THIRTY FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

5^TH NOVEMBER 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRAYING TOGETHER
We pray for:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THIRTIETH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

29th  OCTOBER  2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRAYING TOGETHER
We pray for:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TWENTY NINETH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

22ND  OCTOBER  2023

Sat 21 Oct
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Gladys Campbell and Richard Griffiths
Sun 22 Oct
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		John Finnegan Snr.RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am		The Parish
Mon 23 Oct
St. Theresa’s			Joan Woods RIP
St. Columba’s	10.30am		Private Intention (CS)
Tue 24 Oct
St. Theresa’s			Special Intentions (SR)
St. Columba’s			Jim Mason RIP
	9.30am		Requiem Mass for Margaret Lannin
Wed 25 Oct
St. Theresa’s			Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	9.30am		Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am		Novena Prayer
	10.30am		Kenneth Kilcoyne RIP
Thu 26 Oct			St Chad & Cedd, B
St. Theresa’s			Private Intention
St. Columba’s			Priests’ Intentions
Fri 27 Oct
St. Theresa’s			No 10.00am Mass
	12.30pm		Requiem Mass for Jessica Baker
St. Columba’s			Christopher Delaney RIP
Sat 28 Oct			Ss Simon & Jude, Ap.
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Joan Bullough. B.day
Sun 29 Oct
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Jessica Baker RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Elizabeth (Betty) Allingham RIP

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 22nd October 2023.
www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa

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

RECENTLY DECEASED:
Please remember in your prayers Delia Hesketh, Jessica Baker, Joan Benson of Grey Friars, and Margaret Rose Lannin. May the Lord console their families and friends.  Jessica’s Requiem Mass will take place at 12.30pm on Friday 27^th October at St Theresa’s.

ANNIVERSARIES:
Doreen Mary Judge, Catherine (Kay) Isaacson, James Dooney, Kathleen Burns, Josephine Creagh-Barry, Rosetta Griffin, Catherine Sullivan, Mary Keating,  Margaret Winder.

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

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

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: (8/15^th/10/23) Loose plate £502.15p; Planned Giving £273.00; Average Weekly SO – £574.00; Candles£51.23 ;
St Theresa’s: Loose plate & Planned Giving £224.19; Average weekly SO – £161.00.
THANK YOU for all your generous support.

PRAYING TOGETHER
We pray for:

• Pray for the residents of Upton Drive, Pine Gardens, Bache Avenue, Boleyn Close, Tudor Green, Saxon Way. Palatine Close.
•  For the British Legion, Golf Club and Village Hall Committee, and all who use their facilities.
•  For those who have served their country.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA:
22nd Oct – volunteers please
29th Oct – volunteers please
5^th Oct – volunteers please
Why not donate a little time to make tea and coffee after 11:00 Mass on Sunday?  You can make some money for your favourite charity, too. Call Margaret Curtis 01244 318424 to book your date(s).

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.

THE URSULINE SISTERS:
The Ursuline Sisters who taught for many years in Chester are celebrating the centenary of the Roman Union of Ursuline Convents in England and have written a book called ” Roots and Shoots”. If you would like to order a copy please go to Ursulines – Roman Union, England (ursulinesuk.org)

HEARTS ON FIRE, FEET ON THE MOVE: 
Sunday 22 October – Today is World Mission Sunday
World Mission Sunday is being celebrated in every Catholic parish around the world today! It supports missionaries who work alongside communities that are poor or in need, regardless of their background or belief. By supporting Missio, the Pope’s charity for world mission, you will help missionaries like Sr Mary who has given her whole life to bring the love and hope of Jesus to situations of extreme poverty and injustice. Please pray for the mission of the Church throughout the world and give what you can to this very important collection which will sustain the future of our Church, Please call 020 7821 9755 (office hours) or visit Missio’s website to give a single gift, set up a Direct Debit and Gift Aid your donation if possible: missio.org.uk

FISH ‘N CHIP BABIES:
This is a project to knit warm clothes for newborn babies in the Third World who, because of poverty, would be discharged from hospital wrapped in newspaper. It has been established for some time. If you would like to hear more, and perhaps join the scheme, come along to the Needles and Pins afternoon on Wednesday week 25th October at 2 p.m.in St Columba’s Hall when more information and simple knitting patterns will be available. More from David Savage (380626) or Margaret Curtis (318424).

AUTUMN FAYRE – 19^TH NOVEMBER 2023:
This popular event in St Columba’s Hall is nearly upon us again. Food, Stalls and TOMBOLA.
We would also love to offer food at the Fayre from other world cuisines representing the parish. PLEASE contact Margaret 01244 318424, if you can bring food from your cultural heritage to give more variety. Soup, sandwiches, hotdogs and pizza are already on the menu, so whether it’s half a dozen naan breads or a pot of authentic curry, ANYTHING would be appreciated. Thank you.
Donations of bottles etc are needed as prizes for The Tombola stall at The Autumn Fayre. Could you please leave them inside the entrance to St Columbas and St Theresas.

NEWS FROM THE WIDER CATHOLIC WORLD : ST THERESA OF LISIEUX:
The Pope  published a letter on St Theresa on 15 October to mark the 150^th anniversary of her birth. He said St Theresa lived ‘devoted to God, forgetting about herself, loving and consoling Jesus, and interceding for the salvation of all’. St Theresa’s Jubilee Year ends on 7^th January 2024. 

YOUTH GROUP:
We met in St Theresa’s on Monday 16th Oct. As it is the 150th anniversary of the birth of St Therese of Lisieux, we spent time in church looking at the statue of St Therese of Lisieux and talked about her life. The youngsters had already learnt about her in school so knew more about her than the adults! They each wrote a short sentence about her interesting life. Did you know, for instance, that she persuaded the Pope of the time, Leo XIII, to let her join the convent at the age of 15? Normally girls had to wait until they were 20. They then made paper roses to decorate their pictures. Their work will be displayed on the board by the statue at the front of St Theresa’s. Please take a look.

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

CT UPTON ANNUAL QUIZ EVENING:
To be held on Friday 27th October in the Hall at 7 p.m.
See poster on the Notice Board for more details.

CT UPTON FIFTH SUNDAY SERVICE:
This will be held on the theme of “the Two Saints Way” at Holy Ascension Church at 4.30 p.m. on Sunday 29^th October. We are invited to read one of the readings at this service.  If you would like to do this, please contact David Savage savage214@btinternet.com

Thought for the week : The best angle from which to approach any problem is the try-angle! Unknown. 

Resources: Household support fund for those most in need of support, Cheshire West and Chester Council has received funding to help until the end of March 2024.  The Council having consulted with local organisations about how best to help people in Cheshire West and Chester, they have chosen to spend the money in the following ways: food vouchers for families with children who get free school meals; payments to low income households who haven’t received the cost of living payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP); making financial support available to people via local charitable organisations; helping low income households with energy and food costs. To find details use the web link, or telephone 0808 175 3599 (Monday – Friday, 9am- 5pm)  https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/news/household-support-fund-is-available-for-those-in-most-need-of-support .

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

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.

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

WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER:
The synod has started in Rome and runs until 29 October, with 363 participants. It consists of round table open discussions led by facilitators, with the inclusion on women for the first time and lay people. Discussions will be on the three main themes of communion, participation, and mission.  The resulting summary report will then advise the Pope. And 2024 and 25 will see further stages.  What we do know is that as a Parish we wanted to do more, be more inclusive and outgoing.  This is our opportunity to put into action those things we felt as a community were important.  We need you to help our community please.  Think about volunteering. Thank you.

PARISH PASTORAL PLAN DEVELOPED FROM PARISH SYNOD CONSULTATION:
As regards volunteering – your Pastoral Council has identified a whole range of areas which need your support, clarified what they are and how much time they demand. We are now asking all of you to consider how you might be able to volunteer. On 22nd October, co-chairs of the Pastoral Council, Pauline Rourke and Ann McCarthy will be speaking at Masses with details of how you can get involved.

……WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR PARISH:
Thanks to those who volunteered last week to help with parish activities. Your generosity is appreciated. However, as was said, much more assistance is needed to maintain existing activities and keep the parish going let alone develop more. The details of the activities in which we are looking for assistance at present and the forms to record names are available in the entrance to church. We would urge all parishioners to consider if you could offer a small amount of time every few weeks to help in some way. If you are aware of assistance you can offer which isn’t described on the list we would be very happy to hear from you anyway – please record your details on the form and put it in the box in the church entrance. Ann McCarthy, Pauline Rourke

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

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER:
29th October edition will be compiled by Muriel Green, phone: 01244 383836, email: muriel.green1@btinternet.com
Please include a phone number in case of queries, and please ensure that items are emailed or phoned to the compiler by 9.00a.m. on THURSDAY 26TH October

TWENTY EIGHTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
15th OCTOBER 2023

Saturday 14th October
St. Theresa’s. 5.00p.m. Parishioners’ Ints.
St Columba’s 6.30p.m. Frank Stone Snr.

Sunday 15th October
St. Theresa’s 9.30a.m. Tom & Dorothy Groom RIP
St. Columba’s 11.00a.m. The Parish

Monday 16th October
St. Theresa’s Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s 10.30a.m. Jim Mason RIP

Tuesday 17th October – St Ignatius of Antioch
St. Theresa’s. Special Intention
St. Columba’s. Priests’ Intentions

Wednesday 18th October – St Luke
St Theresa’s Kathleen Holden RIP
St Columba’s 9.30a.m. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
10.15a.m. Novena Prayers
10.30a.m. Kenneth Kilcoyne RIP

Thursday 19th October – St Peter of Alcantara
St. Theresa’s Private Intention
St Columba’s Private Int (FG)

Friday 20th October
St. Theresa’s. 10.00a.m. John Murphy RIP
St. Columba’s. Parishioners’ Ints.

Saturday 21st October
St. Theresa’s. 5.00p.m. Parishioners’ Intentions
St Columba’s 6.30p.m. Gladys Campbell & Richard Griffiths

Sunday 22nd October
St. Theresa’s 9.30a.m. John Finnegan Snr RIP
St. Columba’s 11.00a.m. The Parish

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

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS:
Mass will be streamed from St Theresa’s at 9.30a.m. this Sunday 15th October 2023.
www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa

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

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

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 Jessica Baker and Jean Benson of Grey Friars. May the Lord console their families and friends. Jessica’s Requiem Mass will take place at 12.30pm on Friday 27th October at St Theresa’s.

ANNIVERSARIES:
Kathleen Holden, Peter John Walker,Doreen Mary Judge, Lionel William Steele, Teresa Nicholson.

OFFERTORY:
St Columba’s: Loose plate £245.00; Planned Giving £133.50; Average Weekly SO – £574.00; Candles £22.79;
St Theresa’s: Loose plate & Planned Giving £268.44; Average weekly SO – £161.00.
THANK YOU for all your generous support.

PRAYING TOGETHER
We pray for:
• the residents of Marl Heyes, Upton park, Delvine Drive, Exeter Place, Burns Way, Masefield Drive, Aragon Green, Brentwood Road.
• For the magazine committee, newsletter editors, distributors and those who run the bookstalls in our churches.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA
15th Oct – Sue McCarthy for SVP
22nd Oct – volunteers please
29th Oct – volunteers please
Why not donate a little time to make tea and coffee after 11:00 Mass on Sunday? You can make some money for your favourite charity, too. Call Margaret Curtis 01244 318424 to book your date(s).

MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING CONTRIBUTION
A huge thank you to everyone who baked or bought any of the delicious cakes or donated money at our MacMillan Cancer Support coffee morning. We raised a massive £289.97 – our biggest ever total.

THE URSULINE SISTERS
The Ursuline Sisters who taught for many years in Chester are celebrating the centenary of the Roman Union of Ursuline Convents in England and have written a book called ” Roots and Shoots”. If you would like to order a copy please go to Ursulines – Roman Union, England (ursulinesuk.org)

WORLD MISSION SUNDAY (APF) – 15 October
HEARTS ON FIRE, FEET ON THE MOVE
This Sunday is World Mission Sunday, when the Holy Father invites all Catholics to contribute to a special collection for Missio, his charity for world mission. Please support Missio in helping missionaries to work alongside communities throughout the world that are poor or in need, regardless of their background or belief. Join in on this special day, that unites Catholics all over the world in prayer and celebration of our Church’s mission to share God’s love with all people. Please call 020 7821 9755 (office hours) or visit Missio’s website to give a single gift, set up a Direct Debit and Gift Aid your donation if possible: missio.org.uk
There will be a retiring collection at all Masses.

PARISH PASTORAL PLAN DEVELOPED FROM PARISH SYNOD CONSULTATION:
As regards volunteering – your Pastoral Council has identified a whole range of areas which need your support, clarified what they are and how much time they demand. We are now asking all of you to consider how you might be able to volunteer.
On the weekends of 15th and 22nd October, co-chairs of the Pastoral Council, Pauline Rourke and Ann McCarthy will be speaking at Masses with details of how you can get involved.

NEWS FROM THE WIDER CATHOLIC WORLD : ST THERESA OF LISIEUX:
The Pope published a letter on St Theresa on 15 October to mark the 150th anniversary of her birth. He said St Theresa lived ‘devoted to God, forgetting about herself, loving and consoling Jesus, and interceding for the salvation of all’. St Theresa’s Jubilee Year ends on 7th January 2024.

YOUTH GROUP:
Our next meeting will be on Monday 16th October at St.Theresa’s, 7pm to 8.30pm. Meet in St Theresa’s car park. All young parishioners in school year 5, or older, are warmly invited to join our happy friendly group.

CATECHISTS’ CONFERENCE:
The Shrewsbury Diocesan Catechists Conference will be on Saturday 21st October at St Columba’s Church Hall 10am-4pm, presented by the Dominican Sisters of St Joseph and the Diocesan Mission for Catechists team. Their last day in our parish was very interesting, informative and enjoyable. This is for anyone who is already a Catechist, and for those who want to find out a bit more about being a Catechist. If this is you, please come along and bring a packed lunch. More details on the Shrewsbury Diocesan website under Upcomng Events.

WEEKEND RETREAT, HOLYWELL 27-29TH OCT:
To explore Mary Mother of the Word In Sacred Scripture. Poster giving more details in church Poarch or contact: Barbara Davies Tel: 07450 252 733, e-mail: barbara.davies@ dioceseofshrewsbury.org

CT UPTON ANNUAL QUIZ EVENING:
To be held on Friday 27th October in the Hall at 7 p.m.
See poster on the Notice Board for more details.

CT UPTON FIFTH SUNDAY SERVICE:
This will be held on the theme of “the Two Saints Way” at Holy Ascension Church at 4.30 p.m. on Sunday 29th October. We are invited to read one of the readings at this service. If you would like to do this, please contact David Savage savage214@btinternet.com

HIGHLIGHT FROM THE HIGH: The CHSC second-hand uniform shop will be open on Monday 16th October between 2pm and 3pm in the school canteen. Uniform items, PE Kits and winter coats are available to buy.

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

RESOURCES Chester Fair Trade Autumn Fair, Saturday 21 October in Wesley Church Centre, St John street, Chester, from 11am to 3pm. Numerous stalls including fairtrade, local charitable stalls, Chifundo, jewellery, cakes, face painting, children’s crafts, cards etc.

WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER: The synod has started in Rome and runs until 29 October, with 363 participants. It consists of round table open discussions led by facilitators, with the inclusion on women for the first time and lay people. Discussions will be on the three main themes of communion, participation, and mission. The resulting summary report will then advise the Pope. And 2024 and 25 will see further stages. What we do know is that as a Parish we wanted to do more, be more inclusive and outgoing. This is our opportunity to put into action those things we felt as a community were important. We need you to help our community please. Think about volunteering. Thank you.

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

CATHOLIC YOUTH MINISTRY INTERNSHIPS:
Castlerigg Manor (The Lancaster Diocese Retreat Centre) is looking for young Catholics aged 18-25 to join their Internship Programme. The scheme lasts for one or two years and gives participants wide ranging experience, skills, training, and qualifications as well as the opportunity to work with a fantastic team based in the Lake District. For more information contact director@castleriggmanor.co.uk

HEALING MASS AT ST WERBURGH’S, CHESTER: Sunday 15 October at 2.30pm
“Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11) An invitation to pray, meditate and reflect. Stay and chat after Mass – refreshments will be provided by the SVP

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.

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

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

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER:
22nd October edition will be compiled by
Alison Wrigglesworth, phone: 01244 382457
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 18th October

TWENTY SEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

8TH OCTOBER  2023

Sat 7 Oct			4th Annual Count
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Charlers Woods RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Sheila Judson RIP
Sun 8 Oct			4th Annual Count
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		James Casey RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am		The Parish
Mon 9 Oct			St John Henry Newman, P
St. Theresa’s			Parishioners Intentions
St. Columba’s	10.30am		Jim Mason RIP
Tue 10 Oct
St. Theresa’s			Special Intentions
St. Columba’s			Priests’ Intentions
Wed 11 Oct
St. Theresa’s			Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	9.30am		Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am		Novena Prayer
	10.30am		Kenneth Kilcoyne RIP
Thu 12 Oct
St. Theresa’s			Private Intention
St. Columba’s			Parishioners’ Intentions
Fri 13 Oct
St. Theresa’s	10.00am		Patricic Karasiewicz
St. Columba’s			Private Intention
Sat 14 Oct
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Frank Stone Snr
Sun 15 Oct
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Tom & Dorothy Groom RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am		The Parish

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

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS:
Mass will be streamed from St Columba’s at 11.000a.m. this Sunday 8^th October 2023.
www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa

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

RECENTLY DECEASED:
Please remember in your prayers Jessica Baker.  May the Lord console her family and friends.  Jessica’s Requiem Mass will take place at 12.30pm on Friday 27^th October at St Theresa’s.
Jim Mason: Enid Mason and family thank everyone for their expressions of sympathy and support at this sad time.

ANNIVERSARIES:
Frank Stone, Peter John Walker.

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 £245.00; Planned Giving £133.50; Average Weekly SO – £574.00; Candles£22.79;
St Theresa’s: Loose plate & Planned Giving £tbc; Average weekly SO – £161.00.
St Theresa’s: Loose plate & Planned Giving £TBC ; Average weekly SO – £161.00.
THANK YOU for all your generous support.

PRAYING TOGETHER:
We pray for:

• the residents of Old Mill Court, Mill Lane, Mill Close, Deans Close, Durham Road, Canterbury Road, Lichfield Road, Warwick Road.
• For all those involved with the upkeep of our church buildings and church grounds.

Please keep Parishioner Beryl Williams in our prayers, that she be granted strength and comfort in her illness.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA:
8th Oct – Rippon family for Camps International, humanitarian collaboration
15th Oct – volunteers please
22nd Oct – volunteers please
Why not donate a little time to make tea and coffee after 11:00 Mass on Sunday?  You can make some money for your favourite charity, too. Call Margaret Curtis 01244 318424 to book your date(s).

MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING CONTRIBUTION
A huge thank you to everyone who baked or bought any of the delicious cakes or donated money at our MacMillan Cancer Support coffee morning. We raised a massive £289.97 – our biggest ever total.

WORLD MISSION SUNDAY (APF) 15 October 
Next Sunday is World Mission Sunday and there will be a retiring collection at all Masses.

PRISONERS’ SUNDAY – 8^th OCT:
Prisoners Week is 8-14 October. This Sunday, 8 October is a National Day of Prayer  and Action for prisoners and families.  This is an important opportunity for us all to direct our thoughts and prayers to the needs of prisoners and their families, and those who work to support our brothers and sisters affected by the criminal justice system.

PARISH PASTORAL PLAN DEVELOPED FROM PARISH SYNOD CONSULTATION:
Pope Francis’ Synodal Message:

“By growing together in Communion, the people of God deepen their Participation in the life of the Church and so become more effective Missionary disciples in the world”.

Following on from the Synod responses last year and the subsequent implementation of the Parish Action plan, your Pastoral Council has been considering how the parish can be even more inclusive, engaging and outgoing – all topics raised by parishioners. In order to do this we need a lot more people to be actively involved – to deepen their participation in the life of the church- and we need financial support.

As regards volunteering – your Pastoral Council has identified a whole range of areas which need your support, clarified what they are and how much time they demand. We are now asking all of you to consider how you might be able to volunteer.

On the weekends of 15th and 22nd October, co-chairs of the Pastoral Council, Pauline Rourke and Ann McCarthy will be speaking at Masses with details of how you can get involved.

ST PIO PRAYER GROUP:
The next meeting is on Thursday, 12 October, starting at 2pm in Flat 5, Abbots Court, Eversley Park, Chester CH2 2DY. Everyone is welcome.

CELEBRATION OF MARRIED LIFE:
On Saturday 14^th October 2023 a diocesan celebration of married life will be held at St Columba’s Church at 12noon. All welcome but those who are celebrating a significant Wedding Anniversary (Silver, Ruby, Golden, Diamond) and newly married couples especially so; if they wish to receive a personal invitation from Bishop Mark, they should  send their names, addresses and Anniversary being celebrated to Theresa Stones at  curia@dioceseofshrewsbury.org by Friday 29 September. 

HEALING MASS AT ST WERBURGH’S, CHESTER: Sunday 15 October at 2.30pm
“Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11)  An invitation to pray, meditate and reflect.  Stay and chat after Mass – refreshments will be provided by the SVP

NEWS FROM THE WIDER CATHOLIC WORLD : ST THERESA OF LISIEUX:
The Pope is to publish a letter on St Theresa on 15 October to mark the 150^th anniversary of her birth. He said St Theresa lived ‘devoted to God, forgetting about herself, loving and consoling Jesus, and interceding for the salvation of all’. St Theresa’s Jubilee Year ends on 7^th January 2024. 

YOUTH GROUP:
Our next meeting will be on Monday 16th October at St.Theresa’s Centre, 7pm to 8.30pm. All young parishioners in school year 5, or older, are warmly invited to join our happy,
friendly group.

CATECHISTS’ CONFERENCE:
The Shrewsbury Diocesan Catechists Conference will be on Saturday 21^st October at St Columba’s Church Hall 10am-4pm,  presented by the Dominican Sisters of St Joseph and the Diocesan Mission for Catechists team.  Their last day in our parish was very interesting, informative and enjoyable.  This is for anyone who is already a Catechist, and for those who want to find out a bit more about being a Catechist.  If this is you, please come along and bring a packed lunch.  More details on the Shrewsbury Diocesan website under Upcomng Events.

CT UPTON ANNUAL QUIZ EVENING:
To be held on Friday 27^th October in the Hall at 7 p.m.  See poster on the Notice Board for more details.

CT UPTON FIFTH SUNDAY SERVICE:
This will be held on the theme of “the Two Saints Way” at Holy Ascension Church at 4.30 p.m. on Sunday 29^th October. We are invited to read one of the readings at this service.  If you would like to do this, please contact savage214@btinternet.com

WEEKEND RETREAT, HOLYWELL 27-29^TH OCT:
To explore Mary Mother of the Word In Sacred Scripture. Poster giving more details in church Poarch or contact: Barbara Davies Tel: 07450 252 733, e-mail: barbara.davies@ dioceseofshrewsbury.org

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.

PARISH FINANCES – PLANNED GIVING/GIFT AID APPEAL:
Following last week’s Gift Aid appeal there are boxes at both church exits for any completed forms. If anyone missed last week’s opportunity forms and explanatory leaflets are still available as you leave the church. If anyone is unsure how to proceed or has any questions you can call Kevin Keegan (07790 758008) or Colin Hedley (07913 950875).

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING:
Your Pastoral Council met in St Theresa’s on Monday 11^th Sept. Reports were received prior to the meeting from each of the sub-groups and any matters arising discussed. The reports can be viewed on the website. The main focus of the meeting was consideration and planning of the forthcoming “recruitment of volunteers” strategy which will take place on the weekends of 14/15^th Oct and 21^st/22^nd Oct.  Ann McCarthy

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.

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

CATHOLIC YOUTH MINISTRY INTERNSHIPS:
Castlerigg Manor (The Lancaster Diocese Retreat Centre) is looking for young Catholics aged 18-25 to join their Internship Programme. The scheme lasts for one or two years and gives participants wide ranging experience, skills, training, and qualifications as well as the opportunity to work with a fantastic team based in the Lake District. For more information contact director@castleriggmanor.co.uk

Thought for the week: Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. Martin Luther King Jr

Resources: Chester Fair Trade Autumn Fair,  Saturday 21 October in Wesley Church Centre, St John street, Chester, from 11am to 3pm. Numerous stalls including fairtrade, local charitable stalls, Chifundo, jewellery, cakes, face painting, children’s crafts, cards etc.  

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

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER:
8^th October edition will be compiled by Eileen Irwin, phone: 01244 371660, email: st.theresas@btinternet.com
Please include a phone number in case of queries, and please ensure that items are emailed or phoned to the compiler by 9.00a.m. on WEDNESDAY 11^th October

.