The month of October is dedicated to The Holy Rosary
TWENTY NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
19 October 2025
Sat 18 Oct | |||
St. Theresa’s | 5.00pm | John James Tobin RIP 1st Birthday Remembrance | |
St. Columba’s | 6.30pm | Derek Sheeran RIP | |
Sun 19 Oct | Day of Special Prayer for World Missions | ||
St. Theresa’s | 9.30am | Parishioners’ Intentions | |
St. Columba’s | 11.00am | Tony Walsh RIP (CH) | |
2.00pm | Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite | ||
Mon 20 Oct | St Peter of Alcantara Mem. | ||
St. Theresa’s | David Swann RIP | ||
St. Columba’s | 10.30am | Elizabeth Allingham | |
Tue 21 Oct | |||
St. Theresa’s | Priests’ Intentions | ||
St. Columba’s | Parishioners’ Intentions | ||
Wed 22 Oct | |||
St. Theresa’s | Private Intentions | ||
St. Columba’s | 9.30am | Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament | |
10.15am | Novena Prayers | ||
10.30am | Wendy O’Brien RIP | ||
Thu 23 Oct | |||
St. Theresa’s | Special Intentions | ||
St. Columba’s | Priests’ Intentions | ||
Fri 24 Oct | |||
St. Theresa’s | 10.00am | Maureen & Gerry Templeton’s Intentions | |
St. Columba’s | The Parish | ||
Sat 25 Oct | |||
St. Theresa’s | 5.00pm | Parishioners’ Intentions | |
St. Columba’s | 6.30pm | Eddie Elwell | |
Sun 26 Oct | |||
St. Theresa’s | 9.30am | Jessica Baker RIP | |
St. Columba’s | 11.00am | Elizabeth Allingham | |
2.00pm | Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite |
LIVE STREAMING OF MASS
Mass will be streamed at St Columba’s on Sunday 19 October at 11.00a.m.
WARNING – CLOCKS GO BACK– at 02.00 BST on Sunday 26 October.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY
The Children’s Liturgy normally happens at the 11a.m. service at St Columba’s on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month. See the parish website under the Family tab.
ANNIVERSARIES
Peter John Walker, Maureen Teresa Brady, Lionel William Steele
POPE’S OCTOBER PRAYER INTENTIONS:
FOR COLLABORATION BETWEEN DIFFERENT RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS
Let us pray that believers in different religious traditions might work together to defend and promote peace, justice, and human fraternity.
CONFESSIONS
After each weekday mass until 11.30a.m. At the weekend: St Columba’s: from 6-6.25p.m. on Saturday. And St Theresa’s; from 4.30-4.55 on Saturday.
WEDDINGS, BAPTISMS AND FUNERALS
Please contact one of the Parish Offices to make your arrangements.
ADVENT BOOKLETS
If you would like us to order a copy of the “My Day by Day” Advent booklet for you, please put your name and telephone number on the list in church.
FR WILLIAM
Anyone wishing to talk to Fr William should contact one of the parish offices and make an appointment. Fr William is not available on Thursdays.
PRAYING TOGETHER:
- Pray for the residents of Marl Heyes, Upton Park, Delvine Drive, Hafod Close, Nevin Road, Penmon Close, & Treborth Road.
- For the magazine committee, newsletter editors, distributors and those who run the bookstalls in our churches.
- For a deepening of our faith through the written word.
PARISH OFFERTORY
Loose Plate: £516.51; Planned Giving: £427.91; Average weekly SO £718.15; Candles: £42.29
WORLD MISSION SUNDAY – RETIRING COLLECTION TODAY
Today, parishes worldwide celebrate World Mission Sunday. By supporting Missio the Pope’s charity for world mission we stand united as God’s global family, in prayer, solidarity and action. We are called to the Missionaries Of Hope Among All Peoples as everyone deserves to hear that God loves them and to be strengthened By God’s Spirit. Please pray for missionaries and give what you can to this vital collection, bringing God’s compassion, peace and justice to those in need. To donate, use the Missio envelope, call 020 7821 9755 (office hours or visit missio.org.uk to give a gift, set up a Direct Debit and Gift Aid your donation if possible.
ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA
Write your name, charity and phone number on the calendar or leave a message with Margaret Curtis on 01244 318424 with your name and date(s).
19 Oct – Sue McCarthy
26 Oct – Sue Carr
02 Nov – Sue McCarthy
MacMillan Coffee Morning
The sale of cakes after Mass on 28 Sept made £250.30 – thank you very much!
SATURDAY EVENING MASS ST COLUMBA’S
Please do not use the rear entrance. Parishioners leaving that way has resulted in the church being left unlocked overnight on a number of occasions recently. Thank you.
PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING 23.09.25
The AGM of 19 July had referred a number of items for discussion at this meeting:
The financial situation of the parish – referred to the Finance Committee Meeting.
Availability of Fr William at St Columba’s Church – details to be a regular item in the newsletter.
Priests greeting parishioners after Mass – this should be the usual practice for all priests at both churches.
Communication between laity and clergy – all members of Pastoral Council to work together with clergy to improve two-way communications.
Re-introduction of reception of Holy Communion under both kinds – to take place after recruitment and training of Eucharistic Ministers.
Shaking hands at Sign of Peace – this is no longer forbidden but if you wish to shake hands, please be sensitive to the fact that not everyone will want to do this.
When further information on these items is available it will be given via the newsletter. Ann McCarthy, Pauline Rourke, co-chairs Pastoral Council.
NEXT FRIENDSHIP THURSDAY 30 OCTOBER 2-4P.M. IN THE HALL
We are back to our proper time, and we have Dave Atkinson, folk singer, returning by popular request so come and enjoy friendship, coffee and music. It would be lovely to see new faces as well as our regulars!
FRIENDSHIP THURSDAY: HELP NEEDED IF WE ARE TO CONTINUE
Around 30 people enjoy our Friendship group each month, as a chance to go out, meet others and chat over coffee in a friendly atmosphere. Anyone is welcome, whether Catholic or not. Our guest speakers are interesting and entertaining. However, it’s possible, due to a shortage of helpers, that we may be unable to continue. Our current helpers have been wonderful, but they are already doing many other things and aren’t always free. Can you help just one afternoon a month by, setting up furniture, helping with refreshments, being welcoming, chatting to people or clearing away. We need people to call on when others cannot come. We are very friendly! To find out more or offer to help, contact Lyn Coyle 07735574397 marilyn.coyle44@gmail.com
CAFOD FAMILY FAST DAY
Donations can be put in a CAFOD envelope (located in the church porches) and placed in a collection basket during Mass over the next 2 weeks. Donations can also be made via the CAFOD website cafod.org.uk/envelope, by phone on 0303 303 3030 or text CAFOD to 70560 to donate £10. Thank you.
ALTAR SERVERS
At both St Columba’s and St Theresa’s, we are in need of more altar servers, especially at the Saturday evening masses. If you are interested or want to find out more about becoming an altar server, contact Richard Curtis at 07787782255 / rich.curtis89@yahoo.co.uk
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
Growing older isn’t a final act – it can be life’s most exquisite chapter if you allow yourself to bloom once more. Let the years ahead be your treasure years. You don’t have to be perfect, famous of adored. You only need to be present – fully- for the life that’s yours. Patricia Routledge from a letter to herself aged 95. RIP
CLERGY WELFARE SUPPORT WORKER
The role would be to support the Diocesan Welfare Nurse in their duties. Hours: 22.5 per week over 3 days. Closing date 24 October. For details see: www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org/latest-vacancies/
KERALA CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
would like to welcome all parishioners to the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary and St Sebastian on 26 October at 2p.m. It will start with the Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite and the Procession, followed by refreshments in the hall.
SOUP WITH SOUL
at the Town House, Chester, opened 6 October, Mon- Fri 12pm-2.30pm. £5 for soup and short bread. Choice of 3 soups. This includes £1 to Soul Kitchen. Creating a positive future for those experiencing homelessness and hardship.
FOOD BANK DONATIONS – MORE NEEDED
The food bank has launched a Harvest Appeal and is looking particularly for donation of the following items: Tinned meat/ fish/ veg/ fruit/ spaghetti/ puddings/ tomatoes/curry sauce, smash, pasta and sauce/Milk (UHT or powdered); Fruit juice (long life)/Custard, jams and spreads, coffee. A look at the Foodbank website: (westcheshirefoodbank.org.uk) indicates where there is a need for particular items. Thank you so much.
CHILDREN’S CHOIR OF ST COLUMBA’S RECRUITMENT
The Little Choir is looking for children, yr 3 and above. No previous experience necessary. We practise on Tuesday at 6.45p.m. for one hour. Mass and practice are in St Columba’s Church (entrance at the back door). For further information please contact Giovanna or the director of the choir Mark, at the end of 11.00a.m. Mass.
INSTRUMENT REQUEST FOR THE LITTLE CHOIR
The choir would like to develop its percussion section. If you have any drums that you no longer use and would like to donate, please contact Giovanna and/or Mark after the 11:00 mass on the left of the altar. Thanks for your help.
THE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL, CHESTER – GOVERNORS NEEDED
The Catholic High school is looking for 2 foundation governors to start straight away. You do not have to be a parent of a child in the school but you must be a practicing catholic. The main focus would be what you can bring to the board which like any business, needs a wide range of skills. It is the Bishop who appoints foundation governors so for further information and to apply visit: www.educationshrewsbury.org/governance. You would need the signature of your parish priest to confirm you are a practicing catholic and safeguarding checks would be required if successful.
CHURCHES TOGETHER QUIZ
The quiz held recently in St Columba’s Hall raised £152, which will be donated to the Hospice of the Good Shepherd. Many thanks to all of you who supported this event.
NEEDLES & PINS – Wed 22 October
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.
WELCOME TO OUR PARISH
If you are NEW TO THE PARISH, please complete a Parish Registration Form and send (or bring) it to either parish office to let us know that you are here and enable us to welcome you. Forms can be found in the front porches of both churches and on the website https://sscolumbaandtheresa.co.uk/i-am-new/. Thank you.
PARISH WEBSITE
If anyone has an item that they would like to have on the website, please contact Lyn Coyle, who is the parish liaison with the website manager. These items must be about parish-based events or information. marilyn.coyle44@gmail.com
STAY SAFE FROM SCAMS
Scammers may know your name, address, or bank details — don’t assume they’re genuine. Always think twice. Stay alert: Never share your PIN or passwords. Ignore calls or emails about computer viruses. Delete suspicious emails and mark them as spam. Be safe: If unsure contact companies using official numbers only. Dial 159 to reach your bank safely if you are unsure of their number. Report fraud: Call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or report online. More info & free how to prevent scam guide: Age UK https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/scams-fraud/
Fish and Chip Babies – knitting project
This ongoing project is a tremendous success, please see the poster in the front of St Columba’s church for the latest update.
Pro-Life Talk: “God’s Design for Fertility”
The LMA 9 Pro-Life Group welcomes Ira Winter of Fiat Fertility Care for an inspiring talk on the beauty of procreation and the potential of Natural Reproductive Medicine for couples facing infertility or wishing to space pregnancies. Thursday, 30th October, 7pm, St Mary’s Caritas Centre, Delamere Rd, Crewe CW1 2JX. All are welcome!
LAST ZUMBATHON OF THIS YEAR FOR HOPEFUL UGANDAN HEARTS
Help us to raise funds for much needed food, clothes and school fees for two Orphanages in Uganda. Saturday 8 November from 11am to 1pm @St Columbas Church Hall £10 Adults, £5 children 6+ PAY AT THE DOOR! Contact Lina Greig on 07837512544 for further information.
AMAZING PRIZES IN OUR RAFFLE
FAMILY AND GROUP STAYS AT CASTLERIGG MANOR THIS OCTOBER HALF TERM
Castlerigg Manor is a Retreat Centre in the Lake District, and they are opening their doors during October Half Term (Oct 27-31). A good option for anyone looking for a budget get-away in a beautiful part of the country. Book at https://castleriggmanor.com/stay-with-us/ 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 26 October to be compiled by Magdalena Bukowska, 01244 624019, email stcolumbaschurch2016@outlook.com. Deadline: 9.00a.m. Wednesday 22 October
Please include a contact number with your notice. Also email a copy to Fr William at st.theresas@btinternet.com.