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

The month of February is dedicated to the Holy Family

SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

16  FEBRUARY 2025

Sat 15 Feb
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Maureen & Michael Cheston
	9.30am		Syriac Orthodox Mass
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Patricia Duggan RIP
Sun 16 Feb			Day of Special Prayer for Racial Justice
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Jenny Casey’s Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Tom Laydon
	2.00pm		Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Mon 17 Feb			St Scholastica, V. Mem.
St. Theresa’s			Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	10.30am		Eddie, Adam & Elwell Family
Tue 18 Feb
St. Theresa’s			Anne McCarthy RIP
St. Columba’s			Parishioners’ Intentions
Wed 19 Feb
St. Theresa’s			Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	9.30am		Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am		Novena Prayers
	10.30am		Mary Jeffes
Thu 20 Feb
St. Theresa’s			Anne Wilding RIP
St. Columba’s			Priests’ Intentions
Fri 21 Feb
St. Theresa’s	10.00am		Margaret & Joseph Russell’s Wedding Anniversary
St. Columba’s			The Parish
Sat 22 Feb			Chair of St Peter, Ap
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		Jenny Casey’s Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Richard Murphy, Altar Servers’ Enrolment
	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

ANNIVERSARIES
Eileen Thornber, Charles Edward Davis, George Thomas Noden, Elizabeth Mary Freeman.

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. 

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS
Mass will be streamed at St Columba’s on Sunday 16 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

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

PARISH OFFERTORY
Loose Plate: £514.31; Planned Giving £227.82; Average weekly SO £555.00. Candles: £28.00.

PRAYING TOGETHER
Pray for:

• the residents of Shepherds Lane, Thornton Drive, The Beeches, Windermere Avenue, Barnes Close, Morgan Close, & Blake Close.
• For the Growth Action Planning in our churches, Commitment for Life, Vision4Life and Fresh Expressions

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

SPUC
There will be a retiring collection at St Columba’s this weekend of 15^th/16^th February for the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children.  St Theresa’s has previously  held theirs.

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. The form can be completed and submitted online or downloaded and printed out. Instructions are on the form, which can also 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.

Coffee and tea (and sometimes cakes) are served in the Hall after the 11 am mass at St Columba’s and the 9.30 mass at St Theresa’s and after the 10.30 mass at St Columba’s on Monday and Wednesday. You will be most welcome to join us.

Lyn Coyle, Communications Group

MRS GRIFFITHS LEAVING MASS – 13 FEBRUARY
Thanks to everyone who came along to this last week, We wish her a long and happy retirement.

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”.

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS
As part of our Parish Development Plan 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 volunteer drivers who would be willing to undertake this service.  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. 
Nuala Keegan, on behalf of the Pastoral Council.

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.

 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.

FRIENDSHIP THURSDAY: NEW FRIENDSHIP GROUP
It became clear to the Communications group that many people would welcome further opportunities to get out of the house and meet others. This would also be helpful to those new to the parish. The new Friendship Thursday group hopes to meet some of this need. It will begin once a month, beginning on Thursday, March 6^th in St Columba’s Hall, from 1.30-3.30. There will be refreshments, a chance to chat and get to know others, opportunities to play Dominoes, Scrabble or Cards for those who want to. There will also be 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

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK, Where there is love, there is joy. Mother Teresa

THANK YOU – to everyone who has donated clothing and bedding to Chester Aid to the Homeless, a massive thank you, the donations have been much appreciated.  Our stores are currently full and we are unable to take any additional donations at the moment.  

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.

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

AN IMPORTANT THANK YOU TO PATRICK GALVIN
In April last year, Patrick Galvin responded to our request for wool for Fish & Chip Babies by donating seven huge boxes of his late wife, Pauline’s wool. This included crochet and knitting patterns, many needles, buttons and all her other equipment. We can now say all the wool has been distributed to our knitters, and hundreds of recipients all over the world have benefited from the various garments made. Thank you so much, Patrick. A Mass will be said for Pauline.

LIVERPOOL ANGLICAN CATHEDRAL EXHIBITION: THREADS THROUGH THE BIBLE
The cathedral has a magnificent exhibition on display currently, Threads through the Bible. It’s a silk wall hanging exhibit by textile artist Jacqui Parkinson, which took 10 years to make. There are three extraordinary displays:

• Threads through Creation
• Threads through the Cross
• Threads through Revelation

Totalling 44 beautiful silk panels, it really is well worth a visit, available 16th January – 2nd March

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER: Sunday 23 February 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 are also emailed to Fr William or phoned to the compiler by 9.00 a.m. on WEDNESDAY 26 February 2025

The month of February is dedicated to the Holy Family

FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

9 FEBRUARY 2025

Sat 8 Feb
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Tony McHugh RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Margery Whatmough RIP
Sun 9 Feb
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Keegan Family
	2.00pm		Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Mon 10 Feb			St Scholastica, V. Mem.
St. Theresa’s			Rod, Josie, David, Gillian Intentions
St. Columba’s	10.30am		Sean McCabe
Tue 11 Feb			World Day of Prayer for the Sick
St. Theresa’s			Katherine Gannon RIP
St. Columba’s			Parishioners’ Intentions
Wed 12 Feb
St. Theresa’s			Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	9.30am		Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am		Novena Prayers
	10.30am		Mary Sugrue
Thu 13 Feb
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		School Mass for Mrs Griffiths
St. Columba’s			Priests’ Intentions
Fri 14 Feb			Ss Cyril, MK and Methodius, B. Feast. Day of Special Prayer for Europe
St. Theresa’s	10.00am		Gillian Prescott RIP
St. Columba’s			The Parish
Sat 15 Feb
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Syriac Orthodox Mass
	5.00pm		Maureen & Michael Cheston
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Patricia Duggan RIP
Sun 16 Feb			Day of Special Prayer for Racial Justice
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Jenny Casey’s Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Tony Laydon
	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 9 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

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. 

ANNIVERSARIES
Lt. Lynda Taylor, Eileen Thornber, Mavis Lillian Shaw, Mary Geeleher.

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: £573.82; Planned Giving £336.41; Average weekly SO £555.00. Candles: £28.00.

PRAYING TOGETHER
Pray for:

• the residents of Gayton Close, Denhall Close, Moorhouse Close, Milton Road, Mostyn Place, Crabwell Place, Byron Close, and Thomas Close.
• the Scouts, Venture Scouts, Cub Scouts and Beavers, the Ranger Guides, Guides, Brownies, Rainbows, Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Brigade.

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

SPUC
There will be a retiring collection at St Columba’s on the weekend of 15/16 February for the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children.

CHURCH NEWS JUBILEE YEAR MESSAGE Pope at Second Jubilee Audience: ‘To hope is to turn around to God’ At his second Jubilee Catechesis on Saturday, Feb 1st, Pope Francis offered a reflection on the meaning of conversion, hope and the transformative power of faith, Conversion, he explained is a “change of direction,” that allows us to change the way we see things in our lives. It is not a one-time event but an ongoing process in which we repeatedly turn away from old ways of thinking and embrace new possibilities. Pope Francis highlighted the figure of Mary Magdalene who embodies the power of divine mercy. “In the Gospels, the figure of Mary Magdalene stands out above all others for this. Jesus healed her with mercy (cf. Lk 8:2), and she changed: the mercy brought her into God’s dreams and gave new purpose to her journey.” The Pope focused on John’s account of the Magdalene’s meeting with the Risen Christ, drawing attention to the repeated mention of Mary “turning around”. Initially, she is focused on the empty tomb, lost in grief, unable to recognize Jesus standing before her. But when she hears Him call her by name, she turns once again—this time with a new understanding: she no longer sees death and despair, but life and hope.   Can we make this time of Lent a time to turn ever more sincerely to God? Taken from the Vatican news website Parish Communications Group

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. The form can be completed and submitted online or downloaded and printed out. Instructions are on the form, which can also be found in the front porches of both churches and on the website www.sscolumbaandthersa.co.uk under the I’m New tab. Thank you.

Coffee and tea (and sometimes cakes) are served in the Hall after the 11 am mass at St Columba’s and the 9.30 mass at St Theresa’s and after the 10.30 mass at St Columba’s on Monday and Wednesday. You will be most welcome to join us.

Lyn Coyle, Communications Group

HEALING MASS AT ST WERBURGH’S
Sunday 9 February, 2.30p.m., with an opportunity for the Sacrament of the Sick at the end. Refreshments afterwards. Everyone warmly welcome.

MRS GRIFFITHS LEAVING MASS – 13 FEBRUARY
On Thursday 13 February at 9.30am there will be a leaving Mass for Mrs Griffiths.  Mrs Griffiths has worked at St Theresa’s Primary School for 25 years and is now retiring.  We wish her a long and happy retirement.

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”.

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS
As part of our Parish Development Plan 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 volunteer drivers who would be willing to undertake this service.  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. 
Nuala Keegan, on behalf of the Pastoral Council.

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.

OUR PARISH YOUTH
Our next Youth Group meeting is on Monday 10 February at 7pm until 8.30pm at St Columba’s. Young people in school Year 5 or above are very welcome to join us for faith, fun, friendship…and biscuits! If you need a lift, or more information, please call Denise Lusk (01244 379742), Richard Curtis (+44 7787 782255) or Ann McCarthy (+44 7751 970388)

LOURDES ROADSHOW
In this Jubilee Year of 2025, Bishop Mark has asked that our diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes will be our Jubilee Pilgrimage. To help raise the profile of the pilgrimage and to answer any questions your parishioners might have, we have organised two roadshows for those who are interested in joining our annual diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes. The next roadshow will be on 15 February 2pm-4pm St Anthony’s, Wythenshawe. Information and register of interest cards will be available, and members of the Lourdes Management Team will be present to answer any questions.

PRIEST RETIREMENT FUND – THANK YOU
Thank you for your generous donations recently which amounted to £381.42.

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
“Challenges are gifts that force us to search for a new centre of gravity. Don’t fight them. Just find a new way to stand.” – Oprah Winfrey.

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.

HIGHLIGHT FROM THE HIGH
During the Jubilee Year, the chaplain and the students at the CHS would like to hear from parishioners about ideas on how the school could bring hope to our community. Any ideas, please email Ana to gasparinia@christofidelis.org.uk. Thank you to those who already emailed fantastic ideas!

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.

ZUMBATHON
On Saturday 15th February, I will be hosting a Zumbathon for Hopeful Ugandan Hearts to raise funds for two Orphanages in Uganda. Children need to go back to school and we’d like to raise funds for school fees.   From 11am-1pm two hours of Zumba Gold and Zumba fitness.  £10 adults and £5 Children 6+. We’ll have amazing prizes in our Raffle!!!   All moves welcome!!! Help us to get the children back to school. Pay at the door or contact Lina Greig 07837512544 for more information.  

LIVERPOOL ANGLICAN CATHEDRAL EXHIBITION: THREADS THROUGH THE BIBLE
The cathedral has a magnificent exhibition on display currently, Threads through the Bible. It’s a silk wall hanging exhibit by textile artist Jacqui Parkinson, which took 10 years to make. There are three extraordinary displays:
• Threads through Creation
• Threads through the Cross
• Threads through Revelation
Totalling 44 beautiful silk panels, it really is well worth a visit, available 16th January – 2nd March

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.

AN IMPORTANT THANK YOU TO PATRICK GALVIN
In April last year, Patrick Galvin responded to our request for wool for Fish & Chip Babies by donating seven huge boxes of his late wife, Pauline’s wool. This included crochet and knitting patterns, many needles, buttons and all her other equipment. We can now say all the wool has been distributed to our knitters, and hundreds of recipients all over the world have benefited from the various garments made. Thank you so much, Patrick. A Mass will be said for Pauline.

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER: Sunday 16 February 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 are also emailed to Fr William or phoned to the compiler by 9.00 a.m. on WEDNESDAY 12 February 2025