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

The month of March is dedicated to St Joseph

FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT

9 MARCH 2025

Sat 8 Mar
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		John Slinger
Sun 9 Mar
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Kay Daly’s Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Eddie George RIP
	2.00pm		Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Mon 10 Mar`
St. Theresa’s			All those making their First Holy Communion this year
St. Columba’s	10.00am		Stations of the Cross
	10.30am		Lucienne Francis
Tue 11 Mar
St. Theresa’s			Patricia Harrop RIP
St. Columba’s			Parishioners’ Intentions
Wed 12 Mar
St. Theresa’s			John & Susan McCarney RIP
St. Columba’s	9.30am		Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am		Novena Prayers
	10.30am		Jagna Bukowska
Thu 13 Mar
St. Theresa’s			Chris Hotchkiss Intentions
St. Columba’s			Priests’ Intentions
Fri 14 Mar			Special Day of Prayer for the Needy and Hungry of the World
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Stations of the Cross
	10.00am		Kazia Krawiec RIP
St. Columba’s			The Parish
Sat 15 Mar
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Joe Blundell RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Tony Laydon
Sun 16 Mar
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Aquiles Paras 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 Saturday 8 March at 5.00p.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 Bernadette Shaw. Rosezalia Damah, Glenys Martin, Colette Johnson and Michael Craven, as well as their families and friends.  Requiem Masses will be held for Bernadette at St Columba’s on 11 March at 12.30p.m. and for Colette  at St Theresa’s on Monday 17 March at 12.15p.m. Requiem Mass for Michael will be held at St Columba’s on 31 March at 12p.m.

ANNIVERSARIES
Florence Southall, James John McCafferty, Agnes Jones, Mavis Gibson, Charles Buckley, John James Tully, Doreen Brenda Grainger, Jean Alice Hickman.

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:
The Pope on Church Unity
In January, Pope Francis noted that the Nicene Creed, which we say most Sundays “is a common profession of faith that transcends all the divisions that have riven the Body of Christ over the centuries “Let us rediscover the common roots of the faith. Let us preserve unity!”

” Dear brothers and sisters, this is the time to find in Christ Jesus the way to unity… let us never grow tired of bearing witness, before all peoples, to the only-begotten Son of God, the source of all our hope.”

Through Churches Together in Upton (CTU), we try to work towards unity with our fellow Christians in Holy Ascension Anglican Church and the United Reformed Church, both our near neighbours.

On March 30 at 4.30pm we will celebrate “With Christ to Calvary” at St Columba’s, with our CTU friends. This Way of the Cross will be a memorable Lenten prayer for unity. Please try to come. The service will last about 30 minutes with refreshments to follow.

PRAYING TOGETHER
Pray:

• For the residents of Kingsway West, Rutland Place, Kent Road, Meynell Place, Marlowe Close, Palgrave Close and Tennyson Walk.
• For the Growth Groups, Bible Study Groups and nurturing groups.
• For a deepening of faith and awareness of Christ in us all

RECONCILIATION SERVICE
There will be a Reconciliation Service on Tuesday 18 March at 7p.m. at St Columba’s.  If anyone requires a lift from St Theresa’s to St Columba’s, please put your name on the list at the back of church.

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 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.
9 March – Lina Greig, Hopeful Ugandan Hearts
16 March – Chris & Elizabeth, Tombola
23 March – 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 10.00a.m. every day of the Novena except Sunday, when it is at 11.00a.m. 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.

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

CAFOD LENT APPEAL – FAMILY FAST DAY COLLECTION – 14 MARCH
Please donate to our Family Fast Day parish collection and 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. Use the 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.

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

PARISH OFFERTORY
Loose Plate: £547.08; Planned Giving £234.00; Average weekly SO £555.00. Candles: £36.22; Wedneday morning badminton £200.

APPEAL BY EMPOWERING VULNERABLE CHILDREN (EVC) UGANDA – WEEKEND OF 1-2 MARCH
It was a great pleasure to make our appeals in St Columba’s and St Theresa’s. We thank you for your very warm and friendly welcome. The amount collected was £437.97, an exceptional and very generous donation. All money collected will go directly towards our projects in Uganda and will make a real and immediate difference to the education and lives of the children. Be assured of the children’s prayers. God bless, Phil and Gordon on behalf of EVC Uganda.

PARISH RETREAT
There will be a Parish retreat on Saturday 15 March from 10a.m – 1p.m. in St Columba’s Hall. All invited. This will be on: “Understanding the biblical roots of a Jubilee year and what it means for this current Jubilee of 2025”.  Jane Deegan from the Diocese will lead this Retreat, which is open to all. If anyone needs a lift from St Theresa’s to St Columba’s please put your name on the list at the back of church.

MALANKARA JACOBITE SYRIAC ORTHODOX COMMUNITY CHESTER
Every other Saturday morning this group have a Mass at 9.30a.m. at St Theresa’s.

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.

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS
As part of our PDP the Pastoral Council would like to offer transport to Mass for any parishioners who may require this. Before doing so we need to gather a small team of willing volunteer drivers.  Perhaps this could be a personal commitment in recognition of the Jubilee Year?   It is not expected that driving duty would occur very frequently so if you think you could help please contact one of the Parish offices with your details. Thanks to all. 

SPECIAL ANNIVERSARIES
If anyone has a special wedding anniversary this year, 25^th, 40^th, 50^th or 60^th please inform one of the church offices in order to receive your invitation from the Diocese to a special Mass later this year.

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.

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 16 March edition will be compiled by Harry Sweeney.  Phone: 01244 327462 or email: harrysweeney45@gmail.com. Please include a phone number in case of queries, and please ensure that are also emailed to Fr William or phoned to the compiler by 9.00 a.m. on WEDNESDAY 12 March 2025

The month of March is dedicated to St Joseph

EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

2 MARCH 2025

Sat 1 Mar
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Malankara Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Community Mass
	5.00pm		May & George Littler RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Anne McManus
Sun 2 Mar			Day of Special Prayer for the unemployed
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Ronald Williams RIP
	2.00pm		Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Mon 3 Mar`
St. Theresa’s			Owain & Jackie Dale-Jones & Family
St. Columba’s	10.30am		Ursula Youell
Tue 4 Mar
St. Theresa’s			Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s			Parishioners’ Intentions
Wed 5 Mar			ASH WEDNESDAY
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		St Theresa’s School
St. Columba’s	10.30am		Pauline Galvin
	7.00pm		The Parish
Thu 6 Mar
St. Theresa’s			Sylvia & Glen Kelly & Family
St. Columba’s			Priests’ Intentions
Fri 7 Mar			World Day of Prayer
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Stations of the Cross
St. Theresa’s	10.00am		Peter Lloyd RIP
St. Columba’s			Parishioners’ Intentions
Sat 8 Mar
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		John Slinger
Sun 9 Mar			Fist Sunday of Lent
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Kay Daly’s Intentions. Renewal Commitment for Altar Servers
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Eddie George 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 2^nd 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 are willing to help with this please contact one of the church offices.  Thank you.
www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa

Warning: road closures Sunday morning 9 March, including Parkgate Rd, Countess Way, Blacon Ave, for MBNA 10k road race. You may have trouble getting to the church.

RECENTLY DECEASED
Please remember in your prayers Bernadette Shaw. Rosezalia Damah, Glenys Martin and Colette Johnson, as well as their families and friends.  Requiem Masses will be held for Bernadette at St Columba’s on 11^th March at 12.30pm and for Colette  at St Theresa’s on Monday 17^th March at 12.15pm.

ANNIVERSARIES
Pauline Ann Roberts, Florence Southall, James John McCafferty, Agnes Jones, Florence Childs, Kathleen Watts, Christine Elizabeth Scanlan

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. 

HYMN AFTER COMMUNION – 11am MASS
I love you Lord, and I lift my voice
to worship you, O my soul rejoice.
Take joy, my King in what you hear,
may it be a sweet, sweet sound in your ear.

CHURCH NEWS JUBILEE YEAR MESSAGE Jubilee News: The Word of God “The Gospel is a word of joy, summoning us to mutual acceptance and fellowship, as we make our pilgrim journey towards the Kingdom of God.” Pope Francis offered that reminder at Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica in January. “Jesus is the living Word in whom all the Scriptures find their fulfilment,” he said. “In the sacred Liturgy, we open our hearts and minds to listen to Him.” Speaking off-the-cuff, the Pope said that listening and understanding the Scriptures is not enough. Rather, the Word of God must bring us to experience “amazement,” so that it may enter our hearts and renew us. Prayer Group for Lent: Lectio Divina (Sacred Reading) This prayer group met during Advent and will meet again during Lent. You are invited to join us for 30 minutes of (mostly) silent prayer over a gospel reading for Lent. Do not be put off by the Latin title which is simply the traditional name for this kind of prayer where the aim is to listen for what God is asking of us.  We shall meet at 11 a.m. in the Iona Chapel on Friday mornings, for the six weeks of Lent: March 7, 14, 21, 28, April 4, 11. You can come for as many or as few as you wish.  For more information contact marilyn.coyle44@gmail.com

PARISH OFFERTORY
Loose Plate: £543.88; Planned Giving £212.30; Average weekly SO £555.00. Candles: £36.22; Piety Stall £119.26; SPUC collection: £142.69.

PRAYING TOGETHER
Pray for:

• the residents of Ellesmere Avenue, Pensby Avenue, Kendal Close, Shelley Road, Coleridge Close, Stearns Close and Housman Close.
• For Pax Christi, Saving to Share, Mission Groups, Christian Aid, CAFOD and Traidcraft.
• For our mission in the wider church.

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.

2 Mar – volunteers please
9 Mar – Lina Greig, Hopeful Ugandan Hearts
16 Mar – Chris & Elizabeth, Tombola

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
World Day of Prayer Service is on Friday March 7 2025 at Holy Ascension Church, Upton Chester at 10.30am. A welcome to everyone followed by refreshments.

NATIONAL NOVENA TO ST JOSEPH 10-18 MAR 2025
The National Novena to St Joseph will take place from 10th-18th 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. Masses are at 10.00am every day of the Novena except Sunday, when it is at 11.00am. and are available to follow on Zoom, via the Mill Hill website: www.millhillmissionaries.com/novena.  

You are welcome to send in your petitions and/or to request a Novena prayer booklet (£1). By writing to the Novena Director at 6 Colby Gardens, Maidenhead, SL6 7GZ, or email novenamhm@gmail.com

PARISH RETREAT
There will be a Parish retreat on Saturday 15^th March from 10a.m – 1p.m. in St Columba’s Hall. All invited. This will be on: “Understanding the biblical roots of a Jubilee year and what it means for this current Jubilee of 2025”.  Jane Deegan from the Diocese will lead this Retreat, which is open to all. 
If anyone needs a lift from St Theresa’s to St Columba’s please put your name on the list at the back of church.

RECONCILIATION SERVICE
There will be a Reconciliation Service on Tuesday 18 March at 7pm at St Columba’s.  If anyone requires a lift from St Theresa’s to St Columba’s, please put your name on the list at the back of church.

FRIENDSHIP THURSDAY: NEW FRIENDSHIP GROUP
The Communications group realised that many people, including those new to the parish, would welcome further opportunities to get out of the house and meet others. The new Friendship Thursday group hopes to meet some of this need. Initaily it will be mounthly, beginning on Thursday, March 6^th in St Columba’s Hall, from 1.30-3.30p.m.. There will be refreshments, a chance to chat and get to know others, opportunities to play Dominoes, Scrabble or Cards, also a free book swap where you bring one/take one and we hope to have guest speakers to talk about their interest or skill. Any adult is welcome and if you feel nervous about coming alone, bring a friend! It will be relaxed, friendly and welcoming. Come and give it a try! For information ring Lyn 07735574397

YOUTH GROUP

Our next meeting will be on Monday 17th March, starting at 7pm in the Iona chapel and finishing at 8.30pm in St. Columba’s hall. The theme will be St. Patrick and St. Joseph, we will also design easter cards for the SVP, 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 01244379742 if you need a lift.

CHRISTIAN AID LENT LUNCHES  begin on Monday March 10th. 12 noon – 1.30pm at Wesley Methodist church, St John St. See poster in church porch for more dates and venues.

CAFOD FAMILY FAST DAY – 14 MARCH
Please donate to our Family Fast Day parish collection and 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. Use the 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 11 am 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 Stcolumbaschurch2016@outlook.com, ideally before Tuesday 1st 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.

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

EMPOWERING VULNERABLE CHILDREN (EVC) UGANDA APPEAL – 1/2 MARCH 
EVC raises funds so that desperately poor children in Uganda can attend school. In addition, we have helped build 2 primary schools in this impoverished area. We would like to update you on our work since our last appeal in St Columba’s and St Theresa’s and thank you for your kind generosity and continued support for our charity.

LOURDES 2025 PILGRIMAGE
Bookings for our 2025 Jubilee Pilgrimage to Lourdes are now open. The brochure and booking forms are available to download from the Pilgrimage website www.shrewsburypilgrimage.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.

CHESTER & ELLESMERE PORT KERALA CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
Every Sunday at 2.00p.m., the Chester & Ellesmere Port Kerala Catholic Community now have a Mass in St Columba’s in the Syro – Malabar Rite. All are welcome.

MALANKARA JACOBITE SYRIAC ORTHODOX COMMUNITY CHESTER
Every other Saturday morning this group have a Mass at 9.30am at St Theresa’s.

Thought for the week:  ‘When someone is cruel or acts like a bully, you do not stoop to their level.  Our motto is when they go low, you go high’ – Michelle Obama

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.

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS
As part of our PDP the Pastoral Council would like to offer transport to Mass for any parishioners who may require this. Before doing so we need to gather a small team of willing volunteer drivers.  Perhaps this could be a personal commitment in recognition of the Jubilee Year?   It is not expected that driving duty would occur very frequently so if you think you could help please contact one of the Parish offices with your details. Thanks to all. 

SPECIAL ANNIVERSARIES
If anyone has a special wedding anniversary this year, 25^th, 40^th, 50^th or 60^th please inform one of the church offices in order to receive your invitation from the Diocese to a special Mass later this year.

RECRUITMENT
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  

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 9 March 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 submissions are also emailed to Fr William or phoned to the compiler by 9.00 a.m. on WEDNESDAY 5 March 2025

The month of February is dedicated to the Holy Family

SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

23 FEBRUARY 2025

Sat 22 Feb
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Joe Blundell RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Eileen Hordley (Birthday Thanksgiving)
Sun 23 Feb
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Richard Murphy RIP
	2.00pm		Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Mon 24 Feb
St. Theresa’s			Emma & Dean Sweeney & Family
St. Columba’s	10.30am		Anne & Ursula Youell
Tue 25 Feb
St. Theresa’s			Anna & Ryan McMahon & Family
St. Columba’s			Parishioners’ Intentions
Wed 26 Feb
St. Theresa’s			Constance & Joseph Rowlands
St. Columba’s	9.30am		Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am		Novena Prayers
	10.30am		Christine Kadash RIP
Thu 27 Feb
St. Theresa’s			Nicola & Jonny Lally & Family
St. Columba’s			Priests’ Intentions
Fri 28 Feb
St. Theresa’s	10.00am		Peggy McHugh RIP
St. Columba’s			The Parish
Sat 1 Mar
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Syriac Orthodox Community
	5.00pm		May & George Littler RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Anne McManus
Sun 2 Mar			Day of Special Prayer For the Unemployed
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Ronald Williams 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 Columba’s on Sunday 23^rd February 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 DESEASED
Please remember in your prayers Bernadette Shaw, as well as her family and friends.

ANNIVERSARIES
John Stead,  Jayne Lesley McElwaine,  Janet Irene McMahon and Pauline Ann Roberts.

POPE’S FEBRUARY PRAYER INTENTIONS
For February – For vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Let us pray that the ecclesial community might welcome the desires and doubts of those young people who feel a call to serve Christ’s mission in the priesthood and religious life. 

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 YEAR MESSAGE Jubilee Year: Working to translate hope into peace Pope Francis explains that this requires helping all those facing difficulties in life “to look to the future with hope,” which in turn involves supporting “initiatives and paths” that can help the poor and excluded to regain confidence “in themselves and society.” “The poor and the sick, the young and the elderly, migrants and displaced people, even those deprived of their freedom, must be at the centre of our considerations,” he insisted, “so that no one is excluded and everyone’s human dignity is respected.” Christ said, “What you did to the least of these my brethren, that you did to me,”. This invites Christians to recognize the image of God in every man and woman, who are called to be “brothers and sisters” in the human family, and children of God. Possible focus for our prayer: What do I do to help the least of my brethren? Taken from the Vatican website, reported by Christopher Wells

RECONCILIATION SERVICE – 18 March
There will be a Reconciliation Service on Tuesday 18 March at 7pm at St Columba’s.  If anyone requires a lift from St Theresa’s to St Columba’s, please put your name on the list at the back of church.

PARISH OFFERTORY
Loose Plate: £483.30; Planned Giving £211.70; Average weekly SO £555.00. Candles: £37.38.
SPUC collection: £166.26

EMPOWERING VULNERABLE CHILDREN (EVC) UGANDA
There will be a talk on this and a retiring collection NEXT weekend of  1^ST & 2^ND March.

PRAYING TOGETHER
Pray for:

• Pray for the residents of Rosewood Avenue, Whitby Avenue, Egerton Drive, Donne Place, Kipling Road, Wordsworth Mews and Wordsworth Square.
• For those on the brass and flower rotas and those who distribute flowers.
• For those who clean our churches and halls.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA
The coffee rota for 2025 is on the noticeboard in St Columba’s Hall. Just write your details on the calendar. 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 Feb – Barbara & Di, CWL
2 Mar – volunteers please
9 Mar – volunteers please

NEEDLES & PINS – Wed 26 FEBRUARY
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.

LIFT NEEDED
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.  This is only every other weekend until Fr Peter passes his British driving test.  Please contact St Columba’s office if you are willing to help.

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.

PARISH RETREAT
There will be a Parish retreat on Saturday 15 March from 10a.m – 1p.m. in St Columba’s Hall. All invited. This will be on: “Understanding the biblical roots of a Jubilee year and what it means for this current Jubilee of 2025”. If anyone needs a lift from St Theresa’s to St Columba’s please put your name on the list at the back of church.

FRIENDSHIP THURSDAY: NEW FRIENDSHIP GROUP
The Communications group realised that many people, including those new to the parish, would welcome further opportunities to get out of the house and meet others. The new Friendship Thursday group hopes to meet some of this need. Initaily it will be mounthly, beginning on Thursday, March 6^th in St Columba’s Hall, from 1.30-3.30p.m.. There will be refreshments, a chance to chat and get to know others, opportunities to play Dominoes, Scrabble or Cards, also a free book swap where you bring one/take one and we hope to have guest speakers to talk about their interest or skill. Any adult is welcome and if you feel nervous about coming alone, bring a friend! It will be relaxed, friendly and welcoming. Come and give it a try! For information ring Lyn 07735574397

LOURDES 2025 PILGRIMAGE
Bookings for our 2025 Jubilee Pilgrimage to Lourdes are now open. The brochure and booking forms are available to download from the Pilgrimage website www.shrewsburypilgrimage.co.uk .

CLEANATHON
Sunday 2 March some parishioners are planning to clean the chairs in St. Columba’s Hall after 11.00a.m. Mass. If you have any portable/steam/cleaning equipment, please bring it along. Also happy to have extra help.     

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. 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.

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS
As part of our PDP the Pastoral Council would like to offer transport to Mass for any parishioners who may require this. Before doing so we need to gather a small team of willing volunteer drivers.  Perhaps this could be a personal commitment in recognition of the Jubilee Year?   It is not expected that driving duty would occur very frequently so if you think you could help please contact one of the Parish offices with your details. Thanks to all. 

CHESTER & ELLESMERE PORT KERALA CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
Every Sunday at 2.00p.m., the Chester & Ellesmere Port Kerala Catholic Community now have a Mass in St Columba’s in the Syro – Malabar Rite. All are welcome.

MALANKARA JACOBITE SYRIAC ORTHODOX COMMUNITY CHESTER
Every other Saturday morning this group have a Mass at 9.30am at St Theresa’s.

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.

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

SPECIAL ANNIVERSARIES
If anyone has a special wedding anniversary this year, 25^th, 40^th, 50^th or 60^th please inform one of the church offices in order to receive your invitation from the Diocese to a special Mass later this year.

NATIONAL NOVENA TO ST JOSEPH 10-18TH MAR 2025
The National Novena to St Joseph will take place from 10th-18th 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. Masses are at 10.00am every day of the Novena except Sunday, when it is at 11.00am. and are available to follow on Zoom, via the Mill Hill website: www.millhillmissionaries.com/novena.  You are welcome to send in your petitions and/or to request a Novena prayer booklet (£1). By writing to the Novena Director at 6 Colby Gardens, Maidenhead, SL6 7GZ, or email novenamhm@gmail.com

Community Film @Hoole URC. 
Next film 7 March, Ordinary Angels (2024, 12A). Doors open at 1.40 pm, showing 2pm. All welcome. Small fee, drinks at the interval. 

Thought for the week
“It isn’t enough to talk about peace; one must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it; one must work at it.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

JOB VACANCY
A vacancy has arisen for a Parish Secretary at St Clare’s Parish, Downsfield Road, Chester. CH4 8HH.  4 hours per week @ £14 per hour.  For further details, please see the Diocesan Website https://www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org/latest-vacancies/ CV and covering letter should be sent to Pauline McCulloch recruitment@dioceseofshrewsbury.org Closing date Friday 28 February 2025

RECRUITMENT
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  

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER: Sunday 2 March edition will be compiled byMuriel Green, phone: 01244 383836 or email: muriel.green1@btinternet.com. 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 26 February 2025