THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD

7^TH JANUARY 2024

Sat 6 Jan
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Kathleen Lawlor
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Kevin Campbell
Sun 7 Jan			The Epiphany
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Jessica Baker RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Lily and Keith
Mon 8 Jan			The Baptism of The Lord
St. Theresa’s			Bridget Williams RIP
St. Columba’s	10.30am		Frank Jeffes
Tue 9 Jan
St. Theresa’s			Parishioners Intentions
St. Columba’s			Hilary Timson RIP
Wed 10 Jan
St. Theresa’s			Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	9.30am		Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am		Novena Prayers
	10.30am		Catherine McAlinden
Thu 11 Jan
St. Theresa’s			Gillian Prescott RIP
St. Columba’s			Priests’ Intentions
Fri 12 Jan
St. Theresa’s	10.00am		Sarah Asher RIP
St. Columba’s			Parishioners’ Intentions
Sat 13 Jan
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		The Parish
Sun 14 Jan
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Graham George RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Joan Bullough

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.

THANK YOU!
Thank you, Gillian, and all involved in the Childrens’ Nativity Mass on Christmas Eve.  It was a great success.

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS:
Mass will be streamed from St Columba’s at 11.00a.m. this Sunday 7^th January 2024.
www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa

Pope’s Prayer Intentions for January
For the gift of diversity in the church-Let us pray that the Spirit help us to recognize the gift of different charisms within the Christian community, and to discover the richness of different ritual traditions in the heart of the Catholic Church.

RECENTLY DECEASED:
Please remember in your prayers Brian Haslam, Muriel Halligan and Terence Smith who died recently.  May the Lord console their families and friends.

The funeral service for Terence Smith is at St Theresa’s on Thursday 11th January at 12 noon.  The Requiem Mass for Muriel Halligan is at St Theresa’s on Monday 22nd January at 12 noon. Brian Haslam’s Requiem Mass is at St Werburghs Church on Monday 15th January at 2.00 p.m. followed by Blacon. Cemetery at 3.20 p.m. and then Refreshments at the Grosvenor Arms Aldford at 4.00 p.m.

ANNIVERSARIES:
(Chris) Czeslawa Klepalo, Francina Anna J Wright, Betty Audrey Gore, Elizabeth McGovern.

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:
St Columba’s: Loose plate (24.12) £448.83; (25.12) £916.49’ Planned Giving (24.12)  £106.50; (25.12) £368.00 Average Weekly SO – £574.00;  Candles £29.85p
St Theresa’s: Loose plate £333.3; Planned Giving £116.60; Average weekly SO – £161.00.
THANK YOU for all your generous support.

ST. COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA:
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. The 2024 coffee rota is now on the noticeboard at St Columba’s Hall, so please enter your name and good cause against your preferred dates.

PRAYING TOGETHER
We pray for:

• The residents of Newton Lane, Appleton Road, Handforth Road, Durham Road, Canterbury Road, Lichfield Road and Warwick Road.
• The Archive Group, Social Committees and Fund-Raising groups.
• The fellowship and sharing at social gatherings.

ST COLUMBA’S CAR PARK
The resurfacing will begin on Monday 8 January and, weather permitting, will be completed by Friday 26th January. In the week beginning 8 January the car park alongside the church, accessed from Plas Newton Lane, will be closed and access to the church will be from the rear entrance. For the week beginning 15 January the whole car park will be closed and pedestrian access to the church will be from the front entrance. Whether the whole car park will be closed for the weekend of 13, 14 January will depend on progress in the first week so please be prepared to park on the road if necessary. Pauline Rourke

CTU FIFTH SUNDAY SERVICE:
Many thanks to those of you who supported the Service last Sunday evening.  A good time was spent with our friends from the other churches, both in the worship and in the coffee and cakes which followed.

ST PIO PRAYER GROUP:
The next meeting is on Thursday, 11 January at 2pm in Flat 5, Abbots Court, Eversley Park, Chester CH2 2DY. Everyone is welcome.

ST.THERESA’S 200 CLUB:
The winners of the Grand Draw are £150 M Turnbull (no.7)  £100 M. Baker (no.3)  and £50 C. Ingram (no.17)

YOUTH GROUP:
The next meeting of the Parish Youth Group is Monday 15th January at 7:00-8:30pm in St Columba’s Hall. Join us for fun and learning.
All young people from year 5 and upwards are welcome to join our friendly group. 🙂

ALTAR SERVERS – GUILD OF ST STEPHEN ENROLMENT MASSES:
St Stephen is the patron saint of altar servers. The altar servers of our parish are enrolled into the Guild of St Stephen and receive a bronze medal. The enrolment masses will be:
• Sunday 14th January 9:30am at St. Theresa’s – Grace Hankin celebrating 10 years of service
• Sunday 21st January 11:00am at St Columba’s
The enrolment ceremony will only take a few minutes and will begin after the homily. 

HOSPITAL SERVICES:
Mass is celebrated on the first Thursday of the month at 12.15pm. This mass is for all the staff, patients, patient families, volunteers and parishioners of our area. If you are able to attend, we would love to welcome you to Holy Mass once a month in the COCH chapel.

Thought for the week: “May we all have a vision now and then, of a world where every neighbour is a friend. Happy New Year.” ABBA 

Resources: If you are struggling a bit after Christmas the NHS have Every mind matters- Find your little big thing for your mental health- There are little things we can all do to lift our mood or ease our anxiety – we need to find what works for us. This could be as simple as taking a walk in nature, prioritising our sleep or opening up to a friend. Our little thing, if we keep doing it, will make a big difference to how we feel. www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/  

We’re all in this together: January can sometimes feel like a difficult month, the festivities have finished and the bills are coming in, and the weather isn’t always that nice.  But a friend of mine suggested a gratitude jar, (although could be a note book!) –  the jar or book start empty and, once a day or once a week, write a note about something good that has happened.  At the end of the year, re read your notes, you may be surprised quite how many things we are truly grateful for and enjoyed.   They  don’t have to be big things, they might just be the ordinary stuff of everyday life, but they have made you smile, feel good, be welcomed or just made you laugh out loud.   

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.

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER:
14^th January edition will be compiled by Muriel Green, 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 WEDNESDAY  10th JANUARY 2024.

THE HOLY FAMILY

31^st  DECEMBER 2023

Sat 30 Dec
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Frank & Gertrude Buddery
Sun 31 Dec			The Holy Family
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Keith Evans RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am		The Parish
Mon 1 Jan			Mary The Mother of God
St. Theresa’s			Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	10.30am		Priests’ Intentions
Tue 2 Jan			Basil The Great. Mem
St. Theresa’s			Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s			Private Intention
Wed 3 Jan			Wednesday of the Christmas Season
St. Theresa’s			Private Intention
St. Columba’s	9.30am		Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am		Novena Prayers
	10.30am		Margaret Haughney
Thu 4 Jan			Thursday of the Christmas Season
St. Theresa’s			Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s			Mr Scott & Family
Fri 5 Jan			Friday of the Christmas Season
St. Theresa’s	10.00am		Baker Family Intentions
St. Columba’s			Cath Carter RIP
Sat 6 Jan
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Kath Lawlor RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Kevin Campbell
Sun 7 Jan			The Epiphany
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Jessica Baker RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Lily & Keith

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 31^st  December 2023.
www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa

Pope’s Prayer Intentions for January  – For the gift of diversity in the church-Let us pray that the Spirit help us to recognize the gift of different charisms within the Christian community, and to discover the richness of different ritual traditions in the heart of the Catholic Church.

HAPPY NEW YEAR
Fr William and Fr Desmond wish you all a very Happy and Holy New Year and thank you for your support throughout the year.

RECENTLY DECEASED:
Please remember in your prayers Joyce Backhouse and Terence Smith who died recently.  May the Lord console their families and friends.

ANNIVERSARIES:
Mary Patricia Dee, Jean Barbara May Blake, Kathleen Lawlor, Patricia Hainey, Genevieve Suzanne M Jones.

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:
St Columba’s: Loose plate £ TBC; Planned Giving £TBC; 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.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA
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).

PRAYING TOGETHER
We pray for:

• the residents of Newhall Road, Winston Court, Arradon Court, Breton Close, Wealstone Lane, Well Lane, Bank Close, Newton Halol Drive, Willow Drive, Naomi Close, Dentith Drive & Egerton Road.
• For the Care Homes in our parish and for all those who live and work in them.

CHRISTMAS  FLOWERS:       
Thank you to all who donated towards the Christmas flowers, and to those who arranged them so beautifully.

ADVENT JOURNEY – HOSTING OUR KNITTED MARY, JOSEPH & DONKEY FIGURES
Thank you to all who gave lodgings to the Nativity figures on the lead up to Christmas.  They have given you all a five start rating on Trip Advisor.  They have now safely arrived at St Theresa’s Church.

ST COLUMBA’S CAR PARK
The contractors have informed me that the re-surfacing of the car park is due to commence in the week beginning 8^th January.  I will provide further information as it becomes available. Pauline Rourke.

HIGHLIGHT FROM THE HIGH: 
Thank you to everyone who supported our school in every initiative taking place during this year. The Catholic High School would like to wish you all a blessed and peaceful Christmas and a prosperous new year 2024. 

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.

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. Catalogues available in the church porches along with Advent prayer cards.

Thought for the week: “Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one!”.  Brad Paisley

WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER:
 Imagine a world where differences are embraced, not feared, where dialogue takes precedence over aggression, where love reigns supreme. As we enter a new year, let us carry the torch of peace, illuminating the path towards a world where tolerance and harmony reign supreme. Together, we can foster a world where compassion and understanding flourish. Let peace be our guiding light, leading us towards a brighter future. A Happy and peaceful New Year to all. 

New year fun facts 
From the 12th century until Britain adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1752, the official new year was not on January 1 but on March 25. 

•  Officially in England, 1751 was the shortest year ever, lasting only from March 25 to December 31. 
• January is derived from the two-headed god Janus, who could look backward and forward, to the old year and the new, at the same time. 

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.

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER:
7^th December edition will be compiled by Alison Wrigglesworth, phone:07708 304246  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  3^rd JANUARY 2024

THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD

25TH DECEMBER 2023

Sun 24 Dec			Christmas Eve
St. Theresa’s	4.30pm		Carols & Readings
	5.00pm		Christmas Vigil Mass, Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	4.30pm		Childrens’ Nativity followed by Mass, Kevin, Francis & Martin Connolly
Mon 25 Dec			Nativity of The Lord
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Paul Murphy
Tue 26 Dec			St Stephen
St. Theresa’s	12 noon		Altar Servers Intentions
St. Columba’s	NO MASS		Priests’ Intentions
Wed 27 Dec			St John, Ap, Ev
St. Theresa’s			Michael Gerrard Dunne RIP
St. Columba’s	9.30am		Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am		Novena Prayer
	10.30am		Ellie Marsden Anniversary
Thu 28 Dec			The Holy Innocents. Mem
St. Theresa’s			Ronnie Evans RIP
St. Columba’s	10.00am		Requiem Mass for Cath Carter
Fri 29 Dec			St Thomas Becket, B, M
St. Theresa’s	10.00am		John Murphy RIP
St. Columba’s			Mavis Skinner
Sat 30 Dec			6th Day of Xmas Octave
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Constance and Joseph Rowland
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Gerry Galvin
Sun 31 Dec			The Holy Family
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Keith Evans RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Mary & Mike Kiernan

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.

Mary Mother of God – Monday 1^st January 2024
10.30am Mass – St Columba’s

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS:
Mass will be streamed St Columba’s on Monday 25^th December at 11.00am.
www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS:
Fr William and Fr Desmond wish everyone a Happy and Holy Christmas and thank you all for your support throughout the year.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR DECEMBER:
For people with disabilities: Let us pray that people with disabilities may be at the centre of attention in society, and that institutions may offer inclusion programmes that value their active participation.

RECENTLY DECEASED:
Please remember in your prayers Cath Carter, Joyce Backhouse and Desmond Dunne who died recently.  May the Lord console their Family and friends.
Cath’s Requiem will be held at 10.00am on Thursday 28^th December at St Columba’s.

ANNIVERSARIES:
Ruth O’Donnell, Francis Joseph Lally, Alfred Desmond Fox,  Ellie Marsden,  Jeremiah (Jerry) Ring, Michael Gerrard Dunne, Mary Beatrice Dee, Dylan Edward David Brown.   

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.

PARISH OFFICES CHRISTMAS CLOSURE:
The offices will close on Friday 22^nd December and re-open on Tuesday 2^nd January 2024.  In an emergency please call 01244 371660.

PRAYER FOR REFUGEES FROM FR WILLIAM:
Dear brothers & sisters in Christ as we celebrate Christmas we pray for refugees and places were there is civil unrest.  May Christ’s coming bring justice and peace in our world and give wisdom to leaders to govern their citizens with love.

PRAYING TOGETHER
We pray for:

• Pray for the residents of Dorset Road, Shipbrook Road, Mannings Lane South, Peckforton Way, Hereford Worcester Place, Ludlow Road and Mayfield Road.
• For the work of Churches Together in Upton and Churches Together in Chester.
• For the Churches in Upton: Holy Ascension, United Reformed, St Columba’s and the Baptist Church.

OFFERTORY:
Thank you for all your generous support this year. Your donations are vital to the running and upkeep of our churches, and they really do make a difference.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA:
31^st Jan – New Year’s Eve
Please consider donating a little time to make tea and coffee after 11:00 Mass on Sunday at St Columba’s. You can make £30-£50 for your chosen cause, too. Call Margaret Curtis 01244 318424 to book your date(s) – we need volunteers for 2024. 

ST THERESA’S – CHRISTMAS FLOWERS:
If anyone would like to donate towards the Christmas flowers at St Theresa’s, please put your donation in an envelope marked “FLOWERS” and place in the Offertory basket. Many thanks.

NEWSLETTER:
Our printers close over the Christmas/New Year season. The next deadline for any new submissions will be Wednesday 3^rd January for the newsletter on Sunday 7^th January 2024.

ST COLUMBA’S CAR PARK:
The contractors have informed us that the re-surfacing of the car park is due to commence in the week beginning 8^th January. I will provide further information as it becomes available.

CHRISTMAS MEMORY TREE:   
A time to remember those who will not be able to celebrate Christmas this year. There will be a tree and cards on the side Altar (near the back door) at St. Columba’s to write your message and hang it on the tree.  The message is the important thing, but if anyone wishes to donate, there will be a basket for donations in aid of the Parish Third World Project.

LOURDES HOSPITALITY UPDATE:
Further to the recent AGM, the officers have been meeting monthly to discuss the issues raised and future plans. A face-to-face meeting for all members will be held on Saturday 20^th January 2024 (venue and time to be confirmed). In the meantime, if you have any questions for us, please send an email to: secretary@teamshrewsbury.co.uk

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

Thought for the week: “What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present , hope for the future.  It is a wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal and that every path may lead to peace”.  Agnes M Pahro.

We’re all in this together: What things make Christmas for you? the carols, Midnight mass, the stable scene, a beautifully decorated tree, excited kids, the smell of good cooking?  We all carry with us memories of Christmas past and we make new memories every year. Keep close what is dear to you, revel in the delights and memories and enjoy the love that we hope it will bring you.  Ebenezer Scrooge said in a Christmas Carol “I will honour Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year.”  Bottle that feeling and use it well.  Happy Christmas one and all!

CHRISTMAS FACTS (MAY BE USEFUL FOR ANY CHRISTMAS QUIZZES YOU FIND YOURSELF IN!):
Electric tree lights were invented by Edward Johnson in the US in 1882.

• The first Christmas crackers – a traditional festival favourite – were made around 1845-1850 by a London sweet maker called Tom Smith
• Jingle Bells was the first song broadcast from space when Gemini 6 astronauts Tom Stafford and Wally Schirra sang it on December 16, 1965
• The word Noel derives from the French expression “Les bonnes nouvelles” or “the good news”.
• Nearly 60 million Christmas trees are grown each year in Europe!
• In 1999, residents of the state of Maine in America built the world’s biggest ever snowman. He stood at 113ft tall.
• The largest Christmas cracker – 45.72m long and 3.04m in diameter – was pulled in Australia in 1991.

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.

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

24TH DECEMBER 2023

Sat 23 Dec			4th Sunday of Advent
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Frank & Mary Lally RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		The Parish
Sun 24 Dec			Christmas Eve
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Geoff Parry
	4.30pm		Carols & Readings
	5.00pm		Christmas Vigil Mass, Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Edward Elwell & Family
	4.30pm		Childrens’ Nativity followed by Mass, Kevin, Francis & Martin Connolly
Mon 25 Dec			Nativity of The Lord
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Paul Murphy
Tue 26 Dec			St Stephen
St. Theresa’s	12 noon		Altar Servers Intentions
St. Columba’s	NO MASS		Priests’ Intentions
Wed 27 Dec			St John, Ap, Ev
St. Theresa’s			Michael Gerrard Dunne RIP
St. Columba’s	9.30am		Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am		Novena Prayer
	10.30am		Ellie Marsden Anniversary
Thu 28 Dec			The Holy Innocents. Mem
St. Theresa’s			Ronnie Evans RIP
St. Columba’s	10.00am		Requiem Mass for Cathy Carter
Fri 29 Dec			St Thomas Becket, B, M
St. Theresa’s	10.00am		John Murphy RIP
St. Columba’s			Mavis Skinner
Sat 30 Dec			6th Day of Xmas Octave
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Constance and Joseph Rowland
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Gerry Galvin
Sun 31 Dec			The Holy Family
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Keith Evans RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Mary & Mike Kiernan

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.

Christmas Mass Times – St Theresa’s
Christmas Eve – Sunday 24^th December
4.30pm Carols followed by Vigil Mass 5.00pm
Christmas Day – Monday 25^th December
9.30am Christmas Day Mass 

Christmas Mass Times – St Columba’s
Christmas Eve – Sunday 24^th December
4.30 p.m. Children’s Nativity Mass
Christmas Day –  Monday 25^th December
11.00 a.m. Christmas Day Mass (streamed) 

Feast of St Stephen – Tuesday 26^th December
12 noon ST THERESA’S ONLY!

The Holy Family – Sunday 31^st December
9.30 am.   – St Theresa’s
11.00 am.  – St Columba’s

Mary Mother of God – Monday 1^st January 2024
10.30am.   – St Columba’s

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS:
Mass will be streamed from St Theresa’s at 9.30a.m. this Sunday 24^th December and at 11.00 a.m. Mass at St Columba’s on Monday 25^th December.
www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR DECEMBER:
For people with disabilities Let us pray that people with disabilities may be at the centre of attention in society, and that institutions may offer inclusion programmes that value their active participation.

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.

RECENTLY DECEASED:
Please remember in your prayers Cath Carter, Joyce Backhouse and Desmond Dunne who died recently.  May the Lord console their Family and friends.
Cath’s Requiem will be held at 10.00am on Thursday 28^th December at St Columba’s.

ANNIVERSARIES:
Ruth O’Donnell, Francis Joseph Lally, Alfred Desmond Fox,  Ellie Marsden,  Jeremiah (Jerry) Ring,  Michael Gerrard Dunne, Mary Beatrice Dee, Dylan Edward David Brown, Mary Beatrice Dee.  

PARISH OFFICES CHRISTMAS CLOSURE:
The offices will close on Friday 22^nd December and re-open on Tuesday 2^nd January 2024.  In an emergency please call 01244 371660.

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS:
Fr William and Fr Desmond wish everyone a Happy and Holy Christmas and thank you all for your support throughout the year.

PRAYER FOR REFUGEES FROM FR WILLIAM:
Dear brothers & sisters in Christ as we celebrate Christmas we pray for refugees and places were there is civil unrest.  May Christ’s coming bring justice and peace in our world and give wisdom to leaders to govern their citizens with love.

PRAYING TOGETHER
We pray for:

• Pray for the residents of Dorset Road, Shipbrook Road, Mannings Lane South, Peckforton Way, Hereford Worcester Place, Ludlow Road and Mayfield Road.
• For the work of Churches Together in Upton and Churches Together in Chester.
• For the Churches in Upton: Holy Ascension, United Reformed, St Columba’s and the Baptist Church.

OFFERTORY:
St Columba’s: Loose plate £335. 81; Planned Giving £157. 50; Average Weekly SO – £574.00; Candles £323.31
St Theresa’s: Loose plate & Planned Giving £; Average weekly SO – £161.00.
THANK YOU for all your generous support.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA:
24^th Dec – Christmas Eve
31^st Jan – New Year’s Eve
Please consider donating a little time to make tea and coffee after 11:00 Mass on Sunday at St Columba’s. You can make £30-£50 for your chosen cause, too. Call Margaret Curtis 01244 318424 to book your date(s) – we need volunteers for 2024. 

ST THERESA’S – CHRISTMAS FLOWERS:
If anyone would like to donate towards the Christmas flowers at St Theresa’s, please put your donation in an envelope marked “FLOWERS” and place in the Offertory basket. Many thanks.

NORA “NOREEN” OWEN (NEE MANNION):
Nora, who was a parishioner of St Columba’s for many years before she moved to Hampshire, passed away peacefully on 2^nd December 2023, aged 96 at Abbotts Barton Nursing Home, Winchester, with her close family at her bedside. The funeral service will be held at St Peter’s Church, Jewry Street, Winchester on Friday 22^nd December at 10.00 am, to be followed by a burial at Baunoge, Letterfrack, County Galway, Ireland on Friday, 12^th January. Family flowers only. Donations, if desired to, Winchester Hospice Fundraising Charity can be made at www.steelsfunerals.co.uk.

ST COLUMBA’S CAR PARK:
The contractors have informed us that the re-surfacing of the car park is due to commence in the week beginning 8^th January. I will provide further information as it becomes available.

CHRISTMAS MEMORY TREE:   
A time to remember those who will not be able to celebrate Christmas this year. There will be a tree and cards on the side Altar (near the back door) at St. Columba’s to write your message and hang it on the tree.  The message is the important thing, but if anyone wishes to donate, there will be a basket for donations in aid of the Parish Third World Project.

LOURDES HOSPITALITY UPDATE:
Further to the recent AGM, the officers have been meeting monthly to discuss the issues raised and future plans. A face-to-face meeting for all members will be held on Saturday 20^th January 2024 (venue and time to be confirmed). In the meantime, if you have any questions for us, please send an email to: secretary@teamshrewsbury.co.uk

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.

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. Catalogues available in the church porches along with Advent prayer cards.

Thought for the week: How great is it to live under a sky that is repainted every day by the greatest artist? (unknown)

We’re all in this together: We light our fourth Advent candle this week, the purple candle, representing love. With all four candles lit on our Advent wreath, we will have a full circle of light.  The Lord brings the light of love to his people by sending His only Son to earth for our salvation. Let us be that light for others.  Remember “You don’t have to give things at Christmas but, if you give yourself, if you give everything you have, if you give the gift of love to each other, then that is the heart of Christmas.” Fr Hanley.

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.

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

17TH DECEMBER 2023

Sat 16 Dec
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Ruth O’Donnell RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		John Black birthday
Sun 17 Dec
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Mary “Cathy” Carney
St. Columba’s	11.00am		The Parish
Mon 18 Dec
St. Theresa’s			Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	10.30am		Private Intention
Tue 19 Dec
St. Theresa’s			Frank Lally RIP
St. Columba’s			Catherine (Kitty) McAlinden RIP
Wed 20 Dec
St. Theresa’s			Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	9.30am		Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am		Novena Prayer
	10.30am		Bob Breen RIP
Thu 21 Dec
St. Theresa’s	10.15am		Requiem Mass for Desmond Dunne RIP
	1.30pm		Mass for St Theresa’s School
St. Columba’s			The Parish
Fri 22 Dec
St. Theresa’s	10.00am		Joseph Russell RIP
	6.30pm		Parish Carol Service
St. Columba’s			Priests’ Intentions
Sat 23 Dec
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Frank & Mary Lally RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		The Parish
Sun 24 Dec			4th Sunday of Advent – Christmas Eve
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Geoff Parry RIP
	4.30pm		Carols & Readings followed by Mass at
	5.00pm		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Edward Elwell & Family
St. Columba’s	4.30pm		Children’s Nativity Followed by Mass. Intentions for Kevin, Francis & Martin Connolly

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.

Christmas Mass Times – St Theresa’s
Christmas Eve – Sunday 4^th December
4.30pm Carols followed by Vigil Mass 5.00pm
Christmas Day – Monday 25^th December
9.30am Christmas Day Mass 

Christmas Mass Times – St Columba’s
Christmas Eve – Sunday 24^th December
4.30 p.m. Children’s Nativity Mass
Christmas Day –  Monday 25^th December
11.00 a.m. Christmas Day Mass (streamed) 

Feast of St Stephen – Tuesday 26^th December
12 noon ST THERESA’S ONLY!

The Holy Family – Sunday 31^st December
9.30 am.   – St Theresa’s
11.00 am.  – St Columba’s

Mary Mother of God – Monday 1^st January 2024
10.30am.   – St Columba’s

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS:
Mass will be streamed from St Columba’s at 11.00 0a.m. this Sunday 17^th December 2023.
www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR DECEMBER:
For people with disabilities Let us pray that people with disabilities may be at the centre of attention in society, and that institutions may offer inclusion programmes that value their active participation.

RECENTLY DECEASED:
Please remember in your prayers Cath Carter, Joyce Backhouse and Desmond Dunne who died recently. May the Lord console their Family and friends.
Cath’s Requiem will be held at 10.00am on Thursday 28^th December at St Columba’s.
Desmond’s Requiem will be held at 10.15am on Thursday 21^st December at St Theresa’s.

ANNIVERSARIES:
Fr Vincent O’Toole, Catherine (Kitty) McAlinden, Margaret Rose Allmark, Ruth O’Donnell, Francis Joseph Lally, Alfred Desmond Fox, Ellie Marsden.

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.

PARISH OFFICES CHRISTMAS CLOSURE:
The offices will close on Friday 22^nd December and re-open on Tuesday 2^nd January 2024.  In an emergency please call 01244 371660.

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS:
Fr William and Fr Desmond wish everyone a Happy and Holy Christmas and thank you all for your support throughout the year.

CHRISTINGLE CAROL – 11.00A.M. MASS:
1. O sing about Christingle, your voices loud employ,
Your praises bring to God our King, for Jesus and His joy.

2. The orange of Christingle, the world reminds us of,
And how our God created us, and on us shed His love.

3. The candle of Christingle, with shining flame so bright,
Reminds us of our loving Lord, who is the world’s true light.

4. The red band of Christingle, which plainly we can see,
Reminds us of how Jesus Christ was killed upon that tree.

5. The four sticks of Christingle, with which the orb we spear,
Remind us how God cares for us, through seasons of the year.

6. The fruits of the Christingle, they have a special worth,
Reminding of the Spirit’s fruits as well as fruits of earth.

7. The whole of the Christingle, it is a joy to see,
It shines to show how God our Father loves both you and me.

NEWSLETTER WARNING:
Our printers close over the Christmas/New Year season, we will therefore be preparing three newsletters, early, the deadline date for all three for item inclusion will be Monday 18^th December 9am at the latest. Please email or phone items to the compiler. Include your phone number in case of queries.    If you can prepare items before this date that would be much appreciated.  Urgent items received after that date can be verbally communicated. 
Sunday 24^th Dec – Harry Sweeney, harrysweeney45@gmail.com 01244 327462
Christmas Day 25th Dec – Amy O’Donnell, amyod@hotmail.com 07854 290897
New Year 31^st Dec – Eileen Irwin, st.theresas@btinternet.com 01244 371660

PRAYING TOGETHER
We pray for:

• The residents of Woodlea Avenue, Cornwall Road, Aldford Road, Blacon Avenue, Keats Terrace, Blacon Hall Road and Malvern Road.
• All Age Family Worship, Messy Church, Junior Church and Children’s Liturgy.
• All children who attend our churches each Sunday and their leaders.

OFFERTORY:
St Columba’s: Loose plate £207.10; Planned Giving £93.00; Average Weekly SO – £574.00; Candles £36.29; Wednesday Badminton £200.
St Theresa’s: Loose plate & Planned Giving £TBC; Average weekly SO – £161.00.
THANK YOU for all your generous support.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA
17th Dec – Richard Curtis for Altar Servers’ ‘Thank you’ Outing
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).

CAKES FOR CLAIRE – THANK YOU:
Very many thanks to everyone who selflessly bought huge amounts of cake to raise funds for MIND on 3rd December in memory of our friend Claire Graham. We raised the astonishing sum of £410 on the day. Cakes By Annabel generated another £90 making a grand total of £500!! The generosity of our parishes is amazing at a time when everyone is feeling the pinch. What a tribute to our lovely friend. Thank you all.

A THANK YOU:
A big thankyou to all of those who worked so hard to make the “Oldies Do” last Saturday such a success.  And also, to the Upton Community Choir for providing the entertainment.

CHRISTMAS FLOWERS:
ST COLUMBA’S – There will be a collection at St. Columba’s after both Masses this weekend 16th/17th December for flowers to decorate the Church for the Christmas celebration. Thank you in advance for your continued support and generosity
ST THERESA’S – If anyone would like to donate towards the Christmas flowers at St Theresa’s, please put your donation in an envelope marked “FLOWERS” and place in the Offertory basket. Many thanks.

NORA “NOREEN” OWEN (NEE MANNION):
Nora, who was a parishioner of St Columba’s for many years before she moved to Hampshire, passed away peacefully on 2^nd December 2023, aged 96 at Abbotts Barton Nursing Home, Winchester, with her close family at her bedside. The funeral service will be held at St Peter’s Church, Jewry Street, Winchester on Friday 22^nd December at 10.00 am, to be followed by a burial at Baunoge, Letterfrack, County Galway, Ireland on Friday, 12^th January. Family flowers only. Donations, if desired to, Winchester Hospice Fundraising Charity can be made at www.steelsfunerals.co.uk.

HIGHLIGHT FROM THE HIGH:
Thank you very much for all the books donated to the school for the Christmas Fair. Please join us on Tuesday 19^th December from 4pm in the CHS Hall; there are over 20 stalls for you to visit plus Santa’s Grotto. Carol Service at 6:30pm in the Lyceum (6^th Form building). Limited free tickets on ParentPay

CAROL SERVICE – 6.30P.M. at ST THERESA’S:
Thank you all the people who are “hosting” our knitted Mary, Joseph and the donkey on their travels around Chester. They will arrive at St Theresa’s in time for the Carol Service when they will be carried up the aisle by children from the parish. The service will last approx half an hour and will be followed by refreshments in St Theresa’s Centre. All are most welcome. 

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.

Thought for the week: Find out where joy resides and give it a voice far beyond singing. For to miss the joy is to miss all. Robert Lewis Stevenson

We’re all in n this together: This weekend sees our third candle being lit on our Advent wreath.  The pink candle of Joy.  Pink is the liturgical colour for joy and love in Christ. Pink vestments are only ever used twice in the church’s year, in the third week of Advent and the fourth Sunday of Lent.  The third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday, so called as it is the Latin word meaning rejoice. It reminds us of the joy that the world experienced at the birth of Jesus. How will you find joy this week? How will you be that light in the darkness? Have a lovely week.

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.  For further information please contact Gillian Blatch at stcolumbaschurch2016@outlook.com and mark it for the attention of Gillian Children’s liturgy. 

CHRISTMAS MEMORY TREE: 
A time to remember those who will not be able to celebrate Christmas this year. There will be a tree and cards on the side Altar (near the back door) at St. Columba’s to write your message and hang it on the tree.  The message is the important thing, but if anyone wishes to donate, there will be a basket for donations in aid of the Parish Third World Project.

LOURDES HOSPITALITY UPDATE:
Further to the recent AGM, the officers have been meeting monthly to discuss the issues raised and future plans. A face-to-face meeting for all members will be held on Saturday 20^th January 2024 (venue and time to be confirmed). In the meantime, if you have any questions for us, please send an email to: secretary@teamshrewsbury.co.uk

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.

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. Catalogues available in the church porches along with Advent prayer cards.

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER:
10^th December 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 MONDAY  18^th DECEMBER 2023