The month of January is dedicated to The Holy Name of Jesus

THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

25 JANUARY 2026

Sat 24 Jan
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Veronica Marks
Sun 25 Jan			Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Day of Special Prayer for World Peace
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Ceri Poole RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Celia Mcloughin
	2.00pm		Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Mon 26 Jan			SS Timothy & Titus, B
St. Theresa’s			Mae Dunne’s Intentions
St. Columba’s	10.30am		Anne Else RIP
Tue 27 Jan
St. Theresa’s			Janie Casey RIP
St. Columba’s			Parishioners’ Intentions
Wed 28 Jan			St Thomas Aquinas
St. Theresa’s			Alison Carbert RIP
St. Columba’s	9.30am		Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am		Novena Prayers
	10.30am		Frank Jeffes
	12.30pm		Requiem Mass for Nuala Wynne-Jones
Thu 29 Jan
St. Theresa’s			Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s			Priests’ Intentions
Fri 30 Jan
St. Theresa’s	10.00am		Peter Hughes RIP
St. Columba’s	12.30pm		Funeral service for Catherine Earlam
Sat 31 Jan			St John Bosco, P
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Katherine Gannon RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Pat Black
Sun 1 Feb			Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Kathleen Maguire RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Daniel & Poppy Nagy on the occasion of their wedding
	2.00pm		Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS – Mass will be streamed at St Columba’s on Sunday 25 January at 11.00 a.m.

WELCOME – We welcome Fr John Baalaboore CSSp who will be helping out in our parish for a short while

RECENTLY DECEASED – Please remember in your prayers, Mary Joan Hayden, Nuala Wynne-Jones, Dorothea Carroll & Catherine Earlam who died recently, and also their families and friends. 
The funeral of Nuala Wynne-Jones is at St Columba’s, on 28 January at 12.30pm.
The funeral of Catherine Earlam is at St Columba’s on 30 January at 12.30pm.
The funeral of Dorothea Carroll is on 12 February at St Columba’s at 12 noon.
The funeral of  Mary Joan Hayden to be arranged.

ANNIVERSARIES – Anthony Keith Baker, Margaret Parry, Michael Booth, John Francis McNeill, Rev. Francis Gabriel Bligh, Veronica May Joyce, Iris Taylor.

CONFESSIONS – After each weekday Mass until 11.30am.
Saturdays:
St Columba’s    6.00 – 6.25 p.m.
St Theresa’s     4.30 – 4.55 p.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 11 a.m. service at St Columba’s on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month. See the parish website under the Family tab.

FIRST FORGIVENESS CELEBRATION – this Saturday,  24 children received the sacrament of First Forgiveness at a special service of celebration.  Please pray for the children and their families at this special time in their faith journeys.

BAPTISM, RECEPTION AND CONFIRMATION – Members of the parish ‘RCIA’ group are preparing to receive Sacraments at Easter; Adam Fitzpatrick (Baptism and Confirmation, in his home parish in Airdrie), Charlotte Jackson (Reception and Confirmation), Milton Vidotto and Daniel Nagy (Confirmation)  There are several related events in the coming weeks, beginning with a time of Reflection with Bishop Mark on 7 February in St Columba’s Hall. This is for Catechumens and Candidates from across the Diocese. Please watch out for further Newsletter announcements on these matters and keep all concerned in your prayers.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK – Observe good faith and justice towards all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all. George Washington

PARISH OFFERTORY – Loose Plate: 463052 Planned Giving: £298.64; Average weekly SO £718.15; Candles: £31.58 St Columba’s Dona Stations:£152.00

CONTACTLESS CARD DONATIONS AT ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH – I hesitate to tempt fate, but I hope I can say that the card machines at the front and back of church are now fully operational and will now allow you to register for Gift Aid if you haven’t already done so. If you have not registered you will be asked if you want to do so after you make a donation. Click ‘yes’ and follow instructions on screen or click ‘no’. If you have already registered (with the card you are using) that will be automatically recognised, and you will not be asked if you wish to Gift Aid.  Pauline Rourke

PRAYING TOGETHER FOR

• The residents of Dunham Way, Chirk Close, Tintern Avenue, Cleves Close, Roman Drive, Cavalier Drive & Hadrian Drive.
• The prayer groups and ecumenical prayer groups.
• Those who have nobody to pray for them.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR JANUARY 2026 – For prayer with the Word of God. Let us pray that praying with the Word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church.

PRAY WITH THE POPE is a new initiative for 2026 from Pope Leo. He invites the faithful to share in a common moment of quiet prayer each day with him. There is a prayer intention for each month which is printed in the newsletter, as above – The Pope’s Prayer Intentions. 

Pope Leo wants us to build a community of prayer throughout the Church. Next Sunday, the third Sunday in ordinary time, was designated by Pope Francis as Sunday of the Word of God. It would be a good time for us to dedicate ourselves to daily prayer that is based on the Word of God as it applies to our own lives.

To join with the Pope, copy these links into your browser and click www.popesprayer.va where you will find the video of Pope Leo praying.  You can find the gospel of each day in the weekday missal or by typing in any of the following links and clicking on them.

• Gospel Today Catholic – Reflecting on Today’s Catholic Gospel Reading
• Universalis: Readings at Mass (Universalis is an app you can download to your phone or tablet)
• Daily Mass Readings – Alive Publishing

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA – The 2026 tea and coffee rota is on the noticeboard in St Columba’s Hall. We need someone to volunteer every Sunday after 11:00 Mass, so if you would like to raise money for your good cause, please put your name and details on the sheet and let Margaret Curtis know on 01244 318424 or marg.curtis@outlook.com
25 Jan – Chris & Elizabeth, Parish
01 Feb – Nora Richardson, HCPT Wrexham 
08 Feb – volunteers please

Some details about HCPT –(see coffee rota St Columba’s 1 Feb) The Hosanna House and Children’s Pilgrimage Trust is a charity that brings children with disabilities or special needs on pilgrimage to Lourdes each year. Founded on the values of friendship, dignity, and service; this Easter, HCPT Group 155 from Wrexham will be travelling with four children, on HCPT’s 70th anniversary. As always, the pilgrimage is about the whole team coming together in love with pilgrims and helpers alike. Thanks for your support.

FRIENDSHIP THURSDAY 4 February 4 – I hope we’ll see lots of friends at this meeting from 2-4 pm in the Church Hall. We have a guest speaker, a late Christmas raffle and good conversation over coffee and biscuits. Please tell others about this. Contact Lyn for further details 07735574397

SPUC WHITE FLOWER APPEAL – The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) will be holding an appeal at all Masses next weekend on 31 Jan/1 Feb.  SPUC exists to restore a respect for the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death. 

NEEDLES AND PINS ON WED 28 JANUARY – Advanced notice that the Needles & Pins group are meeting at 12:00 at The Wheatsheaf, 46 Heath Rd, Upton, CH2 1HX for a festive lunch and there will be no meetings in the Newman room that day. See you at the meal.

CHESTER CATHEDRAL ORGAN RECITAL – every Thursday 1.10pm.  Each week features a different organist and repertoire of music.  Organ Recitals are free with a retiring collection and no ticket is required. The suggested donation for the recital is £5

MUSEUM OF THE MOON ARTWORK – Chester Cathedral, from Thursday 12 February to Sunday 15 March 2026. The installation is a fusion of lunar imagery, moonlight and surround sound composition. No need to book daytime entry, but a donation is advised.

MUSICAL EVENING – SOIRÉE! – in aid of Chester Parkinson’s UK. Friday 27 March, 7pm at St Columba’s Church hall. £15 pp includes fish and chip supper from the award winning Weston Grove Chippy. Bring your own alcohol! Tea, coffee, soft drinks available and a RAFFLE! Tickets from Pat Riddell 07941839161 or patriddell31@aol.com

BETROTHED – Shrewsbury Diocese will be running three sacramental marriage preparation courses in early 2026. Each course runs over two consecutive Saturdays from 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. on each day. The three venues are:
(1) St Clare’s Church Parish Hall, Downsfield Road, Lache, Chester CH4 8HH, on 7 and 14 February
(2) Vincent de Paul Church Westleigh Parish Hall, Groby Road, Altrincham WA14 2BQ, on 28 February and 7 March
(3) Shrewsbury Cathedral Parish Hall, Town Walls, Shrewsbury SY1 1UE, on 21 and 28 March.
Registration is essential. To register, contact Monika: monika.golembiewska@dioceseofshrewsbury.org
For more information, contact Jane Deegan: jane.deegan@dioceseofshrewsbury.org

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 1 February to be compiled by Alison Wrigglesworth, phone: 07759 042262, email:a.wrigglesworth@outlook.com. Deadline: 9.00a.m. Wednesday 28  January.
Please include a contact number with your notice and email a copy to Fr. William at st.theresas@btinternet.com

The month of January is dedicated to The Holy Name of Jesus

SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

18 JANUARY 2026

Sat 17 Jan
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Mary & Brian Marks RIP
Sun 18 Jan			Day of Special Prayer for World Peace
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Graham George RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Roy Burns RIP (mc)
	2.00pm		Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Mon 19 Jan
St. Theresa’s			Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	10.30am		Denis O’Donovan
Tue 20 Jan
St. Theresa’s			Bridget Williams RIP
St. Columba’s			Parishioners’ Intentions
Wed 21 Jan			St Agnes, V, M. Mem.
St. Theresa’s			Rosa Bella & Family Intentions
St. Columba’s	9.30am		Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am		Novena Prayers
	10.30am		Jacky & the McLelland Family
Thu 22 Jan
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Funeral Service for James (Jim) Dowd
St. Columba’s			Priests’ Intentions
Fri 23 Jan
St. Theresa’s	10.00am		Anthony Keith Baker RIP
St. Columba’s			The Parish
Sat 24 Jan
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Veronica Marks
Sun 25 Jan			Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Ceri Poole RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Celia McLoughlin
	2.00pm		Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS – Mass will be streamed at St Columba’s on Sunday 18 January at 11.00 a.m.

RECENTLY DECEASED – Please remember in your prayers, James (Jim) Dowd who died recently, and also his family and friends.  The funeral is at St Theresa’s on Thursday 22 January at 9.30 a.m. Please also remember Nuala Wynne-Jones and her loved ones. Her funeral will be at St Columba’s, on 28 January at 12.30pm.

ANNIVERSARIES – Frederick (Fred) Richard Hercules, Diane Blago, Michael Booth, John Francis McNeill, Robert William Hocking, Stanley Edward Taylor, Anthony Keith Baker, Margaret Parry.

FR PETER – Fr Peter has arrived safely and would like to thank you all for your prayers and good wishes.

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

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

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR JANUARY 2026 – For prayer with the Word of God. Let us pray that praying with the Word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church.

PEACE SUNDAY – January 18: Pope Leo’s message – “Peace be with you all: towards an “unarmed and disarming” peace. Please pray for the work of Pax Christi and perhaps consider a donation towards their very important work – paxchristi.org.uk

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

PRAYING TOGETHER FOR 

• The residents of Shocklach Road, Horrocks Road, Bolesworth Road, Boleyn Close, Tudor Green, Saxon Way & Palatine Close.
• The choirs and music groups.
• Uniting all who play and sing from the three churches

PARISH OFFERTORY
Christmas Time Donations:
Loose Plate: £2386.44; Planned Giving: £894.01. St Columba’s Dona Stations: £293
Last Week’s Collection: Loose Plate: £427.86; Planned Giving: £266; Average weekly SO £718.15; Candles: £36.58. St Columba’s Dona Stations: £73.00

CONTACTLESS CARD DONATIONS AT ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH – I hesitate to tempt fate, but I hope I can say that the card machines at the front and back of church are now fully operational and will now allow you to register for Gift Aid if you haven’t already done so. If you have not registered you will be asked if you want to do so after you make a donation. Click ‘yes’ and follow instructions on screen or click ‘no’. If you have already registered (with the card you are using) that will be automatically recognised, and you will not be asked if you wish to Gift Aid. Pauline Rourke

RETIRING COLLECTION – There will be a retiring collection this weekend (17/18 January) for the Priests’ Retirement Fund.

200 CLUB – Recent winners are:
£100 no 6 G. Templeton
£50 no. 7 M. Turnbull
£25 no 25 S. Parry
Thank you for your continued support.

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL – The next meeting will be on Tuesday 20 January at 7pm in St Theresa’s Centre.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA – The 2026 tea and coffee rota is on the noticeboard in St Columba’s Hall. We need someone to volunteer every Sunday after 11:00 Mass, so if you would like to raise money for your good cause, please put your name and details on the sheet and let Margaret Curtis know on 01244 318424.

NEEDLES AND PINS – Advanced notice that the Needles & Pins group are meeting at 12:00 on Wed 28 January at The Wheatsheaf, 46 Heath Rd, Upton, CH2 1HX for a festive lunch and there will be no meetings in the Newman room that day. See you at the meal.

YOUTH GROUP – Our first youth group of 2026 will be this Monday, 19 January, starting 7pm in the Newman room and finishing 8.30pm in St. Columba’s church hall. All young parishioners, year 5 or older are warmly invited to join our friendly group. If you are thinking about it why not come along and give it a try?

FIRST FORGIVENESS CELEBRATION – On Saturday 24 January, 24 children from St Columba’s will receive the Sacrament of First Forgiveness in a special service of celebration at 10.00a.m. Please pray for the children and their families at this special time in their faith journeys.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK– The best thing you have to offer the world is yourself.  You don’t have to copy anyone else. John Denver

SHREWSBURY YOUTH MISSION TEAM – Vacancies have arisen within the Shrewsbury Youth Mission Team for a Programme Coordinator, Youth Mission Team Member and an Administration Assistant.  Further details regarding the three posts can be found on the Diocesan Website: https://www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org/latest-vacancies/ 
Interested parties should send their CV to Pauline McCulloch: recruitment@dioceseofshrewsbury.org 
Closing date Friday 23 January 2026.

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY – This will be marked by two services:

• Churches Together Cheshire Service at Chester Cathedral, this Sunday 18 January at 5 p.m.
• Churches Together Upton Service at Holy Ascension church, Thursday 22 January at 2.30 p.m.

See the noticeboards for further details.  You are warmly invited to support these two events.

BETROTHED – Shrewsbury Diocese will be running three sacramental marriage preparation courses in early 2026. Each course runs over two consecutive Saturdays from 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. on each day. The three venues are:
(1) St Clare’s Church Parish Hall, Downsfield Road, Lache, Chester CH4 8HH, on 7 and 14 February
(2) Vincent de Paul Church Westleigh Parish Hall, Groby Road, Altrincham WA14 2BQ, on 28 February and 7 March
(3) Shrewsbury Cathedral Parish Hall, Town Walls, Shrewsbury SY1 1UE, on 21 and 28 March.
Registration is essential. To register, contact Monika: monika.golembiewska@dioceseofshrewsbury.org
For more information, contact Jane Deegan: jane.deegan@dioceseofshrewsbury.org

PRO-LIFE UPDATE – 2025 was one of the most challenging and busiest years ever for the pro-life movement in the UK, with the biggest battles on abortion and assisted suicide in over 50 years. Thanks to the support of our parish, there has been a strong, coordinated response in Parliament, in the media and among the wider public. The 2025 Right to Life UK Year in Review sets out some of the key areas in which significant progress has been made this year. Please visit http://righttolife.org.uk/2025 to read the Year in Review to find out more about what we have achieved together for life this past year.

MUSEUM OF THE MOON ARTWORK – Chester Cathedral, from Thursday 12 February to Sunday 15th March 2026. The installation is a fusion of lunar imagery, moonlight and surround sound composition. No need to book daytime entry, but a donation is advised.

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 25 January to be compiled by Eileen Irwin, phone: 01244 371660, email: st.theresas@btinternet.com. Deadline: 9.00a.m. Wednesday 21 January.
Please include a contact number with your notice.  Also email a copy to Fr. William at st.theresas@btinternet.com

The month of January is dedicated to The Holy Name of Jesus

THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD 

11 JANUARY 2026

Sat 10 Jan
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Janie Casey RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Bob Breen RIP
Sun 11 Jan			The Baptism of the Lord. Feast
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Jessica Baker RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Pat Kelly
	2.00pm		Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Mon 12 Jan
St. Theresa’s			Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	10.30am		John Cotter RIP
Tue 13 Jan
St. Theresa’s			John & Sue McCarney RIP
St. Columba’s			Parishioners’ Intentions
Wed 14 Jan
St. Theresa’s			Margaret McCarroll & Elaine Heskayne RIP
St. Columba’s	9.30am		Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am		Novena Prayers
	10.30am		David Whitby
Thu 15 Jan
St. Theresa’s			Denis Parsonage RIP
St. Columba’s			Priests’ Intentions
Fri 16 Jan			Feast
St. Theresa’s	10.00am		Sarah Nash’s Intention
St. Columba’s			The Parish
Sat 17 Jan
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Mary & Brian Marks RIP
Sun 18 Jan			Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Day of Special Prayer for World Peace
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Graham George RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Roy Burns RIP
	2.00pm		Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS – Mass will be streamed at St Theresa’s on Sunday 11 January at 9.30 a.m.

RECENTLY DECEASED – Please remember in your prayers, James (Jim) Dowd who died recently, and also his family and friends.  The funeral is at St Theresa’s on Thursday 22 January at 9.30 a.m. Please also remember Nuala Wynne-Jones who died this week; her funeral will be at St Columba’s, details to be announced.

ANNIVERSARIES – Betty Audrey Gore, Czeslawa Klepala, Elizabeth McGovern, Robert William Hocking, Stanley Edward Taylor.

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

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

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR JANUARY 2026 – For prayer with the Word of God. Let us pray that praying with the Word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church.

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

PARISH OFFERTORY – For the weekend of 3-4 January: Loose Plate: £487.96; Planned Giving: £295.31; Average weekly SO £718.15; Candles: £45.51.
Dona Stations Collection in December: £293.

THANK YOU – Fr William, Fr Peter and Deacon Lawrence would like to thank everyone for their cards and gifts and to wish everyone a Happy New Year.

GOODBYE – As we wish Fr Peter a fond farewell on his return to Nigeria on 12 January, we thank him for his ministry to our parish and send him our prayers and good wishes.

RETIRING COLLECTION – There will be a retiring collection next weekend (17-18 January) for the Priests’ Retirement Fund.

CAFOD DONATIONS – Many thanks for the donations received following the Carol Service on 19 December. £100 was gratefully received and 5 gifts of “Firewood for Winter Warmth” were purchased from CAFOD’s World Gifts catalogue.

PRAYERS – please pray for

• The residents of Newton Lane, Appleton Road, Handforth Road, Exeter Place, Burns Way, Masefield Drive, Aragon Green, and Brentwood Road.
• The Archive Group, Social Committees, and fundraising groups.
• The fellowship and sharing at social gatherings. 

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA – The 2026 tea and coffee rota is on the noticeboard in St Columba’s Hall. We need someone to volunteer every Sunday after 11:00 Mass, so if you would like to raise money for your good cause, please put your name and details on the sheet.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK – “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows.”  Helen Keller

SHREWSBURY YOUTH MISSION TEAM – Vacancies have arisen within the Shrewsbury Youth Mission Team for a Programme Coordinator, Youth Mission Team Member and an Administration Assistant.  Further details regarding the three posts can be found on the Diocesan Website: https://www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org/latest-vacancies/ 
Interested parties should send their CV to Pauline McCulloch: recruitment@dioceseofshrewsbury.org 
Closing date Friday 23 January 2026.

CONTACTLESS CARD DONATIONS AT ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH – I hesitate to tempt fate, but I hope I can say that the card machines at the front and back of church are now fully operational and will now allow you to register for Gift Aid if you haven’t already done so. If you have not registered you will be asked if you want to do so after you make a donation. Click ‘yes’ and follow instructions on screen or click ‘no’. If you have already registered (with the card you are using) that will be automatically recognised and you will not be asked if you wish to Gift Aid. Pauline Rourke

HEATING AT ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH – Most of the heaters have now been fixed. A friendly reminder, however: please do not turn off any radiators or interfere with the heating system in any way. Thank you.

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY – This will be marked by two services:

• Churches Together Cheshire Service at Chester Cathedral, Sunday 18 January at 5 p.m.
• Churches Together Upton Service at Holy Ascension church, Thursday 22 January at 2.30 p.m.

See the noticeboards for further details.  You are warmly invited to support these two events.

BETROTHED – Shrewsbury Diocese will be running three sacramental marriage preparation courses in early 2026. Each course runs over two consecutive Saturdays from 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. on each day.
The three venues are:
(1) St Clare’s Church Parish Hall, Downsfield Road, Lache, Chester CH4 8HH, on 7 & 14 February
(2) Vincent de Paul Church Westleigh Parish Hall, Groby Road, Altrincham WA14 2BQ, on 28 February & 7 March
(3) Shrewsbury Cathedral Parish Hall, Town Walls, Shrewsbury SY1 1UE, on 21 & 28 March.

Registration is essential. To register, contact Monika: monika.golembiewska@dioceseofshrewsbury.org
For more information, contact Jane Deegan: jane.deegan@dioceseofshrewsbury.org

PRO-LIFE UPDATE – 2025 was one of the most challenging and busiest years ever for the pro-life movement in the UK, with the biggest battles on abortion and assisted suicide in over 50 years. Thanks to the support of our parish, there has been a strong, coordinated response in Parliament, in the media and among the wider public. The 2025 Right to Life UK Year in Review sets out some of the key areas in which significant progress has been made this year. Please visit http://righttolife.org.uk/2025 to read the Year in Review to find out more about what we have achieved together for life this past year.

MUSEUM OF THE MOON ARTWORK – Chester Cathedral, from Thur 12 Feb – Sun 15 Mar 2026. The installation is a fusion of lunar imagery, moonlight and surround sound composition. No need to book daytime entry, but a donation is advised.

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 18 January to be compiled by Magdalena Bukowska Phone: 01244 624019, Email:stcolumbaschurch2016@outlook.com. Deadline: 9.00a.m. Wednesday 14 January
Please include a contact number with your notice and email a copy to Fr. William at st.theresas@btinternet.com

The month of January is dedicated to The Holy Name of Jesus

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS

4 JANUARY 2026

Sat 3 Jan
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Muriel & Jim Halligan RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Roy Burns RIP
Sun 4 Jan
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Kevin Campbell RIP
	2.00pm		Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Mon 5 Jan			Monday Of The Christmas Season
St. Theresa’s			Mae Dunne’s Intentions
St. Columba’s	10.30am		Parishioners’ Intentions
Tue 6 Jan			Epiphany of the Lord. Solemnity
St. Theresa’s	10.00am		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s			Parishioners’ Intentions
Wed 7 Jan
St. Theresa’s			Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	9.30am		Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am		Novena Prayers
	10.30am		Ann Behan, Parents, Nan & Martin
Thu 8 Jan
St. Theresa’s			Special Intentions
St. Columba’s			Priests’ Intentions
Fri 9 Jan
St. Theresa’s	10.00am		Jane Walsh’s Intentions
St. Columba’s			The Parish
Sat 10 Jan
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Janie Casey RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Bob Breen RIP
Sun 11 Jan			The Baptism of The Lord. Feast
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 4 January at 9.30a.m.

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

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

POPES PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR JANUARY 2026 – For prayer with the Word of God. Let us pray that praying with the Word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church.

ANNIVERSARIES – Kathleen Lawlor, Betty Audrey Gore, Czeslawa Klepala, Elizabeth McGovern

CHILDREN’S LITURGY – The Children’s Liturgy normally happens at the 11am 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 – Many thanks for your generous offerings, over Christmas and throughout the year. Much appreciated.  

NEW YEAR GREETING AND THANKS – Fr William and Fr Peter would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year. And a very big thank you to all those who have helped in any way with all of the Christmas services and preparation for Christmas. Thank you for all your support throughout the year.

PRAYERS – please pray for 

• the residents of Newhall Road, Winston Court, Arradon Court, Breton Close, Wealstone Lane, Well Lane, Bank Close, Newton Hall Drive, Durham Road, Canterbury Road, Lichfield Road and Warwick Road.
• Orchard Manor, Wealstone and Crabwall Hall. For all those who live and work in these Homes.

PRO-LIFE UPDATE – 2025 was one of the most challenging and busiest years ever for the pro-life movement in the UK, with the biggest battles on abortion and assisted suicide in over 50 years. Thanks to the support of our parish, there has been a strong, coordinated response in Parliament, in the media and among the wider public. The 2025 Right To Life UK Year in Review sets out some of the key areas in which significant progress has been made this year. Please visit http://righttolife.org.uk/2025 to read the Year in Review to find out more about what we have achieved together for life this year.

FRIENDSHIP THURSDAY 8 JANUARY – Our first meeting of 2026, from 2-4p.m. in the Hall. Let’s start the New Year in friendly fashion over coffee and biscuits. If you can bring a small donation, we may have a raffle to raise funds for the group.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA – We would like to thank all who volunteered their time to help with tea and coffee after the 11:00a.m. Mass. 
04 Jan – volunteers please 
11 Jan – volunteers please
18 Jan – volunteers please

SHREWSBURY YOUTH MISSION TEAM – Vacancies have arisen within the Shrewsbury Youth Mission Team for a Programme Coordinator,  Youth Mission Team Member and an Administration Assistant.  Further details regarding the 3 posts can be found on the Diocesan Website. https://www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org/latest-vacancies/ Interested parties should send their CV to Pauline McCulloch recruitment@dioceseofshrewsbury.org  Closing date Friday 23 January 2026.

HEATING AT ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH – Most of the heaters have now been fixed. A friendly reminder, however; please do not turn off any radiators or interfere with the heating system in any way. Thank you.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK – “It’s a new dawn. It’s a new day. It’s a new life, for me. And I’m feeling good.” Nina Simone 

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.

STAY SAFE FROM SCAMS – Scammers may know your details, don’t assume they’re genuine. Always think twice. Never share your PIN or passwords. Ignore emails or calls about computer viruses. Delete suspicious emails and mark them as spam. Be safe. If unsure, contact companies using official numbers. Dial 159 to safely reach your bank. Report scams to Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040 or online. Free guide and tips: Age UK Scam Advice the Booklet is available at the back of both churches – please return after reading.

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER – Sunday 11 January to be compiled by Paula Bownas, phone: 01244 379794, Email:paulabownas@yahoo.co.uk. Deadline: 9.00a.m. Wednesday 7 January. Please include a contact number with your notice.  Also email a copy to Fr. William at st.theresas@btinternet.com.

The month of December is dedicated to The Immaculate Conception

THE HOLY FAMILY SUNDAY

28 December 2025

Sat 27 Dec
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		John James Tobin RIP 1st Anniversary
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Lorraine Probert RIP
Sun 28 Dec			The Holy Family
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Michael Dunne RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Mary & Horace Walpole RIP
	2.00pm		Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Mon 29 Dec			St Thomas Becket, B, M. Feast.
St. Theresa’s			Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	10.30am		Joe Clifford
Tue 30 Dec			Sixth Day of Christmas Octave
St. Theresa’s			Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s			Parishioners’ Intentions
Wed 31 Dec			Seventh Day of Christmas Octave
St. Theresa’s			Pamela Dobson RIP
St. Columba’s	9.30am		Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am		Novena Prayers
	10.30am		Sr Anne Morris
	9.00pm		Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Thu 1 Jan			Mary Mother of God. Solemnity
St. Theresa’s			Bridget Williams RIP
St. Columba’s			New Year’s Mass Mary & Mike Kiernan
Fri 2 Jan			SS Basil the Great, P, D & Gregory Nazianzen, B, D. Mem.
St. Theresa’s	10.00am		Joseph Russell RIP
St. Columba’s			The Parish
Sat 3 Jan
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Muriel & Jim Halligan RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Roy Burns RIP
Sun 4 Jan			Second Sunday After Christmas
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Kevin Campbell RIP 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 28 December at 11.00a.m.

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

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

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTIONS for December – for Christians in areas of conflict. Let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation, and hope.

RECENTLY DECEASED – Please remember in your prayers, Michael Hayden & Roger John Warburton, who died recently, and also their families and friends.

ANNIVERSARIES – Jean Barbara Mary Blake, Sheila Patricia Hainey, Kathleen Lawlor.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY – The Children’s Liturgy normally happens at the 11am 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: £438.22; Planned Giving: £256.50; Average weekly SO £718.15; Candles: £44.54. 

CLERGY EDUCATION & TRAINING FUND – Many thanks for the amount of £190.39 which was collected recently for this.

CHRISTMAS OFFERINGS – The offertory collection at the Christmas Masses is for the parish.  Anyone wishing to give to either Fr William or Fr Peter personally should put their offering in an envelope marked “personal” with their name on and put in the Offertory basket. Thank you.

PRAYERS – please pray for 

• The residents of Dorset Road, Shipbrook Road, Mannings Lane South, Peckforton Way, Sumner Road, Fisher Road, Stamford Road & Church Way.
• The way of Churches Together in Upton and Churches Together in Chester & Praying for Blacon.
• All the Churches in Upton & Blacon.

CHRISTMAS MEMORY TREE – A time to remember those who will not be with us this year. There will be a tree and cards on side Altar at St. Columba’s (near the back door) to write your memories and hang on the tree. The memory is the important thing, but if anyone wishes to make a donation, there will be a basket with donations going to the Parish Third World Group.

PRO-LIFE UPDATE – 2025 has been one of the most challenging and busiest years ever for the pro-life movement in the UK, with the biggest battles on abortion and assisted suicide in over 50 years. Thanks to the support of our parish, there has been a strong, coordinated response in Parliament, in the media and among the wider public. The 2025 Right To Life UK Year in Review sets out some of the key areas in which significant progress has been made this year. Please visit http://righttolife.org.uk/2025 to read the Year in Review to find out more about what we have achieved together for life this year.

FRIENDSHIP THURSDAY 8 JANUARY– Our first meeting of 2026, from 2-4p.m. in the Hall. Let’s start the New Year in friendly fashion over coffee and biscuits. If you can bring a small donation, we may have a raffle to raise funds for the group.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA – We would like to thank all who volunteered their time to help with tea and coffee after the 11:00a.m. Mass. 
28 December – volunteers please
04 January – volunteers please
11 January – volunteers please

HEATING AT ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH – Most of the heaters have now been fixed. A friendly reminder, however; please do not turn off any radiators or interfere with the heating system in any way. Thank you.

PARISH OFFICE CLOSURES
St Columba’s office will be closed from Tuesday 23 December to Thursday 1 January and will re-open on Friday 2 January. Carol Galvin will be in the office for emergencies from 9a.m. – 12noon during this time.
St Theresa’s office will be closed from Thursday 24 December to Friday 2 January. The office answer machine is available for messages to be left.

CHESTER CATHEDRAL CHRISTMAS TREES – Enjoy over 80 trees decorated in the theme of Christmas Around the World. Booking required. However, no booking or entry fee on Sundays.

UPTON CHURCHES CRIB – The CTU Crib has been erected in the rear porch at St Columba’s together with, for the first time, its backdrop. The figures will follow in due course.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK – “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow” – Albert Einstein

STAY SAFE FROM SCAMS – Scammers may know your details, don’t assume they’re genuine. Always think twice. Never share your PIN or passwords. Ignore emails or calls about computer viruses. Delete suspicious emails and mark them as spam. Be safe. If unsure, contact companies using official numbers. Dial 159 to safely reach your bank. Report scams to Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040 or online. Free guide and tips: Age UK Scam Advice the Booklet is available at the back of both churches – please return after reading.

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.

NEWSLETTER Deadline – Due to the printers’ holiday closures over Christmas and New Year, the newsletters covering Sunday 21 December through to 4 January have now been printed. If you have an urgent item that needs announced over Christmas or New Year, please ring St Theresa’s (01244 371660) with the details. Thank you.