The month of April is dedicated to The Holy Spirit

PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF OUR LORD

13 April 2025

Sat 12 Apr
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Malankara Jacobite Syriac Orthodox Community Mass
	5.00pm		Margaret Collins RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Sheila Drury
Sun 13 Apr			PALM SUNDAY
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Ademir & Christiano Alsine Da Silva RIP
	2.00pm		Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Mon 14 Apr			Monday of Holy Week
St. Theresa’s			Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	10.00am		Stations of the Cross
St. Columba’s	10.30am		Ania, Kamila & Pawel
Tue 15 Apr			Tuesday of Holy Week
St. Theresa’s			Private Intentions
St. Columba’s			Parishioners’ Intentions
Wed 16 Apr			Wednesday of Holy Week
St. Theresa’s			Special Intentions
St. Columba’s	9.30am		Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am		Novena Prayers
	10.30am		Michael Craven RIP from Wednesday Friends
Thu 17 Apr			Holy Thursday
St. Theresa’s	6.30pm		Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper Joe Blundell RIP
Fri 18 Apr			Good Friday
St. Theresa’s	11.00am		Family Stations of the Cross
	3.00pm		Celebration of the Lord’s Passion
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Family Stations of the Cross
	3.00pm		Celebration of the Lord’s Passion
Sat 19 Apr			Easter Vigil Mass
St. Theresa’s			NO EVENING MASS
St. Columba’s	8.00pm		Easter Vigil Mass Michael Craven RIP
Sun 20 Apr			EASTER SUNDAY
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Children’s Liturgy Private Intention (NK)
	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 13  April 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

PARISH OFFICES
Will be closed from Thursday 17 April until Tuesday 22 April.

ANNIVERSARIES
Angela Crowe, Daniel Joseph Keegan, James Rogerson, Sheila Ann Gilfoyle, William James Hinde, Lt. Stewart Harrison, Margaret Mary Collins, Angela Crowe, James Rogerson.

POPE’S APRIL PRAYER INTENTIONS
For the use of the new technologies. Let us pray that the use of the new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person, and will help us face the crises of our times.

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: £527.28; Planned Giving £297.60; Average weekly SO £555.00. Candles: £28.05.

PRAYING TOGETHER

• Pray for the residents of Essex Road, Deva Lane, Walnut Close, Palmerstone Close, Meadowside Mews, Highcliffe Avenue and Sherwood Road.
• For the Library, Pavilion and recreational areas in our community.
• For all adults and children that they will be safe as they enjoy leisure time.

SOCIETY OF AFRICAN MISSIONS
Fr Henry would like to thank everyone for their donations.

THE EASTER VIGIL The Easter Vigil is the heart of the Church’s liturgical year. It is full of symbolism, the most vivid being the image of Christ the Light of the World conquering the darkness of sin and death. It begins in the dark, outside the church, where it might be hard to see or hear. For those lighting the fire, there may be some nerves should the weather be windy. But out of this, there is a certain wonder as the procession begins into a darkened church with the Deacon or Priest carrying the Paschal Candle, singing Lumen Christi – the Light of Christ. Gradually the people enter, and their candles are lit from the Paschal Candle. The Light of Christ spreads throughout the church, Christ’s light shattering the darkness. The Easter Candle will now burn at all Masses up to and including Pentecost. It will burn during Baptisms and from it the Baptismal candles will be lit. It will stand beside the coffin during the funeral liturgy: a reminder of the Baptism of the deceased person.

Terminally ill adults (End of Life) Bill
Following last week’s 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 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.
13 April   – volunteers please
20 April   – volunteers please
27 April   – volunteers please

CAFOD Myanmar Earthquake Appeal
Following the devastating earthquake in Myanmar, CAFOD is responding through the Catholic Church there to support families affected by the disaster. Your donations will provide essentials like water, food, solar lights, and mosquito nets. You can donate online at cafod.org.uk/myanmar or by calling 0300 999 0030. You can also text EARTHQUAKE to 70450 to donate £10.

Prayer for the people of Myanmar. Please join us in praying for the people of Myanmar and other affected areas. God, our strength and our help in times of trouble, be with your people now, in the aftermath of this earthquake. Move us to come together offering shelter for the homeless, rest to the weary comfort to the injured and distressed.

GOOD FRIDAY FAMILY STATIONS OF THE CROSS, ST COLUMBA’S
Young parishioners are invited to read and/or hold up pictures at the at 11a.m. on Good Friday morning. There are 14 stations, so at least 14 volunteers would be nice. Please see Gillian Blatch, or Denise Lusk after Mass to volunteer, or email Gillian (gh.settle@gmail.com).

SVP APPEAL FOR WHITE GOODS
The SVP are currently supporting a person who has been rehoused. Do you have a washing machine, fridge/freezer or a free standing electric cooker that you could donate? Please contact Sue McCarthy, Mark Traynor or any member of the SVP. 07515491251. Many thanks

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. 

ILLUSTRATED PRAYER BOOK
I have been given a prayer book to be used in the parish.  If anyone would like look after it and use it, perhaps in a prayer group, please contact David Savage after 11.00 Mass or 380626.

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 20:00. 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 (email: lucianaalsina@yahoo.com) 

THE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Teaching Assistant Vacancy: For information, please visit www.christofidelis.org.uk Closing date: 12pm Wednesday 23rd April 2025 Applications should be returned via email to: Andrew Kilcoyne, kilcoynea@christofidelis.org.uk

Prom Dresses and Suits Wanted
The Catholic High School is welcoming donations of dresses and suits for the upcoming ‘Prom Shop’ sale. Donations may be dropped off at the school reception – Old Wrexham Road, CH4 7HS. Thank you.

Thought for the week
“Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light” Helen Keller

PLANNED GIVING ENVELOPES 2025/2026
The planned giving envelopes for the next financial year are now available at the back of the church. There are also a number of blank boxes of envelopes and should you wish to use one please contact Kevin Keegan  on 07790 758008 or email at k1bfb@hotmail.com so that your details can  be added to the planned giving system.

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.

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 are normally Monday to Friday 9a.m. to 2p.m.but over Easter will be closed from Thursday 17 April until Tuesday 22 April.
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 20 April edition will be compiled by Rebecca Vaughan, phone: 01244 318632 or email: rebecca_vghn@yahoo.co.uk. Please include a phone number in case of queries, and please ensure that notices are also emailed to Fr William or phoned to the compiler by 9.00 a.m. on MONDAY 14 April 2025

The month of April is dedicated to The Holy Spirit

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

6 APRIL 2025

Sat 5 Apr
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Joe Blundell RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Patricia Feenan
Sun 6 Apr
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am		John Timson RIP
	2.00pm		Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Mon 7 Apr
St. Theresa’s			Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	10.00am		Stations of the Cross
	10.30am		Parishioners’ Intentions
	1.30pm		Eileen Harland, Requiem Mass
Tue 8 Apr
St. Theresa’s			Tony & Robin Walsh
St. Columba’s			Stuart Worrall RIP
Wed 9 Apr
St. Theresa’s			Stacy Burke RIP
St. Columba’s	9.30am		Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am		Novena Prayers
	10.30am		Michael Craven RIP (from Wednesday Friends)
Thu 10 Apr
St. Theresa’s			Special Intention
St. Columba’s			Priests’ Intentions
Fri 11 Apr
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Stations of the Cross
	10.00am		Jo Callaghan RIP
St. Columba’s			The Parish
Sat 12 Apr
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Malankara Jackobite Syriac Orthodox Community Mass
	5.00pm		Margaret Collins RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Sheila Drury
Sun 13 Apr			Palm Sunday
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 6  April 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 Eileen Harland. Eileen’s Requiem Mass will be held at St Columba’s on 7 April at 1.30pm.

ANNIVERSARIES
John (Jack) George Cross, David Carty, Harry Forshaw, Cecilia Relish, Anne Hogan, Lt Stewart Harrison, Margaret Mary Collins

POPE’S APRIL PRAYER INTENTIONS
For the use of the new technologies. Let us pray that the use of the new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person, and will help us face the crises of our times.

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: £409.93; Planned Giving £207.10; Average weekly SO £555.00. Candles: £37.81.

SOCIETY OF AFRICAN MISSIONS
Fr Henry would like to thank everyone for their donations. Donations raised from the appeal £469.94.

WAY OF THE CROSS: THANK YOU
Thank you to all who helped and all who came to this United Service.  It was very much appreciated by our fellow Christians in Upton and the social time afterwards was greatly enjoyed.
David Savage & Lyn Coyle

Thought for the week
“I am only one, but still I am one.  I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.”  Edward Everett Hale

PRAYING TOGETHER

• Pray for the residents of Kingsway, Dickson’s Drive, Brookfield Drive, Provan Way, Saughall Road, Westbourne Road and Cranleigh Crescent.
• For Worship Groups and all who plan services.
• For our worship that it is vibrant, spiritual and prayerful.

Newsletter – We Need YOU
Ever wanted to help with the parish newsletter? Now’s your chance! We’re looking for volunteer editors to join the team.  Why volunteer?
More hands = Less work for everyone!

• Get the inside scoop on all the parish news.
• No editing experience needed, just a willingness to pitch in!

Sign up today and help us make the newsletter shine! Contact Anne on Chester 340243.  

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.
6 April – volunteers please
13 April – volunteers please
20 April – volunteers please

CAFOD Family Fast Day Collection – a reminder
Be a pilgrim of hope with CAFOD this Jubilee Year. You’ll be supporting communities experiencing the impacts of war, poverty and climate change to find solutions and hope. You can donate using a CAFOD envelope in church, donate online at cafod.org.uk/envelope or call us on 0303 303 3030. You can also text CAFODLENT to 70085 to donate £10. 

GOOD FRIDAY FAMILY STATIONS OF THE CROSS, ST COLUMBA’S
Young parishioners are invited to read and/or hold up pictures at the at 11a.m. on Good Friday morning. There are 14 stations, so at least 14 volunteers would be nice. Please see Gillian Blatch, or Denise Lusk after Mass to volunteer, or email Gillian (gh.settle@gmail.com), ideally as soon as possible to allow for time to give out readings and have a practice.

LENT & EASTER SERVICE TIMES
Copies of this year’s programme are available at the back of church.  Please take one home with you.

ADORATION
This Sunday, 6 April, as we continue our journey through the Season of Lent, we invite you back into St Columba’s church at 12.30pm (following 11am Mass and tea and coffee) for a short period of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. All are welcome and we would love for the children of the parish, especially those who are preparing to make their First Holy Communion, to be part of this time of prayer.”

ILLUSTRATED PRAYER BOOK
I have been given a prayer book to be used in the parish.  If anyone would like look after it and use it, perhaps in a prayer group, please contact David Savage after 11.00 Mass or 380626.

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.

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 20:00. 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 (email: lucianaalsina@yahoo.com) 

THE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Teaching Assistant Vacancy: For information, please visit www.christofidelis.org.uk Closing date: 12pm Wednesday 23rd April 2025 Applications should be returned via email to: Andrew Kilcoyne, kilcoynea@christofidelis.org.uk

Prom Dresses and Suits Wanted
The Catholic High School is welcoming donations of dresses and suits for the upcoming ‘Prom Shop’ sale. Donations may be dropped off at the school reception – Old Wrexham Road, CH4 7HS. Thank you.

FISH & CHIP BABIES KNITTED CLOTHING PROJECT
So that the knitted garments can be shipped to Africa efficiently, there is a growing need for strong cardboard boxes. If you have any 15″x15″x15″ (or thereabouts) boxes, can you leave please leave them in the rear porch at St Columba’s. Thank you. 

JUBILEE PRAYER
There are copies of the Jubilee prayer available for you take a copy.

PLANNED GIVING ENVELOPES 2025/2026
The planned giving envelopes for the next financial year are now available at the back of the church. You will notice that your number has been changed ie. 101 to 1 etc. You need not worry about this and please use the envelopes in the normal way. An error has occurred in the production of the envelopes. There are also a number of blank boxes of envelopes and should you wish to use one please do. However if you do I would be grateful if you could contact me on 07790 758008 or email at k1bfb@hotmail.com to enable me to enter your details onto the planned giving system. Thank you: Kevin Keegan

Shrewsbury Lourdes Hospitality:
There will be an informal meeting on Wed 9 April at 7pm, in St Columba’s, Plas Newton Lane, Chester CH2 1SA to reflect on the role and purpose of the Hospitality, with a view to developing a more unified vision. All members are welcome. Please email secretary @teamshrewsbury.co.uk if you would like to attend. 

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.

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 13 April edition will be compiled by Alison Wrigglesworth, phone: 07708 304246 or email: a.wrigglesworth@outlook.com. Please include a phone number in case of queries, and please ensure that notices are also emailed to Fr William or phoned to the compiler by 9.00 a.m. on WEDNESDAY 9 April 2025.

The month of March is dedicated to St Joseph

FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT

30  MARCH 2025

Sat 29 Mar
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Syriac Orthodox Community Mass
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Michael Owens RIP
Sun 30 Mar
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Charles Woods RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Veronica Comerford RIP
	2.00pm		Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Mon 31 Mar
St. Theresa’s			Altar Servers’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	10.00am		Stations of the Cross
	10.30am		Private Intention (A&LP)
	12.00pm		Michael Craven Requiem Mass
Tue 1 Apr
St. Theresa’s	10.00am		Mae Dunne’s -108th Birthday
St. Columba’s			Parishioners’ Intentions
Wed 2 Apr
St. Theresa’s			George Rogers RIP
St. Columba’s	9.30am		Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am		Novena Prayers
	10.30am		Mary Ibel – 102nd Birthday
Thu 3 Apr
St. Theresa’s			Tony & Robin Walsh
St. Columba’s			Priests’ Intentions
Fri 4 Apr
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Stations of the Cross
	10.00am		Nan & Martin Behan RIP
St. Columba’s			The Parish
Sat 5 Apr
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Joe Blundell RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Patricia Feenan
Sun 6 Apr
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am		John Timpson 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 30 March 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 Michael Craven and Eileen Harland.
The Requiem Mass for Michael Craven will be held at St Columba’s on 31 March at 12 pm.
Eileen’s Requiem Mass will be held at St Columba’s on 7 April at 1.30pm.

ANNIVERSARIES
Charles Woods, Sarah Ann Gordyk, Patrick Gerard McCullagh, Sandra Mary Erskine, John (Jack) George Cross, David Carty, Harry Forshaw.

POPE’S MARCH PRAYER INTENTIONS
For families in crisis. Let us pray that broken families might discover the cure for their wounds through forgiveness, rediscovering each other’s gifts, even in their differences.

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: £438.46; Planned Giving £250.00; Average weekly SO £555.00. Candles: £20.73.

SOCIETY OF AFRICAN MISSIONS (SMA) APPEAL 29/30 March 2025
This weekend we welcome  Fr Henry Somah  of the SMA who will give an appeal at all Masses on 29-30 March.

CHURCH NEWS Even from his hospital bed, Pope Francis is planning the next three years in the life of the Church. Following the work of the Synod, His Holiness has issued directives that every Diocese, Parish and individual Catholic listen to the Gospel and put into action the reform that is needed in the Church. He urges “all members of the people of God to become “active subjects” in the life of the Church” as it strives to become an organisation where each person has a voice and each community becomes a listening community, praying and discerning the will of the Holy Spirit. Watch for more of this as it becomes available.Communications Group

LITTLE CHOIR
The little choir will practise in the Iona Chapel, Tuesday 1 April at 18:45. ( use the Church back door).
All children from year 3 and above are welcome to joint.

Newsletter
We Need YOU! Ever wanted to help with the parish newsletter? Now’s your chance! We’re looking for volunteer editors to join the team.  Why volunteer?

• More hands = Less work for everyone!
• Get the inside scoop on all the parish news.
• No editing experience needed, just a willingness to pitch in!

Sign up today and help us make the newsletter shine! Contact Anne on 01244 340243.  

Thought for the week
“Actions speak louder than words; let your words teach and your actions speak.” St Anthony of Padua

CAFOD Family Fast Day Collection – a reminder – be a pilgrim of hope with CAFOD this Jubilee Year. You’ll be supporting communities experiencing the impacts of war, poverty and climate change to find solutions and hope. You can donate using a CAFOD envelope in church, donate online at cafod.org.uk/envelope or call us on 0303 303 3030. You can also text CAFODLENT to 70085 to donate £10. 

PRAYING TOGETHER

• Pray for the residents of Broadway West, Totland Grove, Derwent Road, Willow Drive, Naomi Close, Dentith Drive & Egerton Road.
• For the zoo and all who work there.
• For a deeper awareness of our environment.

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.
30 Mar – Sue McCarthy -SVP
6 April – volunteers please
13 April – volunteers please

GOOD FRIDAY FAMILY STATIONS OF THE CROSS, ST COLUMBA’S
Young parishioners are invited to read and/or hold up pictures at the at 11am on Good Friday morning. There are 14 stations, so at least 14 volunteers would be nice. Please see Gillian Blatch, or Denise Lusk after Mass to volunteer, or email Gillian (gh.settle@gmail.com), ideally before Tuesday 1 April, to allow for time to give out readings and have a practice.

LENT & EASTER SERVICE TIMES
Copies of this year’s programme are available at the back of church.  Please take one home with you.

ADORATION
On Sunday 6 April, as we continue our journey through the Season of Lent, we invite you back into St Columba’s church at 12.30pm (following 11am Mass and tea and coffee) for a short period of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. All are welcome and we would love for the children of the parish, especially those who are preparing to make their First Holy Communion, to be part of this time of prayer.”

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 20:00. 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 (  email: lucianaalsina@yahoo.com) 

MOTHERING SUNDAY
A Happy Mothers’ Day to all our mothers.  There are copies of a poem available if you wish to take one.

FRIENDSHIP THURSDAY
Our next meeting is on 3 April from 2-4 pm (note new time). For part of the time, we will have a speaker from “Woodwork to Wellness”, an organisation based in Saltney that uses practical activities to encourage learning new skills, friendship and well-being in men and women. Graham Stephens, the founder of the organisation will give an interactive presentation, including his work with ex-servicemen, youngsters in Manchester gangs and ordinary men and women who look for company and activity. It promises to be a fascinating afternoon. We look forward to seeing you. 

EASTER FLOWER COLLECTION
There will be a collection after all Masses at St. Columba’s on the 29/30 March to cover the cost of the Easter flowers.  For St Theresa’s please put your donation in an envelope marked FLOWERS and leave in the offertory basket. You have always been very generous in  the past.  Thank you

FISH & CHIP BABIES KNITTED CLOTHING PROJECT
So that the knitted garments can be shipped to Africa efficiently, there is a growing need for strong cardboard boxes. If you have any 15″x15″x15″ (or there abouts) boxes, can you leave please leave them in the rear porch at St Columba’s. Thank you. 

WAY OF THE CROSS THIS WEEKEND
Through Churches Together in Upton, we work with our fellow Christians towards understanding and respect for our differences and sharing those things that we can. Please come and join us for a Lenten Way of the Cross at 4.30pm on Sunday 30 March at St Columba’s. Let us show our shared belief in the Crucified and Risen Christ as we travel “With Christ to Calvary” and make this a special Lenten prayer time. It will last about 30 minutes and refreshments will follow.

JUBILEE PRAYER
There are copies of the Jubilee prayer available for you take a copy

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.

PLANNED GIVING ENVELOPES 2025/2026
The planned giving envelopes for the next financial year are now available at the back of the church. You will notice that your number has been changed ie. 101 to 1 etc. You need not worry about this and please use the envelopes in the normal way. An error has occurred in the production of the envelopes. There are also a number of blank boxes of envelopes and should you wish to use one please do. However if you do I would be grateful if you could contact me on 07790 758008 or email at k1bfb@hotmail.com to enable me to enter your details onto the planned giving system. Thank you: Kevin Keegan

Shrewsbury Lourdes Hospitality
There will be an informal meeting on Wed 9 April at 7pm, in St Columba’s, Plas Newton Lane, Chester CH2 1SA to reflect on the role and purpose of the Hospitality, with a view to developing a more unified vision. All members are welcome. Please email secretary @teamshrewsbury.co.uk if you would like to attend. 

Lourdes by Jumbulance
Wirral and Chester Across Groups are again travelling to Lourdes by Jumbulance in 2025. The dates are Thu 15 to Sat 14 May and Thu 14 to Sat 23 August. The Jumbulance is literally a Jumbo-Ambulance, with seven beds on board, an accessible toilet and kitchen. The journey overland takes about 21 hours. There are vacancies for a Doctor (in May), a nurse on each Group and helpers. There are vacancies for sick and disabled pilgrims. In the past we have taken people with MND, MS, COPD, various cancers, heart disease, etc and we have the facilities to care on the Jumbulance and in the Hotel.

The cost is £1,360 which includes Travel Insurance. Nurses and those under 25 in FTE are asked to pay £660. For further information, please contact Tony Murphy on 07881-656-974 or email tonymurphyefc2002@yahoo.co.uk or visit You searched for AJ – Across Charity | Take a journey, make a difference

ST COLUMBA’S RED MISSION BOX HOLDERS
There will be three Red Mission boxes collections during the year: March, July and November. To have your box emptied, please leave it in the sacristy before the end of March, then pick up your empty, relabeled box from the rear porch. 

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.

FIRST AIDER
Are there any trained First Aiders out there? The Pastoral Council would like to have a trained First Aider on hand for occasional parish events. Perhaps you have already received training for work? We would love to hear from you if you can volunteer to help out on a rota basis. Please contact either of the church offices with your details and we will be in touch. Thank you.

CAFOD BIG LENT WALK IN THE JUBILEE YEAR
CAFOD invites Catholics to join their Big Lent Walk as Pilgrims of Hope in this Jubilee Year, walking over 200km over 40 days during Lent.  https://walk.cafod.org.uk/. The Catholic High School is taking part in this challenging event, with walks organised in various ways, including a treadmill in school.   They aim to raise £800 – thank you in advance for your generosity:  https://schools.walk.cafod.org.uk/fundraising/chsc

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER
Sunday 30 March edition will be compiled by Muriel Green, phone: 01244 383836 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 2 April 2025

The month of March is dedicated to St Joseph

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

23 MARCH 2025

Sat 22 Mar
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Bernard Owens RIP
Sun 23 Mar
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Muriel & Jim Halligan
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Edwin Edwards (Anniv.)
	2.00pm		Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Mon 24 Mar`
St. Theresa’s			Tony & Robin Walsh
St. Columba’s	10.00am		Stations of the Cross
	10.30am		Matthew Traynor
Tue 25 Mar			The Annunciation of the Lord
St. Theresa’s	10.00am		Priests’ Intentions
	12.00pm		Funeral for Ilona Hollinger
St. Columba’s			Parishioners’ Intentions
Wed 26 Mar
St. Theresa’s			Private Intentions
St. Columba’s	9.30am		Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am		Novena Prayers
	10.30am		Ilona Hollinger
Thu 27 Mar
St. Theresa’s			Special Intentions
St. Columba’s			Phillip A. Francis
Fri 28 Mar
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Stations of the Cross
	10.00am		Jo Griffiths’ Intentions
St. Columba’s			The Parish
Sat 29 Mar			Clocks go forward one hour
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Malankara Jackobite Syriac Orthodox Community Mass
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Michael Owens RIP
Sun 30 Mar
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Deacon Charles Woods RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Veronica Comerford 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.

RECENTLY DECEASED
Please remember in your prayers Colette Johnson, Ilona Hollinger & Michael Craven.  Ilona Hollinger’s funeral is at St Theresa’s on Tuesday 25 March at 12 noon. The Requiem Mass for Michael Craven will be held at St Columba’s on 31 March at 12 p.m.

ANNIVERSARIES
Stewart Harrison, Judith Mary Whitlow, Bridget Ann Purcell, Veronica Comerford, Charles Woods, Sarah Ann Gordyk.

POPE’S MARCH PRAYER INTENTIONS
For families in crisis. Let us pray that broken families might discover the cure for their wounds through forgiveness, rediscovering each other’s gifts, even in their differences.

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. 

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS:
Mass will be streamed at St Columba’s on Sunday 23 March 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

PARISH OFFERTORY
Loose Plate: £758.31; Planned Giving £416; Average weekly SO £555.00. Candles: £20.73.

CHURCH NEWS: Jubilee News: Pilgrims of Hope Pope Francis has urged us throughout this Jubilee Year to be pilgrims of hope. As Catholics, we stand with other Christian churches in showing forth the hope that the Risen Christ brings to humanity. “Let us never grow tired of bearing witness, before all peoples, to the only-begotten Son of God, the source of all our hope.”

THANK YOU
Thank you to all those who attended the recent Retreat and Reconciliation Service.

PRAYING TOGETHER

• Pray for the residents of Newton Park Road, Kennedy Close, Sandon Road, Hereford Worcester Place, Ludlow Road and Mayfield Road.
• For our local Doctors Surgeries. For Doctors, Nurses, Health Visitors and Social Workers in our community.

SOCIETY OF AFRICAN MISSIONS (SMA) APPEAL 29/30 March 2025
Next weekend we welcome  Fr Henry of the SMA who will give an appeal at all Masses on 29 and 30 March.

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.
23 Mar – Jane Nash, for the Parish
30 Mar – volunteers please
6 Apr – volunteers please

GOOD FRIDAY FAMILY STATIONS OF THE CROSS, ST COLUMBA’S
Young parishioners are invited to read and/or hold up pictures at the at 11a.m. on Good Friday morning. There are 14 stations, so at least 14 volunteers would be nice. Please see Gillian Blatch, or Denise Lusk after Mass to volunteer, or email Gillian (gh.settle@gmail.com), ideally before Tuesday 1 April, to allow for time to give out readings and have a practice.

CAFOD BIG LENT WALK IN THE JUBILEE YEAR
CAFOD invites Catholics to join their Big Lent Walk as Pilgrims of Hope in this Jubilee Year, walking over 200km over 40 days during Lent.  https://walk.cafod.org.uk/ 
The Catholic High School is taking part in this challenging event, with walks organised in various ways, including a treadmill in school.   They aim to raise £800 – thank you in advance for your generosity:  https://schools.walk.cafod.org.uk/fundraising/chsc

JUBILEE PRAYER
There are copies of the Jubilee prayer available for you take a copy.

LENT & EASTER SERVICE TIMES
Copies of this year’s programme are available at the back of church.  Please take one home with you.

FRIENDSHIP THURSDAY
Coming on 3 April from 2-4 pm (note new time); A speaker from “Woodwork to Wellness”, an organisation that uses practical activities to encourage independence and healing in men and women. It promises to be a fascinating presentation for men and women. More news next week.

RECRUITMENTS
A recruitment process for the Deputy Director of Schools is now underway, further details of which can be found via the link below: Deputy Director of Schools Advert If you would like further information or candidate pack and application form please contact Liam Dowds, our Emmaus Advising Consultant, on 01737 652 043 or email him at ldowds@emmausleadership.me  

A vacancy has arisen for a Parish Secretary at the parishes of St Vincent’s, Knutsford and St Winefride, Lymm (Based at St Vincent’s).  Hours: 12 per week.  Rate of pay: £13 per hour.  More details can be found via the Diocesan website https://www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org/latest-vacancies/   CV’s with a covering letter should be sent to Pauline McCulloch at recruitment@dioceseofshrewsbury.org Closing date: Monday 31 March 2025.

WAY OF THE CROSS – CHURCHES TOGETHER IN UPTON
Through Churches Together in Upton, we work towards unity with our fellow Christians in Holy Ascension Anglican Church and the United Reformed Church, both our near neighbours.

Please come and join us for a shared Lenten Way of the Cross at 4.30pm on Sunday 30 March at St Columba’s. Let us show our shared belief in the Crucified and Risen Christ as we travel “With Christ to Calvary” and make this a special Lenten prayer time. It will last about 30 minutes and refreshments will follow

NEEDLES & PINS – Wed 26 March
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.

CHESTER FAIRTRADING SPRING FAIR
On Saturday 29 March at Wesley Church Centre, St John Street, from 11am – 3pm.

NEWSLETTER – We Need YOU! 
Ever wanted to help with the parish newsletter? Now’s your chance! We’re looking for volunteer editors to join the team. Why volunteer?

• More hands = Less work for everyone!
• Get the inside scoop on all the parish news.
• No editing experience needed, just a willingness to pitch in!

Sign up today and help us make the newsletter shine! Contact Anne on 01244 340243.  

EASTER FLOWER COLLECTION – ST COLUMBA’S
There will be a collection after all Masses at St. Columba’s on the 29/30 March to cover the cost of the Easter flowers.    You have always been very generous in  the past.  Thank you

FIRST AIDER
Are there any trained First Aiders out there?
The Pastoral Council would like to have a trained First Aider on hand for occasional parish events. Perhaps you have already received training for work? We would love to hear from you if you can volunteer to help out on a rota basis. Please contact either of the church offices with your details and we will be in touch. Thank you.

ST COLUMBA’S RED MISSION BOX HOLDERS
There will be three Red Mission boxes collections during the year: March, July and November. To have your box emptied, please leave it in the sacristy before the end of March, then pick up your empty, relabeled box from the rear porch. 

FISH & CHIP BABIES KNITTED CLOTHING PROJECT
So that the knitted garments can be shipped to Africa efficiently, there is a growing need for strong cardboard boxes. If you have any 15″x15″x15″ (or there abouts) boxes, can you leave please leave them in the rear porch at St Columba’s. Thank you. 

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.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
“Good actions are the invisible hinges on the doors of heaven” Victor Hugo

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.

PDP
Parish Development Plan 2022-2025. “You said. We did”
In 2022 the Pastoral Council led a whole-parish consultation on developments in the church and in our parish community. Several themes emerged about inclusivity, children and families, social action, faith outreach and improving communications – with our schools, our parishioners and the wider community.

Everyone’s views were carefully considered and consolidated into our Parish Development Plan in June 2022. The Pastoral Council reviewed progress in November 2024 and thanks to the energy and commitment of many people we are able to highlight the following achievements:
· Children’s Liturgy re-established
· Youth Group established
· Young people’s music group established
· Active participation in Churches Together
· Increased support to SVP, Foodbank and home visiting
· Parish welcomers team established
· Major overhaul to parish website
· Full programme of parish social activities – cream teas, BBQs, coach trips, Autumn fair, Christmas lunches and socials
And more!

For more details of these and priorities for 2025 please see our parish website. Choose the Our Parish tab, click on Parish Development Plan

Why not find out how you can participate? Contact any member of the Pastoral Council by emailing either of the church offices: stcolumbaschurch2016@outlook.com OR st.theresas@btinternet.com
Pauline Rourke and Ann McCarthy, Co-Chairs, Pastoral Council.

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER
Sunday 30 March edition will be compiled by Eileen Irwin, phone: 01244 371660, or email: st.theresas@btinternet.com. Please include a phone number in case of queries, and please ensure that notices are also emailed to Fr William or phoned to the compiler by 9.00 a.m. on WEDNESDAY 26 March 2025

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

16 MARCH 2025

Sat 15 Mar
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Malankara Jacobite Syriac Community Mass
	5.00pm		Muriel & Jim Halligan RIP Joe Blundell RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Tony Layden RIP
Sun 16 Mar
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Aquiles Paras RIP Renewal Commitment for Altar Servers
	2.00pm		Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Mon 17 Mar`			St Patrick, B, Patron of Ireland. Feast
St. Theresa’s	12.15pm		Requiem Mass for Colette Johnson
St. Columba’s	10.00am		Stations of the Cross
	10.30am		Bill Willets
Tue 18 Mar
St. Theresa’s			Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s			Parishioners’ Intentions
	7.00pm		Reconciliation Service
Wed 19 Mar			St Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Solemnity
St. Theresa’s			Tony & Robin Walsh
St. Columba’s	9.30am		Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am		Novena Prayers
	10.30am		Mike Craven RIP
Thu 20 Mar
St. Theresa’s			Steele Family Intentions
St. Columba’s			Priests’ Intentions
Fri 21 Mar
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Stations of the Cross
	10.00am		Glenys Martin RIP
St. Columba’s			The Parish
Sat 22 Mar
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Bernard Owens RIP
Sun 23 Mar
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Muriel & Jim Halligan RIP
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 Columba’s on Sunday 16 March 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

RECENTLY DECEASED
Please remember in your prayers Colette Johnson, Ilona Hollinger & Michael Craven.  The Requiem Mass for Colette Johnson will be held at St Theresa’s on Monday 17 March at 12.15 p.m.  Ilona Hollinger’s funeral is at St Theresa’s on Tuesday 25 March at 12 noon. The Requiem Mass for Michael Craven will be held at St Columba’s on 31 March at 12 p.m.

ANNIVERSARIES
Margaret Ellen Finnegan, Stewart Harrison, Doreen Brenda Grainger, Jean Alice Hickman, Michael Byrne, Margaret Christine Steele, James Philip Conde.

POPE’S MARCH PRAYER INTENTIONS
For families in crisis. Let us pray that broken families might discover the cure for their wounds through forgiveness, rediscovering each other’s gifts, even in their differences.

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. 

CHURCH NEWS: Jubilee News: turning to God In January, the Pope spoke of the need for conversion as a daily task and challenged us to ask ourselves: “Do I know how to turn around to see things differently?” and “Do I have the desire for conversion?He warned that an “overconfident and proud ego prevents us from recognizing the Risen Jesus” who appears in unexpected forms—in the faces of ordinary people, particularly those who are marginalized or overlooked.  “Even when we weep and despair,” he added, “we turn our back on Him.” Let us learn to turn towards life, the “real life” where the Risen Jesus has a place and mission for us, “instead of looking into the darkness of the past.”   Parish reconciliation Service Tuesday 18 March at 7pm St Columba’s This is a wonderful opportunity to review our life and ask pardon for our sins and failings, renewing our commitment to live for Christ and follow his Way. There is usually a general absolution and the opportunity to make individual confession for more serious sin. It is an occasion for the whole parish to look forward to the joy of Easter.It is a time for the parish to come together to ask for forgiveness from God and one another through a short service.  The sacrament of Confession is there for everybody to go to in preparation for the Easter festival.

PRAYING TOGETHER

• Pray for the residents of Kelvin Grove, Western Approach, Thirlmere Road, Blacon Avenue, Keats Terrace, Blacon Hall Road and Malvern Road.
• For a greater compassion for those who feel marginalised in our society.
• For a deeper unity between the churches.

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.
16 Mar – Chris & Elizabeth, Tombola
23 Mar – volunteers please 
30 Mar – volunteers please

NATIONAL NOVENA TO ST JOSEPH 10-18 MAR 2025
The National Novena to St Joseph will take place from 10-18 March 2025 at St Joseph’s Church in Maidenhead.  Every year, the Mill Hill Missionaries prepare for the Feast of St Joseph, their Society Patron, with a special Novena of Masses and prayers to ask for God’s blessing on their Society’s missionary outreach, and for the intentions of all those who support their work. If you are able, and if it is possible to attend, Masses are at 10.00am every day of the Novena except Sunday, when it is at 11.00am. These Masses will be available to follow on Zoom, via the Mill Hill website: www.millhillmissionaries.com/novena.  The Novena Prayer Booklet is available on request for a suggested donation of £1 per booklet to cover costs.
You are welcome to send in your petitions and/or to request a Novena prayer booklet. Please write to the Novena Director at 6 Colby Gardens, Maidenhead, SL6 7GZ, or email novenamhm@gmail.com

YOUTH GROUP
Our next meeting will be on Monday 17 March, starting at 7p.m. in the Iona chapel and finishing at 8.30p.m. in St. Columba’s hall. The theme will be St. Patrick and St. Joseph, we will also design easter cards for the SVP, plant sunflowers as part of our year of hope, play games and eat nice snacks. All young parishioners, year 5 or older are warmly invited to join our friendly group. Please call Denise Lusk on 01244 379742 if you need a lift.

GOOD FRIDAY FAMILY STATIONS OF THE CROSS, ST COLUMBA’S
Young parishioners are invited to read and/or hold up pictures at the at 11a.m. on Good Friday morning. There are 14 stations, so at least 14 volunteers would be nice. Please see Gillian Blatch, or Denise Lusk after Mass to volunteer, or email Gillian (gh.settle@gmail.com), ideally before Tuesday 1 April, to allow for time to give out readings and have a practice.

CAFOD BIG LENT WALK IN THE JUBILEE YEAR
CAFOD invites Catholics to join their Big Lent Walk as Pilgrims of Hope in this Jubilee Year, walking over 200km over 40 days during Lent.  https://walk.cafod.org.uk/ . The Catholic High School is taking part in this challenging event, with walks organised in various ways, including a treadmill in school.   They aim to raise £800 – thank you in advance for your generosity:  https://schools.walk.cafod.org.uk/fundraising/chsc

JUBILEE PRAYER
There are copies of the Jubilee prayer available for you take a copy.

LENT & EASTER SERVICE TIMES
Copies of this year’s programme are available at the back of church.  Please take one home with you.

PARISH OFFERTORY
Loose Plate: £604.22; Planned Giving £240.50; Average weekly SO £555.00. Candles: £20.73.

OPEN CHURCH
The three churches of Churches Together in Upton (CTU) are 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 22 March , you are invited to drop in to the United Reformed Churchon Heath Road at any time between 2 and 4.30pm. There is no service or organised activity, and you can stay for as long or as little as you like. It would be good to have Catholic representation so do come if you can.

FRIENDSHIP THURSDAY REPORT
Our first session was very promising and very enjoyable. About 30 people attended, mostly from St Columba’s and St Theresa’s. There was lots of conversation, a free book swap table and a special guest, Anne Clark, from the parish, who showed us how to make interesting flower decorations for the home. This was highly enjoyed and sparked good conversation. We asked for feedback and had some good suggestions for future speakers. We have also adjusted the timing of the group to 2-4 pm following feedback as 1.30 proved too early. Huge thanks to the Communications Group and to the wonderful helpers who did us proud.
Next meeting 3 April, 2-4 pm. We’d love to see you!

WELCOME
The Parish welcomes FREDDIE THOMAS SANDS, baptised at St Columba’s church last Sunday, amongst his loving family. Please keep them all in your prayers.

RECRUITMENTS
1. A recruitment process for the Deputy Director of Schools is now underway, further details of which can be found via the link below: Deputy Director of Schools Advert If you would like further information or candidate pack and application form please contact Liam Dowds, our Emmaus Advising Consultant, on 01737 652 043 or email him at ldowds@emmausleadership.me  

2. A vacancy has arisen for a Parish Secretary at the parishes of St Vincent’s, Knutsford and St Winefride, Lymm (Based at St Vincent’s).  Hours: 12 per week.  Rate of pay: £13 per hour.  More details can be found via the Diocesan website https://www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org/latest-vacancies/   CV’s with a covering letter should be sent to Pauline McCulloch at recruitment@dioceseofshrewsbury.org Closing date: Monday 31 March 2025.

3. A vacancy has arisen for an Attendance Officer at the Chester Catholic High School. Full details including the application form can be found on our website Vacancies – The Chester Catholic High School

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.

CHRISTIAN AID LENT LUNCHES
This event begins on Monday 10 March from 12 noon – 1.30p.m. at Wesley Methodist Church, St John Street. See poster in church porch for more dates and venues.

ST COLUMBA’S RED MISSION BOX HOLDERS
There will be three Red Mission boxes collections during the year: March, July and November. To have your box emptied, please leave it in the sacristy before the end of March, then pick up your empty, relabeled box from the rear porch. 

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
 “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” – Desmond Tutu

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.

CATHOLIC HIGH VACANCY
Teaching Assistant & Attendance Officer positions at the Catholic High. Full details including the application forms can be found on our website Vacancies – The Chester Catholic High School.

FISH & CHIP BABIES KNITTED CLOTHING PROJECT
So that the knitted garments can be shipped to Africa efficiently, there is a growing need for strong cardboard boxes. If you have any 15″x15″x15″ (or there abouts) boxes, can you leave please leave them in the rear porch at St Columba’s. Thank you. 

PDP
Parish Development Plan 2022-2025. “You said. We did”
In 2022 the Pastoral Council led a whole-parish consultation on developments in the church and in our parish community. Several themes emerged about inclusivity, children and families, social action, faith outreach and improving communications – with our schools, our parishioners and the wider community.

Everyone’s views were carefully considered and consolidated into our Parish Development Plan in June 2022. The Pastoral Council reviewed progress in November 2024 and thanks to the energy and commitment of many people we are able to highlight the following achievements:
· Children’s Liturgy re-established
· Youth Group established
· Young people’s music group established
· Active participation in Churches Together
· Increased support to SVP, Foodbank and home visiting
· Parish welcomers team established
· Major overhaul to parish website
· Full programme of parish social activities – cream teas, BBQs, coach trips, Autumn fair, Christmas lunches and socials
And more!

For more details of these and priorities for 2025 please see our parish website. Choose the Our Parish tab, click on Parish Development Plan

Why not find out how you can participate? Contact any member of the Pastoral Council by emailing either of the church offices: stcolumbaschurch2016@outlook.com OR st.theresas@btinternet.com
Pauline Rourke and Ann McCarthy, Co-Chairs, Pastoral Council.

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER
Sunday 23 March edition will be compiled by Amy O’Donnell.  Phone: 07854 290897 or email: amyod@hotmail.co.uk. Please include a phone number in case of queries, and please ensure that are also emailed to Fr William or phoned to the compiler by 9.00 a.m. on WEDNESDAY 19 March 2025