amos – Page 17

Newsletter 17 March 2024

16 March 2024 By amos

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

17 MARCH 2024

Sat 16 Mar
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm	Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm	The Parish

Sun 17 Mar
St. Theresa’s	9.30am	Jessica Baker RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am	Cath Carter RIP

Mon 18 Mar
St. Theresa’s		Zania Van-Zundert
St. Columba’s	10.00am	Stations of the Cross
	10.30am	Cornelius Lally

Tue 19 Mar		St Joseph, Husband of the BVM
St. Theresa’s	10.00am	Mass at St Theresa’s only, Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s		Priests’ Intentions

Wed 20 Mar
St. Theresa’s		Special Intentions
St. Columba’s	9.30am	Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am	Novena Prayers
	10.30am	Lucienne Francis

Thu 21 Mar
St. Theresa’s		Private Intentions
St. Columba’s		Parish Intentions

Fri 22 Mar
St. Theresa’s	9.30am	Stations of the Cross
School Mass	10.00am	David Kluth’s Intentions
St. Columba’s		Marion.Baker RIP

Sat 23 Mar		Palm Sunday – Vigil
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm	Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm	Edwin Edwards Anniversary

Sun 24 Mar		Palm Sunday
St. Theresa’s	9.30am	Nina Wormald RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am	Matthew Traynor

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 5.00p.m. this Saturday 16th March 2024
www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTIONS – For March – For new martyrs – Let us pray that those who risk their lives for the Gospel in various parts of the world might imbue the Church with their courage and missionary drive.

ANNIVERSARIES:
Doreen Brenda Grainger, Jean Alice Hickman, Michael Byrne, James Philip Conde, Charles Buckley, Margaret Ellen Finnegan, Maria Magdelena Cumberford, Stewart Harrison

WEDDINGS, BAPTISMS AND FUNERALS:
Please contact one of the Parish Offices to make your arrangements.

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

OFFERTORY:
Loose plate £tbc ; Planned giving £tbc; Average weekly SO £785.00; Candles £tbc

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.

PRAYING TOGETHER
We pray for:

the residents of Newton Park Road, Kennedy Close, Sandon Road, Blacon Avenue, Keats Terrace, Blacon Hall Road and Malvern Road.
Upton Village Surgery. For Doctors, Nurses, Health Visitors and Social Workers in our community.

LENT AND EASTER

STATIONS OF THE CROSS:
During Lent there will be Stations of the Cross every week. Monday at 10a.m. at St Columba’s in the Iona Chapel and Friday at 9.30a.m. at St Theresa’s.
Stations of the Cross in the COCH Spiritual Care Centre:
The stations of the cross will be prayed on Thursdays during Lent in the Hospital chapel at 12.15p.m. All welcome.

SERVICE TIMES:
Leaflets are available with the service and Mass times for Lent and Easter. Please do take one with you.

HOLY THURSDAY
As this Mass is at St Columba’s at 6.30pm on 28^th March, anyone needing a lift from Blacon to St Columba’s please put your name on the list at the back of church.

CHRISTIAN AID LENT LUNCHES:
See posters in church porches for dates and venues.

CAFOD LENT FAST DAY:
The total amount raised was £651.11 of which £580 came from donations in the envelopes and £70.61 was raised at the coffee morning after Mass. Many thanks for your continued support of CAFOD. Your donations will mean that CAFOD can support many more projects to help vulnerable families in our world. Ann McCarthy

EASTER FLOWERS:
There will be a collection at St. Columba’s after all Masses this weekend

PASTORAL COUNCIL – VOLUNTEERING IN THE LIFE OF YOUR PARISH:
Following on from the recent talk about how to get involved in volunteering, you will now have had chance to read through the information in more detail. Thank you to those who have already come forward and we would still like to hear from more parishioners. If you missed the talk, the forms on volunteering roles and how to get involved are available in the church porches. Please place any completed forms in the white boxes in church porches. Thank you

DIOCESAN MARRIAGE MASS:
The Annual Diocesan Marriage Mass will take place here at St Columba’s Church on Saturday 8^th June 2024. If you have a special anniversary this year, please get in touch with the Diocese of Shrewsbury, Curial Offices, 2 Park Road South, Prenton, CH43 4UX or telephone 0151-652-9855. Many thanks.”

RECEPTIONS AND CONFIRMATIONS AT EASTER:
Luciana da Silva and Tommy Williams are preparing in the parish to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. Connor Rowlands is preparing also, to receive the sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist with Luciana and Tommy at the Vigil. In these final days of their preparation especially, please keep Luciana, Tommy, and Connor in your prayers, that God will guide them, and grant them the grace to enter fully and joyfully into the life of the Church. Thank you.

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY 2024 – ST THERESA’S 7^TH APRIL
Programme:
2.00pm Sacrament of Reconciliation
2.15pm Recitation of the Chaplet
2.30pm Blessing and veneration of the Divine Mercy picture and Benediction
2.45pm Mass

The service on Divine Mercy Sunday is an opportunity to receive Our Lord’s promises of specific, extraordinary graces on the Sunday after Easter. “The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion (on this day) will obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment” (St Faustina). There is a novena which is said in the 9 days before Divine Mercy Sunday (https://www.thedivinemercy.org/message/devotions/novena/). You are invited to attend this service and receive the extraordinary graces from Our Lord.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA:
The coffee rota is on the notice board in St Columba’s Hall. Please enter your name and good cause against your preferred dates. You could make £30-£50 for your chosen cause.
17^th Mar – volunteers please
24^th Mar – volunteers please (Palm Sunday)
31^st March – volunteers please (Easter Sunday)

HIGHLIGHT FROM THE HIGH:
The students at the CHS are rehearsing for the ‘Living Stations of the Cross’ performance which will take place in the school hall on Tuesday 26^th March at 10am. Parishioners are invited to come and watch the play. Tickets free of charge. Limited places! To book your seat, please email shawk@christofidelis.org.uk

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: Saint Thomas Aquinas maintained that God is “the truth and the light that illuminates every understanding,”

RIGHT TO LIFE (UK):
Ask your MP to support the abortion time limit reduction amendment
Support an amendment to reduce our abortion time limit from 24 weeks to 22 weeks. Research indicates that a significant number of babies born at 22 or 23 weeks can now survive outside the womb, leaving a contradiction in our abortion law. Take action: Collect a postcard today from the back of the church and post it to your MP urgently in support of this amendment! – Our MP is Samantha Dixon.

PRAY AND FAST FOR THE END OF ABORTION:
“On Saturday 23^rd March, the Vigil of Palm Sunday, please pray and fast for the end of abortion in this Country. Through God’s grace we have seen thousands of Mothers in our counselling centre continue their pregnancies in very difficult circumstances. Please help us to help save lives with your prayers, fasting and support. www.GoodCounselNetwork.com”

SVP YOUTH MASS:
The Chester Catholic High school is kindly hosting an SVP Youth Mass for all catholic schools in the Chester and Ellesmere Port area on Wednesday 20^th March at 10.30am. Local parishioners are very welcome to join us in this special celebration but at this is a school day all guests will need to register their wish to attend in advance. Please contact stephen.perry12@btopenworld.com or GaspariniA@christofidelis.org.uk by Friday 23^rd February 2024.

PARISH YOUTH CLUB:
The next youth group meeting is Monday March 18th from 7 to 8.30pm. Please note we will meet in Saint Columba’s Church Hall. Young parishioners from Year 5 upwards are invited to come along. ALL are welcome.

ST WERBURGH’S & ST COLUMBA’S PRIMARY SCHOOL – FOUNDATION GOVERNOR VACANCY:
We are currently recruiting a Catholic Church Foundation Governor to join our Governing Body. The role would suit someone with an interest in serving our community and supporting the needs of our school children. The role of a School Governing Body is:

Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos, and direction of the school
Holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils.
Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.

At this time we would particularly welcome applications from interested parties who have a financial background.

We are a busy, energetic governing body and would warmly invite anyone interested in finding out more about the role to contact the school in the first instance to arrange an informal chat. Telephone Sarah on 01244 478954 or email: admin@lovelearnlaugh.org.uk

REQUEST FOR UNWANTED KNITTING WOOL:
If anyone has wool they don’t need, please consider donating it to the makers of hats and jumpers for the Fish & Chip babies, please contact Margaret Curtis (318424) to arrange a handover. ALSO, if any knitters needs more wool, please contact me, too.

LEAKS IN ST.COLUMBA’S CHURCH:
A cherry picker was used to examine the church roof last week to try to find the source of the leaks. Some remedial action was taken but we need to monitor the situation to see if the action was effective. If you notice wet carpet or water running down a wall it would be very helpful if you could let me know directly or via the church office. The two areas of leaking are: – on the wall behind the altar especially on the right hand side: – down the wooden column on the opposite wall (where the varnish is peeling off) to the left as you come in to church. Sadly, don’t bother reporting any water leak you may see in the front porch, to the right as you enter church, as years of investigation have proved that it is impossible to find the source and we just have to live with it! Pauline Rourke

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 8.30a.m. to 12.30p.m.
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.

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER:
24^th March edition will be compiled by Eileen Irwin, phone: 01244 371660; or email: st.theresas@btinternet.com. Please include a phone number in case of queries, and please ensure that items are emailed or phoned to thecompiler by 9.00A.M. on WEDNESDAY 20 MARCH 2024

Newsletter 10 March 2024

8 March 2024 By amos

FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT

10TH MARCH 2024

Sat 9 Mar
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm	Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm	The Parish

Sun 10 Mar
St. Theresa’s	9.30am	Caroline Connolly
St. Columba’s	11.00am	Stephen Phillips RIP

Mon 11 Mar
St. Theresa’s		Private Intentions
St. Columba’s	10.00am	Stations of the Cross
	10.30am	Cathryn McAlinden RIP

Tue 12 Mar
St. Theresa’s		Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s		Priests’ Intentions

Wed 13 Mar
St. Theresa’s		Special Intentions
St. Columba’s	9.30am	Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am	Novena Prayers
	10.30am	Private Intentions

Thu 14 Mar
St. Theresa’s		Kazia Krawiec
St. Columba’s		Parishioners’ Intentions

Fri 15 Mar
St. Theresa’s	9.30am	Stations of the Cross
	10.00am	Felicity Hughes RIP
St. Columba’s		Diane Blago RIP

Sat 16 Mar
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm	Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm	The Parish

Sun 17 Mar
St. Theresa’s	9.30am	Jessica Baker RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am	Cath Carter 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 6.30p.m. this Saturday 9^th March 2024
www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa

ANNIVERSARIES:
Mary Evelyn Formston, Mavis Gibson, Charles Buckley, John James Tully, Doreen Brenda Grainger, Jean Alice Hickman.

WEDDINGS, BAPTISMS AND FUNERALS:
Please contact one of the Parish Offices to make your arrangements.

OFFERTORY:
Loose plate £851.31 ; Planned giving £608. 14; Average weekly SO £785.00; Candles £37. 10p. These figures include two weeks collection. THANK YOU for all your generous support.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA:
The coffee rota is on the notice board in St Columba’s Hall. Please enter your name and good cause against your preferred dates. You could make £30-£50 for your chosen cause.
10^th Mar – Sue McCarthy for The Food Bank
17^th Mar – volunteers please
24^th Mar – volunteers please (Palm Sunday)

PRAYING TOGETHER
We pray for:

Pray for the residents of Kelvin Grove, Western Approach, Thirlmere Road, Meynell Place, Marlowe Close, Palgrave Close and Tennyson Walk.
For a greater compassion for those who feel marginalised in our society.
For a deeper unity between the churches.

LENT AND EASTER

SERVICE TIMES:
Leaflets are available with the service and Mass times for Lent and Easter. Please do take one with you.

CHRISTIAN AID LENT LUNCHES:
See posters in church porches for dates and venues.

CAFOD LENT FAST DAY:
Please return envelopes in the collection baskets. Thank you.

PASTORAL COUNCIL – VOLUNTEERING IN THE LIFE OF YOUR PARISH:
Following on from last week’s talk about how to get involved in volunteering, you will now have had chance to read through the information in more detail. Thank you to those who have already come forward and we would still like to hear from more parishioners. If you missed the talk last week, the forms on volunteering roles and how to get involved are available in the church porches. Please place any completed forms in the white boxes in church porches. Thank you

“DIOCESAN MARRIAGE MASS:
The Annual Diocesan Marriage Mass will take place here at St Columba’s Church on Saturday 8^th June 2024. If you have a special anniversary this year, please get in touch with the Diocese of Shrewsbury, Curial Offices, 2 Park Road South, Prenton, CH43 4UX or telephone 0151-652-9855. Many thanks.”

FIRST HOLY COMMUNIONS:
Monday 11^TH MARCH: Commentary Mass at 6.30p.m. in St Columba’s Church.
This is for all the children and parents. It is an important part of the children’s preparation, so all our First Holy Communion children should be there accompanied by a member or members of their family.

ST PIO PRAYER GROUP:
The next meeting will be on Thursday, 14 March, at Flat 5, Abbots Court, Eversley Park, Chester CH2 2DY starting at 2pm. Everyone is welcome.

MOTHERING SUNDAY:
Fr William wishes all Mothers a very Happy Mother’s Day.

LEAKS IN ST.COLUMBA’S CHURCH:
A cherry picker was used to examine the church roof this week to try to find the source of the leaks. Some remedial action was taken but we need to monitor the situation to see if the action was effective. If you notice wet carpet or water running down a wall it would be very helpful if you could let me know directly or via the church office. The two areas of leaking are: – on the wall behind the altar especially on the right hand side: – down the wooden column on the opposite wall (where the varnish is peeling off) to the left as you come in to church. Sadly, don’t bother reporting any water leak you may see in the front porch, to the right as you enter church, as years of investigation have proved that it is impossible to find the source and we just have to live with it! Pauline Rourke

PASTORAL COUNCIL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING:
There was a record attendance at this meeting at St Theresa’s Centre last Monday. Individual reports were presented on each area of the Council’s activities, eleven in total, with opportunities for parishioners to ask questions and comment on each area. The reports (which will be available on the website and can be obtained from the parish offices) showed what a large number of parishioners are generously involved in a wide range of worthwhile activitiesand responsibilities. Ann McCarthy, Pauline Rourke
Thank you to all who attended the Parish AGM. It was a huge success. Fr William Damah CSSP

Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos, and direction of the school
Holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils.
Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.

At this time we would particularly welcome applications from interested parties who have a financial background.

SVP MUSIC NIGHT AT THE HIGH SCHOOL:
The SVP are holding a music night at the Catholic High School on Friday 15^th March at 19.15 pm. Tickets are £10, on sale from any members of the SVP or contact Sue McCarthy 07515 491251

PARISH YOUTH CLUB:
The next youth group meeting is Monday March 18th from 7 to 8.30pm.Please note we will meet in Saint Columba’s Church Hall.Young parishioners from Year 5 upwards are invited to come along. ALL are welcome.

THE NATIONAL NOVENA TO ST JOSEPH:
The National Novena to St Joseph will take place from 10th-18th March 2024 at St Joseph’s Church in Maidenhead.

The Mill Hill Missionaries prepare for the Feast of St Joseph, their Society Patron, with a special Novena of Masses and prayers to ask for God’s blessing on their Society’s missionary outreach, and for the intentions of all those who support their work. Masses are at 10.00am every day of the Novena except Sunday, when it is at 11.00am. Masses will be available to follow on Zoom, via the Mill Hill website: www.millhillmissionaries.com/novena. Also on Zoom will be Evening Prayer together with the Novena Prayer at 6.00pm every day during the Novena.

A special Novena Prayer Booklet has been prepared, and is available on request for a suggested donation.

You are welcome to send in your petitions and/or to request a Novena prayer booklet. Please write to the Novena Director at 6 Colby Gardens, Maidenhead, SL6 7GZ, or email novenamhm@gmail.com

SVP YOUTH MASS:
The Chester Catholic High school is kindly hosting an SVPYouth Mass for all catholic schools in the Chester and Ellesmere Port area on Wednesday 20^th March at 10.30am. Local parishioners are very welcome to join us in this special celebration but at this is a school day all guests will need to register their wish to attend in advance. Please contact stephen.perry12@btopenworld.com or GaspariniA@christofidelis.org.uk by Friday 23^rd February 2024.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER:
Thank you to all who attended the simple and meaningful service on Friday and to Rob Green for the music.The refreshments after the service were appreciated, thank you to all who helped in any way

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions. Dalai Lama

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER:
17^th March edition will be compiled by Amy O’Donnell, phone: 07854 290897; or 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 13^TH MARCH 2024

Newsletter 3 March 2024

1 March 2024 By amos

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

3^RD MARCH 2024

Sat 2 Mar
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm	Kathleen Watts RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm	Vera Hawkins

Sun 3 Mar
St. Theresa’s	9.30am	David Kluth’s Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am	Willie Gordon RIP

Mon 4 Mar
St. Theresa’s		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	10.00am	Stations of the Cross
	10.30am	Private Intentions

Tue 5 Mar
St. Theresa’s		Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s		Priests’ Intentions

Wed 6 Mar
St. Theresa’s		Private Intentions
St. Columba’s	9.30am	Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am	Novena Prayers
	10.30am	Gino Garvie

Thu 7 Mar
St. Theresa’s		Special Intentions
St. Columba’s		The Parish

Fri 8 Mar
St. Theresa’s	9.30am	Stations of the Cross
	10.00am	Jimmy Sheelan RIP
St. Columba’s		Frederick Hercules RIP

Sat 9 Mar
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm	Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm	The Parish

Sun 10 Mar
St. Theresa’s	9.30am	Caroline Connolly
St. Columba’s	11.00am	Stephen Phillips 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 6.30p.m. this Saturday 2^nd March 2024
www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa

ANNIVERSARIES:
Pauline Ann Roberts, Florence Childs, Kathleen Watts, Florence Southall, James John McCafferty, Agnes Jones, Christine Elizabeth Scanlan.

WEDDINGS, BAPTISMS AND FUNERALS:
Please contact one of the Parish Offices to make your arrangements.

OFFERTORY:
ST COLUMBA’S – Loose plate £TBC; Planned giving £TBC; Average weekly SO £785.00; Wednesday Badminton £200.
ST THERESA’S – Loose plate £152.65; Planning giving £314.94.
THANK YOU for all your generous support.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA:
The coffee rota is on the noticeboard in St Columba’s Hall. Please enter your name and good cause against your preferred dates. You could make £30-£50 for your chosen cause.
3^rd March – volunteers please
10^th March – volunteers please
17^th March – volunteers please

PIETY STALL:
There will be a Piety Stall in the Hall on Sunday 3^rd March (today), selling Easter cards and religious items.

RED BOXES:
ST THERESA’S – Please leave your box in the sacristy to be counted.
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.

PRAYING TOGETHER
We pray for:

the residents of Kingsway West, Rutland Place, Kent Road, Shelley Road, Coleridge Close, Stearns Close and Housman Close.
the Growth Groups, Bible Study Groups and nurturing groups.
a deepening of faith and awareness of Christ in us all.

PROPOSED WALSINGHAM PILGRIMAGE 8^th – 11^th APRIL:
Unfortunately, this will not now be taking place as there were not enough people to make the trip viable.Hopefully we can organise a pilgrimage for next year, more information will be available around November. Volunteers are needed to help organise this.

LENT AND EASTER

SERVICE TIMES:
Leaflets are available with the service and Mass times for Lent and Easter. Please do take one with you.

CHRISTIAN AID LENT LUNCHES:
See posters in church porches for dates and venues.

CAFOD LENT FAST DAY:
Please return envelopes in the collection baskets. Thank you.

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL AGM:
This will take place on Monday 4^th March in St Theresa’s Centre from 7 – 8.30p.m. followed by refreshments. Please do your best to attend and find out about the work of the Council.
Referring to Pastoral Councils, St John Paul 11 says “Their activity within Church communities is so necessary that without it the apostolate of the Pastors is generally unable to achieve its full effectiveness” CHRISTIFIDELES LAICI – On The Vocation and the mission of the Lay faithful in the Church and in the World, no.28.

SPRING FAIR – SATURDAY 9^TH MARCH:
Join Chester Fairtrading at Welsey Church Centre, Chester, CH1 1DA for the Spring Fair on Saturday 9^th March from 11a.m. to 3p.m. There will be fairly traded, local and charitable stalls including Chester Fairtrading, Chifundo and Luna Tree jewellery.

THANK YOU FROM THE SVP:
Thank you for all the very generous donations of household goods. We have not only been able to help the one family in need but many more people in need.

CHESTER 10K RUN – 10^th MARCH:
If you normally come to the 9.30a.m. Mass at St Theresa’s, please check the route to see if you will be affected by the road closures. (Parkgate Road will be closed until 11.30a.m.)

CAFOD COFFEE MORNING:
Many thanks to all who supported the coffee morning last Sunday. We raised £70.61 and will pass this on to CAFOD.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:
‘A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love.’ – St Basil

FIRST HOLY COMMUNIONS:
Parents are reminded about the following meetings:
Monday 4^THMARCH: Parents Meeting at St Werburgh’s and St Columba’s School at 7p.m.
This is an Information Evening for all parents.
Monday 11^TH MARCH: Commentary Mass at 6.30p.m. in St Columba’s Church.
This is for all the children and parents. It is an important part of the children’s preparation, so all our First Holy Communion children should be there accompanied by a member or members of their family.

THE NATIONAL NOVENA TO ST JOSEPH:
The National Novena to St Joseph will take place from 10th-18th March 2024 at St Joseph’s Church in Maidenhead.

Every year, the Mill Hill Missionaries prepare for the Feast of St Joseph, their Society Patron, with a special Novena of Masses and prayers to ask for God’s blessing on their Society’s missionary outreach, and for the intentions of all those who support their work. If you are able, and if it is possible to attend, Masses are at 10.00am every day of the Novena except Sunday, when it is at 11.00am. These Masses will be available to follow on Zoom, via the Mill Hill website: www.millhillmissionaries.com/novena. Also available on Zoom will be Evening Prayer together with the Novena Prayer at 6.00pm every day during the Novena.

This year, a special Novena Prayer Booklet has been prepared, and is available on request for a suggested donation.

You are welcome to send in your petitions and/or to request a Novena prayer booklet. Please write to the Novena Director at 6 Colby Gardens, Maidenhead, SL6 7GZ, or email novenamhm@gmail.com

DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES:
Brochures and booking forms are now available on the pilgrimage website www.shrewsburypilgrimage.co.uk or by ringing 07773 324264, or if you are aged 16 – 22 please email youth@dioceseofshrewsbury.org for an application form to join the youth section of our pilgrimage. This year our pilgrimage dates are: by air Friday 26 July to Thursday 1 August, by coach Thursday 25 July to Friday 2 August and for our young people Wednesday 24 July to Friday 2 August.

LOURDES BY JUMBULANCE 2024:
Wirral and Chester Across Groups are taking sick and disabled pilgrims to Lourdes on Thursday 30^th May – Saturday 9^th June and Thursday 15^th – 24^th August. by Jumbulance. For further information, contact Tony Murphy on 07881656974 or tonymurphy2002@yahoo.co.uk.

VACANCY – YOUTH MINISTRY LEADER:
Castlerigg Manor (Diocese of Lancaster Retreat Centre) are looking for a Programme Leader to join their youth ministry team. The work involves working on retreats in the heart of the Lake District, and occasionally working on outreach visits around the area. The post is residential and comes with a salary package in the range of £26-28k, made up of paid salary, accommodation, food etc. Would suit somebody with youth ministry experience perhaps recently graduated. Interested – jack@castleriggmanor.co.uk

ZUMBATHON IN AID OF UGANDAN ORPHANAGES:
In St Columba’s Hall on Saturday 9^th March 12 to 2pm, £10 adults and £5 children over 6. To raise funds to send 60 children to school from the Home of Peace and Christ’s Heart orphanages in Uganda. All ages and abilities welcome.

CANTORES OEUMENICA:
Presenting “Olivet to Calvary” on Palm Sunday 24th March at 4pm in Holy Angels RC Church, Wicker Lane, Hale Barns WA15 0HF. Entry is FREE with a retiring collection for charity. For further details, including directions to venue, follow this link http://cantoresoec.org/

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER:
10^th March edition will be compiled by Harry Sweeney, phone:01244 327462; or 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 6^TH MARCH 2024

Newsletter 25 February 2024

24 February 2024 By amos

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

25^th FEBRUARY 2024

Sat 24 Feb
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm	Peggy McHugh RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm	Anne McCarthy

Sun 25 Feb
St. Theresa’s	9.30am	Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am	Richard Murphy RIP

Mon 26 Feb
St. Theresa’s		Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	10.00am	Stations of the Cross
	10.30am

Tue 27 Feb
St. Theresa’s		Healing from Cancer
St. Columba’s		Diane Blago RIP

Wed 28 Feb`
St. Theresa’s		Private Intentions
St. Columba’s	9.30am	Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am	Novena Prayers
	10.30am	Priests’ Intentions

Thu 29 Feb
St. Theresa’s		Cath Carter RIP
St. Columba’s		Parishioners’ Intentions

Fri 1 Mar		St David – Patron of Wales
St. Theresa’s	9.30am	Stations of the Cross
	10.00am	May & George Littler RIP
St. Columba’s		Private Intentions

Sat 24 Feb
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm	Kathleen Watts RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm	Vera Hawkins

Sun 25 Feb
St. Theresa’s	9.30am	David Kluth’s Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am	Willie Gordon 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.

Pope’s Prayer Intentions For February – for the terminally ill – Let us pray that the sick who are in the final stages of life, and their families, receive the necessary medical and human care and accompaniment.

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS:
Mass will be streamed from St Theresa’s at 5pm. this Saturday 24th February 2024
www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa

ANNIVERSARIES:
Leo Joseph Carroll, John Stead, Janet Irene McMahon, Pauline Ann Roberts, Florence Childs, Kathleen Watts.

WEDDINGS, BAPTISMS AND FUNERALS:
Please contact one of the Parish Offices to make your arrangements.

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:
Loose plate £511.75; Planned giving £208.90; Average weekly SO £785.00; Candles £28.11
Priests’ Retirement Fund £176.87
THANK YOU for all your generous support.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA:
The coffee rota is on the noticeboard in St Columba’s Hall. Please enter your name and good cause against your preferred dates. You could make £30-£50 for your chosen cause.
25th Feb – Sue McCarthy for CAFOD
3^rd Mar – volunteers please
10^th Mar – volunteers please

FISH ‘N CHIP BABIES:
Many thanks to all of you who supported the Coffee Morning after Mass last Sunday in support of the above effort. A total of £74 was raised which will be used to defray the cost of shipping your knitwear to the UK shipping hub in Northamptonshire.

PIETY STALL:
There will be a Piety Stall in the Hall on Sunday 3^rd March, selling Easter cards and religious items.

RED BOXES:
ST THERESA’S – Please leave your box in the sacristy to be counted.
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.

PRAYING TOGETHER
We pray for:

the residents of Ellesmere Avenue, Pensby Avenue, Kendal Close, Donne Place, Kipling Road, Wordsworth Mews and Wordsworth Square.
For Pax Christi, Saving to Share, Mission Groups, Christian Aid, CAFOD and Traidcraft.
For our mission in the wider church.

LENT AND EASTER

STATIONS OF THE CROSS:
During Lent there will be Stations of the Cross every week. Monday at 10am at St Columba’s in the Iona Chapel and Friday at 9.30am at St Theresa’s.
Stations of the Cross in the COCH Spiritual Care Centre:
The stations of the cross will be prayed on Thursdays during Lent in the Hospital chapel at 12.15pm. All welcome.

SERVICE TIMES:
Leaflets are available with the service and Mass times for Lent and Easter. Please do take one with you.

CHRISTIAN AID LENT LUNCHES:
During Lent in St Mary’s, Handbridge, 12 noon – 1.30pm. See poster in church porches for further dates and venues.

CAFOD LENT FAST DAY:
This Lent, your donations to CAFOD’s Family Fast Day appeal will help hardworking people like James the fisherman in Liberia with resources, tools and training to feed their families for good. Give today using the envelope or online at cafod.org.uk and please join us in praying with James that our sisters and brothers around the world have what they need to feed their families. Use the envelope in the church porches or give online at cafod.org.uk.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER:
An Ecumenical service of prayer and praise will be held at St. Columba’s at 10.30am on Friday the 1^st of March. The service will be approximately 40 minutes long and followed by refreshments in the Newman room. All are welcome.

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL AGM:
This will take place on Monday 4th March in St Theresa’s Centre from 7 – 8.30 pm followed by refreshments. Please do your best to attend and find out about the work of the Council.

Referring to Pastoral Councils, St John Paul 11 says “Their activity within Church communities is so necessary that without it the apostolate of the Pastors is generally unable to achieve its full effectiveness” CHRISTIFIDELES LAICI – On The Vocation and the mission of the Lay faithful in the Church and in the World, no.28.

PASTORAL COUNCIL –
VOLUNTEERING IN THE LIFE OF YOUR PARISH:
Pope Francis’ Synodal Message:
“By growing together in Communion, the people of God deepen their Participation in the life of the Church and so become more effective Missionary disciples in the world”.

To carry out Pope Francis’ message, your Pastoral Council has been considering how the parish can be even more inclusive, engaging and outgoing. Last October we had the first round of volunteer recruitment which was centred round physical activities – we are very grateful for those who came forward to volunteer. The next phase focuses on the more spiritual aspects of church life such as volunteering for children’s liturgy, becoming an altar server or a reader at Mass.

This weekend co-chairs of the Pastoral Council, Pauline Rourke and Ann McCarthy, will be speaking at Masses with details of how you can get involved.

PROPOSED WALSINGHAM PILGRIMAGE 8th -11th APRIL
Fr William has given his blessing to organising a pilgrimage to Our Lady’s National Shrine. The cost (assuming 30 on pilgrimage) would be approximately £400 per person including coach travel, accommodation in en-suite single or double/twin rooms, with breakfast and evening meal, in Elmham House, Walsingham. To register your interest in joining the pilgrimage, please add your name and contact details to one of the lists in the church porches, or contact one of our parish secretaries.

LOURDES BY JUMBULANCE 2024:
Wirral and Chester Across Groups are taking sick and disabled pilgrims to Lourdes on Thursday 30^th May – Saturday 9^th June and Thursday 15^th – 24^th August. by Jumbulance.. For further information, contact Tony Murphy on 07881-656-974 or tonymurphy2002@yahoo.co.uk.

NEEDLES AND PINS:
This friendly and welcoming sewing group will meet in the Newman room in St Columba’s 2:00-4:00pm next Wed, 28th February.

RIGHT TO LIFE (UK)
Ask your MP to support the abortion time limit reduction amendment
Support an amendment to reduce our abortion time limit from 24 weeks to 22 weeks. Research indicates that a significant number of babies born at 22 or 23 weeks can now survive outside the womb, leaving a contradiction in our abortion law. Take action: Collect a postcard today from the back of the church and post it to your MP urgently in support of this amendment! – our MP is Samantha Dixon.

ZUMBATHON in aid of Ugandan Orphanages:
In St Columba’s Hall on Saturday 9^th March 12 to 2pm, £10 adults £5 children over 6. To raise funds to send 60 children to school from the Home of Peace and Christ’s Heart orphanages in Uganda. All ages and abilities welcome.

SVP APPEAL – For Household Goods:
We are currently supporting a family that have moved to Chester and are in need of beds (double and single), a desk (ideally a computer desk), curtains and curtain poles. If you can help with any of these items please ring Sue McCarthy 07515491251 or speak to a member of the SVP. Thank you.

Thought for the week “It isn’t enough to talk about peace; one must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it; one must work at it” Eleanor Roosevelt.

We’re all in this together. So how have the prayer, fasting and almsgiving been going in Lent so far? These are seen as the three traditional pillars of Lent and how we prepare ourself, mind and body for Easter. Prayer can help us to become more responsive to those who suffer around us; fasting may help us recognise maybe bad habits and how to overcome them and almsgiving can show us how to be generous, not just financially but maybe with our time to help others, our community or our Parish. May your Lent allow you to see the future with positivity.

Resources Cheshire West Citizens Advice – Our Energy Saving Team offers free telephone or in person advice to anyone who wants to find out more about how to manage their energy usage. The team offers free energy appointments which can either be held via the telephone, at one of our offices or a home visit. https://energy-advice.paperform.co/

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 8.30am to 12.30pm
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.

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER:
3^rd March edition will be compiled by Rebecca Vaughan, phone:01244 318632 ; or 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 28th FEBRUARY 2024

Newsletter 18 January 2024

15 February 2024 By amos

FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT

18^TH FEBRUARY 2024

Sat 17 Feb
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm	Brian Haslam RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm	Brian Haslam RIP

Sun 18 Feb
St. Theresa’s	9.30am	Muriel Halligan RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am	Felicity Hughes RIP

Mon 19 Feb
St. Theresa’s		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	10.00am	Stations of the Cross
	10.30am	Mary Jeffes

Tue 20 Feb
St. Theresa’s		Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s		Don Jones

Wed 21 Feb`
St. Theresa’s		Cath Carter RIP
St. Columba’s	9.30am	Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am	Novena Prayers
	10.30am	Ronnie Williams

Thu 22 Feb
St. Theresa’s		Philip Noble RIP
St. Columba’s		Priests’ Intentions

Fri 23 Feb
St. Theresa’s	9.30am	Stations of the Cross
St. Theresa’s	10.00am	Joseph & Margaret Russell (WA)
St. Columba’s		Gerry Galvin. Anniv

Sat 24 Feb
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm	Peggy McHugh RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm	Anne McCarthy

Sun 25 Feb
St. Theresa’s	9.30am	Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am	Richard Murphy 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 Theresa’s at 5.00a.m. this Saturday 17^th February 2024
www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa

ANNIVERSARIES:
Eirlys Nolan, Margaret Parry, Annie Faulkner, Charles Edward Davis and George Thomas Noden.

WEDDINGS, BAPTISMS AND FUNERALS:
Please contact one of the Parish Offices to make your arrangements.

OFFERTORY:
St Columba’s: Loose plate £376.50; Planned Giving £143.00; Average Weekly SO – £574.00; Candles £33.80;
St Theresa’s: Loose plate £TBC; Planned Giving TBC; Average weekly SO – £161.00.
THANK YOU for all your generous support.

LENTEN MESSAGE
As we begin our Lenten Season with the sign of Ashes, we are called to redouble our efforts to prayer, alms giving and fasting and all works of corporal acts of mercy. Fr William and Fr Desmond wish everyone a happy Lenten season.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA:
The 2024 coffee rota is on the noticeboard at St Columba’s Hall. Please enter your name and good cause against your preferred dates. You could make £30-£50 for your chosen cause.
18th Feb – Margaret Curtis, fish & chip babies
25th Feb – volunteers please
3rd Mar – volunteers please

More about Fish & Chip Babies’ knitted clothing – Barbara Catstick, the local coordinator for the scheme, has kindly agreed to come to the hall during Sunday tea & coffee at St C. She will explain how your kind efforts are shipped from the Nottingham hub to Africa, who will receive the garments and the locations in the continent, particularly Swaziland, where they live.

RED BOXES:
ST THERESA’S – Please leave your box in the sacristy to be counted.
ST COLUMBA’S- Please leave it in the sacristy. When counted I can return your box to your home. Thank you, Margaret Curtis 01244 318424.

Highlight from the High: The Chester Catholic High school is kindly hosting an SVP Youth Mass for all Catholic schools in the Chester and Ellesmere Port area on Wednesday 20th March at 10.30am. Local parishioners are very welcome to join us in this special celebration but at this is a school day all guests will need to register their wish to attend in advance. Please contact GaspariniA@christofidelis.org.uk by Friday 23rd February 2024. shawk@christofidelis.org.uk

PRAYING TOGETHER
We pray for:

Pray for the residents of Rosewood Avenue, Whitby Avenue, Egerton Drive, Barnes, Morgan Close, Griffin Close and Blake Close.
For those on the brass and flower rotas and those who distribute flowers.
For those who clean our churches and halls.

LENT AND EASTER

STATIONS OF THE CROSS:
During Lent there will be Stations of the Cross every week. Monday at 10am at St Columba’s and Friday at 9.30am at St Theresa’s.
Stations of the Cross will be in the Iona Chapel on Monday 19th February.

SERVICE TIMES
Leaflets are available with the service and Mass times for Lent and Easter. Please do take one with you.

CAFOD LENT FAST DAY – 23rd Feb:
This Lent, your donations to CAFOD’s Family Fast Day appeal will help hardworking people like James the fisherman in Liberia with resources, tools and training to feed their families for good. Give today using the envelope or online at cafod.org.uk and please join us in praying with James that our sisters and brothers around the world have what they need to feed their families. Use the envelope in the church porches or give online at cafod.org.uk

CHRISTIAN AID LENT LUNCHES:
Starting on 22nd Feb in St Mary’s, Handbridge, 12 noon – 1.30pm. See poster in church porches for further dates and venues.

PASTORAL COUNCIL –
VOLUNTEERING IN THE LIFE OF YOUR PARISH:
Pope Francis’ Synodal Message: “By growing together in Communion, the people of God deepen their Participation in the life of the Church and so become more effective Missionary disciples in the world”.

On the weekend of 24th/25th Feb, co-chairs of the Pastoral Council, Pauline Rourke and Ann McCarthy, will be speaking at Masses with details of how you can get involved.

LOURDES BY JUMBULANCE 2024:
Wirral and Chester Across Groups are taking sick and disabled pilgrims to Lourdes on Thursday 30^th May – Saturday 9^th June and Thursday 15^th – 24^th August. by Jumbulance.. For further information, contact Tony Murphy on 07881-656-974 or tonymurphy2002@yahoo.co.uk.

DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES:
Brochures and booking forms are now available on the pilgrimage website www.shrewsburypilgrimage.co.uk or by ringing 07773 324264, or if you are aged 16 – 22 please email youth@dioceseofshrewsbury.org for an application form to join the youth section of our pilgrimage. This year our pilgrimage dates are: by air is from Friday 26 July to Thursday 1 August, by coach Thursday 25 July to Friday 2 August and for our young people Wednesday 24 July to Friday 2 August. If you are a first time pilgrim or a returning pilgrim we look forward to you joining us in Lourdes this year.

Thought for the week
“During Lent, let us find concrete ways to overcome our indifference.” Pope Francis

We’re all in this together
In his message for Lent 2024, Pope Francis invites us to “pause” for prayer and to assist our brothers and sisters in need, in order to change our own lives and the lives of our communities. He asks us to slow down, pause, allow time to contemplate and hopefully release new energies into what we do as individuals and as a community. He says that we can make decisions that are “capable of altering the daily lives of individuals and entire neighbourhoods, such as the ways we acquire goods, care for creation, and strive to include those who go unseen or are looked down upon.” Enjoy the pause and time for contemplation and see what we might do differently for the better good of all.

Resources
With half term upon us, take a look at the free activities at our local libraries, from crafting, board games, fun English and maths workshops, and more. https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/libraries/library-events Chooseday offer, every Tuesday in Chester Market. Offers from a number of the traders in the Market. Plenty of free groups also at the Storyhouse, Chester, chatter and natter, bereavement help point, crafty weekend every Saturday and Sunday from 12 pm; boardgames; story telling…https://www.storyhouse.com/whats-on/genres/community-events/page/2/

DIOCESAN CHOIR FESTIVAL – ‘SING A NEW SONG’:
You are invited to come along and sing as part of a diocesan choir. Learn music throughout the day and lead the singing for Mass at 5pm. At St Anthony’s, Dunkery Road, Woodhouse Park, Wythenshawe, M22 0WR. Refreshments and registration from 10.30am, rehearsals begin at 11am. Tea and coffee will be provided, please being a packed lunch. The cost is £5 per person, payable on the day. Book by completing the form at HTTP://TINYURL.COM/DIOCESANCHOIRFESTIVAL The deadline for bookings is Friday 16^th February. For more information contact reception@dioceseofshrewsbury.org.

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 8.30am to 12.30pm
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.

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER:
25th February edition will be compiled by Muriel Green (and not Harry Sweeney as shown in the printed newsletter), phone: 01244 383836 or email: Muriel.green1@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 THURSDAY 22^ND FEBRUARY 2024

Newsletter 17 March 2024

Newsletter 10 March 2024

Newsletter 3 March 2024

Newsletter 25 February 2024

Newsletter 18 January 2024

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