The month of September is dedicated to Our Lady of Pity

23^rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

6 SEPTEMBER 2026

Sat 5 Sep
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Malankara Jacobite Syriac Orthodox Community Mass
	5.00pm		For a successful outcome
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Peter Cunniff RIP
Sun 6 Sep
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Special Intention (AT)
	2.00pm		Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Mon 7 Sep
St. Theresa’s			Private Intentions
St. Columba’s	10.30am		Mary Ryan (CM)
Tue 8 Sep
St. Theresa’s			Special Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Parishioners’ Intentions
Wed 9 Sep
St. Theresa’s			Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	9.30am		Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am		Novena Prayers
	10.30am		Rosemary McRoberts
Thu 10 Sep
St. Theresa’s			Michelles’ Intentions
St. Columba’s			Priests’ Intentions
Fri 11 Sep
St. Theresa’s	10.00am		Sarah Russell RIP
St. Columba’s			Parishioners’ Intentions
Sat 12 Sep
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Mark Buggy RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Georgina Goodyear (Wed.Ann)
Sun 13 Sep
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am		The Parish
	2.00pm		Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS – Mass will be streamed at St Theresa’s on Sunday 6 September at 9.30a.m.

ANNIVERSARIES – Winifred McGlown, James Donnelly, Julia Sheila Ring, Kathleen Joy Borg, Kathleen Teresa Baxter

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR SEPTEMBER – For the care of water. Let us prayfor a just and sustainable management of water, a vital resource, so that everyone may have equal access to it.

CONFESSIONS – After each weekday Mass until 11.30a.m.
On Saturdays:
St Columba’s  6.00p.m. – 6.25p.m.
St Theresa’s   4.30p.m. – 4.55p.m.

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

CHILDREN’S LITURGY – The Children’s Liturgy normally happens at the 11a.m. service at St Columba’s on the 1^st and 3^rd Sundays of each month. See the parish website under the Family tab.

PARISH OFFERTORY –23 August 2026 – Loose Plate: £424.62; Planned Giving: £200.30; Average weekly SO £734.72. (St Columba’s) Dona Stations: £TBC; Candles (Loose) £32.66. Thank you for your kind generosity.

ST THERESA’S FEAST DAY – If anyone would like to donate towards flowers to decorate the church, please put your donation in an envelope marked flowers and place in the offertory basket.  Many thanks.

MONDAY MASS – 14 SEPTEMBER – We have now managed to get a priest to say Mass on Monday 14 September at 6.30pm at St Columba’s.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK – “If you see someone without a smile give them yours.” Dolly Parton

PRAYING TOGETHER FOR

• The residents of Daleside, Meadowsway, Queensway, Cleaveland Road, Stratford Road, Walton Place, and Downham Place
• The junior and Infant schools: Acresfield, Upton Heath, Mill View, Westlea, Dorin Park and St Werburgh’s & St Columba’s and St Theresa’s.  Also schools in Newton, Guilden Sutton and Mickle Trafford. 
• The teachers and pupils that they will be open to the Christian teaching they receive. 
• The local clergy as they lead assemblies. 

FR WILLIAM is available to meet with parishioners after 10.30a.m. Mass on Mondays and Wednesdays or can be contacted at St Theresa’s presbytery (details on top of Newsletter. Thursday is his day off.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA – We need volunteers every Sunday after 11:00 Mass. To raise money for your good cause, please put your details on the sheet and let Margaret Curtis know on 01244 318424 or marg.curtis@outlook.com
06 Sept – Richard Curtis for Altar Servers 
13 Sept – Lyn Coyle for Friendship Group
20 Sept – volunteers please
27 Sept – MacMillan Coffee Morning

CHURCHES TOGETHER UPTON AGM INVITATION – You are warmly invited to attend on Wednesday 9 September at 2.30p.m. at the URC on Heath Road, Upton. New members would be very welcome so if you want to know more, please contact Lyn on 07735574395.

FRIENDSHIP THURSDAY IS BACK SOON Beginning again on 17 Sept from 2-4 pm in the Church Hall. We will meet on the 3rd Thursday of every month until July 2027. There are guest speakers and sometimes interesting activities but the main purpose is to meet other people for coffee, chat and friendship. It’s very informal and friendly so do come and bring a friend if you like. Anyone is welcome. On 17 Sept, there will be a raffle, including cakes. We have a free book table with a new selection of books. We ask for £2 towards running costs please. For information see posters in the church porches or contact Lyn Coyle 37745574397 / marilyn.coyle44@gmail.com

FIRST COMMUNION PREPARATION CLASSES For children who come to either St Columba’s or St Theresa’s churches but do not attend one of the RC Primary Schools. They are held in the Newman Room at St Columba’s on Wednesday evenings in term time from 5pm to 6pm. The classes will begin on Wednesday 23 Sept. If you have a child in Year 3 or above who would like to enrol to join these classes to prepare for First Forgiveness and First Holy Communion this school year, or if you would like any further information, please contact Pauline Payne by email pauline.payne4@btinternet.com

ST THERESA’S CLUB EVENT – Classical guitar duo concert at 11am on Monday 14 September. All welcome

CATHOLIC SOCIAL TRAINING (CST) is a body of moral doctrine developed by the Church on matters of social justice, poverty, and human rights. Rooted in Scripture and modern papal encyclicals starting with Pope Leo XIII’s 1891 Rerum Novarum, it provides a framework for building a just society and living out faith in the modern world. (CAFOD). So far we have briefly covered the principles of Human Dignity, Solidarity, The Care of Creation, The Common Good, The Option for the Poor, The Dignity of Work and Participation and finally….

Call to Family, Community and Participation

The human person is not only sacred, but social. How we organize our society — socially, economically, legally and politically — directly affects human dignity and the ability of every human person to grow in community. Marriage and family, the foundations for social life, should be strengthened and supported. Every person has a right to participate in society and a corresponding duty to work for the advancement of the common good and the well-being of all. (The Catholic Spirit)

ST THERESA’S ANNIVERSARY – The first Parish Priest was appointed to oversee the creation of St Theresa’s parish on 15 September 1956.  To celebrate this 70^th anniversary, there will be cream tea after 9.30a.m. Mass on Sunday 13 September.  A bigger celebration to mark the building of the church will take place in 2028. If anyone has any photos or information they would like to share with the parish, please let us know.  Please write your name and tel. no. on them so that the items can be returned.  Thank you.

HERITAGE OPEN DOORS FESTIVAL, CHESTER – St. Werburgh’s Parish History Group will be holding a display, showing the building of St. Werburgh’s and what parish life was like 100 years ago.   The church will be open to visitors Mon 14 – Fri 18 Sep inclusive, from 1.00 – 3.00pm. In addition there will be a talk on Wed 16 Sep at 2.00pm, explaining these topics in further detail. Come and see how many people/events you remember.

SVP APPEAL FOR CHILD’S FURNITURE – We are currently supporting a lady and her one-year-old boy who have recently moved from homelessness to a new home. She needs some furniture to store clothes etc for her child’s bedroom. Does anyone have a child’s chest of drawers or wardrobe, in good condition, to donate. Please contact Sue McCarthy, Mark Traynor or any SVP member. 07515491251. Thank you.

FEMALE NANNY WANTED – A family based in Chester are looking for a female after-school nanny to help with childcare for their 3 school-aged children twice a week with some overnight stays too.  If you would like to have a chat, please contact 07507190242.

SAVE THE DATE – 16 OCTOBER – There will be a family fun evening in St Theresa’s centre starting at 7:30p.m. Watch this space for more details. 

PARISH WEBSITE – Unfortunately, there is a problem with uploading new material to the website at the moment. Our website manager has reported an issue with WordPress who manage the format of the website. There are items of news and photographs of Deacon Lawrence’s farewell celebration waiting to be uploaded. Please keep looking. It is hoped that this will soon be addressed.

CAFOD PETITION SIGNING – CANCEL THE DEBT – Our petition signatures have been collected alongside many other parishes and CAFOD will communicate the results with the government at the end of the year as they take over the presidency of the G20. As the UK is hosting the G20 it gives us a special opportunity to push for urgent action.

DIOCESAN VACANCIES have arisen within the Shrewsbury Youth Mission Team (SYMT), based in Stockport & the Curial office based in Birkenhead. Further details for all vacancies can be found on the Diocesan website https://dioceseofshrewsbury.org/careers Closing date: 18 September.

THE DIMENSIONS OF LOVE – FR TOM’S PILGRIMAGE – To mark ten years of priestly ministry, Fr Tom Cunnah will undertake a nine-day, 130-mile thanksgiving pilgrimage across the Diocese of Shrewsbury, from West Kirby to Ludlow and Shining Tor, beginning on 3 September. Along the way, he will be praying for vocations and raising awareness and funds for the work of Caritas supporting families in need. Parishioners can follow his journey on Caritas social media.

COME AND VISIT OUR SCHOOL – St Werburgh’s and St Columba’s Catholic Primary School – Families considering a school place for September 2027 are warmly invited to visit us and discover what makes our school such a welcoming and special place to learn. Each open day will include a tour of the school with our headteacher, giving prospective parents and carers an opportunity to see the school in action, meet members of our community and ask any questions they may have.
Open-day dates

• Wednesday 30 September 2026 at 1.30 pm
• Wednesday 7 October 2026 at 9.30 am
• Tuesday 20 October 2026 at 9.30 am
• Wednesday 4 November 2026 at 1.30 pm
• Wednesday 11 November 2026 at 9.30 am
• Wednesday 2 December 2026 at 9.30 am

Please contact the school office to reserve your place: office@lovelearnlaugh.org.uk 01244 478968

ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH & HALL BOOKINGS – To book the Church, Newman Room or Iona Chapel, contact Magdalena Bukowska at the Church Office, 01244 624019, email Stcolumbaschurch2016@outlook.com. Office hours Mon-Fri 9a.m. to 2p.m.
To check Hall availability, visit the Church Hall calendar on the St Columba’s website, then contact Magdalena during office hours or email: Columbashallbookings@gmail.com

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER – Sunday 13 September to be compiled by Paula Bownass tele. 01244 379794 or email: paulabownas@yahoo.co.uk. Deadline: Wednesday 9 September 9.00am. 
Please include a contact number with your notice and also email a copy to Fr William at st.theresas@btinternet.com

The month of September is dedicated to The Care of Water

22^nd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

30 AUGUST 2026

Saturday 29th August
St Theresa’s	5.00p.m.	Parishioners’ Intentions
St Columba’s	6.30p.m.	Sandra Brookfield RIP
Sunday 30th August
St Theresa’s	9.30a.m.	Stephen James Taylor
St Columba’s	11.00a.m.	Philip Francis RIP (CT)
	2.00p.m.	Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Monday 31st August
St Theresa’s		John Albert Hodkinson RIP
St Columba’s	10.30a.m.	Margaret Patino Pan RIP
Tuesday 1st September
St Theresa’s		Peter Lane RIP
St Columba’s	6.30p.m.	Margaret Patino Pan RIP (MS)
Wednesday 2nd September
St Theresa’s		Priests’ Intentions
St Columba’s	9.30a.m.	Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15a.m.	Novena Prayers
	10.30a.m.	Niall Sullivan RIP
Thursday 3rd September – St Gregory the Great
St Theresa’s		Private Intention
St Columba’s		Joseph Francis
Friday 4th September
St Theresa’s	10.00a.m.	Val & Peter Higgins Ints.
St Columba’s		Priests’ Intentions
Saturday 5th September
St Theresa’s	5.00p.m.	For a successful outcome
St Columba’s	6.30p.m.	Peter Cunniff RIP
Sunday 6th September
St Theresa’s	9.30a.m.	Parishioners’ Intentions
St Columba’s	11.00a.m.	Special Intention (AT)

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS – Mass will be streamed at St Columba’s on Sunday 30 August at 11a.m.

ANNIVERSARIES – John Albert Hodkinson, Peter Lane, Winifred McGlown, James Donnelly

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR SEPTEMBER – For the care of water. Let us prayfor a just and sustainable management of water, a vital resource, so that everyone may have equal access to it.

CONFESSIONS – After each weekday Mass until 11.30a.m.
On Saturdays:
St Columba’s  6.00p.m. – 6.25p.m.
St Theresa’s   4.30p.m. – 4.55p.m.

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

CHILDREN’S LITURGY – The Children’s Liturgy normally happens at the 11a.m. service at St Columba’s on the 1^st and 3^rd Sundays of each month. See the parish website under the Family tab.

PARISH OFFERTORY – 16 August 2026 – Loose Plate: £500.82; Planned Giving: £167.11; Average weekly SO £734.72. (St Columba’s) Dona Stations: £TBC; Candles (Loose) £44.64; Piety Stall £116.89. Thank you for your kind generosity.

ST COLUMBA’S OFFICE – St Columba’s office is officially closed until 31 August, but urgent matters are being dealt with through the kind services of Carol Galvin on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays only, between 9a.m. and 12p.m.

MONDAY MASS – 14 SEPTEMBER – Please note that there will not be a 10.30a.m. Mass at St Columba’s on Monday 14 September.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK – “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference.” Reinhold Niebuhr.

PRAYING TOGETHER FOR

• Pray for the residents of Oakfield Drive, Flag Lane South, Upton Lane, Weldon Close, Cotes Place, Bridgeman Road, Stubbs Place, and South Way.
• For the Wardens, Deputy Wardens, Sides persons and Collectors.
• For our Churches being welcoming to newcomers

FR WILLIAM is available to meet with parishioners after 10.30a.m. Mass on Mondays and Wednesdays or can be contacted at St Theresa’s presbytery (details on top of Newsletter. Thursday is his day off.

PARISH WEBSITE – Unfortunately, there is a problem with uploading new material to the website at the moment. Our website manager has reported an issue with WordPress who manage the format of the website. There are items of news and photographs of Deacon Lawrence’s farewell celebration waiting to be uploaded. Please keep looking. It is hoped that this will soon be addressed.

SVP APPEAL FOR CHILD’S FURNITURE – We are currently supporting a lady and her one-year-old boy who have recently moved from homelessness to a new home. She needs some furniture to store clothes etc for her child’s bedroom. Does anyone have a child’s chest of drawers or wardrobe, in good condition, to donate. Please contact Sue McCarthy, Mark Traynor or any SVP member. 07515491251. Thank you.

THE DIMENSIONS OF LOVE – FR TOM’S PILGRIMAGE – To mark ten years of priestly ministry, Fr Tom Cunnah will undertake a nine-day, 130-mile thanksgiving pilgrimage across the Diocese of Shrewsbury, from West Kirby to Ludlow and Shining Tor, beginning on 3 September. Along the way, he will be praying for vocations and raising awareness and funds for the work of Caritas supporting families in need. Parishioners can follow his journey on Caritas social media.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA – We need volunteers every Sunday after 11:00 Mass. To raise money for your good cause, please put your details on the sheet and let Margaret Curtis know on 01244 318424 or marg.curtis@outlook.com
30 Aug – volunteers please 
06 Sept – volunteers please 
13 Sept – volunteers please

PAT WILKINSON, DECEASED – Pat’s funeral took place on Tuesday, 25 August at the Parish Church of St Thomas Becket, Tarporley. The video will be available for 1 month.

CHURCHES TOGETHER UPTON AGM INVITATION – Each year, the committee meets to review the past year and plan for the next. As events are done in the name of the three member churches, the AGM is open to anyone. You are warmly invited to attend on Wednesday 9 September at 2.30p.m. at the URC on Heath Road, Upton. Currently, the committee is small and our Church, the largest congregation of the three, has only two representatives: David Savage (retiring Chairman) and Lyn Coyle. New members would be very welcome so if you want to know more, please contact Lyn on 07735574395.

DIOCESAN VACANCIES have arisen within the Shrewsbury Youth Mission Team (SYMT), based in Stockport & the Curial office based in Birkenhead. Further details for all vacancies can be found on the Diocesan website https://dioceseofshrewsbury.org/careers Closing date: 18 September.

MARSH & PLESSINGTON – TODAY – The service based on remembrance of our two local martyrs will be held at 4.30p.m. today in the Iona Chapel.  You are invited to join us in this short service together with our friends from the other Upton churches.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL TRAINING (CST) is a body of moral doctrine developed by the Church on matters of social justice, poverty, and human rights. Rooted in Scripture and modern papal encyclicals starting with Pope Leo XIII’s 1891 Rerum Novarum, it provides a framework for building a just society and living out faith in the modern world. (CAFOD). So far we have briefly covered the principles of Human Dignity, Solidarity, The Care of Creation, The Common Good, The Option for the Poor and this week……

The dignity of work and participation has been a key principle of Catholic social teaching from the very beginning. Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum shone a light on the injustice and exploitation of workers by the rich during the Industrial Revolution. He advocated for workers to join forces and fight against inhuman conditions.

Since then, Church teaching has upheld the dignity of work and participation. The human person should always come before the pursuit of profit. Workers have the right to join trade unions, to a just wage, to spend time with their families and to rest. Work is an essential part of our human dignity and everyone has the right to participate. (CAFOD)

ST THERESA’S ANNIVERSARY – The first Parish Priest was appointed to oversee the creation of St Theresa’s parish on 15 September 1956.  To celebrate this 70^th anniversary, there will be cream tea after 9.30a.m. Mass on Sunday 13 September.  A bigger celebration to mark the building of the church will take place in 2028. If anyone has any photos or information they would like to share with the parish, please let us know.  Please write your name and tel. no. on them so that the items can be returned.  Thank you.

CAFOD PETITION SIGNING – CANCEL THE DEBT – Many, many thanks to everyone who has already signed. This weekend is your last opportunity to sign the petition as the sheets have to be sent to CAFOD by Sept 1st.

SAVE THE DATE – 16 OCTOBER – There will be a family fun evening in St Theresa’s centre starting at 7:30p.m. Watch this space for more details. 

COME AND VISIT OUR SCHOOL – St Werburgh’s and St Columba’s Catholic Primary School
Families considering a school place for September 2027 are warmly invited to visit us and discover what makes our school such a welcoming and special place to learn. Each open day will include a tour of the school with our headteacher, giving prospective parents and carers an opportunity to see the school in action, meet members of our community and ask any questions they may have.
Open-day dates

• Wednesday 30 September 2026 at 1.30 pm
• Wednesday 7 October 2026 at 9.30 am
• Tuesday 20 October 2026 at 9.30 am
• Wednesday 4 November 2026 at 1.30 pm
• Wednesday 11 November 2026 at 9.30 am
• Wednesday 2 December 2026 at 9.30 am

Please contact the school office to reserve your place: office@lovelearnlaugh.org.uk 01244 478968

ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH & HALL BOOKINGS – To book the Church, Newman Room or Iona Chapel, contact Magdalena Bukowska at the Church Office, 01244 624019, email Stcolumbaschurch2016@outlook.com. Office hours Mon-Fri 9a.m. to 2p.m.
To check Hall availability, visit the Church Hall calendar on the St Columba’s website, then contact Magdalena during office hours or email: Columbashallbookings@gmail.com

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER – Sunday 6 September to be complied by Amy O’Donnell, phone 07854 290897, email: amyod@hotmail.co.uk. Deadline: Wednesday 2 September 9.00a.m.  
Please include a contact number with your notice and also email a copy to Fr William at st.theresas@btinternet.com

The month of August is dedicated to The Immaculate Heart of Mary

21st SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

23 AUGUST 2026

Saturday 22nd August
St Theresa’s	5.00pm	Nicholas Huber RIP
St Columba’s	6.30pm	Philip Francis RIP
Sunday 23rd August
St Theresa’s	9.30am	Parishioners’ Intentions
St Columba’s	11.00am	Niall Sullivan RIP
	2.00pm	Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Monday 24th August – St Bartholomew Feast
St Theresa’s		Andrew Lester RIP
St Columba’s	10.30am	Mary Ryan
Tuesday 25th August
St Theresa’s		Private Intention (RM}
St Columba’s		NO MASS
Wednesday 26th August
St Theresa’s		Steve & Ann Gannon’s Wedding Anniv.
St Columba’s	9.30am	Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am	Novena Prayers
	10.30am	Danny Glynn
Thursday 27th August
St Theresa’s		Priests’ Intentions
St Columba’s		Priests’ Intentions
Friday 28th August
St Theresa’s	10.00am	Requiem Mass for Mary (Mae) Dunne RIP
St Columba’s	1.00pm	Requiem Mass for Margaret Patino Pan RIP
Saturday  29th August
St Theresa’s	5.00pm	Parishioners’ Intentions
St Columba’s	6.30pm	Sandra Brookfield RIP
Sunday August  30th August
St Theresa’s	9.30am	Stephen James Taylor RIP
St Columba’s	11.00am	Philip Francis RIP

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS – Mass will be streamed at St Columba’s on Sunday 23 August at 11a.m.

RECENTLY DECEASED – Please remember in your prayers, Peter Cunniff and Margaret Patino Pan, and Mae Dunne. Mae’s Requiem Mass will be held at St. Theresa’s Church at 10.00am on Friday 28 August Margaret’s Requiem Mass is at St. Columba’s Church on Friday 28 August at 1.00 p.m.

ANNIVERSARIES – Nicholas Huber, Stephen James Taylor and Patricia Mary Blythe.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR AUGUST –FOR EVANGELIZATION IN THE CITY. Let us pray that in large cities often marked by anonymity and loneliness we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel, discovering creative paths to build community.

CONFESSIONS – After each weekday Mass until 11.30a.m.
On Saturdays:
St Columba’s    6.00p.m. – 6.25p.m.
St Theresa’s     4.30p.m. – 4.55p.m.

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

CHILDREN’S LITURGY – The Children’s Liturgy normally happens at the 11a.m. service at St Columba’s on the 1^st and 3^rd Sundays of each month. See the parish website under the Family tab.

PARISH OFFERTORY – Loose Plate: £TBC; Planned Giving: £TBC; Average weekly SO £TBC. Dona Stations: £TBC.  Thank you for your kind generosity.

ST COLUMBA’S OFFICE – St Columba’s office is officially closeduntil 31 August, but urgent matters are being dealt with through the kind services of Carol Galvin on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays only, between 9am and 12pm.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK – “My plea to people would be: take off those earpieces so you hear nature and, of course, birdsong. You may not realise how precious it is until it’s gone.”  Bill Oddie

PRAYING TOGETHER FOR 

• the residents of Oakfield Drive, Flag Lane South, Upton Lane, Weldon Close, Cotes Place, Bridgeman Road, Stubbs Place, and South Way. 
• For the Wardens, Deputy Wardens, Sides persons and Collectors.
• For our Churches being welcoming to newcomers.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA – We need volunteers every Sunday after 11:00 Mass. To raise money for your good cause, please put your details on the sheet and let Margaret Curtis know on 01244 318424 or marg.curtis@outlook.com
23 Aug – Hopeful Ugandan Hearts,  Lina Greig 
30 Aug – volunteers please 
06 Sept – volunteers please 
There will be coffee and cakes for sale today, 23 August.

Please contact your MP to oppose assisted suicid e- The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which seeks to legalise assisted suicide, will return to the House of Commons for its Second Reading and vote on Friday, 11 September 2026. The Bishops’ Conference is urging Catholics to contact their MP and ask them to oppose the Bill. Archbishop Richard Moth has warned that it could place vulnerable people under pressure to end their lives and could create serious difficulties for health and social care staff, hospices and care homes. Please make your voice heard. Even if you have contacted your MP previously, please consider doing so again. The charity Right to Life UK provides a simple online facility to contact your MP by entering your postcode.For information and to take action, visit: cbcew.org.uk/opposing-assisted-suicide (Bishops Conference of England  Wales website) righttolife.org.uk/Sept11vote  Contact details for Chester MP – Samantha Dixon, email samantha.dixon.mp@parliament.uk, constituency office, The Bluecoat, Upper Northgate St, Chester CH1 4EE; Parliamentary office, House of Commons London SW1A 0AAPlease read posters in our churches.

EXAM RESULTS – to all of our students, wishing you all the very best as your exam results are made available to you.  Wishing you every success for your future, whatever that may hold for you. Dream Big. Good luck.

NEEDLES & PINS – Wed 26 Aug – Everyone is invited to this friendly and welcoming needlecraft group in the Newman Room, between 2:00-4:00pm every fourth Wednesday of the month. Hope to see you.

FR WILLIAM is available to meet with parishioners after 10.30 Mass on Mondays and Wednesdays, or can be contacted at St Theresa’s presbytery (details on top of Newsletter).  Thursday is his day off.

MARSH & PLESSINGTON, THE CHESTER MARTYRS – This is the theme for the next Churches Together Fifth Sunday service to be held in the Iona Chapel at 4.30 p.m. on Sunday 30 August.  Please join us in this short service together with our friends from the other Upton Churches.

ST THERESA’S ANNIVERSARY – The first Parish Priest was appointed to oversee the creation of St Theresa’s parish on 15 September 1956.  To celebrate this 70^th anniversary, there will be cream tea after 9.30am Mass on Sunday 13 September.  A bigger celebration to mark the building of the church will take place in 2028.
If anyone has any photos or information they would like to share with the parish, please let us know.  Please write your name and tel. no. on them so that the items can be returned.  Thank you.

SAVE THE DATE – 16 OCTOBER – There will be a family fun evening in St Theresa’s centre starting at 7:30pm. Watch this space for more details. 

CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING – (CST) is a body of moral doctrine developed by the Church on matters of social justice, poverty, and human rights. Rooted in Scripture and modern papal encyclicals starting with Pope Leo XIII’s 1891 Rerum Novarum, it provides a framework for building a just society and living out faith in the modern world. (CAFOD). So far we have briefly covered the principles of Human Dignity, Solidarity, the Care of Creation and the Common Good. This week……

Preferential Option for the Poor – The option for the poor reminds us of God’s preferential love for the poorest and most vulnerable people. God’s love is universal; he does not side with oppressors, but loves the humble. (CAFOD)
How we treat our most vulnerable people defines our values and principles. In a world where there are increasing divisions between rich and poor, our faith instructs us to put the needs of poor and vulnerable first for the sake of the common good. (Catholic Church in England and Wales).

CAFOD CAMPAIGN – Over the next few weeks, we are collecting signatures for a CAFOD petition about the global debt crisis which is causing terrible suffering for our brothers and sisters around the world. Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla from South Sudan has written to parishes in England and Wales to explain. A copy of the letter and petition forms to sign can be found in the church porches. Please take a moment as you leave church to lend your support. Thank you.

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER CAR SCHEME – DRIVERS NEEDED – Pat Riddell writes as Chair of Chester Parkinson’s UK: Many charities like ours organise and fund wonderful activities for our members, but our main difficulty is always transport. Before my diagnosis of Parkinson’s I was a volunteer driver for Lache Day Centre and more recently for MacMillan and I found both very rewarding. If you are a driver, with your own car and have some time to spare, you might be interested in volunteering for https://www.changing-lives-together.org.uk/ who are trying to set up a car scheme for the most vulnerable in our community. If you are interested please email: Sarah Jolliffe, the Community Transport Manager at Changing Lives with your contact details and a little information about yourself. Sarah.Jolliffe@changing-lives-together.org.uk  Thank you

DIOCESAN VACANCIES – Exciting new vacancies have arisen within the Diocese.  The Shrewsbury Youth Mission Team (SYMT) are recruiting for a Programme Coordinator and Team Member; both roles are full time based in Stockport.  The Curial office is also looking to recruit an Accounts Assistant, full time, based in Birkenhead.  CV’s to be sent to Pauline McCulloch recruitment@dioceseofshrewsbury.org  Closing date: Friday 18 September.  Further details for all vacancies can be found on the Diocesan website using this link https://dioceseofshrewsbury.org/careers

ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI, CHESTER – CHANGE OF MASS TIMES
From Sunday, 6 September 2026, the Sunday Mass schedule at St Francis, Chester, will change as follows: 
Saturday: 12.00 noon (English), 6.30 pm Vigil (English)
Sunday: 8.00 am Benedictine Abbey (English), 10.00 am (English), 5.00 pm (Polish).
Please note that the 12.00 noon Polish Mass will be celebrated for the final time on Sunday, 30 August. 
Weekday Masses remain at 12.00 noon (Monday–Saturday), with 9.00 am Mass at the Benedictine Abbey on Wednesdays.

CAFOD school volunteers needed! – Could you visit your local Catholic school to talk about the work of CAFOD? We are looking for volunteers to deliver school assemblies and workshops and inspire children and young people to make a difference and take action. For further information please contact Anna Letizia on 07710 094449 emailaletizia@cafod.org.uk

CLOTHING APPEAL – Our sincere thanks to the parishioners of both churches who responded so generously to the recent appeal for clothing and toys. The recipient has been overwhelmed by your kindness, and your generosity has helped her emotionally as well as practically during a very difficult time. As she is currently living in a single room, she has no space to store any further donations of clothing or household items. However, when more suitable accommodation becomes available, she will need furniture and essential household goods. The Parish SVP has very kindly offered to help by purchasing the specific items she will need at that time. If you would like to contribute, donations of cash would be greatly appreciated and may be placed in the baskets labelled SVP at the entrances to both churches. Thank you once again for your generosity and continued support.           Pauline Rourke

BADMINTON GROUP – The Parish Badminton Group meets on Thursdays from 7p.m. to 9p.m. in St Columba’s Hall and is looking for new members. Mixed group, all ages, all abilities welcome.

FOOD BANK DONATIONS – MORE NEEDED PLEASE – Donated food is taken to the West Cheshire Foodbank at Ellesmere Port every fortnight. Recently, volunteers at the warehouse have had to leave halfway through the day because they had run out of supplies. St Columba’s and St Theresa’s have been very generous in the past. Last time an appeal was made in the newsletter, the response was amazing and the Centre so grateful. As Pope Leo has said, the poor should be at the heart of the Church. Please give as generously as possible, especially UHT milk, Long-life juice, Pasta in sauce, Coffee, Tinned Meat, Pasta sauce, Tinned vegetables. Thank you so much. Your generosity makes all the difference

SAFETY IN ST COLUMBA’S PARISH HALL – Following feedback from parishioners and a review of health and safety arrangements in the parish hall, we would like to remind all who come for tea and coffee after the 11.00am Mass on Sundays of the following:

• Children should not enter or play on the stage area, nor touch the curtains, as this presents a safety risk.
• Children should not run around the hall, particularly when hot drinks are being served.

A box of games, colouring and drawing activities will be available for children; it will be kept behind the bar. We kindly ask parents and carers to return the items to the bar area afterwards. Children are very welcome in our parish community, and we hope that parents and carers will understand the need for these measures to help ensure that the hall remains a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. The Pastoral Council

MARRIAGE IN A RUT? – Or need help with deeper issues? Retrouvaille has helped thousands of couples find hope and healing in their marriage. Next dates: 2–4 October. www.retrouvaille.org.uk/info  Tel: 0788 7296983

CATHOLIC HOLIDAYS IN THE LAKE DISTRICT THIS SUMMER – During August and September, Castlerigg Manor in Keswick is opening its doors to families, groups of friends, or private individuals who are looking for an affordable stay in the Lake District. Breakfast and evening meal are provided, and Mass is celebrated on site. For more information check out castleriggmanor.com/stay-with-us or contact director@castleriggmanor.co.uk / 017687 72711

QUIET RETREATS FOR ADULTS THIS OCTOBER – During October half term, Castlerigg Manor is running a quiet retreat for individual adults who want to spend a few days of peace, relaxation, and prayer in the Lake District. Each day there will be a talk, Mass, and evening prayer, and then a lot of time to explore the area, pray, or just simply relax. Book at castleriggmanor.com/events or contact director@castleriggmanor.co.uk

ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH & HALL BOOKINGS To book the Church, Newman Room or Iona Chapel, contact Magdalena Bukowska at the Church Office 01244 624019, email stcolumbaschurch2016@outlook.com. Office hours Mon-Fri 9am to 2pmTo check Hall availability, visit the Church Hall calendar on the St Columba’s website, then contact Magdalena during office hours or email: columbashallbookings@gmail.com

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER – Sunday 30 August to be compiled by Rebecca Vaughan, phone 01244 318632, email: Rebecca_vghn@yahoo.co.uk. Deadline: 9am Wednesday 26 August. Please include a contact number with your notice and also email a copy to Fr William at st.theresas@btinternet.com

The month of August is dedicated to The Immaculate Heart of Mary

SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

16 AUGUST 2026

Saturday 15 August
St Theresa’s	9.30am	Malankara Jacobite Syriac Community
	5.00pm	Roy Gent RIP
St Columba’s	6.30pm	Pat Wilkinson RIP
Sunday 16 August
St Theresa’s	9.30am	Parishioners’ Intentions
St Columba’s	11.00am	Anne Morris
	2.00pm	Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Monday  17 August
St Theresa’s		Special Intention
St Columba’s	10.30am	Tony Walsh (Anniv)
Tuesday 18 August
St Theresa’s		Priests’ Intentions
St Columba’s	6.30pm	Parishioners’ Intentions
Wednesday 19 August
St Theresa’s		Private Intention
St Columba’s	9.30am	Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am	Novena Prayers
	10.30am	Private Intention (CT)
Thursday 20 August
St Theresa’s		All receiving Exam Resuts
St Columba’s		Priests’ Intentions
Friday 21 August
St Theresa’s	10.00am	Joe Blundell RIP
St Columba’s		The Parish
Saturday  22 August
St Theresa’s	5.00pm	Nicholas Huber RIP
St Columba’s	6.30pm	Philip Francis RIP
Sunday 23 August
St Theresa’s	9.30am	Parishioners’ Intentions
St Columba’s	11.00am	Parishioners’ Intentions
	2.00pm	Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS – Mass will be streamed at St Columba’s on Sunday 16 August at 11a.m.

RECENTLY DECEASED – Please remember in your prayers; Mae Dunne who died recently, and her family and friends.

ANNIVERSARIES – Sarah Jane Flynn, Stanley Wynne and Nicholas Huber.

POPES PRAYER INTENTION FOR AUGUST –FOR EVANGELIZATION IN THE CITY. Let us pray that in large cities often marked by anonymity and loneliness we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel, discovering creative paths to build community.

CONFESSIONS – After each weekday Mass until 11.30a.m.
On Saturdays:
St Columba’s    6.00p.m. – 6.25p.m.
St Theresa’s     4.30p.m. – 4.55p.m.

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

CHILDREN’S LITURGY – The Children’s Liturgy normally happens at the 11a.m. service at St Columba’s on the 1^st and 3^rd Sundays of each month. See the parish website under the Family tab.

PARISH OFFERTORY – Loose Plate: £467.02; Planned Giving: £217.24; Average weekly SO £734.22. Dona Stations: £TBC; Candles: £45.18 (Loose). Thank you for your kind generosity.

ST COLUMBA’S OFFICE – There will be a change of the office hours at St Columba’s from 10 August to 31 August. During that time the office will be officially closed but urgent matters will be dealt with through the kind services of Carol Galvin on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays only between 9am and 12pm.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK– “Continue to be bold, courageous. Try to choose the wisest thing and once you’ve chosen the wisest thing, go out and try to achieve it. Be it.” ― Maya Angelou

PARISH WEBSITE NEWS AND IMPORTANT MESSAGE – It is a relief that the problems in loading new items appear to have been resolved. Please click on the News & Events tab to find photos of Deacon Lawrence’s Farewell event. There is also an extremely important message about the re-introduction of the Assisted Suicide Bill to Parliament for a further vote in September. Please read this as it asks us, as Catholics who respect life at every stage, to act by writing to our MP. The item gives plenty of reasons for us to use when opposing the Bill. There is a QR code which should work direct from the website for those who wish to use it.

PRAYING TOGETHER FOR 

• The residents of Greenfields, Flag Lane North, Oakfield Avenue, The Glen, Jonathan’s Way, Graham Road and Blacon Point Road.
• The Eucharistic Ministers, Altar Servers, Lay Readers, Parish Assistant and Local Church Leaders. 
• All those not yet connected to the life of the Church or who have lost their faith.

EXAM RESULTS – to all of our students, wishing you all the very best as your exam results are made available to you.  Wishing you every success for your future, whatever that may hold for you. Dream Big. Good luck. 

CONFIRMATION – If you wish to prepare to be Confirmed next November and are already at high school, please email ASAP to register: stcolumbatheresaconfirmation@hotmail.co.uk 

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA – We need volunteers every Sunday after 11:00 Mass. To raise money for your good cause, please put your details on the sheet and let Margaret Curtis know on 01244 318424 or marg.curtis@outlook.com
16 Aug – volunteers please
23 Aug – volunteers please

Please contact your MP to oppose assisted suicide – The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which seeks to legalise assisted suicide, will return to the House of Commons for its Second Reading and vote on Friday, 11 September 2026. The Bishops’ Conference is urging Catholics to contact their MP and ask them to oppose the Bill. Archbishop Richard Moth has warned that it could place vulnerable people under pressure to end their lives and could create serious difficulties for health and social care staff, hospices and care homes.   Please make your voice heard. Even if you have contacted your MP previously, please consider doing so again. The charity Right to Life UK provides a simple online facility to contact your MP by entering your postcode. For information and to take action, visit:cbcew.org.uk/opposing-assisted-suicide (Bishops Conference of England & Wales website) righttolife.org.uk/Sept11vote  Contact details for Chester MP – Samantha Dixon, email samantha.dixon.mp@parliament.uk, constituency office, The Bluecoat, Upper Northgate St, Chester CH1 4EE; Parliamentary office, House of Commons London SW1A 0AAPlease read posters in our churches.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING (CST) is a body of moral doctrine developed by the Church on matters of social justice, poverty, and human rights. Rooted in Scripture and modern papal encyclicals starting with Pope Leo XIII’s 1891 Rerum Novarum, it provides a framework for building a just society and living out faith in the modern world. (CAFOD). So far we have briefly covered the principles of Human Dignity, Solidarity and the Care of Creation. This week……

THE COMMON GOOD – The common good means that the fruits of the earth belong to everyone. No one should be excluded from the gifts of creation. Pope Paul VI spoke about this 50 years ago in his encyclical Populorum Progressio. (CAFOD).
The common good is reached when we work together to improve the wellbeing of people in our society and the wider world and that the rights of the individual to personal possessions and community resources must be balanced with the needs of the disadvantaged and dispossessed. (Caritas Australia)

CAFOD CAMPAIGN – Over the next few weeks, we are collecting signatures for a CAFOD petition about the global debt crisis which is causing terrible suffering for our brothers and sisters around the world. Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla from South Sudan has written to parishes in England and Wales to explain. A copy of the letter and petition forms to sign can be found in the church porches. Please take a moment as you leave church to lend your support. Thank you.

CLOTHING APPEAL – Our sincere thanks to the parishioners of both churches who responded so generously to the recent appeal for clothing and toys. The recipient has been overwhelmed by your kindness, and your generosity has helped her emotionally as well as practically during a very difficult time. As she is currently living in a single room, she has no space to store any further donations of clothing or household items. However, when more suitable accommodation becomes available, she will need furniture and essential household goods. The Parish SVP has very kindly offered to help by purchasing the specific items she will need at that time. If you would like to contribute, donations of cash would be greatly appreciated and may be placed in the baskets labelled SVP at the entrances to both churches. Thank you once again for your generosity and continued support.
Pauline Rourke

MARSH & PLESSINGTON, THE CHESTER MARTYRS – This is the theme for the next Churches Together Fifth Sunday service to be held in the Iona Chapel at 4.30 p.m. on Sunday 30 August.  Please join us in this short service together with our friends from the other Upton Churches.

CAFOD school volunteers needed! – Could you visit your local Catholic school to talk about the work of CAFOD? We are looking for volunteers to deliver school assemblies and workshops and inspire children and young people to make a difference and take action. For further information please contact Anna Letizia on 07710 094449 emailaletizia@cafod.org.uk

FR WILLIAM – Is available to meet with parishioners after 10.30a.m. Mass on Mondays & Wednesdays or can be contacted at St Theresa’s presbytery (details on top of Newsletter). Thursday is his day off.

ST THERESA’S ANNIVERSARY – On the 15 September it will be 70 years since the first Parish Priest was appointed to St Theresa’s.  If anyone has any photos or information they would like to share with the parish, please let us know.  Please write your name and tel. no. on them so that the items can be returned.  Thank you.

BADMINTON GROUP – The Parish Badminton Group meets on Thursdays from 7p.m. to 9p.m. in St Columba’s Hall and is looking for new members. Mixed group, all ages, all abilities welcome.

FOOD BANK DONATIONS – MORE NEEDED PLEASE – Donated food is taken to the West Cheshire Foodbank at Ellesmere Port every fortnight. Recently, volunteers at the warehouse have had to leave halfway through the day because they had run out of supplies. St Columba’s and St Theresa’s have been very generous in the past. Last time an appeal was made in the newsletter, the response was amazing and the Centre so grateful. As Pope Leo has said, the poor should be at the heart of the Church. Please give as generously as possible, especially UHT milk, Long-life juice, Pasta in sauce, Coffee, Tinned Meat, Pasta sauce, Tinned vegetables Thank you so much. Your generosity makes all the difference

SAFETY IN ST COLUMBA’S PARISH HALL – Following feedback from parishioners and a review of health and safety arrangements in the parish hall, we would like to remind all who come for tea and coffee after the 11.00am Mass on Sundays of the following:

• Children should not enter or play on the stage area, nor touch the curtains, as this presents a safety risk.
• Children should not run around the hall, particularly when hot drinks are being served.

A box of games, colouring and drawing activities will be available for children; it will be kept behind the bar. We kindly ask parents and carers to return the items to the bar area afterwards.

Children are very welcome in our parish community, and we hope that parents and carers will understand the need for these measures to help ensure that the hall remains a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. The Pastoral Council

MARRIAGE IN A RUT? – Or need help with deeper issues? Retrouvaille has helped thousands of couples find hope and healing in their marriage. Next dates: 2nd–4th October. www.retrouvaille.org.uk/info  Tel: 0788 7296983

CATHOLIC HOLIDAYS IN THE LAKE DISTRICT THIS SUMMER – During August and September, Castlerigg Manor in Keswick is opening its doors to families, groups of friends, or private individuals who are looking for an affordable stay in the Lake District. Breakfast and evening meal are provided, and Mass is celebrated on site. For more information check out castleriggmanor.com/stay-with-us or contact director@castleriggmanor.co.uk / 017687 72711

QUIET RETREATS FOR ADULTS THIS OCTOBER – During October half term, Castlerigg Manor is running a quiet retreat for individual adults who want to spend a few days of peace, relaxation, and prayer in the Lake District. Each day there will be a talk, Mass, and evening prayer, and then a lot of time to explore the area, pray, or just simply relax. Book at castleriggmanor.com/events or contact director@castleriggmanor.co.uk

ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI, CHESTER – CHANGE OF MASS TIMES
From Sunday, 6 September 2026, the Sunday Mass schedule at St Francis, Chester, will change as follows: 
Saturday: 12.00 noon (English), 6.30 pm Vigil (English)
Sunday: 8.00 am Benedictine Abbey (English), 10.00 am (English), 5.00 pm (Polish). 
Please note that the 12.00 noon Polish Mass will be celebrated for the final time on Sunday, 30 August. 
Weekday Masses remain at 12.00 noon (Monday–Saturday), with 9.00 am Mass at the Benedictine Abbey on Wednesdays.

ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH & HALL BOOKINGS – To book the Church, Newman Room, or Iona Chapel, contact Magdalena Bukowska at the Church Office 01244 624019, email stcolumbaschurch2016@outlook.com. Office hours Mon-Fri 9a.m. to 2.00p.m.
To check Hall availability, visit the Church Hall calendar on the St Columba’s website, then contact Magdalena during office hours or email: columbashallbookings@gmail.com

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER – Sunday 23 August to be compiled by Muriel Green, phone: 07847 629672, email: muriel.green1@btinternet.com. Deadline: 9.00a.m. Wednesday 19 August. Please include a contact number with your notice and also email a copy to Fr. William at st.theresas@btinternet.com

The month of August is dedicated to The Immaculate Heart of Mary

NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

9  AUGUST 2026

Saturday 8 August
St Theresa’s
	5.00pm	Healing for Eloisa Sophia
St Columba’s	6.30pm	Barbara Wilson RIP
Sunday 9 August – Nineteenth Sunday in Ord. Time
St Theresa’s	9.30am	John Dunne RIP
St Columba’s	11.00am	Deacon Lawrence & Family
	2.00pm	Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Monday 10 August-St Lawrence, Dc,M
St Theresa’s		Parishioners’ Intentions
St Columba’s	10.30am	Carol & Mark Traynor
Tuesday 11 August – St Clare,V Mem.
St Theresa’s		Priests’ Intentions
St Columba’s	6.30pm	Private Intention (MC)
Wednesday 12 August
St Theresa’s		Private Intention
St Columba’s	9.30am	Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am	Novena Prayers
	10.30am     2.00pm	Special Intention & Thanksgiving (JW) Requiem Mass for Niall Sullivan
Thursday 13 August
St Theresa’s		Priests’ Intentions
St Columba’s		Priests’ Intentions
Friday 14 August-St Maximilian Mary Kolbe,P,M Mem
St Theresa’s	10.00am	Ann O’Connell RIP
St Columba’s		Ian Bullough RIP
Saturday 15 August
St Theresa’s	9.30am   5pm	Malankara Jacobite Syriac Community Roy Gent RIP
St Columba’s	6.30pm	Pat Wilkinson (EH)
Sunday 16 August The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
St Theresa’s	9.30am	Parishioners’ Intentions
St Columba’s	11.00am	Parishioners’ Intentions
	2.00pm	Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS – Mass will be streamed at St Columba’s on Sunday 9 August at 11a.m.

RECENTLY DECEASED – Please remember in your prayers, Niall Sullivan who died recently, and his family and friends. The Funeral of Niall will be held on Wednesday 12 August at 2pm at St Columba’s.

ANNIVERSARIES – Margaret Mary Murray, Roy Gent, Michael Paziuk & Hubert McDermott.

POPES PRAYER INTENTION FOR AUGUST –FOR EVANGELIZATION IN THE CITY. Let us pray that in large cities often marked by anonymity and loneliness we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel, discovering creative paths to build community.

CONFESSIONS – After each weekday Mass until 11.30a.m.
On Saturdays:
St Columba’s  6.00p.m. – 6.25p.m.
St Theresa’s   4.30p.m. – 4.55p.m.

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

CHILDREN’S LITURGY – The Children’s Liturgy normally happens at the 11a.m. service at St Columba’s on the 1^st and 3^rd Sundays of each month. See the parish website under the Family tab.

PARISH OFFERTORY – Loose Plate: £463.98; Planned Giving: £206.82; Average weekly SO £734.22. (St Columba’s) Dona Stations: £105; Candles: TBC. Thank you for your kind generosity.

ST COLUMBA’S OFFICE – There will be a change of the office hours at St Columba’s from 10 August to 31 August. During that time the office will be officially closed but urgent matters will be dealt with through the kind services of Carol Galvin on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays only between 9am and 12pm.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK– The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. Eleanor Roosevelt

PARISH WEBSITE – Unfortunately, there is a problem with uploading new material to the website at the moment. Our website manager has reported an issue with WordPress who manage the format of the website. There are items of news and photographs of Deacon Lawrence’s farewell celebration waiting to be uploaded. Please keep looking. It is hoped that this will soon be addressed.

PRAYING TOGETHER FOR – 

• The residents of Caughall Road, Acorn Court, The Acorns, Rosedene Close, Endsleigh Gardens, Endsleigh Close, Venable’s Road, St Chad’s Road, Church Hall Close and Cedar Mews.
• The PCC Members, Elders and all who hold Office in the Church. 
• Strong leadership by those elected and appointed.

EXAM RESULTS – to all of our students, wishing you all the very best as your exam results are made available to you.  Wishing you every success for your future, whatever that may hold for you. Dream Big. Good luck. 

CONFIRMATION – If you wish to prepare to be Confirmed next November and are already at high school, please email ASAP to register: stcolumbatheresaconfirmation@hotmail.co.uk 

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA – We need volunteers every Sunday after 11:00 Mass. To raise money for your good cause, please put your details on the sheet and let Margaret Curtis know on 01244 318424 or marg.curtis@outlook.com
09 Aug – volunteers please
16 Aug – volunteers please
23 Aug – volunteers please

 CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING (CST) is a body of moral doctrine developed by the Church on matters of social justice, poverty, and human rights. Rooted in Scripture and modern papal encyclicals starting with Pope Leo XIII’s 1891 Rerum Novarum, it provides a framework for building a just society and living out faith in the modern world. (CAFOD)

CARE OF CREATION/STEWARDSHIP – The earth and all life on it are part of God’s creation. We are called to respect this gift. We are responsible for taking care of the world we live in and for sharing all the wonders and resources the earth gives us. Our changing environment prompts us to stop and think about how we live on our planet. We are called to respond and to adopt new ways of living as the late Pope Francis highlighted in his encyclical, Laudato Si’:On the Care for our Common Home. (Caritas Australia)

CAFOD CAMPAIGN: Over the next few weeks we are collecting signatures for a CAFOD petition about the global debt crisis which is causing terrible suffering for our brothers and sisters around the world. Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla from South Sudan has written to parishes in England and Wales to explain. A copy of the letter and petition forms to sign can be found in the church porches. Please take a moment as you leave church to lend your support. Thank you for helping to build a better world.

CLOTHING APPEAL – A neighbour has asked for our help to support a young woman and her two young daughters who have recently moved into a refuge, with very few belongings. They are urgently in need of clothing, toys and educational materials. The woman is 30 years old and wears a size 8. The children need clothing for ages 2–3 years and 4–5 years. If you have any good-quality, clean clothing or toys that you were planning to donate to a charity shop and would be willing to give it to this family instead, it would be greatly appreciated. Please place any donations in the labelled box in the church porch labelled ‘Clothing Request’. Thank you very much for your kindness and generosity.                                      Pauline Rourke

MARSH & PLESSINGTON, THE CHESTER MARTYRS – This is the theme for the next Churches Together Fifth Sunday service to be held in the Iona Chapel at 4.30 p.m. on Sunday 30 August.  Please join us in this short service together with our friends from the other Upton Churches.

ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI, CHESTER – CHANGE OF MASS TIMES
From Sunday, 6 September 2026, the Sunday Mass schedule at St Francis, Chester, will change as follows: 
Saturday: 12.00 noon (English), 6.30 pm Vigil (English)
Sunday: 8.00 am Benedictine Abbey (English), 10.00 am (English), 5.00 pm (Polish). 
Please note that the 12.00 noon Polish Mass will be celebrated for the final time on Sunday, 30 August. 
Weekday Masses remain at 12.00 noon (Monday–Saturday), with 9.00 am Mass at the Benedictine Abbey on Wednesdays.

MASS IN SPANISH – Fr Patrick from St Clare’s Church celebrates a monthly Mass in Spanish for Spanish speaking community in Chester and anyone who wishes to participate. Next Mass will take place on Saturday 15 August at 4.00pm at St Clare’s Church. !Todos son Bienvenidos!

FR WILLIAM – Is available to meet with parishioners after 10.30a.m. Mass on Mondays & Wednesdays or can be contacted at St Theresa’s presbytery (details on top of Newsletter). Thursday is his day off.

FOOD BANK DONATIONS – MORE NEEDED PLEASE – Donated food is taken to the West Cheshire Foodbank at Ellesmere Port every fortnight. Recently, volunteers at the warehouse have had to leave halfway through the day because they had run out of supplies. St Columba’s and St Theresa’s have been very generous in the past. Last time an appeal was made in the newsletter, the response was amazing and the Centre so grateful. As Pope Leo has said, the poor should be at the heart of the Church. Please give as generously as possible, especially UHT milk, Long-life juice, Pasta in sauce, Coffee, Tinned Meat, Pasta sauce, Tinned vegetables. Thank you so much. Your generosity makes all the difference

ST THERESA’S ANNIVERSARY – On the 15 September it will be 70 years since the first Parish Priest was appointed to St Theresa’s.  If anyone has any photos or information they would like to share with the parish, please let us know.  Please write your name and tel. no. on them so that the items can be returned.  Thank you.

HOT WEATHER IN ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH – During the current spell of hot weather, it is difficult to cool the church because the small windows at the top of the stained-glass windows can no longer be opened. If you have a personal hand-held fan, please do bring it with you to church. Pauline Rourke

BADMINTON GROUP The Parish Badminton Group meets on Thursdays from 7p.m. to 9p.m. in St Columba’s Hall and is looking for new members. Mixed group, all ages, all abilities welcome.

MARRIAGE IN A RUT? – Or need help with deeper issues? Retrouvaille has helped thousands of couples find hope and healing in their marriage. Next dates: 2nd–4th October. www.retrouvaille.org.uk/info  Tel: 0788 7296983

CATHOLIC HOLIDAYS IN THE LAKE DISTRICT THIS SUMMER – During August and September, Castlerigg Manor in Keswick is opening its doors to families, groups of friends, or private individuals who are looking for an affordable stay in the Lake District. Breakfast and evening meal are provided, and Mass is celebrated on site. For more information check out castleriggmanor.com/stay-with-us or contact director@castleriggmanor.co.uk / 017687 72711

QUIET RETREATS FOR ADULTS THIS OCTOBER – During October half term, Castlerigg Manor is running a quiet retreat for individual adults who want to spend a few days of peace, relaxation, and prayer in the Lake District. Each day there will be a talk, Mass, and evening prayer, and then a lot of time to explore the area, pray, or just simply relax.
Book at castleriggmanor.com/events or contact director@castleriggmanor.co.uk

SAFETY IN ST COLUMBA’S PARISH HALL – Following feedback from parishioners and a review of health and safety arrangements in the parish hall, we would like to remind all who come for tea and coffee after the 11.00am Mass on Sundays of the following:

• Children should not enter or play on the stage area, nor touch the curtains, as this presents a safety risk.
• Children should not run around the hall, particularly when hot drinks are being served.

A box of games, colouring and drawing activities will be available for children; it will be kept behind the bar. We kindly ask parents and carers to return the items to the bar area afterwards. Children are very welcome in our parish community, and we hope that parents and carers will understand the need for these measures to help ensure that the hall remains a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. The Pastoral Council

ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH & HALL BOOKINGS – To book the Church, Newman Room, or Iona Chapel, contact Magdalena Bukowska at the Church Office 01244 624019, email stcolumbaschurch2016@outlook.com. Office hours Mon-Fri 9a.m. to 2.00p.m.
To check Hall availability, visit the Church Hall calendar on the St Columba’s website, then contact Magdalena during office hours or email: columbashallbookings@gmail.com

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER-Sunday 16 August to be compiled by  Alison Wrigglesworth, phone: 07759 042262, email: a.wrigglesworth@outook.com. Deadline: 9.00a.m. Wednesday 12 August. Please include a contact number with your notice and also email a copy to Fr. William at st.theresas@btinternet.com