The month of August is dedicated to The Immaculate Heart of Mary

21st SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

23 AUGUST 2026

Saturday 22nd August
St Theresa’s	5.00pm	Nicholas Huber RIP
St Columba’s	6.30pm	Philip Francis RIP
Sunday 23rd August
St Theresa’s	9.30am	Parishioners’ Intentions
St Columba’s	11.00am	Niall Sullivan RIP
	2.00pm	Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Monday 24th August – St Bartholomew Feast
St Theresa’s		Andrew Lester RIP
St Columba’s	10.30am	Mary Ryan
Tuesday 25th August
St Theresa’s		Private Intention (RM}
St Columba’s		NO MASS
Wednesday 26th August
St Theresa’s		Steve & Ann Gannon’s Wedding Anniv.
St Columba’s	9.30am	Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am	Novena Prayers
	10.30am	Danny Glynn
Thursday 27th August
St Theresa’s		Priests’ Intentions
St Columba’s		Priests’ Intentions
Friday 28th August
St Theresa’s	10.00am	Requiem Mass for Mary (Mae) Dunne RIP
St Columba’s	1.00pm	Requiem Mass for Margaret Patino Pan RIP
Saturday  29th August
St Theresa’s	5.00pm	Parishioners’ Intentions
St Columba’s	6.30pm	Sandra Brookfield RIP
Sunday August  30th August
St Theresa’s	9.30am	Stephen James Taylor RIP
St Columba’s	11.00am	Philip Francis RIP

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS – Mass will be streamed at St Columba’s on Sunday 23 August at 11a.m.

RECENTLY DECEASED – Please remember in your prayers, Peter Cunniff and Margaret Patino Pan, and Mae Dunne. Mae’s Requiem Mass will be held at St. Theresa’s Church at 10.00am on Friday 28 August Margaret’s Requiem Mass is at St. Columba’s Church on Friday 28 August at 1.00 p.m.

ANNIVERSARIES – Nicholas Huber, Stephen James Taylor and Patricia Mary Blythe.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR AUGUST –FOR EVANGELIZATION IN THE CITY. Let us pray that in large cities often marked by anonymity and loneliness we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel, discovering creative paths to build community.

CONFESSIONS – After each weekday Mass until 11.30a.m.
On Saturdays:
St Columba’s    6.00p.m. – 6.25p.m.
St Theresa’s     4.30p.m. – 4.55p.m.

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

CHILDREN’S LITURGY – The Children’s Liturgy normally happens at the 11a.m. service at St Columba’s on the 1^st and 3^rd Sundays of each month. See the parish website under the Family tab.

PARISH OFFERTORY – Loose Plate: £TBC; Planned Giving: £TBC; Average weekly SO £TBC. Dona Stations: £TBC.  Thank you for your kind generosity.

ST COLUMBA’S OFFICE – St Columba’s office is officially closeduntil 31 August, but urgent matters are being dealt with through the kind services of Carol Galvin on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays only, between 9am and 12pm.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK – “My plea to people would be: take off those earpieces so you hear nature and, of course, birdsong. You may not realise how precious it is until it’s gone.”  Bill Oddie

PRAYING TOGETHER FOR 

• the residents of Oakfield Drive, Flag Lane South, Upton Lane, Weldon Close, Cotes Place, Bridgeman Road, Stubbs Place, and South Way. 
• For the Wardens, Deputy Wardens, Sides persons and Collectors.
• For our Churches being welcoming to newcomers.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA – We need volunteers every Sunday after 11:00 Mass. To raise money for your good cause, please put your details on the sheet and let Margaret Curtis know on 01244 318424 or marg.curtis@outlook.com
23 Aug – Hopeful Ugandan Hearts,  Lina Greig 
30 Aug – volunteers please 
06 Sept – volunteers please 
There will be coffee and cakes for sale today, 23 August.

Please contact your MP to oppose assisted suicid e- The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which seeks to legalise assisted suicide, will return to the House of Commons for its Second Reading and vote on Friday, 11 September 2026. The Bishops’ Conference is urging Catholics to contact their MP and ask them to oppose the Bill. Archbishop Richard Moth has warned that it could place vulnerable people under pressure to end their lives and could create serious difficulties for health and social care staff, hospices and care homes. Please make your voice heard. Even if you have contacted your MP previously, please consider doing so again. The charity Right to Life UK provides a simple online facility to contact your MP by entering your postcode.For information and to take action, visit: cbcew.org.uk/opposing-assisted-suicide (Bishops Conference of England  Wales website) righttolife.org.uk/Sept11vote  Contact details for Chester MP – Samantha Dixon, email samantha.dixon.mp@parliament.uk, constituency office, The Bluecoat, Upper Northgate St, Chester CH1 4EE; Parliamentary office, House of Commons London SW1A 0AAPlease read posters in our churches.

EXAM RESULTS – to all of our students, wishing you all the very best as your exam results are made available to you.  Wishing you every success for your future, whatever that may hold for you. Dream Big. Good luck.

NEEDLES & PINS – Wed 26 Aug – 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.

FR WILLIAM is available to meet with parishioners after 10.30 Mass on Mondays and Wednesdays, or can be contacted at St Theresa’s presbytery (details on top of Newsletter).  Thursday is his day off.

MARSH & PLESSINGTON, THE CHESTER MARTYRS – This is the theme for the next Churches Together Fifth Sunday service to be held in the Iona Chapel at 4.30 p.m. on Sunday 30 August.  Please join us in this short service together with our friends from the other Upton Churches.

ST THERESA’S ANNIVERSARY – The first Parish Priest was appointed to oversee the creation of St Theresa’s parish on 15 September 1956.  To celebrate this 70^th anniversary, there will be cream tea after 9.30am Mass on Sunday 13 September.  A bigger celebration to mark the building of the church will take place in 2028.
If anyone has any photos or information they would like to share with the parish, please let us know.  Please write your name and tel. no. on them so that the items can be returned.  Thank you.

SAVE THE DATE – 16 OCTOBER – There will be a family fun evening in St Theresa’s centre starting at 7:30pm. Watch this space for more details. 

CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING – (CST) is a body of moral doctrine developed by the Church on matters of social justice, poverty, and human rights. Rooted in Scripture and modern papal encyclicals starting with Pope Leo XIII’s 1891 Rerum Novarum, it provides a framework for building a just society and living out faith in the modern world. (CAFOD). So far we have briefly covered the principles of Human Dignity, Solidarity, the Care of Creation and the Common Good. This week……

Preferential Option for the Poor – The option for the poor reminds us of God’s preferential love for the poorest and most vulnerable people. God’s love is universal; he does not side with oppressors, but loves the humble. (CAFOD)
How we treat our most vulnerable people defines our values and principles. In a world where there are increasing divisions between rich and poor, our faith instructs us to put the needs of poor and vulnerable first for the sake of the common good. (Catholic Church in England and Wales).

CAFOD CAMPAIGN – Over the next few weeks, we are collecting signatures for a CAFOD petition about the global debt crisis which is causing terrible suffering for our brothers and sisters around the world. Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla from South Sudan has written to parishes in England and Wales to explain. A copy of the letter and petition forms to sign can be found in the church porches. Please take a moment as you leave church to lend your support. Thank you.

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER CAR SCHEME – DRIVERS NEEDED – Pat Riddell writes as Chair of Chester Parkinson’s UK: Many charities like ours organise and fund wonderful activities for our members, but our main difficulty is always transport. Before my diagnosis of Parkinson’s I was a volunteer driver for Lache Day Centre and more recently for MacMillan and I found both very rewarding. If you are a driver, with your own car and have some time to spare, you might be interested in volunteering for https://www.changing-lives-together.org.uk/ who are trying to set up a car scheme for the most vulnerable in our community. If you are interested please email: Sarah Jolliffe, the Community Transport Manager at Changing Lives with your contact details and a little information about yourself. Sarah.Jolliffe@changing-lives-together.org.uk  Thank you

DIOCESAN VACANCIES – Exciting new vacancies have arisen within the Diocese.  The Shrewsbury Youth Mission Team (SYMT) are recruiting for a Programme Coordinator and Team Member; both roles are full time based in Stockport.  The Curial office is also looking to recruit an Accounts Assistant, full time, based in Birkenhead.  CV’s to be sent to Pauline McCulloch recruitment@dioceseofshrewsbury.org  Closing date: Friday 18 September.  Further details for all vacancies can be found on the Diocesan website using this link https://dioceseofshrewsbury.org/careers

ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI, CHESTER – CHANGE OF MASS TIMES
From Sunday, 6 September 2026, the Sunday Mass schedule at St Francis, Chester, will change as follows: 
Saturday: 12.00 noon (English), 6.30 pm Vigil (English)
Sunday: 8.00 am Benedictine Abbey (English), 10.00 am (English), 5.00 pm (Polish).
Please note that the 12.00 noon Polish Mass will be celebrated for the final time on Sunday, 30 August. 
Weekday Masses remain at 12.00 noon (Monday–Saturday), with 9.00 am Mass at the Benedictine Abbey on Wednesdays.

CAFOD school volunteers needed! – Could you visit your local Catholic school to talk about the work of CAFOD? We are looking for volunteers to deliver school assemblies and workshops and inspire children and young people to make a difference and take action. For further information please contact Anna Letizia on 07710 094449 emailaletizia@cafod.org.uk

CLOTHING APPEAL – Our sincere thanks to the parishioners of both churches who responded so generously to the recent appeal for clothing and toys. The recipient has been overwhelmed by your kindness, and your generosity has helped her emotionally as well as practically during a very difficult time. As she is currently living in a single room, she has no space to store any further donations of clothing or household items. However, when more suitable accommodation becomes available, she will need furniture and essential household goods. The Parish SVP has very kindly offered to help by purchasing the specific items she will need at that time. If you would like to contribute, donations of cash would be greatly appreciated and may be placed in the baskets labelled SVP at the entrances to both churches. Thank you once again for your generosity and continued support.           Pauline Rourke

BADMINTON GROUP – The Parish Badminton Group meets on Thursdays from 7p.m. to 9p.m. in St Columba’s Hall and is looking for new members. Mixed group, all ages, all abilities welcome.

FOOD BANK DONATIONS – MORE NEEDED PLEASE – Donated food is taken to the West Cheshire Foodbank at Ellesmere Port every fortnight. Recently, volunteers at the warehouse have had to leave halfway through the day because they had run out of supplies. St Columba’s and St Theresa’s have been very generous in the past. Last time an appeal was made in the newsletter, the response was amazing and the Centre so grateful. As Pope Leo has said, the poor should be at the heart of the Church. Please give as generously as possible, especially UHT milk, Long-life juice, Pasta in sauce, Coffee, Tinned Meat, Pasta sauce, Tinned vegetables. Thank you so much. Your generosity makes all the difference

SAFETY IN ST COLUMBA’S PARISH HALL – Following feedback from parishioners and a review of health and safety arrangements in the parish hall, we would like to remind all who come for tea and coffee after the 11.00am Mass on Sundays of the following:

• Children should not enter or play on the stage area, nor touch the curtains, as this presents a safety risk.
• Children should not run around the hall, particularly when hot drinks are being served.

A box of games, colouring and drawing activities will be available for children; it will be kept behind the bar. We kindly ask parents and carers to return the items to the bar area afterwards. Children are very welcome in our parish community, and we hope that parents and carers will understand the need for these measures to help ensure that the hall remains a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. The Pastoral Council

MARRIAGE IN A RUT? – Or need help with deeper issues? Retrouvaille has helped thousands of couples find hope and healing in their marriage. Next dates: 2–4 October. www.retrouvaille.org.uk/info  Tel: 0788 7296983

CATHOLIC HOLIDAYS IN THE LAKE DISTRICT THIS SUMMER – During August and September, Castlerigg Manor in Keswick is opening its doors to families, groups of friends, or private individuals who are looking for an affordable stay in the Lake District. Breakfast and evening meal are provided, and Mass is celebrated on site. For more information check out castleriggmanor.com/stay-with-us or contact director@castleriggmanor.co.uk / 017687 72711

QUIET RETREATS FOR ADULTS THIS OCTOBER – During October half term, Castlerigg Manor is running a quiet retreat for individual adults who want to spend a few days of peace, relaxation, and prayer in the Lake District. Each day there will be a talk, Mass, and evening prayer, and then a lot of time to explore the area, pray, or just simply relax. Book at castleriggmanor.com/events or contact director@castleriggmanor.co.uk

ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH & HALL BOOKINGS To book the Church, Newman Room or Iona Chapel, contact Magdalena Bukowska at the Church Office 01244 624019, email stcolumbaschurch2016@outlook.com. Office hours Mon-Fri 9am to 2pmTo check Hall availability, visit the Church Hall calendar on the St Columba’s website, then contact Magdalena during office hours or email: columbashallbookings@gmail.com

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER – Sunday 30 August to be compiled by Rebecca Vaughan, phone 01244 318632, email: Rebecca_vghn@yahoo.co.uk. Deadline: 9am Wednesday 26 August. Please include a contact number with your notice and also email a copy to Fr William at st.theresas@btinternet.com

The month of August is dedicated to The Immaculate Heart of Mary

SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

16 AUGUST 2026

Saturday 15 August
St Theresa’s	9.30am	Malankara Jacobite Syriac Community
	5.00pm	Roy Gent RIP
St Columba’s	6.30pm	Pat Wilkinson RIP
Sunday 16 August
St Theresa’s	9.30am	Parishioners’ Intentions
St Columba’s	11.00am	Anne Morris
	2.00pm	Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Monday  17 August
St Theresa’s		Special Intention
St Columba’s	10.30am	Tony Walsh (Anniv)
Tuesday 18 August
St Theresa’s		Priests’ Intentions
St Columba’s	6.30pm	Parishioners’ Intentions
Wednesday 19 August
St Theresa’s		Private Intention
St Columba’s	9.30am	Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am	Novena Prayers
	10.30am	Private Intention (CT)
Thursday 20 August
St Theresa’s		All receiving Exam Resuts
St Columba’s		Priests’ Intentions
Friday 21 August
St Theresa’s	10.00am	Joe Blundell RIP
St Columba’s		The Parish
Saturday  22 August
St Theresa’s	5.00pm	Nicholas Huber RIP
St Columba’s	6.30pm	Philip Francis RIP
Sunday 23 August
St Theresa’s	9.30am	Parishioners’ Intentions
St Columba’s	11.00am	Parishioners’ Intentions
	2.00pm	Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS – Mass will be streamed at St Columba’s on Sunday 16 August at 11a.m.

RECENTLY DECEASED – Please remember in your prayers; Mae Dunne who died recently, and her family and friends.

ANNIVERSARIES – Sarah Jane Flynn, Stanley Wynne and Nicholas Huber.

POPES PRAYER INTENTION FOR AUGUST –FOR EVANGELIZATION IN THE CITY. Let us pray that in large cities often marked by anonymity and loneliness we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel, discovering creative paths to build community.

CONFESSIONS – After each weekday Mass until 11.30a.m.
On Saturdays:
St Columba’s    6.00p.m. – 6.25p.m.
St Theresa’s     4.30p.m. – 4.55p.m.

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

CHILDREN’S LITURGY – The Children’s Liturgy normally happens at the 11a.m. service at St Columba’s on the 1^st and 3^rd Sundays of each month. See the parish website under the Family tab.

PARISH OFFERTORY – Loose Plate: £467.02; Planned Giving: £217.24; Average weekly SO £734.22. Dona Stations: £TBC; Candles: £45.18 (Loose). Thank you for your kind generosity.

ST COLUMBA’S OFFICE – There will be a change of the office hours at St Columba’s from 10 August to 31 August. During that time the office will be officially closed but urgent matters will be dealt with through the kind services of Carol Galvin on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays only between 9am and 12pm.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK– “Continue to be bold, courageous. Try to choose the wisest thing and once you’ve chosen the wisest thing, go out and try to achieve it. Be it.” ― Maya Angelou

PARISH WEBSITE NEWS AND IMPORTANT MESSAGE – It is a relief that the problems in loading new items appear to have been resolved. Please click on the News & Events tab to find photos of Deacon Lawrence’s Farewell event. There is also an extremely important message about the re-introduction of the Assisted Suicide Bill to Parliament for a further vote in September. Please read this as it asks us, as Catholics who respect life at every stage, to act by writing to our MP. The item gives plenty of reasons for us to use when opposing the Bill. There is a QR code which should work direct from the website for those who wish to use it.

PRAYING TOGETHER FOR 

• The residents of Greenfields, Flag Lane North, Oakfield Avenue, The Glen, Jonathan’s Way, Graham Road and Blacon Point Road.
• The Eucharistic Ministers, Altar Servers, Lay Readers, Parish Assistant and Local Church Leaders. 
• All those not yet connected to the life of the Church or who have lost their faith.

EXAM RESULTS – to all of our students, wishing you all the very best as your exam results are made available to you.  Wishing you every success for your future, whatever that may hold for you. Dream Big. Good luck. 

CONFIRMATION – If you wish to prepare to be Confirmed next November and are already at high school, please email ASAP to register: stcolumbatheresaconfirmation@hotmail.co.uk 

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA – We need volunteers every Sunday after 11:00 Mass. To raise money for your good cause, please put your details on the sheet and let Margaret Curtis know on 01244 318424 or marg.curtis@outlook.com
16 Aug – volunteers please
23 Aug – volunteers please

Please contact your MP to oppose assisted suicide – The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which seeks to legalise assisted suicide, will return to the House of Commons for its Second Reading and vote on Friday, 11 September 2026. The Bishops’ Conference is urging Catholics to contact their MP and ask them to oppose the Bill. Archbishop Richard Moth has warned that it could place vulnerable people under pressure to end their lives and could create serious difficulties for health and social care staff, hospices and care homes.   Please make your voice heard. Even if you have contacted your MP previously, please consider doing so again. The charity Right to Life UK provides a simple online facility to contact your MP by entering your postcode. For information and to take action, visit:cbcew.org.uk/opposing-assisted-suicide (Bishops Conference of England & Wales website) righttolife.org.uk/Sept11vote  Contact details for Chester MP – Samantha Dixon, email samantha.dixon.mp@parliament.uk, constituency office, The Bluecoat, Upper Northgate St, Chester CH1 4EE; Parliamentary office, House of Commons London SW1A 0AAPlease read posters in our churches.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING (CST) is a body of moral doctrine developed by the Church on matters of social justice, poverty, and human rights. Rooted in Scripture and modern papal encyclicals starting with Pope Leo XIII’s 1891 Rerum Novarum, it provides a framework for building a just society and living out faith in the modern world. (CAFOD). So far we have briefly covered the principles of Human Dignity, Solidarity and the Care of Creation. This week……

THE COMMON GOOD – The common good means that the fruits of the earth belong to everyone. No one should be excluded from the gifts of creation. Pope Paul VI spoke about this 50 years ago in his encyclical Populorum Progressio. (CAFOD).
The common good is reached when we work together to improve the wellbeing of people in our society and the wider world and that the rights of the individual to personal possessions and community resources must be balanced with the needs of the disadvantaged and dispossessed. (Caritas Australia)

CAFOD CAMPAIGN – Over the next few weeks, we are collecting signatures for a CAFOD petition about the global debt crisis which is causing terrible suffering for our brothers and sisters around the world. Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla from South Sudan has written to parishes in England and Wales to explain. A copy of the letter and petition forms to sign can be found in the church porches. Please take a moment as you leave church to lend your support. Thank you.

CLOTHING APPEAL – Our sincere thanks to the parishioners of both churches who responded so generously to the recent appeal for clothing and toys. The recipient has been overwhelmed by your kindness, and your generosity has helped her emotionally as well as practically during a very difficult time. As she is currently living in a single room, she has no space to store any further donations of clothing or household items. However, when more suitable accommodation becomes available, she will need furniture and essential household goods. The Parish SVP has very kindly offered to help by purchasing the specific items she will need at that time. If you would like to contribute, donations of cash would be greatly appreciated and may be placed in the baskets labelled SVP at the entrances to both churches. Thank you once again for your generosity and continued support.
Pauline Rourke

MARSH & PLESSINGTON, THE CHESTER MARTYRS – This is the theme for the next Churches Together Fifth Sunday service to be held in the Iona Chapel at 4.30 p.m. on Sunday 30 August.  Please join us in this short service together with our friends from the other Upton Churches.

CAFOD school volunteers needed! – Could you visit your local Catholic school to talk about the work of CAFOD? We are looking for volunteers to deliver school assemblies and workshops and inspire children and young people to make a difference and take action. For further information please contact Anna Letizia on 07710 094449 emailaletizia@cafod.org.uk

FR WILLIAM – Is available to meet with parishioners after 10.30a.m. Mass on Mondays & Wednesdays or can be contacted at St Theresa’s presbytery (details on top of Newsletter). Thursday is his day off.

ST THERESA’S ANNIVERSARY – On the 15 September it will be 70 years since the first Parish Priest was appointed to St Theresa’s.  If anyone has any photos or information they would like to share with the parish, please let us know.  Please write your name and tel. no. on them so that the items can be returned.  Thank you.

BADMINTON GROUP – The Parish Badminton Group meets on Thursdays from 7p.m. to 9p.m. in St Columba’s Hall and is looking for new members. Mixed group, all ages, all abilities welcome.

FOOD BANK DONATIONS – MORE NEEDED PLEASE – Donated food is taken to the West Cheshire Foodbank at Ellesmere Port every fortnight. Recently, volunteers at the warehouse have had to leave halfway through the day because they had run out of supplies. St Columba’s and St Theresa’s have been very generous in the past. Last time an appeal was made in the newsletter, the response was amazing and the Centre so grateful. As Pope Leo has said, the poor should be at the heart of the Church. Please give as generously as possible, especially UHT milk, Long-life juice, Pasta in sauce, Coffee, Tinned Meat, Pasta sauce, Tinned vegetables Thank you so much. Your generosity makes all the difference

SAFETY IN ST COLUMBA’S PARISH HALL – Following feedback from parishioners and a review of health and safety arrangements in the parish hall, we would like to remind all who come for tea and coffee after the 11.00am Mass on Sundays of the following:

• Children should not enter or play on the stage area, nor touch the curtains, as this presents a safety risk.
• Children should not run around the hall, particularly when hot drinks are being served.

A box of games, colouring and drawing activities will be available for children; it will be kept behind the bar. We kindly ask parents and carers to return the items to the bar area afterwards.

Children are very welcome in our parish community, and we hope that parents and carers will understand the need for these measures to help ensure that the hall remains a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. The Pastoral Council

MARRIAGE IN A RUT? – Or need help with deeper issues? Retrouvaille has helped thousands of couples find hope and healing in their marriage. Next dates: 2nd–4th October. www.retrouvaille.org.uk/info  Tel: 0788 7296983

CATHOLIC HOLIDAYS IN THE LAKE DISTRICT THIS SUMMER – During August and September, Castlerigg Manor in Keswick is opening its doors to families, groups of friends, or private individuals who are looking for an affordable stay in the Lake District. Breakfast and evening meal are provided, and Mass is celebrated on site. For more information check out castleriggmanor.com/stay-with-us or contact director@castleriggmanor.co.uk / 017687 72711

QUIET RETREATS FOR ADULTS THIS OCTOBER – During October half term, Castlerigg Manor is running a quiet retreat for individual adults who want to spend a few days of peace, relaxation, and prayer in the Lake District. Each day there will be a talk, Mass, and evening prayer, and then a lot of time to explore the area, pray, or just simply relax. Book at castleriggmanor.com/events or contact director@castleriggmanor.co.uk

ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI, CHESTER – CHANGE OF MASS TIMES
From Sunday, 6 September 2026, the Sunday Mass schedule at St Francis, Chester, will change as follows: 
Saturday: 12.00 noon (English), 6.30 pm Vigil (English)
Sunday: 8.00 am Benedictine Abbey (English), 10.00 am (English), 5.00 pm (Polish). 
Please note that the 12.00 noon Polish Mass will be celebrated for the final time on Sunday, 30 August. 
Weekday Masses remain at 12.00 noon (Monday–Saturday), with 9.00 am Mass at the Benedictine Abbey on Wednesdays.

ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH & HALL BOOKINGS – To book the Church, Newman Room, or Iona Chapel, contact Magdalena Bukowska at the Church Office 01244 624019, email stcolumbaschurch2016@outlook.com. Office hours Mon-Fri 9a.m. to 2.00p.m.
To check Hall availability, visit the Church Hall calendar on the St Columba’s website, then contact Magdalena during office hours or email: columbashallbookings@gmail.com

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER – Sunday 23 August to be compiled by Muriel Green, phone: 07847 629672, email: muriel.green1@btinternet.com. Deadline: 9.00a.m. Wednesday 19 August. Please include a contact number with your notice and also email a copy to Fr. William at st.theresas@btinternet.com

The month of August is dedicated to The Immaculate Heart of Mary

NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

9  AUGUST 2026

Saturday 8 August
St Theresa’s
	5.00pm	Healing for Eloisa Sophia
St Columba’s	6.30pm	Barbara Wilson RIP
Sunday 9 August – Nineteenth Sunday in Ord. Time
St Theresa’s	9.30am	John Dunne RIP
St Columba’s	11.00am	Deacon Lawrence & Family
	2.00pm	Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Monday 10 August-St Lawrence, Dc,M
St Theresa’s		Parishioners’ Intentions
St Columba’s	10.30am	Carol & Mark Traynor
Tuesday 11 August – St Clare,V Mem.
St Theresa’s		Priests’ Intentions
St Columba’s	6.30pm	Private Intention (MC)
Wednesday 12 August
St Theresa’s		Private Intention
St Columba’s	9.30am	Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am	Novena Prayers
	10.30am     2.00pm	Special Intention & Thanksgiving (JW) Requiem Mass for Niall Sullivan
Thursday 13 August
St Theresa’s		Priests’ Intentions
St Columba’s		Priests’ Intentions
Friday 14 August-St Maximilian Mary Kolbe,P,M Mem
St Theresa’s	10.00am	Ann O’Connell RIP
St Columba’s		Ian Bullough RIP
Saturday 15 August
St Theresa’s	9.30am   5pm	Malankara Jacobite Syriac Community Roy Gent RIP
St Columba’s	6.30pm	Pat Wilkinson (EH)
Sunday 16 August The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
St Theresa’s	9.30am	Parishioners’ Intentions
St Columba’s	11.00am	Parishioners’ Intentions
	2.00pm	Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS – Mass will be streamed at St Columba’s on Sunday 9 August at 11a.m.

RECENTLY DECEASED – Please remember in your prayers, Niall Sullivan who died recently, and his family and friends. The Funeral of Niall will be held on Wednesday 12 August at 2pm at St Columba’s.

ANNIVERSARIES – Margaret Mary Murray, Roy Gent, Michael Paziuk & Hubert McDermott.

POPES PRAYER INTENTION FOR AUGUST –FOR EVANGELIZATION IN THE CITY. Let us pray that in large cities often marked by anonymity and loneliness we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel, discovering creative paths to build community.

CONFESSIONS – After each weekday Mass until 11.30a.m.
On Saturdays:
St Columba’s  6.00p.m. – 6.25p.m.
St Theresa’s   4.30p.m. – 4.55p.m.

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

CHILDREN’S LITURGY – The Children’s Liturgy normally happens at the 11a.m. service at St Columba’s on the 1^st and 3^rd Sundays of each month. See the parish website under the Family tab.

PARISH OFFERTORY – Loose Plate: £463.98; Planned Giving: £206.82; Average weekly SO £734.22. (St Columba’s) Dona Stations: £105; Candles: TBC. Thank you for your kind generosity.

ST COLUMBA’S OFFICE – There will be a change of the office hours at St Columba’s from 10 August to 31 August. During that time the office will be officially closed but urgent matters will be dealt with through the kind services of Carol Galvin on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays only between 9am and 12pm.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK– The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. Eleanor Roosevelt

PARISH WEBSITE – Unfortunately, there is a problem with uploading new material to the website at the moment. Our website manager has reported an issue with WordPress who manage the format of the website. There are items of news and photographs of Deacon Lawrence’s farewell celebration waiting to be uploaded. Please keep looking. It is hoped that this will soon be addressed.

PRAYING TOGETHER FOR – 

• The residents of Caughall Road, Acorn Court, The Acorns, Rosedene Close, Endsleigh Gardens, Endsleigh Close, Venable’s Road, St Chad’s Road, Church Hall Close and Cedar Mews.
• The PCC Members, Elders and all who hold Office in the Church. 
• Strong leadership by those elected and appointed.

EXAM RESULTS – to all of our students, wishing you all the very best as your exam results are made available to you.  Wishing you every success for your future, whatever that may hold for you. Dream Big. Good luck. 

CONFIRMATION – If you wish to prepare to be Confirmed next November and are already at high school, please email ASAP to register: stcolumbatheresaconfirmation@hotmail.co.uk 

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA – We need volunteers every Sunday after 11:00 Mass. To raise money for your good cause, please put your details on the sheet and let Margaret Curtis know on 01244 318424 or marg.curtis@outlook.com
09 Aug – volunteers please
16 Aug – volunteers please
23 Aug – volunteers please

 CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING (CST) is a body of moral doctrine developed by the Church on matters of social justice, poverty, and human rights. Rooted in Scripture and modern papal encyclicals starting with Pope Leo XIII’s 1891 Rerum Novarum, it provides a framework for building a just society and living out faith in the modern world. (CAFOD)

CARE OF CREATION/STEWARDSHIP – The earth and all life on it are part of God’s creation. We are called to respect this gift. We are responsible for taking care of the world we live in and for sharing all the wonders and resources the earth gives us. Our changing environment prompts us to stop and think about how we live on our planet. We are called to respond and to adopt new ways of living as the late Pope Francis highlighted in his encyclical, Laudato Si’:On the Care for our Common Home. (Caritas Australia)

CAFOD CAMPAIGN: Over the next few weeks we are collecting signatures for a CAFOD petition about the global debt crisis which is causing terrible suffering for our brothers and sisters around the world. Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla from South Sudan has written to parishes in England and Wales to explain. A copy of the letter and petition forms to sign can be found in the church porches. Please take a moment as you leave church to lend your support. Thank you for helping to build a better world.

CLOTHING APPEAL – A neighbour has asked for our help to support a young woman and her two young daughters who have recently moved into a refuge, with very few belongings. They are urgently in need of clothing, toys and educational materials. The woman is 30 years old and wears a size 8. The children need clothing for ages 2–3 years and 4–5 years. If you have any good-quality, clean clothing or toys that you were planning to donate to a charity shop and would be willing to give it to this family instead, it would be greatly appreciated. Please place any donations in the labelled box in the church porch labelled ‘Clothing Request’. Thank you very much for your kindness and generosity.                                      Pauline Rourke

MARSH & PLESSINGTON, THE CHESTER MARTYRS – This is the theme for the next Churches Together Fifth Sunday service to be held in the Iona Chapel at 4.30 p.m. on Sunday 30 August.  Please join us in this short service together with our friends from the other Upton Churches.

ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI, CHESTER – CHANGE OF MASS TIMES
From Sunday, 6 September 2026, the Sunday Mass schedule at St Francis, Chester, will change as follows: 
Saturday: 12.00 noon (English), 6.30 pm Vigil (English)
Sunday: 8.00 am Benedictine Abbey (English), 10.00 am (English), 5.00 pm (Polish). 
Please note that the 12.00 noon Polish Mass will be celebrated for the final time on Sunday, 30 August. 
Weekday Masses remain at 12.00 noon (Monday–Saturday), with 9.00 am Mass at the Benedictine Abbey on Wednesdays.

MASS IN SPANISH – Fr Patrick from St Clare’s Church celebrates a monthly Mass in Spanish for Spanish speaking community in Chester and anyone who wishes to participate. Next Mass will take place on Saturday 15 August at 4.00pm at St Clare’s Church. !Todos son Bienvenidos!

FR WILLIAM – Is available to meet with parishioners after 10.30a.m. Mass on Mondays & Wednesdays or can be contacted at St Theresa’s presbytery (details on top of Newsletter). Thursday is his day off.

FOOD BANK DONATIONS – MORE NEEDED PLEASE – Donated food is taken to the West Cheshire Foodbank at Ellesmere Port every fortnight. Recently, volunteers at the warehouse have had to leave halfway through the day because they had run out of supplies. St Columba’s and St Theresa’s have been very generous in the past. Last time an appeal was made in the newsletter, the response was amazing and the Centre so grateful. As Pope Leo has said, the poor should be at the heart of the Church. Please give as generously as possible, especially UHT milk, Long-life juice, Pasta in sauce, Coffee, Tinned Meat, Pasta sauce, Tinned vegetables. Thank you so much. Your generosity makes all the difference

ST THERESA’S ANNIVERSARY – On the 15 September it will be 70 years since the first Parish Priest was appointed to St Theresa’s.  If anyone has any photos or information they would like to share with the parish, please let us know.  Please write your name and tel. no. on them so that the items can be returned.  Thank you.

HOT WEATHER IN ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH – During the current spell of hot weather, it is difficult to cool the church because the small windows at the top of the stained-glass windows can no longer be opened. If you have a personal hand-held fan, please do bring it with you to church. Pauline Rourke

BADMINTON GROUP The Parish Badminton Group meets on Thursdays from 7p.m. to 9p.m. in St Columba’s Hall and is looking for new members. Mixed group, all ages, all abilities welcome.

MARRIAGE IN A RUT? – Or need help with deeper issues? Retrouvaille has helped thousands of couples find hope and healing in their marriage. Next dates: 2nd–4th October. www.retrouvaille.org.uk/info  Tel: 0788 7296983

CATHOLIC HOLIDAYS IN THE LAKE DISTRICT THIS SUMMER – During August and September, Castlerigg Manor in Keswick is opening its doors to families, groups of friends, or private individuals who are looking for an affordable stay in the Lake District. Breakfast and evening meal are provided, and Mass is celebrated on site. For more information check out castleriggmanor.com/stay-with-us or contact director@castleriggmanor.co.uk / 017687 72711

QUIET RETREATS FOR ADULTS THIS OCTOBER – During October half term, Castlerigg Manor is running a quiet retreat for individual adults who want to spend a few days of peace, relaxation, and prayer in the Lake District. Each day there will be a talk, Mass, and evening prayer, and then a lot of time to explore the area, pray, or just simply relax.
Book at castleriggmanor.com/events or contact director@castleriggmanor.co.uk

SAFETY IN ST COLUMBA’S PARISH HALL – Following feedback from parishioners and a review of health and safety arrangements in the parish hall, we would like to remind all who come for tea and coffee after the 11.00am Mass on Sundays of the following:

• Children should not enter or play on the stage area, nor touch the curtains, as this presents a safety risk.
• Children should not run around the hall, particularly when hot drinks are being served.

A box of games, colouring and drawing activities will be available for children; it will be kept behind the bar. We kindly ask parents and carers to return the items to the bar area afterwards. Children are very welcome in our parish community, and we hope that parents and carers will understand the need for these measures to help ensure that the hall remains a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. The Pastoral Council

ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH & HALL BOOKINGS – To book the Church, Newman Room, or Iona Chapel, contact Magdalena Bukowska at the Church Office 01244 624019, email stcolumbaschurch2016@outlook.com. Office hours Mon-Fri 9a.m. to 2.00p.m.
To check Hall availability, visit the Church Hall calendar on the St Columba’s website, then contact Magdalena during office hours or email: columbashallbookings@gmail.com

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER-Sunday 16 August to be compiled by  Alison Wrigglesworth, phone: 07759 042262, email: a.wrigglesworth@outook.com. Deadline: 9.00a.m. Wednesday 12 August. Please include a contact number with your notice and also email a copy to Fr. William at st.theresas@btinternet.com

The month of August is dedicated to The Immaculate Heart of Mary

EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

2 AUGUST 2026

Saturday 1 August
St Theresa’s	9.30am	Malankara Jacobite Syriac Community
	5.00pm	Parishioners’ Intentions
St Columba’s	6.30pm	Pat Wilkinson RIP
Sunday 2 August – Eighteen Sunday in Ord. Time
St Theresa’s	9.30am	George Kelly RIP 10th Anniversary
St Columba’s	11.00am	Pat Wilkinson RIP(SVP)
	2.00pm	Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Monday 3 August – St Oswald K, M. Mem.
St Theresa’s		Special Intention
St Columba’s	10.30am	Mary Ible RIP 1st Anniversary
	1.00pm	Funeral Service for Sandra Maria Brookfield
Tuesday 4 August – St John Vianney, P. Mem.
St Theresa’s		Priests’ Intentions
St Columba’s	6.30pm	Bob Roberts RIP
Wednesday 5 August
St Theresa’s		Private Intention
St Columba’s	9.30am	Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am	Novena Prayers
	10.30am	Graham Leech RIP
Thursday 6 August – THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD. Feast
St Theresa’s	6.30pm	Sarah Williams RIP
St Columba’s	10.30am	Parishioners’ Intentions
Friday 7 August
St Theresa’s	10.00am	Margaret Rogers RIP
St Columba’s		The Parish
Saturday 8 August
St Theresa’s	5.00pm	Healing for Eloise Sophia
St Columba’s	6.30pm	Barbara Wilson RIP
Sunday 9 August – 19th Sunday in Ord. Time
St Theresa’s	9.30am	John Dunne RIP
St Columba’s	11.00am	Deacon Lawrence & Family
	2.00pm	Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS – Mass will be streamed at St Columba’s on Sunday 2 August at 11a.m.

ADDITIONAL MASSES – For the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord on Thursday 6 August there will be Mass at St Columba’s at 10.30am as well as at 6.30pm at St Theresa’s.

RECENTLY DECEASED – Please remember in your prayers, Bob Roberts, Sandra Brookfield and Niall Sullivan who died recently, and their family and friends. The Funeral of Sandra will be held on Monday 3 August at 1pm at St Columba’s.

ANNIVERSARIES – Mary Ible, Josephine Shanley, George Kelly and John Dunne

POPES PRAYER INTENTION FOR AUGUST –FOR EVANGELIZATION IN THE CITY. Let us pray that in large cities often marked by anonymity and loneliness we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel, discovering creative paths to build community.

CONFESSIONS – After each weekday Mass until 11.30a.m.
On Saturdays:
St Columba’s  6.00p.m. – 6.25p.m.
St Theresa’s   4.30p.m. – 4.55p.m.

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

CHILDREN’S LITURGY – The Children’s Liturgy normally happens at the 11a.m. service at St Columba’s on the 1^st and 3^rd Sundays of each month. See the parish website under the Family tab.

PARISH OFFERTORY – Loose Plate: £531.11; Planned Giving: £275.50; Average weekly SO £734.22. (St Columba’s) Dona Stations: £111; Candles: £53.49. Second Collection for Apostleship of the Sea: £258.55. Thank you for your kind generosity.

ST COLUMBA’S OFFICE – There will be a change of the office hours at St Columba’s from 10 August to 31 August. During that time the office will be officially closed but urgent matters will be dealt with through the kind services of Carol Galvin on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays only between 9am and 12pm.

PRAYING TOGETHER FOR – 

•  The residents of Acres Lane, Alwyn Gardens, Brooke Avenue, Rhuddlan Road, Carmel Close and Rose Close.
•  The clergy of the Churches in Upton and Blacon and for their   congregations.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK – “What day is it?” asked Pooh. “It’s today,” squeaked Piglet. “My favourite day,” said Pooh.” ― A.A. Milne

CONFIRMATION – If you wish to prepare to be Confirmed next November and are already at high school, please email ASAP to register: stcolumbatheresaconfirmation@hotmail.co.uk 

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA – We need volunteers every Sunday after 11:00 Mass. To raise money for your good cause, please put your details on the sheet and let Margaret Curtis know on 01244 318424 or marg.curtis@outlook.com
02 Aug – volunteers please
09 Aug – volunteers please
16 Aug – volunteers please

THANK YOU – Many thanks to those who supported our cake/tea and coffee sales on Sunday 25 July after mass. £123.35  was raised for the parish Youth Club. We appreciate your generosity and support.    Youth Club leaders

CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING – Over the coming weeks in the newsletter there will be a very brief introduction to the 7 principles of Catholic Social Teaching with a view to exploring the principles in more detail later in the year. Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is a body of moral doctrine developed by the Church on matters of social justice, poverty, and human rights. Rooted in Scripture and modern papal encyclicals starting with Pope Leo XIII’s 1891 Rerum Novarum, it provides a framework for building a just society and living out faith in the modern world. (CAFOD)

Solidarity: Solidarity requires that we see another person as a neighbour, a fellow human who is equal in dignity. Solidarity means recognising the responsibilities we have to each other, and taking an active role in helping others attain their full potential. This is more than just a feeling. It drives us to action. We are called by the principle of solidarity to take the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37) to heart, and to express this understanding in how we live and interact with others, not as a matter of charity, but of justice. Solidarity makes it impossible for us to look away from the injustices that our sisters and brothers experience. (Caritas Australia)

CAFOD NEWS – Re the global debt crisis: let’s build on last year’s progress and call for further action on debt. A new petition has been introduced and will be available to sign over the summer months. Ann McCarthy will speak at Masses over the weekend of 1-2 August.

CLOTHING APPEAL – A neighbour has asked for our help to support a young woman and her two young daughters who have recently moved into a refuge, with very few belongings. They are urgently in need of clothing, toys and educational materials. The woman is 30 years old and wears a size 8. The children need clothing for ages 2–3 years and 4–5 years. If you have any good-quality, clean clothing or toys that you were planning to donate to a charity shop and would be willing to give it to this family instead, it would be greatly appreciated. Please place any donations in the labelled box in the church porch labelled ‘Clothing Request’. Thank you very much for your kindness and generosity.  Pauline Rourke

FOOD BANK DONATIONS – MORE NEEDED PLEASE – Donated food is taken to the West Cheshire Foodbank at Ellesmere Port every fortnight. Recently, volunteers at the warehouse have had to leave halfway through the day because they had run out of supplies. St Columba’s and St Theresa’s have been very generous in the past. Last time an appeal was made in the newsletter, the response was amazing and the Centre so grateful. As Pope Leo has said, the poor should be at the heart of the Church. Please give as generously as possible, especially UHT milk, Long-life juice, Pasta in sauce, Coffee, Tinned Meat, Pasta sauce, Tinned vegetables. Thank you so much. Your generosity makes all the difference

SAFETY IN ST COLUMBA’S PARISH HALL – Following feedback from parishioners and a review of health and safety arrangements in the parish hall, we would like to remind all who come for tea and coffee after the 11.00am Mass on Sundays of the following:

• Children should not enter or play on the stage area, nor touch the curtains, as this presents a safety risk.
• Children should not run around the hall, particularly when hot drinks are being served.

A box of games, colouring and drawing activities will be available for children; it will be kept behind the bar. We kindly ask parents and carers to return the items to the bar area afterwards. Children are very welcome in our parish community, and we hope that parents and carers will understand the need for these measures to help ensure that the hall remains a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. The Pastoral Council

MARSH & PLESSINGTON, THE CHESTER MARTYRS – This is the theme for the next Churches Together Fifth Sunday service to be held in the Iona Chapel at 4.30 p.m. on Sunday 30 August.  Please join us in this short service together with our friends from the other Upton Churches.

MASS IN SPANISH – Fr Patrick from St Clare’s Church celebrates a monthly Mass in Spanish for Spanish speaking community in Chester and anyone who wishes to participate. Next Mass will take place on Saturday 15 August at 4.00pm at St Clare’s Church. !Todos son Bienvenidos!

FR WILLIAM – Is available to meet with parishioners after 10.30a.m. Mass on Mondays & Wednesdays or can be contacted at St Theresa’s presbytery (details on top of Newsletter). Thursday is his day off.

FROM EILEEN AND LAWRENCE – To Fr William for the appreciative words of his homily and to the parish at large for the many kind thoughts and good wishes, on the occasion of Lawrence’s retirement from active ministry as parish Deacon, our heartfelt love and thanks. Thanks particularly for the overwhelming generosity shown in your farewell gift, which we intend to use in celebration of our Diamond Wedding anniversary later in the year. With our prayers always.

HOT WEATHER IN ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH – During the current spell of hot weather, it is difficult to cool the church because the small windows at the top of the stained-glass windows can no longer be opened. If you have a personal hand-held fan, please do bring it with you to church. Pauline Rourke

ST THERESA’S ANNIVERSARY – On the 15 September it will be 70 years since the first Parish Priest was appointed to St Theresa’s.  If anyone has any photos or information they would like to share with the parish, please let us know.  Please write your name and tel. no. on them so that the items can be returned.  Thank you.

BADMINTON GROUP – The Parish Badminton Group meets on Thursdays from 7p.m. to 9p.m. in St Columba’s Hall and is looking for new members. Mixed group, all ages, all abilities welcome.

MARRIAGE IN A RUT? – Or need help with deeper issues? Retrouvaille has helped thousands of couples find hope and healing in their marriage. Next dates: 2nd–4th October. www.retrouvaille.org.uk/info  Tel: 0788 7296983

CATHOLIC HOLIDAYS IN THE LAKE DISTRICT THIS SUMMER – During August and September, Castlerigg Manor in Keswick is opening its doors to families, groups of friends, or private individuals who are looking for an affordable stay in the Lake District. Breakfast and evening meal are provided, and Mass is celebrated on site. For more information check out castleriggmanor.com/stay-with-us or contact director@castleriggmanor.co.uk / 017687 72711

QUIET RETREATS FOR ADULTS THIS OCTOBER – During October half term, Castlerigg Manor is running a quiet retreat for individual adults who want to spend a few days of peace, relaxation, and prayer in the Lake District. Each day there will be a talk, Mass, and evening prayer, and then a lot of time to explore the area, pray, or just simply relax. Book at castleriggmanor.com/events or contact director@castleriggmanor.co.uk

ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH & HALL BOOKINGS – To book the Church, Newman Room, or Iona Chapel, contact Magdalena Bukowska at the Church Office 01244 624019, email stcolumbaschurch2016@outlook.com. Office hours Mon-Fri 9a.m. to 2.00p.m.
To check Hall availability, visit the Church Hall calendar on the St Columba’s website, then contact Magdalena during office hours or email: columbashallbookings@gmail.com

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER – Sunday 9 August to be compiled by Eileen Irwin, phone: 01244 371660, email: st.theresas@btinternet.com. Deadline: 9.00a.m. Wednesday 5 August. Please include a contact number with your notice and also email a copy to Fr. William at st.theresas@btinternet.com

The month of July is dedicated to The Precious Blood of Jesus

SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

26 JULY 2026

Saturday 25 July
St Theresa’s	9.30am	Malankara Jocobite Syriac Community
	5.00pm	Thomas Byrne RIP
St Columba’s	6.30pm	Philip Francis RIP (SVP)
Sunday 26 July – Seventeenth Sunday in Ord. Time
St Theresa’s	9.30am	Dolan Intentions
St Columba’s	11.00am	Tony Walsh RIP 1st Anniversary
	2.00pm	Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Monday 27 July
St Theresa’s		Parishioners’ Intentions
St Columba’s	10.30am	Joan Dale Anniversary
Tuesday 28 July
St Theresa’s		Special Intention
St Columba’s	6.30pm	Deacon Tom Coyle RIP
Wednesday 29 July – Ss Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Mem.
St Theresa’s		Priests’ Intentions
St Columba’s	9.30am	Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am	Novena Prayers
	10.30am	Deacon Tom Coyle RIP
Thursday 30 July
St Theresa’s		The Spiritan Community
St Columba’s		Priests’ Intentions
Friday 31 July – St Ignatius of Loyola, P. Mem.
St Theresa’s	10.00am	Eileen & Lawrence Hordley’s Intentions
St Columba’s		The Parish
Saturday 1 August
St Theresa’s	5.00pm	Parishioners’ Intentions
St Columba’s	6.30pm	Pat Wilkinson RIP
Sunday 2 August – 18th Sunday in Ord. Time
St Theresa’s	9.30am	George Kelly RIP
St Columba’s	11.00am	Parishioners’ Intentions
	2.00pm	Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS – Mass will be streamed at St Columba’s on Sunday 26 July at 11a.m.

RECENTLY DECEASED – Please remember in your prayers, Sandra Brookfield who died recently, and her family and friends. The Funeral of Sandra will be held on Monday 3 August at 1pm at St Columba’s.

ANNIVERSARIES – Mary Walsh, Thomas Byrne, Anthony James Walsh, Deacon Tom Coyle, Margaret Watson.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR JULY – FOR RESPECT FOR HUMAN LIFE – Let us pray for the respect and protection of human life in all its stages, recognizing it as a gift from God.

CONFESSIONS – After each weekday Mass until 11.30a.m.
On Saturdays:
St Columba’s  6.00p.m. – 6.25p.m.
St Theresa’s   4.30p.m. – 4.55p.m.

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

CHILDREN’S LITURGY – The Children’s Liturgy normally happens at the 11a.m. service at St Columba’s on the 1^st and 3^rd Sundays of each month. See the parish website under the Family tab.

PARISH OFFERTORY
Loose Plate: £477.09; Planned Giving: £225.97; Average weekly SO £734.22. (St Columba’s) Dona Stations: £70; Candles: £41.48. Thank you for your kind generosity.

PRAYING TOGETHER FOR –

• The residents of Marina Drive, Cross Green, Chatsworth Drive, Cyman Close, Willan Road, Wemyss Road and Phillips Road.
• For Upton Amblers, Walkers Group, Trekkers and all who meet together for outdoor pursuits.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK – When one door closes another opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us.  Alexander Graham Bell. 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS – To our students, teachers and support staff in schools, wishing you all a happy and fulfilling summer break.

CONFIRMATION – If you wish to prepare to be Confirmed next November and are already at high school, please email ASAP to register: stcolumbatheresaconfirmation@hotmail.co.uk 

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA – We need volunteers every Sunday after 11:00 Mass. To raise money for your good cause, please put your details on the sheet and let Margaret Curtis know on 01244 318424 or marg.curtis@outlook.com
26 July – Helen Connor, Youth Group
02 Aug – volunteers please
09 Aug – volunteers please

COFFEE, TEA AND CAKE THIS SUNDAY, 26 JULY – Proceeds will go towards activities for the parish Youth Club. Please support! Thank you.

FROM EILEEN AND LAWRENCE – To Fr William for the appreciative words of his homily and to the parish at large for the many kind thoughts and good wishes, on the occasion of Lawrence’s retirement from active ministry as parish Deacon, our heartfelt love and thanks. Thanks particularly for the overwhelming generosity shown in your farewell gift, which we intend to use in celebration of our Diamond Wedding anniversary later in the year. With our prayers always.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING – Over the coming weeks in the newsletter there will be a very brief introduction to the 7 principles of Catholic Social Teaching with a view to exploring the principles in more detail later in the year.

Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is a body of moral doctrine developed by the Church on matters of social justice, poverty, and human rights. Rooted in Scripture and modern papal encyclicals starting with Pope Leo XIII’s 1891 Rerum Novarum, it provides a framework for building a just society and living out faith in the modern world. (CAFOD)

Dignity – that every human life is sacred and made in the image of God, regardless of race, status, or background.  God is present in every human person, regardless of religion, culture, nationality, orientation or economic standing. Each one of us is unique and beautiful. We are called to treat every person and every creature with loving respect. 

CAFOD NEWS – Re the global debt crisis: let’s build on last year’s progress and call for further action on debt. A new petition has been introduced and will be available to sign over the summer months. Ann McCarthy will speak at Masses over the weekend of 1-2 August.

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

FOOD BANK DONATIONS – MORE NEEDED PLEASE – Donated food is taken to the West Cheshire Foodbank at Ellesmere Port every fortnight. Recently, volunteers at the warehouse have had to leave halfway through the day because they had run out of supplies. St Columba’s and St Theresa’s have been very generous in the past. Last time an appeal was made in the newsletter, the response was amazing and the Centre so grateful. As Pope Leo has said, the poor should be at the heart of the Church. Please give as generously as possible, especially UHT milk, Long-life juice, Pasta in sauce, Coffee, Tinned Meat, Pasta sauce, Tinned vegetables. Thank you so much. Your generosity makes all the difference

ANNUAL PARISH COACH TRIP – NOTTINGHAM – Our annual coach trip this year is to Nottingham on Thurs 30 July for just £18 per person. We depart St Columba’s at 08:45 and St Theresa’s at 09:00 and leave Nottingham at about 5:00pm. If you haven’t yet booked, you will go on the reserve list, as all the seats are currently taken. 

HOT WEATHER IN ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH – During the current spell of hot weather, it is difficult to cool the church because the small windows at the top of the stained-glass windows can no longer be opened. If you have a personal hand-held fan, please do bring it with you to church. Pauline Rourke

SAFETY IN ST COLUMBA’S PARISH HALL – Following feedback from parishioners and a review of health and safety arrangements in the parish hall, we would like to remind all who come for tea and coffee after the 11.00am Mass on Sundays of the following:

• Children should not enter or play on the stage area, nor touch the curtains, as this presents a safety risk.
• Children should not run around the hall, particularly when hot drinks are being served.

A box of games, colouring and drawing activities will be available for children; it will be kept behind the bar. We kindly ask parents and carers to return the items to the bar area afterwards.

Children are very welcome in our parish community, and we hope that parents and carers will understand the need for these measures to help ensure that the hall remains a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. The Pastoral Council

MARSH & PLESSINGTON, THE CHESTER MARTYRS – This is the theme for the next Churches Together Fifth Sunday service to be held in the Iona Chapel at 4.30 p.m. on Sunday 30 August.  Please join us in this short service together with our friends from the other Upton Churches.

FR WILLIAM – Is available to meet with parishioners after 10.30a.m. Mass on Mondays & Wednesdays or can be contacted at St Theresa’s presbytery (details on top of Newsletter). Thursday is his day off.

DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES – Next week, the 2026 75^th Anniversary Diocesan Pilgrimage will set out for Lourdes. Please remember us in your prayers.

Parishioners can follow Lourdes TV via the Sanctuaries website https://www.lourdes-france.com and may wish to join us for the International Mass on Sunday 2 August at 9.30am (8.30am UK time) and Grotto Mass on Monday 3 August at 10am (9am UK time). Other liturgies maybe live streamed too.

This year Bishop Mark has invited the Pilgrimage to pray for the following intentions:

• For Our Holy Father, Pope Leo.
• For all who have gone before us over the 75 years of our Diocesan Pilgrimage.
• That we and all pilgrims will respond to the message of prayer and conversion, walking together in Eucharistic faith and love, all our lives.
• That we will generously respond to our calling, and for an abundance of new vocations in our Diocese to the great callings of Marriage, the Priesthood and the Consecrated Life. 
• For the peace of the world amid many dangers and conflicts. 
• That the threat of euthanasia to the sick and the aged will be averted and the lives of the most vulnerable cherished and safeguarded.
• With Our Lady and Saint Bernadette that through the pilgrimage of life we will always remain in the joy of the Gospel.

ST THERESA’S ANNIVERSARY – On the 15 September it will be 70 years since the first Parish Priest was appointed to St Theresa’s.  If anyone has any photos or information they would like to share with the parish, please let us know.  Please write your name and tel. no. on them so that the items can be returned.  Thank you.

BADMINTON GROUP – The Parish Badminton Group meets on Thursdays from 7p.m. to 9p.m. in St Columba’s Hall and is looking for new members. Mixed group, all ages, all abilities welcome.

CATHOLIC HOLIDAYS IN THE LAKE DISTRICT THIS SUMMER – During August and September, Castlerigg Manor in Keswick is opening its doors to families, groups of friends, or private individuals who are looking for an affordable stay in the Lake District. Breakfast and evening meal are provided, and Mass is celebrated on site. For more information check out castleriggmanor.com/stay-with-us or contact director@castleriggmanor.co.uk / 017687 72711

QUIET RETREATS FOR ADULTS THIS OCTOBER – During October half term, Castlerigg Manor is running a quiet retreat for individual adults who want to spend a few days of peace, relaxation, and prayer in the Lake District. Each day there will be a talk, Mass, and evening prayer, and then a lot of time to explore the area, pray, or just simply relax. Book at castleriggmanor.com/events or contact director@castleriggmanor.co.uk

MARRIAGE IN A RUT? – Or need help with deeper issues? Retrouvaille has helped thousands of couples find hope and healing in their marriage. Next dates: 2nd–4th October. www.retrouvaille.org.uk/info  Tel: 0788 7296983

ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH & HALL BOOKINGS – To book the Church, Newman Room, or Iona Chapel, contact Magdalena Bukowska at the Church Office 01244 624019, email stcolumbaschurch2016@outlook.com.  Office hours Mon-Fri 9a.m. to 2.00p.m.
To check Hall availability, visit the Church Hall calendar on the St Columba’s website, then contact Magdalena during office hours or email: columbashallbookings@gmail.com

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER – Sunday 2 August to be compiled by  Magdalena Bukowska, phone: 01244 624019, email: stcolumbaschurch2016@outlook.com. Deadline: 9.00a.m. Wednesday 29th July
Please include a contact number with your notice and also email a copy to Fr. William at st.theresas@btinternet.com