HOME
  • Contact Us
  • Our Parish
    • Welcome to our Parish
    • Mass Times
    • St Columba’s Church
      • Directions and Location
      • Church Hall
      • History
    • St Theresa’s Church
      • Directions and Location
      • Social Club
    • Meet our Team
    • Pastoral Council
    • Online Giving
    • Gallery
  • Pastoral Care
    • SACRAMENTS
      • Baptism
      • Eucharist
      • Confirmation
      • Penance
      • Marriage
      • Anointing of the Sick
    • Faith Formation
    • Visiting the Sick
    • Justice and Peace
    • Bereavement Support Group
    • Care of the Creation
    • Ecumenism – Churches Together
    • Elderly and Isolated
    • Feeding the hungry
    • Refugees
    • Protection of unborn
    • Safeguarding
  • Parish Groups
    • Ministries in the Parish
    • Parish Welcomers
    • Altar Servers
    • Choir
    • Food Bank
    • SVP
    • Churches Together in Upton
    • Teams of Our Lady
    • Inclusivity Group
    • Catenians
    • AA & NA meetings
  • Events
    • Upcoming Events
    • Past Parish Events
  • News
    • Bulletin
    • Newsletter
    • Children’s Liturgy Resources
    • Bookings
    • COVID-19 Updates
    • Lottery Funding
  • SYNOD
    • Journeying Together
    • Ways to Engage
    • Weekly Addresses
    • Prayer for the Synod
  • Quicklinks
You are here: Home / Archives for amos

Newsletter 26 November 2023

24 November 2023 By amos

THIRTY FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

26th  NOVEMBER 2023

Sat 25 Nov
St. Theresa’s 5.00pm Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s 6.30pm Bernard and Maureen Wilkinson
       
Sun 26 Nov Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
St. Theresa’s 9.30am Jefferey Samuel Parry RIP
St. Columba’s 11.00am Eddie and Family
       
Mon 27 Nov
St. Theresa’s Holy Souls
St. Columba’s 10.30am Alphie Lewis RIP
       
Tue 28 Nov
St. Theresa’s Sheila Gilden RIP
St. Columba’s Priests’ Intentions
       
Wed 29 Nov
St. Theresa’s Holy Souls
St. Columba’s 9.30am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
10.15am Novena Prayer
10.30am Brian Haslam 90th B.D
       
Thu 30 Nov St Andrew, Patron of Scotland
St. Theresa’s Holy Souls
St. Columba’s Gerry Galvin B.D
       
Fri 1 Dec
St. Theresa’s 10.00am Ints of St Theresa’s School
St. Columba’s Holy Souls
       
Sat 2 Dec
St. Theresa’s 5.00pm Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s 6.30pm The Parish
       
Sun 3 Dec
St. Theresa’s 9.30am Christine Hunter RIP
St. Columba’s 11.00am Parishioners’ Intentions

Please note if there is no time next to Mass it means there is no Mass for parishioners to attend that day but the Priests will say Mass privately.

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS:
Mass will be streamed from St Theresa’s at 9.30a.m. this Sunday 26th November 2023.
www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTIONS – NOVEMBER:
Let us pray for the Pope that, with the help of the Holy Spirit, he may continue to accompany in the faith the flock entrusted to him.

RECENTLY DECEASED:
Please remember in your prayers Cath Carter who died recently.  May the Lord console her family and friends.

ANNIVERSARIES:
Ann White, Hilary Watmough, Liliana Gittins, Jefferey Samuel Parry, Paolo Florio, Susan Mary Roberts, Peter Anthony B urton, Christian Mapp, Mary Taylor

WEDDINGS, BAPTISMS AND FUNERALS:
Please contact one of the Parish Offices to make your arrangements.  We welcome into God’s family Jack Anthony James Shone and Santino Antonio Stanford, who were baptised recently.  May God bless them and their families.

CONFESSIONS:
There will be Confessions after each weekday Mass until 11.30am.
St Columba’s: From 6pm before the 6.30pm Saturday evening Mass.
St Theresa’s: From 4.30pm before 5pm Saturday evening Mass.

OFFERTORY:
St Columba’s: Loose plate TBC; Planned Giving TBC; Average Weekly SO – £574.00; Candles TBC.Badminton £206
St Theresa’s: Loose plate & Planned Giving £477.94; Average weekly SO – £161.00.
THANK YOU for all your generous support.

PRAYING TOGETHER
We pray for:

  • the residents of Gatesheath Drive, Alpraham Crescent, St James Ave, Donne Place, Kipling Rd. Wordsworth Mews, & Wordsworth Square.
  • For those who prepare couples for marriage.
  • For those couples married in our churches this year and those who are about to be married.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA
26th Nov – Lina Greig for Christ Heart Children’s Orphanage, Uganda – money raised will go towards children’s Christmas lunch, presents and clothing
3rd Dec – Claire O’Donnell for Mind
10th Dec – Rippon family for Camps International Humanitarian Collaboration 
Why not donate a little time to make tea and coffee after 11:00 Mass on Sunday?  You can make some money for your favourite charity, too. Call Margaret Curtis 01244 318424 to book your date(s).

THE AUTUMN FAYRE
Thank you to all who helped out at the Autumn Fayre and for donations, plus those who attended to make it a success.

FIRST SACRAMENTS – ST COLUMBA’S:
This Sunday 12 children from the parish who are preparing to receive First Sacraments this school year will be enrolled in their preparation programme during the 11.00am Mass. Please pray for the children and their families at this important time in their faith journey.

CHESTER CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL. GOVERNOR VACANCY NOVEMBER 2023
There is currently a vacancy for 1 new Foundation governor at Chester Catholic High. As a Foundation governor you would ensure the Catholic teachings are preparing all our students, Catholic and non-Catholic alike, to be ready to leave school prepared for their future in this ever changing world. We all have talents to share. You just need to be able to offer your time and commitment as a volunteer for the benefit of the students and staff in our school. The term of office is 4 years.
To apply, you do not have to have a connection with the school but you must be a practicing catholic and belong to a parish. This is so your parish priest can vouch for you and sign your application form.
There are full details of the role and how to apply on the Diocese website: https://educationshrewsbury.org/schools&academies- governance.
A Disclosure Barring service (DBS) will be applied for once an application for any governor role has been approved.
If you would like an informal chat about governance, or wish to express an interest in the role, please contact the Chair of Governors via the school email:johnsonj@christofidelis.org.uk.

HIGHLIGHT FROM THE HIGH:
Students from The Catholic High School, Chester are performing ‘Annie Jr’ on Tuesday 28th and Wednesday 29th November at 7pm.  There are over 70 students involved in the production and it is set to be a fantastic performance.  If you would like to buy tickets please do so by heading to https://app.parentpay.com/ParentPayShop/Uniform/Default.aspx?shopid=7772    £8.50 per adult; £7.00 per child (any child still in school/sixth form)

EXHIBITION IN THE PARISH HALL:
Today, 26th November after Mass, while we have tea and coffee in the hall, you can see a free exhibition about the life and teaching of Servant God Fr. Luigi Giussani. He is the founder of the Catholic Movement of Communion and Liberation. The encounter with Fr Giussani (1922-2005) has left an indelible mark on the lives of many people worldwide, including some members of our parish. Joint us in discovering a legacy that goes beyond borders and generations. Giovanna and Luca 

UPTON DRAMATIC SOCIETY:
The 39 Steps – Upton Village Hall Wednesday 29th November to Saturday 2nd December.    Tickets £10 each.   Call 07847619190   (see poster in porch)

COMMUNITY CAROLS – BLACON:
This Carol service will take place at Holy Trinity Church, Norris Road, Blacon on Monday 4th December at 6pm. All are welcome.

CAFOD WORLD GIFTS
are a range of virtual charity gifts that will delight the people you give them to and help transform the lives of families experiencing poverty. Each World Gift is a real example of CAFOD’s work. When you choose a gift, you support the area of our work that this gift represents. So, for example, when you buy chickens, you support our work with poor farmers in rural areas of the countries we work in, by contributing to our Farming fund.
Catalogues are available in the church porches

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN UPTON: THURSDAY COFFEE MORNING:
This event has donated £700 to various local and national charities during 2022/23.  Details are on the Notice Board.  Thanks for your support

ADVENT JOURNEY – HOSTING OUR KNITTED MARY, JOSEPH & DONKEY FIGURES
To focus our attention on Advent, we’re asking all households, particularly those with young children, to host our knitted Mary, Joseph and donkey for one or more nights to symbolise the journey to Bethlehem. The knitted family will arrive in Bethlehem, actually St Theresa’s crib, on Friday 22nd December during the Carol Service.  
If you can host these small figures, (they’re no trouble) please add your details to the list in the church porch BY 3rd DECEMBER IF POSSIBLE, so we can plan the route and arrange the transfer from host to host.

CHRISTMAS Party for Seniors (50+) and volunteers Sat 9th Dec 
This year’s Christmas Party for Senior parishioners and also Parish volunteers, is been held on Sat 9th of December in St Columba’s Church Hall starting at 2 p.m. Free food and drinks plus entertainment by Upton Community choir.  

SINFONIA     
Are a local music group who use the Hall for their rehearsals.    They gave a very enjoyable concert earlier this year and are going to give a Christmas Concert on Friday 8th December at 7pm in the Hall.    Admission free. Tea & mince pies free.   A retiring collection will be available for Dee Banks School.   Please come along and support this event.

ANGELS, SHEEP, DONKEYS, KINGS, ACTORS AND SHEPHERDS NEEDED!
The children’s liturgy invites children of all ages to come and take part in St Columba’s Christmas Eve celebration Mass at 4.30 pm.  Whether you are a budding actor, narrator, musician or would just like to dress up and be part of the celebrations we want to hear from you. For further information please contact Gillian Blatch at stcolumbaschurch2016@outlook.com and mark it for the attention of Gillian Children’s liturgy. 

ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH & HALL BOOKINGS
To arrange meetings etc. in either the Church, Newman Room or the Iona Chapel, please book through Carol Galvin, St. Columba’s Church Office, phone: 01244 624019, Email: stcolumbaschurch2016@outlook.com, Office hours Monday to Friday 9.00am to 1.00pm
Hall availability can be checked by looking at St Columba’s Church website – section for Church Hall gives a calendar of events in the Hall. Then contact Sue Carr on 07553 114531 or email columbashallbookings@gmail.com to arrange booking.

REPORT FROM PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING 25 OCTOBER 2023
Reports were received and discussed from the SVP, youth group, buildings, social committee etc and on the recent appeals to parishioners to consider their financial donations and for volunteers. Appreciation was expressed for those parishioners who responded. It was agreed that the level of donations should be monitored and that another appeal held in the future. All the new volunteers will be approached in the next few weeks and a small group of ‘welcomers’ assembled to consider some possibilities for widening this role. The two chairpersons are now working on a recruitment strategy for volunteers for the more spiritual aspects of church life.        Ann McCarthy, Pauline Rourke

Resources: The Cheshire prize for literature 2023/24 is now open and will close on January 31st 2024.  There are three age groups: primary, secondary and over 18’s and four categories: short stories, poetry, children’s literature and scriptwriting.  No theme, so you can write about anything.  Further details on cwac.co/4ByYG.  Any queries about the competition should be emailed to cheshireprize@chester.ac.uk  or phone 01244 511344. 

WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER: World Youth Sunday will be celebrated on Sunday 26 November. This year the Pope has chosen “Rejoicing in Hope” (Rom 12:12) as its theme.  The Pope talks of “As young people, you are indeed the joyful hope of the Church and of a humanity always on the move. I would like to take you by the hand and walk with you on the path of hope. I would like to speak with you about our joys and hopes, but also of our sorrows and concerns, and those of all our brothers and sisters in the human family..How can we live without hope? What would our days be like? Hope is the salt of our daily lives.”  He asks our youth to “Remain open, like canals in which the hope of Jesus can flow and spread in all the areas where you live”.  God bless our youth, they are our future, and God bless all families, parents, guardians, teachers, youth workers, coaches and all who help our Youth, to be the best that they can be.   The full link to the Pope’s message to the Youth can be found at https://worldyouthday.com/message-of-his-holiness-pope-francis-for-the-xxxviii-world-youth-day/

PIETY STALL:
The Piety stall is now selling Christmas Cards, diaries and calendars.  If you need anything else, I have a catalogue, please telephone me on 01244 329469.  Many thanks.

RED MISSION BOXES, ST COLUMBA’S:
If you have a Red Mission box for collection, please leave it in the sacristy. When counted I can return your box to your home. Thank you, Margaret Curtis 01244 318424.

FREE NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION:
Do you want an electronic version of the newsletter? If so, subscribe via our web page on  https://sscolumbaandtheresa.co.uk/  Front page bottom right – subscribe button. 

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER:
3rd December edition will be compiled by Alison Wrigglesworth, phone: 01244 382457 or   Email: a.wrigglesworth@outlook.com. Please include a phone number in case of queries, and please ensure that items are emailed or phoned to the compiler by 9.00a.m. on WEDNESDAY 29th  November

Filed Under: Uncategorised

Newsletter 19 November 2023

17 November 2023 By amos

THIRTY THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

19TH NOVEMBER 2023

Sat 18 Nov      
St. Theresa’s 5.00pm   Michael Berry RIP
St. Columba’s 6.30pm   The Parish
       
Sun 19 Nov      
St. Theresa’s 9.30am   Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s 11.00am   Delia Hesketh RIP
       
Mon 20 Nov      
St. Theresa’s     Kenneth Kilcoyne RIP
St. Columba’s 10.30am   John Fletcher RIP
       
Tue 21 Nov     Presentation of the BVM
St. Theresa’s     Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s     Mark Traynor
       
Wed 22 Nov     St Cecilia, V. M. Mem
St. Theresa’s     Private Intention
St. Columba’s 9.30am   Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
  10.15am   Novena Prayer
  10.30am   Sean McCabe RIP
       
Thu 23 Nov      
St. Theresa’s     Special Intention
St. Columba’s     Holy Souls
       
Fri 24 Nov     Ss Andrew Dung-Lac, P and Companions
St. Theresa’s 10.00am   Kathleen Holden RIP
St. Columba’s 10.00am   Funeral Service for Maureen Brady
       
Sat 25 Nov      
St. Theresa’s 5.00pm   Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s 6.30pm   Bernard and Maureen Wilkinson
       
Sun 26 Nov      
St. Theresa’s 9.30am   Jefferey Samuel Parry RIP
St. Columba’s 11.00am   Eddie and Family

Please note if there is no time next to Mass it means there is no Mass for parishioners to attend that day but the Priests will say Mass privately.

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS:
Mass will be streamed from St Columba’s at 11a.m. this Sunday 19th November 2023.
www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTIONS – NOVEMBER:
Let us pray for the Pope that, with the help of the Holy Spirit, he may continue to accompany in the faith the flock entrusted to him.

RECENTLY DECEASED:
Please remember in your prayers Maureen Theresa Brady. Maureen’s Funeral Service is at St Columba’s on Friday 24th November at 10a.m. May the Lord console her family and friends.

ANNIVERSARIES:
Annina (Ann) Florio, Berta Barton, Victor Alfred Piggott, Kathleen Margaret Maguire, George Richard Becker, Eric Walsh, Owen Christopher O’Hanlon, Elizabeth Bayley.

WEDDINGS, BAPTISMS AND FUNERALS:
Please contact one of the Parish Offices to make your arrangements.  We welcome into God’s family Jack Anthony James Shone and Santino Antonio Stanford, who were baptised recently.  May God bless them and their families.

CONFESSIONS:
There will be Confessions after each weekday Mass until 11.30am.
St Columba’s: From 6pm before the 6.30pm Saturday evening Mass.
St Theresa’s: From 4.30pm before 5pm Saturday evening Mass.

OFFERTORY:
St Columba’s: Loose plate £428.12; Planned Giving £100.50; Average Weekly SO – £574.00; Candles £25.55.
St Theresa’s: Loose plate & Planned Giving £790.66; Average weekly SO – £161.00.
THANK YOU for all your generous support.

PIETY STALL:
The Piety stall is now selling Christmas Cards, diaries and calendars.  If you need anything else, I have a catalogue, please telephone me on 01244 329469.  Many thanks.

ST. COLUMBA’S BASKET COLLECTION SATURDAYS:
Following suggestions from parishioners and the kindness of volunteers, from Saturday 4th November, the collection basket will be passed round at Saturday evening Mass instead of being left at the rear of the church.  

PRAYING TOGETHER
We pray for:

  • the residents of Cotebrook Drive, Oulton Avenue, Rushton Drive,  Barnes, Morgan Close, Griffin Close and Blake Close.
  • our churches open on Saturdays and the fellowship enjoyed there.
  • all who use and maintain the web sites.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA
19th Nov – Autumn Fair
26th Nov – Lina Greig for Christ Heart Children’s Orphanage, Uganda – money raised will go towards children’s Christmas lunch, presents and clothing
3rd Dec – Claire O’Donnell for Mind
10th Dec – Rippon family for Camps International Humanitarian Collaboration 
Why not donate a little time to make tea and coffee after 11:00 Mass on Sunday?  You can make some money for your favourite charity, too. Call Margaret Curtis 01244 318424 to book your date(s).

FIRST SACRAMENTS – ST COLUMBA’S:
Next Sunday 26th November children from the parish who are preparing to receive First Sacraments this school year will be enrolled in their preparation programme during the 11.00am Mass. Please pray for the children and their families at this important time in their faith journey.

HOSPICE COFFEE MORNING:
THANK YOU to all who supported and helped in any way with last week’s Coffee morning for the  Hospice. We made £300 thanks to lots of generous donations. This has gone to the Hospice – on behalf of the Parish as a thank you for the care shown to Delia.

LOUDFENCE – SAFEGUARDING:
Thank you to all who submitted prayers and/or reflections, in support of victims and survivors of abuse, for offering up in the Mass at Holy Apostles and Martyrs church, Wallasey on Tuesday last. All such received were displayed around the church as a sign of solidarity. The Mass was a prelude to Safeguarding Week in the Diocese which began with the Safeguarding Mass at St Mary’s, Crewe on Saturday and continues with this Safeguarding Sunday. Please keep all concerned in your prayers.

AUTUMN FAYRE – 19TH NOVEMBER 2023 – TODAY:
This popular event in St Columba’s Hall is upon us again.
Everyone is welcome to come along to enjoy a delicious selection of soup, sandwiches, hotdogs and pizza. Browse the variety of stalls selling homemade items and produce or try to win a prize in the tombola. TODAY (SUNDAY) AFTER THE 11AM MASS AT ST COLUMBA’S.

Please note: There will be no coffee after Mass at St Theresa’s this Sunday but coffee/tea will be served at St Columba’s from 11am onwards at the Autumn Fair in the hall.

HIGHLIGHT FROM THE HIGH:
Save the date! The Catholic High School, Chester, invites you to come along to the Christmas Fair followed by Carol Service on Tuesday 19th December from 4pm in the school. There will be stalls, games, and refreshments. Visit Santa’s Grotto! The Carol Service will start at 6:30pm. Entry Fee £1. Everyone is welcome!

In preparation for the CHS Christmas Fair we are currently collecting books for one of the stalls. If you have any book in good condition that you would like to donate, please drop them off at the school reception for the attention of Ana. Thank you.

RED MISSION BOXES, ST COLUMBA’S:
If you have a Red Mission box for collection, please leave it in the sacristy. When counted I can return your box to your home. Thank you, Margaret Curtis 01244 318424.

YOUTH GROUP:
The next meeting of our Parish Youth Group will be on Monday 20th November at 7-8.30pm in St Columba’s Hall. All young people from year 5 upwards are welcome to join our friendly group. We would love to see you!

EXHIBITION IN THE PARISH HALL:
On the 26th November after Mass, while we have tea and coffee in the hall, you can see a free exhibition about the life and teaching of Servant God Fr. Luigi Giussani. He is the founder of the Catholic Movement of Communion and Liberation. The encounter with Fr Giussani (1922-2005) has left an indelible mark on the lives of many people worldwide, including some members of our parish. Joint us in discovering a legacy that goes beyond borders and generations. Giovanna and Luca 

UPTON DRAMATIC SOCIETY:
 The 39 Steps: Upton Village Hall Wednesday 29th November to Saturday 2nd December. Tickets £10 each.   Call 07847619190   (see poster in porch)

THE HOLY SOULS – NOVEMBER:
There are envelopes available at the back of church.  Please put names/donations in the envelope and place in the offertory basket, they will then be placed before the altar.

CAFOD’S ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CRISIS APPEAL:
To donate go to cafod.org.uk/ipc or call 0303 303 3030 to support those affected and get funds to local trusted experts in Gaza and southern Israel who have been working alongside communities helping those most in need.  Your donation will help support aid workers providing urgent humanitarian aid including food, water and emergency shelter to those in need. Copies of the prayer for peace in the Middle East are available in the church porches.

WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER:
The World Day of the Poor will be celebrated by the Catholic Church on Sunday 19 November with the theme of “Do not turn your face away from anyone who is poor” (Tobit 4:7).The Pope’s message is one that “We are living in times that are not particularly sensitive to the needs of the poor. The pressure to adopt an affluent lifestyle increases, while the voices of those dwelling in poverty tend to go unheard. The poor are persons; they have faces, stories, hearts and souls. They are our brothers and sisters, with good points and bad, like all of us, and it is important to enter into a personal relation with each of them.  The Book of Tobit teaches us to be realistic and practical in whatever we do with and for the poor.” He ends by saying that “In this house of ours, which is the world, everyone has a right to experience the light of charity; no one must be deprived of that light.”   The full message can be read at https://www.cbcew.org.uk/papal-message-world-day-of-the-poor-2023/

ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH & HALL BOOKINGS
To arrange meetings etc. in either the Church, Newman Room or the Iona Chapel, please book through Carol Galvin, St. Columba’s Church Office, phone: 01244 624019, Email: stcolumbaschurch2016@outlook.com Office hours Monday to Friday 9.00am to 1.00pm
Hall availability can be checked by looking at St Columba’s Church website – section for Church Hall gives a calendar of events in the Hall. Then contact Sue Carr on 07553 114531 or email columbashallbookings@gmail.com to arrange booking.

COMMUNITY CAROLS – BLACON:
This Carol service will take place at Holy Trinity Church, Norris Road, Blacon on Monday 4th December at 6pm. All are welcome.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:
“Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity.  It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life”. Nelson Mandela

RESOURCES:
Chester’s Christmas market chalets are being prepared for opening on Friday 17 November. The Chester Christmas Market will be open seven days a week: Sunday to Wednesday 10.30am to 6.30pm; Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10.30am to 8pm.  The festive favourites are all set to return this year: Thursday 23 November 7pm – 12 Days of Christmas parade, starting from Bridge Street; Thursday 30 November 7pm – Lantern Parade, starting from Town Hall Square; Thursday 7 December 7pm – Winter Watch Parade, starting from Town Hall Square; Thursday 14 December 6.30pm – Roman Saturnalia Parade, starting from the Grosvenor Museum; Thursday 14 December, 7pm -Winter Watch Parade, meeting the Romans in Town Hall Square. 

FREE NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION:
Do you want an electronic version of the newsletter? If so, subscribe via our web page on  https://sscolumbaandtheresa.co.uk/  Front page bottom right – subscribe button. 

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER:
26th November edition will be compiled by Eileen Irwin, phone: 01244 379443 or 01244 371660  Email: st.theresas@btinternet.com. Please include a phone number in case of queries, and please ensure that items are emailed or phoned to the compiler by 9.00a.m. on WEDNESDAY 22nd November

Filed Under: Uncategorised

Newsletter 12 November 2023

11 November 2023 By amos

THIRTY SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

12TH NOVEMBER 2023

Sat 11 Nov
St. Theresa’s 5.00pm Eta Ashe RIP
St. Columba’s 6.30pm The Parish
       
Sun 12 Nov
St. Theresa’s 9.30am Kathleen Maguire RIP
St. Columba’s 11.00am Brian Moyes RIP
       
Mon 13 Nov
St. Theresa’s Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s 10.30am Margaret Lannin RIP
       
Tue 14 Nov
St. Theresa’s Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s 11.00am Funeral Service for Margaret Alcock
       
Wed 15 Nov
St. Theresa’s Private Intention
St. Columba’s 9.30am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
10.15am Novena Prayer
10.30am Delia Hesketh
       
Thu 16 Nov
St. Theresa’s Special Intention
St. Columba’s Holy Souls
       
Fri 17 Nov
St. Theresa’s NO 10.00 a.m. Mass
12.30pm Requiem Mass for John Fletcher
St. Columba’s Private Intention
       
Sat 18 Nov
St. Theresa’s 5.00pm Michael Berry RIP
St. Columba’s 6.30pm Priests’ Intentions
       
Sun 19 Nov
St. Theresa’s 9.30am Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s 11.00am The Parish

Please note if there is no time next to Mass it means there is no Mass for parishioners to attend that day but the Priests will say Mass privately.

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS:
Mass will be streamed from St Columba’s at 11a.m. this Sunday 12th November 2023.
www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa

RECENTLY DECEASED:
Please remember in your prayers  Joan Benson of Grey Friars, Margaret Alcock, John Fletcher and Maureen Theresa Brady. Margaret’s Funeral Service is on Tuesday 14th November at 11,00 a.m. at St Columba’s, John’s Requiem Mass is on Friday 17th November at 12.30p.m. at St Theresa’s.  This will replace the normal 10a.m. Mass on that day. Maureen’s Funeral Service is at St Columba’s on Friday 24th November at 10a.m. May the Lord console their families and friends.

ANNIVERSARIES:
Steven Andrew Roberts, Kenneth Klepalo, Annina (Ann) Florio, Berta Barton, Victor Alfred Piggott, Kathleen Margaret Maguire, George Richard Becker, Eric Walsh, Owen Christopher O’Hanlon, Elizabeth Bayley.

CONFESSIONS:
There will be Confessions after each weekday Mass until 11.30am.
St Columba’s: From 6pm before the 6.30pm Saturday evening Mass.
St Theresa’s: From 4.30pm before 5pm Saturday evening Mass.

WEDDINGS, BAPTISMS AND FUNERALS:
Please contact one of the Parish Offices to make your arrangements.  We welcome into God’s family Jack Anthony James Shone and Santino Antonio Stanford, who were baptised recently.  May God bless them and their families.

OFFERTORY:
St Columba’s: Loose plate £356.75; Planned Giving £332.50; Average Weekly SO – £574.00; Piety Stall £56.80p; Candles £28.07.
St Theresa’s: Loose plate & Planned Giving £217.33; Average weekly SO – £161.00.
THANK YOU for all your generous support.

ST. COLUMBA’S BASKET COLLECTION SATURDAYS:
Following suggestions from parishioners and the kindness of volunteers, from Saturday 4th November, the collection basket will be passed round at Saturday evening Mass instead of being left at the rear of the church.  

PRAYING TOGETHER
We pray for:

  • Pray for the residents of Queen’s Crescent, Weston Grove, Lakeside Close, Dukesway, Milton Road, Mostyn Place, Crabwell Place, Byron Close, Thomas Close.
  • For the Senior Citizens Club, Food & Fun and St Vincent de Paul Society.
  • For all those who are retired

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA
12th Nov – Sue Carr for Hospice of the Good Shepherd
19th Nov – Autumn Fair
Why not donate a little time to make tea and coffee after 11:00 Mass on Sunday?  You can make some money for your favourite charity, too. Call Margaret Curtis 01244 318424 to book your date(s).

HOSPICE COFFEE MORNING:
After Mass this Sunday 12th November.    Coffee and cakes to raise funds for the Hospice of the Good Shepherd – in memory of fellow parishioner – Delia Hesketh – who spent her final weeks in the Hospice recently.     The Hospice’s value is not appreciated until it is needed.    Please come and support us.

LOUDFENCE – SAFEGUARDING 14TH NOVEMBER:
LOUDfence is a pro healing and reconciliation movement founded by Antonia Sobocki in the UK in 2020. It is a community activity of solidarity and support with abuse victims and survivors, to empower parishioners and enable them to be part of the solution by giving them an avenue to express their feelings. To safeguard is to live out the values of the Gospel in their most literal sense. A Diocesan Mass supporting the movement will be celebrated on Tuesday 14 November 6.45 pm, at Holy Apostles and Martyrs Church, Wallasey. All welcome. You are invited to submit your prayers or reflections to be offered up in the Mass; these may be submitted, anonymously, either by post using the dove image sheets provided in church porches, to the Diocesan Safeguarding Office (Curial Office, 2 Park Road South, Prenton CH43 4UX), or digitally to safeguarding@dioceseofshrewsbury.org The deadline for submissions is 7th November.

AUTUMN FAYRE – 19TH NOVEMBER 2023:
This popular event in St Columba’s Hall is nearly upon us again. We would love to offer food at the Fair from other world cuisines representing the parish. PLEASE contact Margaret 01244 318424, if you can bring food from your cultural heritage to give more variety. Soup, sandwiches, hotdogs and pizza are already on the menu, so whether it’s half a dozen naan breads or a pot of authentic curry, ANYTHING would be appreciated. Thank you.

AUTUMN FAIR – TOMBOLA: 
If you can donate a bottle (!) for the Tombola, please leave in the back porch of the church.

HIGHLIGHT FROM THE HIGH:
Save the date! The Catholic High School, Chester, invites you to come along to the Christmas Fair followed by Carol Service on Tuesday 19th December from 4pm in the school. There will be stalls, games, and refreshments. Visit Santa’s Grotto! The Carol Service will start at 6:30pm. Entry Fee £1. Everyone is welcome!

In preparation for the CHS Christmas Fair we are currently collecting books for one of the stalls. If you have any book in good condition that you would like to donate, please drop them off at the school reception for the attention of Ana. Thank you.

RED MISSION BOXES, ST COLUMBA’S:
If you have a Red Mission box for collection, please leave it in the sacristy. When counted I can return your box to your home. Thank you, Margaret Curtis 01244 318424.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY:
Churches Together in Upton will be holding a short Remembrance Service today at 4.30 p.m. at Holy Ascension church.  All welcome.

YOUTH GROUP:
The next meeting of our Parish Youth Group will be on Monday 20th November at 7-8.30pm in St Columba’s Hall. All young people from year 5 upwards are welcome to join our friendly group. We would love to see you!

UPTON DRAMATIC SOCIETY:
 The 39 Steps     Upton Village Hall Wednesday 29th November to Saturday 2nd December.    Tickets £10 each.   Call 07847619190   (see poster in porch)

THE HOLY SOULS – NOVEMBER:
There are envelopes available at the back of church.  Please put names/donations in the envelope and place in the offertory basket, they will then be placed before the altar.

CAFOD’S ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CRISIS APPEAL:
To donate go to cafod.org.uk/ipc or call 0303 303 3030 to support those affected and get funds to local trusted experts in Gaza and southern Israel who have been working alongside communities helping those most in need.  Your donation will help support aid workers providing urgent humanitarian aid including food, water and emergency shelter to those in need. Copies of the prayer for peace in the Middle East are available in the church porches.

CAFOD UPDATE:
Thank you to everyone who signed ‘Salina’s letter’ this summer. Salina is the small-scale farmer from Bangladesh who is calling on the World Bank to protect the rights of farmers over their own seeds. 70,000 parishioners in England and Wales signed the letter, and a third of all parishes took part. Salina said, “I am very happy to know about 70,000 signatures along with mine.” This helped CAFOD to secure initial meetings with World Bank staff, who heard the message that seeds are for all. This is a long struggle but it’s a very good start. Thank you for adding your voice.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: 
Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” — Helen Keller.

WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER:
In some parts of the world, you can go into a library and, instead of borrowing a book, you can borrow a person.  That is to say you can sit down and talk to someone who maybe comes from a different country, has different views to you, has different life experiences to you.  Well, we don’t need to go to the library to meet interesting folk and have a chat, we can do it in our own halls after church with coffee and tea.  It’s amazing who you can meet.  Maybe try a different table, say hello to someone new.  See you in the church “library “for a coffee sometime and see what a fascinating community we have.

RESOURCES: 
The Home Library Service is a service that provides library material directly to the homes of readers who are unable to collect their own items from a library. This can be due to mobility issues or simply because the items are too heavy to carry.  Volunteers deliver books or talking books on a regular basis, free of charge. Contact your local library for further information. 

ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH & HALL BOOKINGS
To arrange meetings etc. in either the Church, Newman Room or the Iona Chapel, please book through Carol Galvin, St. Columba’s Church Office, phone: 01244 624019, email: stcolumbaschurch2016@outlook.com
Office hours Monday to Friday 9.00am to 1.00pm
Hall availability can be checked by looking at St Columba’s Church website – section for Church Hall gives a calendar of events in the Hall. Then contact Sue Carr on 07553 114531 or email columbashallbookings@gmail.com to arrange booking.

FREE NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION:
Do you want an electronic version of the newsletter? If so, subscribe via our web page on  https://sscolumbaandtheresa.co.uk/  Front page bottom right – subscribe button. 

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER:
19th November edition will be compiled by Amy O’Donnell, phone: 07854 290897  Email: amyod@hotmail.co.uk. Please include a phone number in case of queries, and please ensure that items are emailed or phoned to the compiler by 9.00a.m. on WEDNESDAY 15th November

Filed Under: Uncategorised

Newsletter 5 November 2023

4 November 2023 By amos

THIRTY FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

5TH NOVEMBER 2023

Sat 4 Nov      
St. Theresa’s 5.00pm   Bart Bradshaw RIP
St. Columba’s 6.30pm   Delia Hesketh RIP
       
Sun 5 Nov      
St. Theresa’s 9.30am   Graham George RIP
St. Columba’s 11.00am   Kerry Prendergast RIP
       
Mon 6 Nov      
St. Theresa’s     Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s 10.30am   Margaret Lannin RIP
       
Tue 7 Nov      
St. Theresa’s     Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s     David Vaughan RIP
       
Wed 8 Nov      
St. Theresa’s     Private Intention
St. Columba’s 9.30am   Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
  10.15am   Novena Prayer
  10.30am   Delia Hesketh RIP
       
Thu 9 Nov     Dedic.of the Lateran Basilica
St. Theresa’s     Special Intention
St. Columba’s     Holy Souls
       
Fri 10 Nov     St Leo The Great, Pp, D
St. Theresa’s 10.00am   Jessica Baker RIP
St. Columba’s     Holy Souls
       
Sat 11 Nov     St Martin of Tours, B
St. Theresa’s 5.00pm   Eta Ashe RIP
St. Columba’s 6.30pm   The Parish
       
Sun 12 Nov     Feast
St. Theresa’s 9.30am   Kathleen Maguire RIP
St. Columba’s 11.00am   Brian Moyes RIP

Please note if there is no time next to Mass it means there is no Mass for parishioners to attend that day but the Priests will say Mass privately.

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS:
Mass will be streamed from St Columba’s at 11a.m. this Sunday 5th November 2023.
www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa

CLERGY EDUCATION & TRAINING FUND
There will be a second collection this week-end for the Clergy Education and Training Fund. Please place donations in the baskets provided.  Many thanks!

RECENTLY DECEASED:
Please remember in your prayers  Joan Benson of Grey Friars, Margaret Alcock, John Fletcher and Maureen Theresa Brady. Joan’s Requiem Mass will be on Monday 6th November at 12p.m. at St Francis Church in Chester followed by a private cremation. 

John’s Requiem Mass is on Friday 17th November at 12.30p.m. at St Theresa’s. This will replace the normal 10a.m. Mass on that day. Maureen’s Requiem Mass is at St Columba’s on Friday 24th November at 10a.m. May the Lord console their families and friends.

ANNIVERSARIES:
David Vaughan, Graham James George, Sheila Mary Cherry, Steven Andrew Roberts, Kenneth Klepalo, Kathleen Margaret Maguire.

WEDDINGS, BAPTISMS AND FUNERALS:
Please contact one of the Parish Offices to make your arrangements.  We welcome into God’s family Jack Anthony James Shone and Santino Antonio Stanford, who were baptised recently.  May God bless them and their families.

CONFESSIONS:
There will be Confessions after each weekday Mass until 11.30am.
St Columba’s: From 6pm before the 6.30pm Saturday evening Mass.
St Theresa’s: From 4.30pm before 5pm Saturday evening Mass.

OFFERTORY:
St Columba’s: (22 & 29/10/2023) Loose plate £626.63; Planned Giving £246.60; Average Weekly SO – £574.00;
St Theresa’s: Loose plate & Planned Giving £TBC; Average weekly SO – £161.00.
THANK YOU for all your generous support.

PRAYING TOGETHER
We pray for:

  • the residents of Longfield Avenue, Iver Road, Iver Close, Owen Close, Shelly Road, Chaucer Close, Browning Close and Alderley Place.
  • For the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children.
  • For all who are not able to attend church.

WELCOME:
We welcome back Fr William and hope he is refreshed from his travels.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA
5th Nov – Rippon family for Camps Intl., Humanitarian Collaboration
12th Nov – Sue Carr for Hospice of the Good Shepherd
19th Nov – Autumn Fair
Why not donate a little time to make tea and coffee after 11:00 Mass on Sunday?  You can make some money for your favourite charity, too. Call Margaret Curtis 01244 318424 to book your date(s).

PASTORAL COUNCIL MINUTES:
The approved Pastoral Council Minutes for the 11th September are now available for perusal in both porches.

HOSPICE COFFEE MORNING  after Mass next Sunday 12th November.    Coffee and cakes to raise funds for the Hospice of the Good Shepherd – in memory of fellow parishioner – Delia Hesketh – who spent her final weeks in the Hospice recently.     The Hospice’s value is not appreciated until it is needed.    Please come and support us.

LOUDFENCE – SAFEGUARDING 14TH NOVEMBER:
LOUDfence is a pro healing and reconciliation movement founded by Antonia Sobocki in the UK in 2020. It is a community activity of solidarity and support with abuse victims and survivors, to empower parishioners and enable them to be part of the solution by giving them an avenue to express their feelings. To safeguard is to live out the values of the Gospel in their most literal sense. A Diocesan Mass supporting the movement will be celebrated on Tuesday 14 November 6.45 pm, at Holy Apostles and Martyrs Church, Wallasey. All welcome. You are invited to submit your prayers or reflections to be offered up in the Mass; these may be submitted, anonymously, either by post using the dove image sheets provided in church porches, to the Diocesan Safeguarding Office (Curial Office, 2 Park Road South, Prenton CH43 4UX), or digitally to safeguarding@dioceseofshrewsbury.org The deadline for submissions is 7th November.

AUTUMN FAYRE – 19TH NOVEMBER 2023:
This popular event in St Columba’s Hall is nearly upon us again. We would love to offer food at the Fair from other world cuisines representing the parish. PLEASE contact Margaret 01244 318424, if you can bring food from your cultural heritage to give more variety. Soup, sandwiches, hotdogs and pizza are already on the menu, so whether it’s half a dozen naan breads or a pot of authentic curry, ANYTHING would be appreciated. Thank you.

AUTUMN FAIR – TOMBOLA: 
If you can donate a bottle (!) for the Tombola, please leave in the back porch of the church.

HIGHLIGHT FROM THE HIGH:
Save the date! The Catholic High School, Chester, invites you to come along to the Christmas Fair followed by Carol Service on Tuesday 19th December from 4pm in the school. There will be stalls, games, and refreshments. Visit Santa’s Grotto! The Carol Service will start at 6:30pm. Entry Fee £1. Everyone is welcome!

RED MISSION BOXES, ST COLUMBA’S:
If you have a Red Mission box for collection, please leave it in the sacristy. When counted I can return your box to your home. Thank you, Margaret Curtis 01244 318424.

ST. COLUMBA’S BASKET COLLECTION SATURDAYS:
Following suggestions from parishioners and the kindness of volunteers, from Saturday 4th November, the collection basket will be passed round at Saturday evening Mass instead of being left at the rear of the church.  

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 12th NOVEMBER:
Churches Together in Upton will be holding a short Remembrance Service next Sunday at 4.30 p.m. at Holy Ascension church.  All welcome.

ST PIO PRAYER GROUP:
The next meeting is on Thursday, 9th November, starting at 2pm in Flat 5, Abbots Court, Eversley Park, Chester CH2 2DY. Everyone is welcome.

YOUTH GROUP:
The next meeting of our Parish Youth Group will be on Monday 20th November at 7-8.30pm in St Columba’s Hall. All young people from year 5 upwards are welcome to join our friendly group. We would love to see you!

VOLUNTEERS FOR PARISH ACTIVITIES.
Thanks very much to all who have volunteered. A number of you were kind enough to offer your service in several areas. We will consider where assistance could be most helpful and some activities may be organised differently as a result. Over the next few weeks you will be contacted individually by phone, email or in person.     Ann McCarthy and Pauline Rourke.

CT UPTON QUIZ NIGHT:
Thanks to all of you who supported the recent Quiz Night.  Special thanks to Spar, Long Lane for donating the raffle prizes and to St. Columba’s for the use of the Hall.  The sum of £175 was raised and will be divided between Christian Aid and CAFOD.

UPTON DRAMATIC SOCIETY:
 The 39 Steps     Upton Village Hall  Wednesday 29th November to Saturday 2nd December.    Tickets £10 each.   Call 07847619190   (see poster in porch)

THE HOLY SOULS – NOVEMBER:
There are envelopes available at the back of church.  Please put names/donations in the envelope and place in the offertory basket, they will then be placed before the altar.

WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER:
We thought we would get this one in early! With the cost of living crisis, there are lots of people in our communities who are in need of help.  Advent calendars are everywhere you look, from chocolate, to beers, coffee, toys etc., you name it, you can get an Advent calendar for it! But rather than taking a chocolate etc. maybe we could try the reverse advent calendar, whereby we put in an item of food into our food bank.   If we start early, we can ensure that those people in most need will have what they need for Christmas.  If we feel able to give, even a couple of items, it will really help. At the moment, they are looking for UHT juice, custard, tinned vegetables, jams and spreads and tinned meats.  Thank you.

CAFOD: Thank you very much for your donations to the Harvest Appeal. Donations from the envelopes amounted to £300.  There are copies of a CAFOD’s prayer for peace in the Middle East in church porches. Please take a copy.  CAFOD campaigners have delivered ‘Salina’s letter’ to the World Bank’s UK offices. As part of CAFOD’s Fix the Food System campaign, over 70,000 Catholics from across England and Wales had signed the letter in solidarity with Salina to urge the World Bank to stop supporting policies that limit small farmers’ choice over which seeds they can use. Thank you for your support

ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH & HALL BOOKINGS
To arrange meetings etc. in either the Church, Newman Room or the Iona Chapel, please book through Carol Galvin, St. Columba’s Church Office, phone: 01244 624019, email: stcolumbaschurch2016@outlook.com
Office hours Monday to Friday 9.00am to 1.00pm

Hall availability can be checked by looking at St Columba’s Church website – section for Church Hall gives a calendar of events in the Hall. Then contact Sue Carr on 07553 114531 or email columbashallbookings@gmail.com to arrange booking.

FREE NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION:
Do you want an electronic version of the newsletter? If so, subscribe via our web page on  https://sscolumbaandtheresa.co.uk/  Front page bottom right – subscribe button. 

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER:
12th November edition will be compiled by Harry Sweeney, phone: 01244 327462  Email: harrysweeney45@gmail.com, please include a phone number in case of queries, and please ensure that items are emailed or phoned to the compiler by 9.00a.m. on WEDNESDAY 8th November

Filed Under: Uncategorised

Newsletter 29 October 2023

27 October 2023 By amos

THIRTIETH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

29th  OCTOBER  2023

Sat 28 Oct      
St. Theresa’s 5.00pm   Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s 6.30pm   Joan Bullough B.Day
       
Sun 29 Oct      
St. Theresa’s 9.30am   Jessica Baker RIP
St. Columba’s 11.00am   Elizabeth (Betty) Allingham RIP
       
Mon 30 Oct      
St. Theresa’s     Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s 10.30am   Judy Sheanan RIP
       
Tue 31 Oct     Vigil All Saints
St. Theresa’s 7.00pm   Katherine Gannon RIP
St. Columba’s     Private Intention
       
Wed 1 Nov     All Saints
St. Theresa’s     Private Intention (BW)
St. Columba’s 9.30am   Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
  10.15am   Novena Prayers
  10.30am   Jim Mason RIP
       
Thu 2 Nov     Comm.of Faithful Departed
St. Theresa’s     Private Intention (SR)
St. Columba’s     Priests’ Intentions
       
Fri 3 Nov     St Winefride, V. Feast
St. Theresa’s 10.00am   Emma Hornby’s Ints.
St. Columba’s     Parishioners’ Intentions
       
Sat 4 Nov      
St. Theresa’s 5.00pm   Bart Bradshaw RIP
St. Columba’s 6.30pm   Delia Hesketh RIP
       
Sun 5 Nov      
St. Theresa’s 9.30am   Graham George RIP
St. Columba’s 11.00am   Kerry Prendergast RIP

Please note if there is no time next to Mass it means there is no Mass for parishioners to attend that day but the Priests will say Mass privately.

ALL SAINTS- 1st NOVEMBER:
The Vigil Mass for All Saints will be held at 7.00 p.m. on Tuesday 31st October  at Theresa’s Church and the Mass of the Day will be held at St. Columba’s Church on Wednesday 1st November at 10.30 a.m.

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS:
Mass will be streamed from St Columba’s at 11a.m. this Sunday 29th October 2023.
www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa

RECENTLY DECEASED:
Please remember in your prayers Joan Benson of Grey Friars.  Her requiem mass will be on Monday 6th November at 12:00 at St Francis Church in Chester followed by a private cremation.  May the Lord console her families and friends. 

ANNIVERSARIES:
Breda Mary Wright, Marie Willetts, Rose Marshall, Richard Heselwood, Sidney Claude Jefferies.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTIONS:
For October – For the Synod
Let us pray for the Church, that she may adopt listening and dialogue as a style of life at every level, allowing herself to be guided by the Holy Spirit towards the world’s peripheries.

WEDDINGS, BAPTISMS AND FUNERALS:
Please contact one of the Parish Offices to make your arrangements.  We welcome into God’s family Jack Anthony James Shone and Santino Antonio Stanford, who were baptised recently.  May God bless them and their families.

CONFESSIONS:
There will be Confessions after each weekday Mass until 11.30am.
St Columba’s: From 6pm before the 6.30pm Saturday evening Mass.
St Theresa’s: From 4.30pm before 5pm Saturday evening Mass.

OFFERTORY:
St Columba’s: Loose plate £TBC; Planned Giving £TBC; Average Weekly SO – £574.00;
St Theresa’s: Loose plate & Planned Giving £165.00; Average weekly SO – £161.00.
THANK YOU for all your generous support.

PRAYING TOGETHER
We pray for:

  • the residents of Bache Drive, Dulas Court, Birch Rise, Long Lane, Mallard Court. Cleves Close, Roman Drive, Cavalier Drive, Hadrian Drive.
  • For the ACF, Friendship Group, MOT Group and Catholic Women’s League.
  • For all catering staff and those who make refreshments after the services.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA
29th Oct – Chris & Elizabeth for the Tombola
  5th Nov – Rippon family for Camps Intl., Humanitarian Collaboration
12th Nov – volunteers please
Why not donate a little time to make tea and coffee after 11:00 Mass on Sunday?  You can make some money for your favourite charity, too. Call Margaret Curtis 01244 318424 to book your date(s).

CT UPTON FIFTH SUNDAY SERVICE:
This will be held on the theme of “The Two Saints Way” at Holy Ascension Church at 4.30 p.m. today.

COUNTESS OF CHESTER MONTHLY MASS:
Mass will be held at 12.15pm on Thursday 2nd November in the Countess of Chester Hospital Chapel, for all staff, patients and their families, volunteers and parishioners.  Fr Desmond will be joining us this month, and all are welcome.

LOUDFENCE – SAFEGUARDING 14 NOVEMBER:
LOUDfence is a pro healing and reconciliation movement founded by Antonia Sobocki in the UK in 2020. It is a community activity of solidarity and support with abuse victims and survivors, to empower parishioners and enable them to be part of the solution by giving them an avenue to express their feelings. To safeguard is to live out the values of the Gospel in their most literal sense. A Diocesan Mass supporting the movement will be celebrated on Tuesday 14 November 6.45 pm, at Holy Apostles and Martyrs Church, Wallasey. All welcome. You are invited to submit your prayers or reflections to be offered up in the Mass; these may be submitted, anonymously, either by post using the dove image sheets provided in church porches, to the Diocesan Safeguarding Office (Curial Office, 2 Park Road South, Prenton CH43 4UX), or digitally to safeguarding@dioceseofshrewsbury.org The deadline for submissions is 7th November.

AUTUMN FAYRE – 19TH NOVEMBER 2023:
This popular event in St Columba’s Hall is nearly upon us again. Food, Stalls and TOMBOLA.

We would also love to offer food at the Fayre from other world cuisines representing the parish. PLEASE contact Margaret 01244 318424, if you can bring food from your cultural heritage to give more variety. Soup, sandwiches, hotdogs and pizza are already on the menu, so whether it’s half a dozen naan breads or a pot of authentic curry, ANYTHING would be appreciated. Thank you.

Donations of bottles etc are needed as prizes for The Tombola stall at The Autumn Fayre. Could you please leave them inside the entrance to St Columbas and St Theresas.

HIGHLIGHT FROM THE HIGH:
Save the date! The Catholic High School, Chester, invites you to come along to the Christmas Fair followed by Carol Service on Tuesday 19th December from 4pm in the school. There will be stalls, games, and refreshments. Visit Santa’s Grotto! The Carol Service will start at 6:30pm. Entry Fee £1. Everyone is welcome!

RED MISSION BOXES, ST COLUMBA’S:
If you have a Red Mission box for collection, please leave it in the sacristy. When counted I can return your box to your home. Thank you, Margaret Curtis 01244 318424.

ST. COLUMBA’S BASKET COLLECTION SATURDAYS:
Following suggestions from parishioners and the kindness of volunteers, from Saturday 4th November, the collection basket will be passed round at Saturday evening Mass instead of being left at the rear of the church.  

GIFT AID APPEAL:
Thank you to everyone who completed a Gift Aid form, joined the Planned Giving envelope scheme and anyone who altered their contributions following the recent appeal. All the relevant forms and boxes for completed forms are still available as you leave the church for anyone still needing them.

THE HOLY SOULS-NOVEMBER:
There are envelopes available at the back of church.  Please put names/donations in the envelope and place in the offertory basket, they will then be placed before the altar.

CAFOD: Thank you very much for your donations to the Harvest Appeal. Donations from the envelopes amounted to £300.  There are copies of a CAFOD’s prayer for peace in the Middle East in church porches. Please take a copy.  CAFOD campaigners have delivered ‘Salina’s letter’ to the World Bank’s UK offices. As part of CAFOD’s Fix the Food System campaign, over 70,000 Catholics from across England and Wales had signed the letter in solidarity with Salina to urge the World Bank to stop supporting policies that limit small farmers’ choice over which seeds they can use. Thank you for your support

VOLUNTEERS FOR PARISH ACTIVITIES.
Thanks very much to all who have volunteered. A number of you were kind enough to offer your service in several areas. We will consider where assistance could be most helpful and some activities may be organised differently as a result. Over the next few weeks you will be contacted individually by phone, email or in person.     Ann McCarthy     Pauline Rourke

HEARTS ON FIRE, FEET ON THE MOVE 
Thank you for celebrating World Mission Sunday
Thank you very much for your donations to World Mission Sunday last week. £362.27 was collected.  Your prayers and support of World Mission Sunday will help missionaries work alongside communities throughout the world that are poor or in need, regardless of their background or belief. Please pray for the work of Missio and all those working to offer the love of Jesus, that we may remain strong in our witness to Christ’s love for all peoples. To continue supporting mission throughout the year, please go to missio.org.uk or call 020 7821 9755 (office hours).

Thought for the week : “never let them tell you, that you cannot make a change, when the ripples of a single stone, can make a million waves.” Becky Hemsley, poet.

UPTON DRAMATIC SOCIETY:
 The 39 Steps     Upton Village Hall  Wednesday 29th November to Saturday 2nd December.    Tickets £10 each.   Call 07847619190   (see poster in porch)

ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH & HALL BOOKINGS
To arrange meetings etc. in either the Church, Newman Room or the Iona Chapel, please book through Carol Galvin, St. Columba’s Church Office, phone: 01244 624019, email: stcolumbaschurch2016@outlook.com Office hours Monday to Friday 9.00am to 1.00pm
Hall availability can be checked by looking at St Columba’s Church website – section for Church Hall gives a calendar of events in the Hall. Then contact Sue Carr on 07553 114531 or email columbashallbookings@gmail.com to arrange booking.

We’re all in this together Pope Francis has issued an urgent appeal for a halt to violence in Israel and Palestine reiterating his belief that wars are always a defeat. He says that “Prayer is the meek and holy force to oppose the diabolical force of hatred, terrorism and war”. This week the Pope made a phone call to the parishioners of the Holy Family Catholic Parish in Gaza, with a religious sister expressing gratitude for his encouragement to the suffering community. There are about “500 people, sheltering in the parish facilities in Gaza, including the sick, families, children, the disabled, people who have lost their homes and belongings,” she said. “It was a great blessing to be able to speak with him. He gave us courage and support in prayer”.  We are encouraged to pray for peace as the conflict escalates and the death toll rises in both Israel and Gaza.”https://www.cbcew.org.uk/pope-francis-calls-catholic-faithful-of-parish-in-gaza/

CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP COURSE:
Are you currently in Lower Sixth/Year 12/S5?
The Christian Leadership Formation programme uniquely offers a combination of stimulating and high-quality intellectual content, spiritual nourishment, personal development, inter-personal skills, team-building and socials in a tightly-knit community experience, with expert academics and professionals. Open to any student who is motivated by their faith and their studies, with bursaries available as needed.

CATHOLIC CERTIFICATE IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES:
The diocesan Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS) will resume this month, with both an online course or daytime classes in Wythenshawe.  Details are at: www.educationshrewsbury.org/formation-development/ccrs or enquiries to ccrs@diocseofshrewsbury.org

FREE NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION:
Do you want an electronic version of the newsletter? If so, subscribe via our web page on  https://sscolumbaandtheresa.co.uk/  Front page bottom right – subscribe button. 

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER:
5th November edition will be compiled by Rebecca Vaughan, phone: 01244 318632, email: rebecca_vghn@yahoo.co.uk. Please include a phone number in case of queries, and please ensure that items are emailed or phoned to the compiler by 9.00a.m. on WEDNESDAY 1st November

Filed Under: Uncategorised

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 9
  • Next Page »

News and Events

  • Newsletter 26 November 2023
  • Newsletter 19 November 2023
  • Newsletter 12 November 2023
  • Newsletter 5 November 2023
  • Newsletter 29 October 2023

Subscribe to receive our weekly newsletters direct to your inbox.

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

Key Contacts

If  you need to get in touch with someone in the parish this is the place to start. Click this link to see our list of contacts.

Mass times

If you need to find the mass times for any of the churches. You can visit their respective pages. you can find all of our mass times on the services page. You can follow the link to the location you would like to attend.

Newsletters and Bulletins

If you would like to locate the latest newsletter then please navigate to the News and Events Page.

Online Giving

For those Parishioners who normally give in the collection at Mass and wish to help our Parish at this time of restricted opening, the Online Giving page gives you a way to do this.

Copyright © 2023 · The Catholic Parish of St Columba and St Theresa, Chester · Site maintained by the Parish · Staff Log in · Webmail