The Catholic Parish of St Columba and St Theresa, Chester

Serving the Chester Community

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St Columba’s: 

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

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Newsletter 1 June 2025

29 May 2025 By amos

The month of June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

1 JUNE 2025

Sat 31 May      
St. Theresa’s 5.00pm   Barney Scalley RIP
St. Columba’s 6.30pm   Barry Taylor RIP
       
Sun 1 Jun     Day of Special Prayer for World Communications
St. Theresa’s 9.30am   Patrick Joseph Casey RIP
St. Columba’s 11.00am   Thank you to MJ McCarthy
  2.00pm   Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
       
Mon 2 Jun      
St. Theresa’s     Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s 10.30am   Eddie Elwell
       
Tue 3 Jun     St Charles Lwanga & Companions, Mm. Mem.
St. Theresa’s     Tom Garbutt RIP
St. Columba’s     David Traynor
       
Wed 4 Jun      
St. Theresa’s     Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s 9.30am   Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
  10.15am   Novena Prayers
St. Columba’s 10.30am   Charles Trainor RIP
       
Thu 5 Jun     St. M. Mem. Boniface, B
St. Theresa’s     Special Intentions
St. Columba’s     For brother’s successful surgery
       
Fri 6 Jun      
St. Theresa’s 10.00am   Eileen Mapp’s Intentions
St. Columba’s     The Parish
       
Sat 7 Jun      
St. Theresa’s 9.30am   Malankara Jacobite Syriac Orthodox Community Mass
  5.00pm   Paddy McHugh RIP
St. Columba’s 6.30pm   Parishioners’ Intentions
       
Sun 8 Jun     Pentecost Sunday
St. Theresa’s 9.30am   Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s 11.00am   Michelle Fisher
  2.00pm   Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite

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 at St Columba’s on Sunday 1 June at 11.00a.m. Cover is needed at both churches for occasions when Tim is unavailable.  The only requirement is you need to have an Iphone.  If you would be willing to help with this please contact one of the church offices.  Thank you.
 www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa

POPE’S JUNE PRAYER INTENTIONS
That the world might grow in compassion. Let us pray that each one of us might find consolation in a personal relationship with Jesus, and from his Heart, learn to have compassion on the world.  

ANNIVERSARIES
Alan Crayford, Patrick Joseph Casey, Stuart Joseph Bright.

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

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

PARISH OFFERTORY
Loose Plate: £467.45; Planned Giving £188.20; Average weekly SO £718.15. Candles: £33.06.
Thank you for your generosity.

PRAYING TOGETHER
Pray for:
* the residents of Plas Newton Lane, Wealstone Court, Surrey Road, Cairns Crescent, Hobart Way, Auckland Road and Wyndham Road
* the Deanery Synod Representatives
* all our joint services in our Churches, Schools and in the Cathedral.

SPIRITAN APPEAL- 8 JUNE
There will be a retiring collection over the weekend of 7/8 June which is Pentecost Sunday. The Congregation of the Holy Spirit came into being on Pentecost – the outpouring of the Holy Spirit with his gift. I would like to appeal to parishioners to generously support our mission to educate more younger ones in formation. William Sianyuka who is a student on Pastoral Year, will be making the appeal. Thank you.

FR WILLIAM
Fr William will be away from 3 June until the end of August.  We wish him a safe journey and hope he has a well earned rest.

PARISH ART COMPETITION TO CELEBRATE THE JUBILEE YEAR
As part of our Parish celebrations for the Jubilee Year, we are inviting parishioners and their families, along with students from our local Catholic schools, to enter our art competition by creating a piece of artwork which is inspired by the Jubilee themes.

We have several age groups (4-6 years, 7-11, 12-14, 15-18 and 18+), each with cash prizes. The deadline for entries is Friday 27th June. Winning entries will be displayed at our Parish Pastoral Council AGM on Saturday 19th July. There are information sheets which may provide some inspiration for your entries available at both churches. We look forward to seeing your creativity so please do join in and support us in our celebrations of the Jubilee Year.

If anyone would like more information or has any questions, please email Amy on amyod@hotmail.co.uk

CHURCH NEWS
Open Church Saturday June 21 – St Columba’s:
Two of the three churches who belong to Churches Together in Upton (CTU) have already had their Open Church afternoon. On June 21st, it’s our turn and we would be so pleased to see our own parishioners coming to meet fellow Christians informally and, at the same time, maybe learn something new about our unique church building. There are fascinating facts to learn about the building design and fittings, and we will have someone on hand to talk informally about these things. You are free to come for as little or as long as you wish and we hope that you will drop into the Newman Room for cake and coffee which will be available all afternoon. The car park is available but we ask everyone to use the front porch. CTU

ANNUAL ST COLUMBA FEAST DAY BARBECUE – 15 JUNE
From 11am at St Columba’s. Come along and join us for a bacon butty, burger or sausage in a bun in this annual family get together. As it’s Father’s Day, there’s a free beer included for every Dad who buys a meal!

ANNUAL SUMMER PARISH COACH TRIP
On Thurs 24 July we’re going the Leeds, for just £15. Leaving 8:45 from St C’s and 9am from St T’s. The coach will leave St Theresa’s at 08:45 and St Columba’s at 09:00. Please read poster in your church for details. Sign-up sheets are in the front porches from this weekend.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION THANKSGIVING MASS -St Columba’s
All the children who received their First Holy Communion in May are coming together next Sunday, 8 June at 11.00am. It is Pentecost Sunday and it is also the Parish Thanksgiving Mass. The children will sit in the two central front benches. Please continue to pray for them at this special time.

FRIENDSHIP THURSDAY
The next meeting is from 2-4 pm on 5 June. We have a very interesting talk for you during the second half of our time together. Please feel free to invite someone you know and remember that you do not need to be a churchgoer to come. Fr William supports this group strongly in its outreach to the community.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA
The coffee rota is on the noticeboard in St Columba’s Hall. Just write your name, charity and phone number on the calendar. But if you can’t access the hall, leave a message on Margaret Curtis’s answerphone on 01244 318424 with your name and date(s) and she will add you to the rota.
01 June – Hopeful Ugandan Hearts, Monica Hogg
08 June – volunteers please
15 June – St Columba’s Feast Day – Annual BARBECUE

ST. WERBURGH’S 150th ANNIVERSARY
This will be celebrated in December this year. During the year there will be several events to mark this Anniversary  and parishioners from St. Columba and St. Theresa’s are  warmly invited to attend. Details of  events in the coming week are on the notice board in both churches.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
“Hope is the last thing ever to be lost.” Italian Proverb.

NEWS FROM THE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
CHS Parent / Carer Tours on Monday 30 June 2025
The Catholic High School, Chester will be holding a number of scheduled tours of the school for the parents and carers of Year 5 students. These will be led by our Headteacher, Mrs McKeagney, and will give you the chance to see our school in action. Tours will be held at 10:00am, 11:15am, and 1:00pm. To book a place on one of these tours, please email WelcomeTo@christofidelis.org.uk.

Vacancy
The Catholic High School are looking to recruit a caretaker. If anyone is interested, please check the school website Vacancies – The Chester Catholic High School for full details.

THANK YOU
For your support for recent Third World projects.  As a result of Tomato plants £50 and Coffee Morning £150 we have been able to send £200 to OAKS (Overseas Aid for the Kids from Sierra Leone). Your generosity is much appreciated.

CHURCHES TOGETHER – TWO SAINTS – TWO ISLANDS
This is the theme of the next Churches Together Fifth Sunday Service to be held at Holy Ascension church on Sunday 29 June at 4.30 p.m.  More info on notice boards.

VOTIVE CANDLES – St Columba’s
You may have noticed that there is now a small notice above the stand of candles, asking for a minimum donation of 50p per candle. The St Killian system was chosen for its safety as there is no danger of a candle falling out of the stand or burning so strongly that it might injure anyone. However, safety comes at a price and sadly, the donations made so far are not paying for the cost of maintaining the system. The parish does not want to prevent anyone praying with a candle but must now ask for a minimum donation of 50p. If you can afford £1, which is the charge in most churches, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Finance Committee

SUPPORTING THE VOCATION TO MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE
Calling all those interested in supporting the vocation of marriage and family to join Jane Deegan Director of Marriage and Family Life Vocation for a retreat day to find out more about this important work and the various different ways you can help.
When: 7 June 2025 9.30am-4.00pm
Where: Parish Hall, Holy Angels Church, Wicker Lane, Hale Barnes WA15 0HG 
To Register and for More Information please contact:
Monika at monika.golembiewska@dioceseofshrewsbury.org Mobile: 07549226794 or
Jane at jane.deegan@dioceseofshrewsbury.org Mobile: 07517 906435.

DAY OF FORMATION IN LITURGICAL PRAYER & SACRED MUSIC
A day of study, prayer, music and reflection. Led by Fr Guy Nicholls, Director of the St John Henry Newman Institute of Liturgical Music. Saturday 28 June at St Joseph’s Eucharistic Shrine, Tatton Street, Stockport, SK1 1EJ. A practical day course on understanding the Liturgy and use of Scared Music within Mass. Begins at 11am and ends with a sung Mass at 5pm. Cost £5 per person (suggested donation payable on the day). Bring a packed lunch. Tea/coffee and biscuits provided. To book or for more information, please email stockportshrine@gmail.com

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS
Are you able to offer Fr Peter a lift from St Columba’s back to St Theresa’s after the 6.30pm Saturday evening Mass and the 11am Sunday morning Mass? More volunteers are needed. The more volunteers we have the fewer times you would be called upon. Please consider this request seriously and if you can help out, contact the parish offices.

PEACE DOVES IS A LARGE-SCALE ARTWORK AT CHESTER CATHEDRAL
which invites you to reflect on the values of peace, unity, and harmony. Each dove carries a unique message, written by visitors, schoolchildren, and community groups, and together they form a breathtaking installation that offers a serene space for contemplation and hope. Bathed in gentle, evocative lighting and at times accompanied by an original score by David Harper, the exhibit transforms the venue into a sanctuary of quiet reflection. Until 17 June 2025. No booking required. 

WELCOME TO OUR PARISH
If you are NEW TO THE PARISH, please complete a Parish Registration Form and send (or bring) it to either parish office to let us know that you are here and enable us to welcome you. Forms can be found in the front porches of both churches and on the website https://sscolumbaandtheresa.co.uk/i-am-new/. Thank you.

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
The Parish Council met on 1 May in St Theresa’s Presbytery. Reports from the various constituent groups outlining their planned activities within the context of the Parish Development Plan had been received in advance and were commented on. The main discussion of the meeting centred around the proposals for the exciting AGM on July 19th (date for your diaries) and further ways to mark the Jubilee 25 year including a special Mass to be held on Thursday Sept 18 (another date for your diaries).

YOUTH 2000 SUMMER FESTIVAL 2025
Taking place in the grounds of Ampleforth College from Friday 22 – Monday 25 August, the Youth 2000 Summer Festival provides young adults (aged 16-35) from across the UK the opportunity to come together and explore faith, build relationships and find hope. This four-day festival includes great speakers, social time, break-out sessions, Daily Mass, 24/7 Adoration and much more! Register your place at https://youth2000.org/events/summerfestival2025

YOUTH MINISTRY JOB OPPORTUNITY / CASTLERIGG MANOR
Castlerigg Manor is a Catholic retreat Centre in the Lake District run by the Diocese of Lancaster Youth Service. They are looking for a Programme Leader to help look after the residential team of young interns and to lead programmes both at Castlerigg and occasionally around the area. Competitive salary, as well as accommodation and food provided. Anyone interested can contact jack@castleriggmanor.co.uk

ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH & HALL BOOKINGS
To arrange meetings etc. in either the Church, Newman Room or the Iona Chapel, please book through Magdalena Bukowska, St. Columba’s Church Office, phone: 01244 624019, email: stcolumbaschurch2016@outlook.com. Office hours Monday to Friday 9a.m. to 2p.m.
Hall availability can be checked by looking at St Columba’s Church website – section for Church Hall gives a calendar of events in the Hall. Then contact Magdalena Bukowska on 01244 624019 for enquires within the office hours stated above or email columbashallbookings@gmail.com to arrange booking.

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER
Sunday 8 June edition will be compiled by Eileen Irwin, phone: 01244 371660 or email: st.theresas@btinternet.com. Please include a phone number in case of queries, and please ensure that notices are also emailed to Fr William or phoned to the compiler by 9.00 a.m. on WEDNESDAY 4 JUNE 2025

Filed Under: Uncategorised

Newsletter 25 May 2025

23 May 2025 By amos

The month of May is dedicated to Blessed Virgin Mary

SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

25 MAY 2025

Sat 24 May      
St. Theresa’s 5.00pm   Frank & Mary Lally RIP
St. Columba’s 6.30pm   Cliff Peaker RIP
       
Sun 25 May     Sixth Sunday of Easter
St. Theresa’s 9.30am   Michael Krawiec
St. Columba’s 11.00am   Colin Swinnerton RIP
  2.00pm   Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
       
Mon 26 May     St Philip Neri, P. Mem.
St. Theresa’s     Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s 10.30am   Edith Stockdale
       
Tue 27 May     St Augustine of Canterbury. Feast
St. Theresa’s     Private Intentions
St. Columba’s     Parishioners’ Intentions
       
Wed 28 May      
St. Theresa’s 7.00pm  

Vigil Mass for the Ascension
Parishioners’ Intentions

St. Columba’s 10.30am   Priest’s Intentions
       
Thu 29 May     The Ascension of the Lord. Solemnity
St. Theresa’s     Special Intentions
St. Columba’s 10.30am   Mass for the Ascension
Private Intention (MB)
       
Fri 30 May      
St. Theresa’s 10.00am   Joshua, Isobel & Alex’s Intentions
St. Columba’s     The Parish
       
Sat 31 May      
St. Theresa’s 9.30am   Malankara Jacobite Syriac Orthodox Community Mass
St. Theresa’s 5.00pm   Barney Scalley RIP
St. Columba’s 6.30pm   Barry Taylor RIP
       
Sun 1 Jun     Seventh Sunday of Easter.
Day of Special Prayer for World Communication
St. Theresa’s 9.30am   Patrick Joseph Casey RIP
St. Columba’s 11.00am   Thank you to MJ McCarthy
  2.00pm   Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite

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 at St Columba’s on Sunday 25 May at 11.00a.m. Cover is needed at both churches for occasions when Tim is unavailable.  The only requirement is you need to have an Iphone.  If you would be willing to help with this please contact one of the church offices.  Thank you.
www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa

POPE’S MAY PRAYER INTENTIONS
For working conditions. Let us pray through work, each person might find fulfilment, families might be sustained in dignity, and that society might be humanized.

ANNIVERSARIES
Francis William Byrne, Patrick Joseph Casey

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

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

PARISH OFFERTORY
Loose Plate: £514.37; Planned Giving £230; Average weekly SO £718.15. Candles: £28.80.
Thank you for your generosity.

PRAYING TOGETHER
Pray for:
– the residents of Ormonde Road, Newton Hall Drive, Beechway, Upton Dene, Upton Grange, Maitland Way, Canberra Way, Roebourne Rise and Melbourne Road.
– the staff and patients of the Hospice of the Good Shepherd and the local support groups.
– those who are terminally ill and those who care for them.

OFFICE CLOSURE
Please note that the office will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday 26 May as well as 27 and 28 May. Thank you.

SPIRITAN APPEAL – 8 JUNE
There will be a retiring collection over the weekend of 7/8 June which is Pentecost Sunday. The Congregation of the Holy Spirit came into being on Pentecost – the outpouring of the Holy Spirit with his gift. I would like to appeal to parishioners to generously support our mission to educate more younger ones in formation. William Sianyuka who is a student on Pastoral Year, will be making the appeal. Thank you.

SPIRITAN RETREAT
Fr William and Fr Peter will be on their annual Spiritan Retreat from the 25 – 30 May.  Fr Alphonsus will be saying Mass for us during their absence.  We wish them a peaceful and reflective time.

PARISH ART COMPETITION TO CELEBRATE THE JUBILEE YEAR
As part of our Parish celebrations for the Jubilee Year, we are inviting parishioners and their families, along with students from our local Catholic schools, to enter our art competition by creating a piece of artwork which is inspired by the Jubilee themes.

We have several age groups (4-6 years, 7-11, 12-14, 15-18 and 18+), each with cash prizes. The deadline for entries is Friday 27 June. Winning entries will be displayed at our Parish Pastoral Council AGM on Saturday 19 July. There are information sheets which may provide some inspiration for your entries available at both churches. We look forward to seeing your creativity so please do join in and support us in our celebrations of the Jubilee Year. If anyone would like more information or has any questions, please email Amy on amyod@hotmail.co.uk

CHURCH NEWS
Pope Leo’s Inaugural Homily

I was chosen, without any merit of my own, and now, with fear and trembling, I come to you as a brother, who desires to be the servant of your faith and your joy, walking with you on the path of God’s love, for he wants us all to be united in one family.

Love and unity: these are the two dimensions of the mission entrusted to Peter by Jesus.

If the rock is Christ, Peter must shepherd the flock … he is called to serve the faith of his brothers and sisters, and to walk alongside them, for all of us are “living stones” called through our baptism to build God’s house in fraternal communion…In the words of Saint Augustine: “The Church consists of all those who are in harmony with their brothers and sisters and who love their neighbour”

Tues 27 May Feast of St Augustine of Canterbury who came to England in 597 to bring the faith to the English and established the See of Canterbury. We owe him a great debt. This feast will not be publicly celebrated.
Communications Group

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
The annual BBQ will be held on the Sunday the 15 June this year to celebrate the feast of St Columba and Fathers’ day. From 11 o’clock onwards at St Columba’s. Fathers will be given a small beer for the Occasion. 
Also the annual Coach trip is to Leeds on Thursday the 24 of July. Keep a look out for further information in future newsletters and notice boards.

ANNUAL ST COLUMBA FEAST DAY BARBECUE 15 JUNE
Come along and join us for a bacon butty, burger or sausage in a bun in this annual family get together. As it’s Father’s Day, there’s a free beer included for every Dad who buys a meal!

YOUTH MINISTRY JOB OPPORTUNITY / CASTLERIGG MANOR
Castlerigg Manor is a Catholic retreat Centre in the Lake District run by the Diocese of Lancaster Youth Service. They are looking for a Programme Leader to help look after the residential team of young interns and to lead programmes both at Castlerigg and occasionally around the area. Competitive salary, as well as accommodation and food provided. Anyone interested can contact jack@castleriggmanor.co.uk

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
Thank you to the children and parents of those who have recently made their First Holy Communion and also to those who prepared the children to receive this sacrament.

FRIENDSHIP THURSDAY: Help Please
Our next meeting is on Thursday 5 June and we need help in setting up the Hall. Our caretaker is not free and help would be appreciated in setting up 8 tables and accompanying chairs in time for the start at 2pm. We could do this at 1pm or earlier in the day at 10.30. The Hall is free all morning. I would come to unlock and help. Please contact me so that I know what time suits. Lyn Coyle marilyn.coyle44@gmail.com/ 07735574397

YOUTH 2000 SUMMER FESTIVAL 2025
Taking place in the grounds of Ampleforth College from Friday 22 – Monday 25 August, the Youth 2000 Summer Festival provides young adults (aged 16-35) from across the UK the opportunity to come together and explore faith, build relationships and find hope. This four-day festival includes great speakers, social time, break-out sessions, Daily Mass, 24/7 Adoration and much more! Register your place at https://youth2000.org/events/summerfestival2025

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA
The coffee rota is on the noticeboard in St Columba’s Hall. Just write your name, charity and phone number on the calendar. But if you can’t access the hall, leave a message on Margaret Curtis’s answerphone on 01244 318424 with your name and date(s) and she will add you to the rota.
25 May – Sue Carr, Third World – cakes
01 June – Hopeful Ugandan Hearts, Monica Hogg
08 June – volunteers please
15 June – St Columba’s Feast Day – Annual BARBECUE

NEEDLES & PINS – WEDNESDAY 28 MAY
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.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
“God cares for us, God loves all of us, and evil will not prevail! We are all in God’s hands. Therefore, without fear, united hand in hand with God and among ourselves, let us move forward.” – Pope Leo XIV

DAY OF FORMATION IN LITURGICAL PRAYER & SACRED MUSIC
A day of study, prayer, music and reflection. Led by Fr Guy Nicholls, Director of the St John Henry Newman Institute of Liturgical Music. Saturday 28 June at St Joseph’s Eucharistic Shrine, Tatton Street, Stockport, SK1 1EJ. A practical day course on understanding the Liturgy and use of Scared Music within Mass. Begins at 11am and ends with a sung Mass at 5pm. Cost £5 per person (suggested donation payable on the day). Bring a packed lunch. Tea/coffee and biscuits provided. To book or for more information, please email stockportshrine@gmail.com

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS
Are you able to offer Fr Peter a lift from St Columba’s back to St Theresa’s after the 6.30pm Saturday evening Mass and the 11am Sunday morning Mass? More volunteers are needed. The more volunteers we have the fewer times you would be called upon. Please consider this request seriously and if you can help out, contact the parish offices.

WELCOME TO OUR PARISH
If you are NEW TO THE PARISH, please complete a Parish Registration Form and send (or bring) it to either parish office to let us know that you are here and enable us to welcome you. Forms can be found in the front porches of both churches and on the website www.sscolumbaandtheresa.co.uk under the “I’m New” tab. Thank you.

SUPPORTING THE VOCATION TO MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE
Calling all those interested in supporting the vocation of marriage and family to join Jane Deegan Director of Marriage and Family Life Vocation for a retreat day to find out more about this important work and the various different ways you can help.
When: 7 June 2025 9.30am-4.00pm
Where: Parish Hall, Holy Angels Church, Wicker Lane, Hale Barnes WA15 0HG 
To Register and for More Information please contact:
Monika at monika.golembiewska@dioceseofshrewsbury.org Mobile: 07549226794 or
Jane at jane.deegan@dioceseofshrewsbury.org Mobile: 07517 906435.

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
The Parish Council met on 1 May in St Theresa’s Presbytery. Reports from the various constituent groups outlining their planned activities within the context of the Parish Development Plan had been received in advance and were commented on. The main discussion of the meeting centred around the proposals for the exciting AGM on July 19th (date for your diaries) and further ways to mark the Jubilee 25 year including a special Mass to be held on Thursday 18 Sept (another date for your diaries).

PEACE DOVES IS A LARGE-SCALE ARTWORK AT CHESTER CATHEDRAL
Invites you to reflect on the values of peace, unity, and harmony. Each dove carries a unique message, written by visitors, schoolchildren, and community groups, and together they form a breathtaking installation that offers a serene space for contemplation and hope. Bathed in gentle, evocative lighting and at times accompanied by an original score by David Harper, the exhibit transforms the venue into a sanctuary of quiet reflection. From 2 May 2025 – 17 June 2025. No booking required. 

LOURDES HOSPITALITY
Following a meeting held early April exploring the role of the Hospitality, you are invited to continue this reflection at a further meeting.  The meeting will take place on Wed 21 May at 7pm at St Columba’s, Plas Newton Lane, Chester CH2 1SA.  Confirm your attendance at secretary@teamshrewsbury.co.uk

PLANNED GIVING ENVELOPES 2025/2026
If you would like to Gift Aid your donation please contact St Columba’s – Kevin Keegan on 07790 758008 or email klbfb@hotmail.com,  St Theresa’s Steve Parry on 07798 676633 or email steveparry98@yahoo.com

ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH & HALL BOOKINGS
To arrange meetings etc. in either the Church, Newman Room or the Iona Chapel, please book through Magdalena Bukowska, St. Columba’s Church Office, phone: 01244 624019, email: stcolumbaschurch2016@outlook.com. Office hours Monday to Friday 9a.m. to 2p.m.
Hall availability can be checked by looking at St Columba’s Church website – section for Church Hall gives a calendar of events in the Hall. Then contact Magdalena Bukowska on 01244 624019 for enquires within the office hours stated above or email columbashallbookings@gmail.com to arrange booking.

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER
Sunday 1 June edition will be compiled by Amy O’Donnell. Phone: 07854 290897 or email: amyod@hotmail.co.uk. Please include a phone number in case of queries, and please ensure that notices are also emailed to Fr William or phoned to the compiler by 9.00 a.m. on WEDNESDAY 28 MAY 2025

Filed Under: Uncategorised

Newsletter 18 May 2025

15 May 2025 By amos

The month of May is dedicated to Blessed Virgin Mary

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

18 MAY 2025

Sat 17 May     Feast
St. Theresa’s 9.30am   Malankara Jacobite Syriac Orthodox Community Mass
  5.00pm   Joe Blundell RIP
St. Columba’s 6.30pm   Parishioners’ Intentions
       
Sun 18 May      
St. Theresa’s 9.30am   Parishioners’ Intentions
First Holy Communion Mass
St. Columba’s 11.00am   Stuart Worral RIP – Second Anniversary
  2.00pm   Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
       
Mon 19 May     St Milburga, Ab, V. Mem.
St. Theresa’s     Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s 10.30am   Private Intention MB
       
Tue 20 May      
St. Theresa’s     Private Intentions
St. Columba’s     Parishioners’ Intentions
       
Wed 21 May     Dedication of the Cathedral. Feast
St. Theresa’s     Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s 9.30am   Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
  10.15am   Novena Prayers
St. Columba’s 10.30am   Tomasz Klimiuk
       
Thu 22 May      
St. Theresa’s     Intentions of those who made their First Holy Communion
St. Columba’s     Priests’ Intentions
       
Fri 23 May      
St. Theresa’s 10.00am   Christina O’Donnell RIP
St. Columba’s     The Parish
       
Sat 24 May      
St. Theresa’s 5.00pm   Frank & Mary Lally RIP
St. Columba’s 6.30pm   Cliff Peaker RIP
       
Sun 25 May     Sixth Sunday of Easter
St. Theresa’s 9.30am   Michael Krawiec
St. Columba’s 11.00am   Colin Swinnerton RIP
  2.00pm   Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite

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 at St Theresa’s on Sunday 18 May at 9.30a.m.  Cover is needed at both churches for occasions when Tim is unavailable.  The only requirement is you need to have an Iphone.  If you would be willing to help with this please contact one of the church offices.  Thank you.
www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa

POPE’S MAY PRAYER INTENTIONS
For working conditions.  Let us pray through work, each person might find fulfilment, families might be sustained in dignity, and that society might be humanized.

RECENTLY DECEASED
Please remember in your prayers Edith Stockdale. Her funeral service will be held at St Francis Church on Tuesday 20 May at 11a.m.

ANNIVERSARIES:
George O’Hanlon, Dr Bhaskara Rajan.

CONFESSIONS
After each weekday Mass until 11.30a.m.
St Columba’s: From 6p.m. before the 6.30p.m. Saturday evening Mass.
St Theresa’s: From 4.30p.m. before 5p.m. Saturday evening Mass.

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

PARISH OFFERTORY
Loose Plate: £523.88; Planned Giving £341.15; Average weekly SO £718.15. Candles: £37.50.

SPIRITAN APPEAL – 8 JUNE
There will be a retiring collection over the weekend of 7/8 June which is Pentecost Sunday. The Congregation of the Holy Spirit came into being on Pentecost – the outpouring of the Holy Spirit with his gift. I would like to appeal to parishioners to generously support our mission to educate more younger ones in formation. William Sianyuka who is a student on Pastoral Year, will be making the appeal. Thank you.

SPIRITAN RETREAT
Fr William and Fr Peter will be on their annual Spiritan Retreat from the 25 – 30 May.  Fr Alphonsus will be saying Mass for us during their absence.  We wish them a peaceful and reflective time.

PRAYING TOGETHER
Pray for:

  • Pray for the residents of Newry Park, Grange Road, Eversley Park, Wavertree Road, Western Avenue and Lloyd Place.
  • For vocations to the ministry, Foundations for Ministry and those in current training.
  • For all lay people in the varied ministries in our Churches

FIRST HOLY COMMUNIONS – St Theresa’s
Today we have our family celebrations of First Holy Communions. We welcome you all and pray for and congratulate the children.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA
The coffee rota is on the noticeboard in St Columba’s Hall. Just write your name, charity and phone number on the calendar. But if you can’t access the hall, leave a message on Margaret Curtis’s answerphone on 01244 318424 with your name and date(s) and she will add you to the rota.
18 May – volunteers please
25 May – volunteers please
01 June – volunteers please

LOURDES HOSPITALITY
Following a meeting held early April exploring the role of the Hospitality, you are invited to continue this reflection at a further meeting.  The meeting will take place on Wed 21 May at 7pm at St Columba’s, Plas Newton Lane, Chester CH2 1SA.  Confirm your attendance at secretary@teamshrewsbury.co.uk

PLANNED GIVING ENVELOPES 2025/2026
If you would like to Gift Aid your donation please contact St Columba’s – Kevin Keegan on 07790 758008 or email klbfb@hotmail.com  St Theresa’s Steve Parry on 07798 676633 or email steveparry98@yahoo.com

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
The Parish Council met on 1 May in St Theresa’s Presbytery. Reports from the various constituent groups outlining their planned activities within the context of the Parish Development Plan had been received in advance and were commented on. The main discussion of the meeting centred around the proposals for the exciting AGM on July 19 (date for your diaries) and further ways to mark the Jubilee 25 year including a special Mass to be held on Thursday Sept 18 (another date for your diaries).

PARISH ART COMPETITION TO CELEBRATE THE JUBILEE YEAR
As part of our Parish celebrations for the Jubilee Year, we are inviting parishioners and their families, along with students from our local Catholic schools, to enter our art competition by creating a piece of artwork which is inspired by the Jubilee themes. 

We have several age groups (4-6 years, 7-11, 12-14, 15-18 and 18+), each with cash prizes. The deadline for entries is Friday 27 June. Winning entries will be displayed at our Parish Pastoral Council AGM on Saturday 19 July. There are information sheets which may provide some inspiration for your entries available at both churches. We look forward to seeing your creativity so please do join in and support us in our celebrations of the Jubilee Year. 

WELCOME TO OUR PARISH
If you are NEW TO THE PARISH, please complete a Parish Registration Form and send (or bring) it to either parish office to let us know that you are here and enable us to welcome you. Forms can be found in the front porches of both churches and on the website. Thank you.

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR SURVIVORS OF ABUSE IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
This week we must focus our prayers and thoughts on all survivors of Abuse in the Catholic Church and all the agencies involved in breaking open this serious subject both past and present.

CHURCH NEWS
Wise and challenging words from Archbishop John Wilson, Archdiocese of Southwark, on the election of Pope Leo XIV. What the Holy Father says of himself, is true for us. He is the Servant of the servants of God, but so must we be. We must be servants of God, servants of each other, servants who bring to bear in the world the life and love and mercy of Christ. We in our own little place, time, ministry, vocation and mission, we must preside with charity. We must live with the face and heart of the loving Saviour.

VOCATIONS WEEKEND FOR WOMEN (20s and 30s)
Discerning God’s Call in your life – 23 – 25 May, Liverpool
The weekend is organised by the Sisters, Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ).  Jesus invites each of us to ‘Come and See’ – this weekend will give the opportunity to explore the vocation to religious life and to reflect on God’s call to you.  For more information contact
Sr Lynne fcJ at fcjvocationeurope@gmail.com or
visit our website www.fcjsisters.org. 
To register https://bit.ly/FCJVocationWeekend

PEACE DOVES AT CHESTER CATHEDRAL –  invites you to reflect on the values of peace, unity, and harmony. Each dove carries a unique message, written by visitors, schoolchildren, and community groups. The installation offers a serene space for contemplation and hope. From: 2 May 2025 – To: 17 June 2025. No booking required. 

ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH & HALL BOOKINGS
To arrange meetings etc. in either the Church, Newman Room or the Iona Chapel, please book through Magdalena Bukowska, St. Columba’s Church Office, phone: 01244 624019, email: stcolumbaschurch2016@outlook.com. Office hours Monday to Friday 9a.m. to 2p.m.
Hall availability can be checked by looking at St Columba’s Church website – section for Church Hall gives a calendar of events in the Hall. Then contact Magdalena Bukowska on 01244 624019 for enquires within the office hours stated above or email columbashallbookings@gmail.com to arrange booking.

YOUTH 2000 SUMMER FESTIVAL 2025
Taking place in the grounds of Ampleforth College from Friday 22 – Monday 25 August, the Youth 2000 Summer Festival provides young adults (aged 16-35) from across the UK the opportunity to come together and explore faith, build relationships and find hope. This four-day festival includes great speakers, social time, break-out sessions, Daily Mass, 24/7 Adoration and much more! Register your place at: youth2000.org/events/summerfestival2025.

SATURDAY MAY 24
This day is the Solemnity of Our Lady, Help of Christians, who is the Principal Patron of our diocese. There is no public mass for the occasion but a private prayer to Our Lady might be a good way of marking the day.

DAY OF FORMATION IN LITURGICAL PRAYER & SACRED MUSIC
A day of study, prayer, music and reflection. Led by Fr Guy Nicholls, Director of the St John Henry Newman Institute of Liturgical Music. Saturday 28 June at St Joseph’s Eucharistic Shrine, Tatton Street, Stockport, SK1 1EJ. A practical day course on understanding the Liturgy and use of Scared Music within Mass. Begins at 11am and ends with a sung Mass at 5pm. Cost £5 per person (suggested donation payable on the day). Bring a packed lunch. Tea/coffee and biscuits provided. To book or for more information, please email stockportshrine@gmail.com

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS
Are you able to offer Fr Peter a lift from St Columba’s back to St Theresa’s after the 6.30pm Saturday evening Mass and the 11am Sunday morning Mass? More volunteers are needed. The more volunteers we have the fewer times you would be called upon. Please consider this request seriously and if you can help out, contact the parish offices.

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER
Sunday 25 May edition will be compiled by Rebecca Vaughan, phone: 01244318632 or email: rebecca_vghn@yahoo.co.uk. Please submit notices to the compiler by 9.00 a.m. on WEDNESDAY 21 May 2025. Please include a phone number in case of queries, and please ensure that notices are also emailed to Fr William.

Filed Under: Uncategorised

Newsletter 11 May 2025

9 May 2025 By amos

The month of May is dedicated to Blessed Virgin Mary

FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

11 MAY 2025

Sat 10 May      
St. Theresa’s 5.00pm   William Baker RIP
St. Columba’s 6.30pm   John Black RIP
       
Sun 11 May    

Fourth Sunday of Easter
Special Prayer for Vocations

St. Theresa’s 9.30am   Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s 11.00am   Adam & Eddie Elwell
  2.00pm   Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
       
Mon 12 May      
St. Theresa’s     Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s 10.30am   Bertile Newton
       
Tue 13 May      
St. Theresa’s     Private Intentions
St. Columba’s     Parishioners’ Intentions
       
Wed 14 May     St Matthias, Ap. Feast.
St. Theresa’s     Tony & Robin Walsh
St. Columba’s 9.30am   Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
  10.15am   Novena Prayers
St. Columba’s 10.30am   Mike Craven RIP
       
Thu 15 May      
St. Theresa’s     Special Intentions
St. Columba’s     Priests’ Intentions
       
Fri 16 May      
St. Theresa’s 10.00am   Jessica Baker RIP
St. Columba’s     The Parish
       
Sat 17 May      
St. Theresa’s 9.30am   Malankara Jacobite Syriac Orthodox Community Mass
St. Theresa’s 5.00pm   Joe Blundell RIP
St. Columba’s 6.30pm   Parishioners’
       
Sun 18 May     Fifth Sunday of Easter
St. Theresa’s 9.30am   Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s 11.00am   Stuart Worral RIP Second Anniversary
  2.00pm   Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite

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 at St Theresa’s on Sunday 11 May at 9.30a.m.  Cover is needed at both churches for occasions when Tim is unavailable.  The only requirement is you need to have an Iphone.  If you would be willing to help with this please contact one of the church offices.  Thank you.
 www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa

RECENTLY DECEASED
Please remember in your prayers Edith Stockdale. Her funeral service will be held at St Francis Church on Tuesday 20 May at 11a.m.

ANNIVERSARIES
Mary Suzanne Roberts. Denzel Gordon, George O’Hanlon, Dr Bhaskara Rajan

POPE’S MAY PRAYER INTENTIONS
For working conditions.  Let us pray through work, each person might find fulfilment, families might be sustained in dignity, and that society might be humanized.

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

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

PARISH OFFERTORY
Loose Plate: £615.08; Planned Giving £517.55; Average weekly SO £718.15. Candles: £20.82.

PRAYING TOGETHER
Pray for:

  • the residents of Churchward Close, The Wien, Mickle Trafford, Bowyer’s Close, Ashfield Crescent, Glenside Close, and Longdale Drive.
  • For the hospitals in this area: the Countess and Wirral & West Cheshire Trust.
  • For doctors and nurses and all who work in the NHS.
  • For the patients and those who are addicted to drugs or alcohol, or who are mentally ill. Also for those we know at this time who are ill.
  • for all those involved in the Countess of Chester Hospitals’ Chaplaincy.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNIONS – St Columba’s
Today we have our second family celebrations of First Holy Communions so the central benches will be reserved for the children and their families. We welcome you all and pray for and congratulate these children: Evie, Rose, Ambrose and Aoife.

SCHOOL NEWS
Please pray for the Year 6 children in St Theresa’s school and St Werburgh’s and St Columba’s school who are doing their SATs tests from 12 – 15 May.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA
The coffee rota is on the noticeboard in St Columba’s Hall. Just write your name, charity and phone number on the calendar. But if you can’t access the hall, leave a message on Margaret Curtis’s answerphone on 01244 318424 with your name and date(s) and she will add you to the rota.
11 May – volunteers please
18 May – volunteers please
25 May – volunteers please

YOUTH GROUP
The next youth group meeting is tomorrow, Monday 12 May, starting 7pm in the Iona chapel and finishing at 8.30pm. All young parishioners, school year 5 and above are very welcome to join our happy group.

CTU OPEN CHURCH
On Saturday 17 May, you are invited to drop in to the Holy Ascension Church on Heath Road at any time between 2 and 4.30pm for a look around the church and to get to know our fellow Christians there. Anyone is welcome and it would be good to see some parishioners from St Columba’s to support CTU. It’s very informal with the welcome addition of cup of tea, coffee and cake.

REACHING THE UNREACHED
Fr Antony, the Director of RTU, is visiting the UK in May to commemorate the centenary of the birth of Brother James Kimpton, the RTU’s founder who grew up in Chester. He will be at the 10.45am Mass at St Werburgh’s, Chester on Sunday 18 May and will give a talk. You are invited to attend that Mass to hear and meet Fr Antony.

WORLD DAY OF PRAY FOR VOCATIONS 11 May
Have you considered exploring a vocation to the diocesan priesthood in imitation of Jesus the Good Shepherd? A first step might be to speak to your parish priest or contact the diocesan vocations director at vocationsdirector@dioceseofshrewsbury.org who can help you with discernment. We have a simple website www.Shrewsburyvocations.org where you can explore more. Further resources are available at www.ukvocation.org or www.ukpriest.org.

LOURDES HOSPITALITY
Following a very positive meeting held early April, where we explored the role of the Hospitality, you are invited to continue this reflection at a further meeting.  We hope to build on the previous lively discussions and consider areas for further development.  The meeting will take place on Wed 21 May at 7pm at St Columba’s, Plas Newton Lane, Chester CH2 1SA.  Confirm your attendance at secretary@teamshrewsbury.co.uk

PLANNED GIVING ENVELOPES 2025/2026
If you would like to Gift Aid your donation please contact St Columba’s -Kevin Keegan on 07790 758008 or email klbfb@hotmail.com  St Theresa’s Steve Parry on 07798 676633 or email steveparry98@yahoo.com

PEACE DOVES
A large-scale artwork at Chester Cathedral which invites you to reflect on the values of peace, unity, and harmony. Each dove carries a unique message, written by visitors, schoolchildren, and community groups, and together they form a breathtaking installation that offers a serene space for contemplation and hope. Bathed in gentle, evocative lighting and at times accompanied by an original score by David Harper, the exhibit transforms the venue into a sanctuary of quiet reflection. From: 2 May 2025 – 17 June 2025. No booking required. 

Thought for the week
“Nothing is more difficult, and therefore more precious, than to be able to decide.” – Napoleon Bonaparte

HALF MARATHON – 18 MAY
The Chester Half Marathon is taking place on Sunday 18 May and some roads may be closed.  If you usually come to St Theresa’s on a Sunday morning please check the route to see if your journey will be affected.

PARISH ART COMPETITION TO CELEBRATE THE JUBILEE YEAR
As part of our Parish celebrations for the Jubilee Year, we are inviting parishioners and their families, along with students from our local Catholic schools, to enter our art competition by creating a piece of artwork which is inspired by the Jubilee themes. 

We have several age groups (4-6 years, 7-11, 12-14, 15-18 and 18+), each with cash prizes. The deadline for entries is Friday 27th June. Winning entries will be displayed at our Parish Pastoral Council AGM on Saturday 19 July. There are information sheets which may provide some inspiration for your entries available at both churches. We look forward to seeing your creativity so please do join in and support us in our celebrations of the Jubilee Year. 

WELCOME TO OUR PARISH
If you are NEW TO THE PARISH, please complete a Parish Registration Form and send (or bring) it to either parish office to let us know that you are here and enable us to welcome you. Forms can be found in the front porches of both churches and on the website www.sscolumbaandtheresa.co.uk under the “I’m New” tab. Thank you.

ZUMBA MASTERCLASS IN AID OF “HOPEFUL UGANDAN HEARTS
On Saturday 17 May from 11am-1pm. £10 Adults and £5 Children 6+. Pay at the door.
We are raising funds to support two Orphanages in Uganda.  Children need to remain in school and we are helping to pay for school fees, food and rent. Come and join me Zumba with Lina for two hours of Zumba fitness and FUN!!! As always, we’ll have a Raffle, expect great prizes. Any enquiries contact Lina Greig 07837512544. 

VOCATIONS WEEKEND FOR WOMEN
(20s and 30s) – Discerning God’s Call in your life
23 – 25 May, Liverpool
The weekend is organised by the Sisters, Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ).  Jesus invites each of us to ‘Come and See’ – this weekend will give the opportunity to explore the vocation to religious life and to reflect on God’s call to you. For more information contact Sr Lynne fcJ at fcjvocationeurope@gmail.com or visit our website www.fcjsisters.org.  To register https://bit.ly/FCJVocationWeekend

YOUTH 2000 SUMMER FESTIVAL 2025
Taking place in the grounds of Ampleforth College from Friday 22 – Monday 25 August, the Youth 2000 Summer Festival provides young adults (aged 16-35) from across the UK the opportunity to come together and explore faith, build relationships and find hope. This four-day festival includes great speakers, social time, break-out sessions, Daily Mass, 24/7 Adoration and much more! Register your place at: youth2000.org/events/summerfestival2025.

TERMINALLY ILL ADULTS (END OF LIFE) BILL
Following the recent Pastoral letter relating to this Bill, to find out more and write to your MP visit www.livesworthliving.org.uk, and or pick up a leaflet from the back of church.  Postcards can also be found at the back of church addressed to SPUC relating to a request to the PM to commit to long term reform of hospice and palliative care.   Should you wish to contact your MP Samantha Dixon, her address is, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA, her email address is Samantha.dixon.mp@parliament.uk . Her constituency office address is The Bluecoat, Upper Northgate St, Chester CH1 4EE.   The Health Secretary, Wes Streeting can also be contacted at the above House of Commons address and email wes.streeting.mp@parliament.uk.

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER
Sunday 18 May edition will be compiled by Alison Wrigglesworth, phone: 07708 304246 or email: a.wrigglesworth@outlook.com. Please submit notices to the compiler by 9.00 a.m. on WEDNESDAY 14 May 2025. Please include a phone number in case of queries, and please ensure that notices are also emailed to Fr William.

ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH & HALL BOOKINGS
To arrange meetings etc. in either the Church, Newman Room or the Iona Chapel, please book through Magdalena Bukowska, St. Columba’s Church Office, phone: 01244 624019, email: stcolumbaschurch2016@outlook.com. Office hours Monday to Friday 9a.m. to 2p.m.
Hall availability can be checked by looking at St Columba’s Church website – section for Church Hall gives a calendar of events in the Hall. Then contact Magdalena Bukowska on 01244 624019 for enquires within the office hours stated above or email columbashallbookings@gmail.com to arrange booking.

Filed Under: Uncategorised

Newsletter 4 May 2025

2 May 2025 By amos

The month of May is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary

Third SUNDAY OF EASTER

4 MAY 2025

Sat 3 May
St. Theresa’s 9.30am Malankara Jacobite Syriac Orthodox Community Mass
St. Theresa’s 5.00pm Mary Lally RIP
St. Columba’s 6.30pm Parishioners’ Intentions
       
Sun 4 May
St. Theresa’s 9.30am Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s 11.00am Elwell Family esp. Eddie & Adam
2.00pm Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
       
Mon 5 May
St. Theresa’s Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s 10.30am Private Intentions
       
Tue 6 May
St. Theresa’s Private Intentions
St. Columba’s Parishioners’ Intentions
       
Wed 7 May
St. Theresa’s Special Intentions
St. Columba’s 9.30am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
10.15am Novena Prayers
St. Columba’s 10.30am Frank Stone Jr Anniversary
       
Thu 8 May
St. Theresa’s Gerard McCarthy RIP
St. Columba’s Priests’ Intentions
       
Fri 9 May
St. Theresa’s 10.00am Anthony Baker RIP
St. Columba’s The Parish
       
Sat 10 May
St. Theresa’s 5.00pm William Baker RIP
St. Columba’s 6.30pm John Black RIP
       
Sun 11 May Fourth Sunday of Easter
St. Theresa’s 9.30am Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s 11.00am Parishioners’ Intentions
2.00pm Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite

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 at St Theresa’s on Sunday 4 May at 9.30a.m.  Cover is needed at both churches for occasions when Tim is unavailable.  The only requirement is you need to have an Iphone.  If you would be willing to help with this please contact one of the church offices.  Thank you.
 www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa

DEATH OF POPE FRANCIS
1936 – 2025
Eternal rest, grant upon him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace.
Amen

ANNIVERSARIES
Michael Thornber, Brian Peter Kelly, Michael Patrick Murray, Thomas William Groom, Mary Lally, John Bond.

POPE’S MAY PRAYER INTENTIONS
For working conditions.  Let us pray through work, each person might find fulfilment, families might be sustained in dignity, and that society might be humanized.

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

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

PARISH OFFERTORY
Loose Plate: £1392.40; Planned Giving 452.55; Average weekly SO £718.15. Candles: 48.49.

PRAYING TOGETHER
Pray for:

  • the residents of Arley Close, Lincoln Drive, Grasmere Road, Woodside Road, Oakfield Road, Highfield Road, and Foxcote Close.
  • For the elderly and housebound
  • For all who prepare the food and for those who come and enjoy the fellowship enjoyed at church meals

FIRST HOLY COMMUNIONS – St Columba’s
Today we have our first family celebrations of First Holy Communions so the central benches will be reserved for the children and their families. We welcome you all and pray for and congratulate these children.

PLANNED GIVING ENVELOPES 2025/2026
If you would like to Gift Aid your donation please contact St Columba’s – Kevin Keegan on 07790 758008 or email klbfb@hotmail.com. St Theresa’s Steve Parry on 07798 676633 or email steveparry98@yahoo.com

YOUTH GROUP PILGRIMAGE
Well done to the Youth group members and leaders who, accompanied by Fr William, made a Jubilee Pilgrimage of hope from St. Theresa’s peace garden to the Iona chapel last Saturday. We had a lovely walk, nice conversation and prayed along the way. Many thanks to Sophia, Giovanna, Sue and Sue who baked lovely cakes and cookies to keep us going. Next youth group meeting will be on Monday 12th May, 7pm, starting in the Iona chapel, finishing 8.30pm.
Thank you to the mebers of the youth group who  volunteered to be welcomers and altar serbers at the Requiem Mass for the Pope last Wednesday.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA
The coffee rota is on the noticeboard in St Columba’s Hall. Just write your name, charity and phone number on the calendar. But if you can’t access the hall, leave a message on Margaret Curtis’s answerphone on 01244 318424 with your name and date(s) and she will add you to the rota.
04 May – volunteers please
11 May – volunteers please
18 May – volunteers please

FRIENDSHIP THURSDAY 8 MAY
The next meeting will be from 2-4pm on Thursday, 8 May in St Columba’s Hall. We have an entertainer for part of the time, who I’m sure we will all enjoy. As usual, we ask for a donation of £2 towards running costs. Looking forward to seeing you there and any friend you may like to invite, remembering that this group is not just for churchgoers but for anyone who would enjoy some company.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
We must restore hope to young people, help the old, be open to the future, spread love.  Be poor among the poor.  We need to include the excluded and preach peace. “We will never be disillusioned or lose our way if we are guided by God” Pope Francis.

REACHING THE UNREACHED
Fr Antony, the Director of RTU, is visiting the UK in May to commemorate the centenary of the birth of Brother James Kimpton, the RTU’s founder who grew up in Chester. He will be at the 10.45am Mass at St Werburgh’s, Chester on Sunday 18 May and will give a talk. You are invited to attend that Mass to hear and meet Fr Antony.

RED BOX 2024: THANK YOU!
In 2024, St Columba’s Church raised £908.07 through our Red Boxes and donations to Missio and the Mill Hill Missionaries. Thank you! Our missionary community here at St Columba’s Church is part of a worldwide network of people supporting missionaries overseas through prayer and financial assistance. Your support of Missionary Priests, like Fr Glenn MHM working with a rural community in Tompong, Cambodia, enables people to come together to celebrate the Eucharist and to work together to improve the lives of the whole community. Visit missio.org.uk to find out more.

OPEN CHURCH AT HOLY ASCENSION
The three churches of Churches Together in Upton (CTU) are each holding an Open Afternoon when anyone is welcome to visit. It’s an informal opportunity to see the church buildings, each of which is interesting in its own way and a chance to chat with our fellow Christians over a cup of tea, coffee and cake. On Saturday 17 May, you are invited to drop in to the Holy Ascension Church on Heath Road at any time between 2 and 4.30pm. More details next week.

WELCOME TO OUR PARISH
If you are NEW TO THE PARISH, please complete a Parish Registration Form and send (or bring) it to either parish office to let us know that you are here and enable us to welcome you. Forms can be found in the front porches of both churches and on the website www.sscolumbaandtheresa.co.uk under the “I’m New” tab. Thank you.

SUPPORTING THE VOCATION TO MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE
Calling all those interested in supporting the vocation of marriage and family to join Jane Deegan Director of Marriage and Family Life Vocation for a retreat day to find out more about this important work and the various different ways you can help.
When: 7 June 2025 9.30am-4.00pm Where: Parish Hall, Holy Angels Church, Wicker Lane, Hale Barnes WA15 0HG 
To Register and for More Information please contact:
Monika at monika.golembiewska@dioceseofshrewsbury.org Mobile: 07549226794 or
Jane at jane.deegan@dioceseofshrewsbury.org Mobile: 07517 906435.

TERMINALLY ILL ADULTS (END OF LIFE) BILL
Following the recent Pastoral letter relating to this Bill, to find out more and write to your MP visit www.livesworthliving.org.uk, and or pick up a leaflet from the back of church.  Postcards can also be found at the back of church addressed to SPUC relating to a request to the PM to commit to long term reform of hospice and palliative care.   Should you wish to contact your MP Samantha Dixon, her address is, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA, her email address is   Samantha.dixon.mp@parliament.uk . Her constituency office address is The Bluecoat, Upper Northgate St, Chester CH1 4EE.   The Health Secretary, Wes Streeting can also be contacted at the above House of Commons address and email wes.streeting.mp@parliament.uk.

ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH & HALL BOOKINGS
To arrange meetings etc. in either the Church, Newman Room or the Iona Chapel, please book through Magdalena Bukowska, St. Columba’s Church Office, phone: 01244 624019, email: stcolumbaschurch2016@outlook.com. Office hours Monday to Friday 9a.m. to 2p.m.
Hall availability can be checked by looking at St Columba’s Church website – section for Church Hall gives a calendar of events in the Hall. Then contact Magdalena Bukowska on 01244 624019 for enquires within the office hours stated above or email columbashallbookings@gmail.com to arrange booking.

YOUTH 2000 SUMMER FESTIVAL 2025
Taking place in the grounds of Ampleforth College from Friday 22nd – Monday 25th August, the Youth 2000 Summer Festival provides young adults (aged 16-35) from across the UK the opportunity to come together and explore faith, build relationships and find hope. This four-day festival includes great speakers, social time, break-out sessions, Daily Mass, 24/7 Adoration and much more! Register your place at: youth2000.org/events/summerfestival2025.

BRAZILIAN COMMUNITY
Hi all, we are part of the Brazilian community in Chester and would like to invite you to pray the rosary with us. We meet on line on Thursdays at 8p.m. The rosary is prayed in Portuguese, so if you’d like to join us you are more than welcome. Please send us an email and we can send you the link for the meeting. Luciana lucianaalsina@yahoo.com  

ZUMBA MASTERCLASS IN AID OF “HOPEFUL UGANDAN HEARTS
On Saturday 17th May from 11am-1pm. £10 Adults and £5 Children 6+. Pay at the door.
We are raising funds to support two Orphanages in Uganda.  Children need to remain in school and we are helping to pay for school fees, food and rent. Come and join me Zumba with Lina for two hours of Zumba fitness and FUN!!! As always, we’ll have a Raffle, expect great prizes. Any enquiries contact Lina Greig 07837512544. 

POPE FRANCIS
The Pope’s Requiem Mass in St Peter’s Square was presided over by Cardinal Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, who will oversee the Conclave to elect a new Pope. In his homily, he highlighted the following gifts of Pope Francis, seen in his ministry and for which we shall remember him with love and gratitude

  • His deep love of the Church which he wanted to be open to everyone
  • He was the good shepherd close to his people until the very end
  • He had an open heart towards everyone, especially the marginalised such as migrants and refugees.
  • He sought to shed light on the problems of our times with the wisdom of the Gospel, encouraging Christians to live out their faith amid these challenges.
  • His relentless emphasis on mercy and hope
  • His call for human fraternity and his desire for global solidarity and peace.
  • His care of the environment and our shared responsibility for it

Taken from Vatican News website

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER
Sunday 11 May edition will be compiled by Muriel Green Phone: 01244 383836 or email: muriel.green1@btinternet.com. Please include a phone number in case of queries, and please ensure that notices are also emailed to Fr William or phoned to the compiler by 9.00 a.m. on WEDNESDAY 7 May 2025

Filed Under: Uncategorised

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