The month of March is dedicated to St Joseph

PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF OUR LORD

29 MARCH 2026

Saturday 28 March
St Theresa’s	9.30am	Malankara Jocobite Syriac Community
	5.00pm	Nan & Martin Behan RIP
St Columba’s	6.30pm
Sunday 29 March – Palm Sunday of the Passion of Our Lord
St Theresa’s	9.30am	Charles Woods RIP
St Columba’s	11.00am
	2.00pm	Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Monday 30 March – Monday of Holy Week
St Theresa’s	11.45am	Requiem Mass for Mark Buggy
St Columba’s	10.30am
Tuesday 31 March – Tuesday of Holy Week
St Theresa’s		Priests’ Intentions
St Columba’s		Parishioners’ Intentions
Wednesday 1 April – Wednesday of Holy Week
St Theresa’s		Mae Dunne’s Intention
St Columba’s	9.30am	Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am	Novena Prayers
	10.30am
Thursday 2 April – The Lord’s Supper
St Theresa’s	6.30pm	Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper George Rogers RIP
St Columba’s		Priests’ Intentions
	7.30pm	Kerala Catholic Community Service in Syro-Malabar Rite
Friday 3 April  – GOOD FRIDAY – The Lord’s Passion
St Theresa’s	11.00am	Stations of the Cross
	3.00pm	Celebration of the Lord’s Passion
St Columba’s	11.00am	Family Stations of the Cross
	3.00pm	Celebration of the Lord’s Passion
	6.00pm	Kerala Catholic Community Service in Syro-Malabar Rite
Saturday 4 April – Easter Vigil Mass
St Theresa’s		No evening Mass at st theresa’s
St Columba’s	8.00pm	Easter Vigil Mass
	11.00pm	Kerala Catholic Community Vigil Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Sunday 5 April – EASTER SUNDAY
St Theresa’s	9.30am	Parishioners’ Intentions
St Columba’s	11.00am
	2.00pm	Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS – Mass will be streamed at St Columba’s on Sunday 29 March at 11a.m.

ANNIVERSARIES – Veronica Comerford, Charles Woods, Sarah Ann Gordyk, Patrick Gerard McCullagh.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR MARCH – FOR DISARMAMENT AND PEACE. Let us pray that nations move toward effective disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament, and that world leaders choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy instead of violence.

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. 

RECENTLY DECEASED – Please remember in your prayers Mark Buggy, who died recently, and his family and friends.  The Requiem Mass for Mark is on Monday 30^thMarch at 11.45am. at St Theresa’s.

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.

PARISH OFFERTORY – (St Theresa) Loose Plate: £220.25; Planned Giving: £119.50; Average weekly SO £718.15. Thank you for your kind generosity.

CAFOD FAST DAY – More money has come in.  The new total is £481.  Many thanks for your donations.

EASTER OFFERTORY COLLECTION – This is for the parish.  Anyone wishing to give a personal gift to either Fr William or Fr John, please put the donation in an envelope marked personal with their name.

HOLY PLACES COLLECTION – There will be a retiring collection for this on Good Friday.

FR WILLIAM – Thursday is Fr William’s day off so please try not to arrange meetings on a Thursday if you would like Fr William to attend.

NEWSLETTER – As well as sending to the editor, please send any items for the newsletter to St Theresa’s office email: st.theresas@btinternet.com for the attention of Fr William. Thank you.

ST COLUMBA’s FAMILY STATIONS SERVICE – GOOD FRIDAY 11am
If anyone would like to read or participate in this Service, there will be a short rehearsal after 11am Mass this Sunday in the  Newman Room. For further details please ring Sue Carr 07946 038995.  Thank you.

EASTER VIGIL – This is taking place at St Columba’s on Saturday 4 April at 8pm.  Please note that there will NOT be a 5pm Mass at St Theresa’s that evening or a 6.30pm at St Columba’s.  Please come over to the Hall after the Vigil Mass and share cheese and wine, as one Parish.

EASTER VIGIL REHEARSAL – There will be a rehearsal for those assisting in the Easter Vigil, including altar servers, at St Columba’s on Monday 30 March at 6.30pm.

EASTER FLOWER COLLECTION – There will be a collection after all Masses this week end at St. Columba’s. to cover the cost of flowers to decorate the Church for the Easter celebration and the year ahead.  Your generous support is always very much appreciated. The Dona stations have also been programmed to accept donations for flowers.  Thank you in anticipation.

PRAYING TOGETHER FOR

• The residents of Broadway West, Totland Grove, Derwent Road, Willow Drive, Naomi Close, Dentith Drive and Egerton Road.
• The Zoo and all who work there.
• A deeper awareness of our environment.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK – “Give every day the chance to become the most beautiful of your life.” Mark Twain.

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN UPTON – The next fifth Sunday service will be at Holy Ascension this Sunday 29 March at 4.30p.m.  You are invited to join our friends from the other Upton churches in this short service based on “three unusual saints”.  An opportunity to test your knowledge of possibly obscure saints.  There will be refreshments in the Kempe room after the service.  A poster on the notice board gives more details.

DIOCESAN MASS FOR MARRIAGE 2026 – Bishop Mark will be celebrating the Mass for Marriage on Saturday 13 June at 12 noon at Saint Columba’s. Mass will be followed by a buffet lunch for invited guests in the Parish Hall. All parishioners celebrating a significant marriage anniversary can apply for an invitation from the Bishop’s Office via their Parish Priest or Parish Administrator by 8 April. Details required are your names, address, telephone number and which anniversary you are celebrating.

CHESTER PARISHES CONFIRMATION – Bishop Mark Davies will celebrate the next Chester Catholic Parishes Sacrament of Confirmation on 11 November ’26 at St. Columba’s Church. This year the preparation program for parishioners from all Chester Catholic Parishes will be led by St. Columba and St. Theresa’s Confirmation preparation team. Anyone currently at high school, or older may prepare to be Confirmed. For youth candidates, to register, parents please email stcolumbatheresaconfirmation@hotmail.co.uk. Please include your child’s current school year. Adult candidates, please speak to Fr William first and then email the above email address to join the separate adult preparation group. There will be an information meeting about Confirmation preparation in mid June, details to be announced nearer the time. 

SHREWSBURY LOURDES HOSPITALITY – will be holding our first 2026 Hospitality Members Focus Group on Tuesday 21 April, at 7pm.  This will be open to any Hospitality members, even if you haven’t attended previous Focus Groups.  We will be encouraged to review the commitments made last year to improve our way of working with each other.  We are also delighted that Fr Sean Henry, Chaplain to the Hospitality, will join us.  This will take place at St Columba’s, Plas Newton Lane, Chester CH2 1PL.  Please confirm your attendance by emailing  secretary@teamshrewsbury.co.uk

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA – See the rota on the noticeboard in St Columba’s Hall. We need volunteers every Sunday after 11:00 Mass, so if you would like 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
29 March          Elizabeth Wilson, CWL
05 April             Easter Sunday, volunteers please 
12 April             volunteers please

DE-FIB TRAINING – This is taking place in St Theresa’s Church on Wednesday 8 April at 11am.  If you would like to attend please give your name to one of the parish offices.

PARISH YOUTH GROUP – In late November our Parish Youth Group held a cake sale after 11am Mass at St Columba’s. They chose to raise money for Claire House Children’s Hospice and managed to raise £202, thanks to your cake eating and generosity! On Monday 16 March, at our youth group meeting, we had a talk from a volunteer from Claire House so we could learn more about what they do and how they support families. It was very informative and we all learnt a lot about a very worthy cause.

VOCATION OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY – There will be a Diocesan Marriage & Family Life Ministry (MFL) Retreat with presentations on the Mission of Marriage, a Reflection on the Book of Tobit and Holy Mass at Midday, on  18 April 2026 from 9.30pm to 4.00pm, St. John Vianney Parish Hall, St Wilfrid’s Church, Witton Street Northwich Cheshire, CW9 5NP.  Please Register with Monika Golembiewskaon 07549 226794 or email: monika.golembiewska@dioceseofshrewsbury.org 

SUGGESTION BOXES – It was agreed at the parish AGM last year that: “a parishioners’ suggestion box be made available at each church and parishioners encouraged to use them”.  These have now been placed in the entrances to each church- apologies for the delay in their installation.  There is a pen and paper attached to each which we hope will encourage you to use them.  They offer you an easy means of making suggestions for improvements which can help us all as a parish.  Ann McCarthy, Pauline Rourke (co-chairs Pastoral Council)

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

FISH & CHIP BABIES KNITTING PROJECT – There are photos showing the unpacking of your knitted garments by the recipients in East Africa on display in the front porch of both churches. Thank you and keep knitting!

MISA EN ESPAñOL UNA VEZ AL MES! – Fr Patrick from St Clare’s Church will begin celebrating a Monthly Mass in Spanish for our Spanish speaking community in Chester and anyone who wishes to participate”. 
First Mass: Saturday 18 April at 4pm. 
Location: St Clare’s, Downsfield Rd, Chester. CH4 8HH 
This Mass will take place once a month and is a beautiful opportunity to come together in faith, prayer and community in the Spanish Language. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be served after the service. If you want further information please contact Lina Greig: 07837512544.

!TODOS SON BIENVENIDOS, FAMILIA Y AMIGOS! “Porque donde dos o tres se reunen en mi nombre, alli estoy yo en medio de ellos” 

CALLED TO LOVE – A retreat for singles, dating and engaged young adults who want to think more deeply about relationships and the call to marriage. A relaxed weekend on 2 – 3 May 2026 at the Christian Heritage Centre, Stonyhurst, Clitheroe BB7 9PZ. This year’s retreat will have as its theme masculinity and femininity. For registration visit: https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/called-to-love/

VACANCY – Due to retirement, a vacancy has arisen within the Diocese for a Health & Safety officer.  Salary £32,000 – £38,000 dependant on experience. Hours: 25 per week, term time only,  Please send CV and covering letter to Pauline McCulloch recruitment@dioceseofshrewsbury.org Closing date 10 April. Further details can be found on the Diocesan Website  Latest Vacancies – Diocese

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 5 April to be compiled by  Rebecca Vaughan, phone: 01244 318632, email: rebecca_vghn@yahoo.co.uk. Deadline: 9.00a.m. Tuesday 31 March
Please include a contact number with your notice.  Also email a copy to Fr. William at st.theresas@btinternet.com

The month of March is dedicated to St Joseph

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

22  MARCH 2026

Saturday 21 March
St Theresa’s	5.00pm	Muriel & Jim Halligan RIP
St Columba’s	6.30pm	Patricia Duggan
Sunday 22 March –Fifth Sunday of Lent
St Theresa’s	9.30am	Margaret Parry RIP
St Columba’s	11.00am	World Peace, God’s guidance & cover over our lives.
	2.00pm	Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Monday 23 March
St Theresa’s		John Dixon RIP
St Columba’s	10.00am	Stations of the Cross
	10.30am	Mary Ryan
Tuesday 24 March
St Theresa’s		Parishioners’ Ints
St Columba’s		Matthew Traynor
Wednesday 25 March The Annunciation of the Lord
St Theresa’s	10.00am   7.00pm	Wanilda Lourenco da Silva Agostinho Jose da Silva
St Columba’s		NO EXPOSITION
		NO NOVENA PRAYERS
	10.30am	Fr Peter Otuonkpaikhien
Thursday 26 March
St Theresa’s		Priests’ Intentions
St Columba’s		Priests’ Intentions
Friday 27 March
St Theresa’s	9.30am	Stations of the Cross
	10.00am	Philip A Francis
St Columba’s		The Parish
Saturday 28 March
St Theresa’s	9.30am	Malankara Jacobite Syriac Community
	5.00pm	Nan & Martin Behan RIP
St Columba’s	6.30pm	Jo Staunton
Sunday 29 March – Palm Sunday
St Theresa’s	9.30am	Charles Woods RIP
St Columba’s	11.00am	Cyril & Ethel – Wedding Anniversary
	2.00pm	Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR MARCH – FOR DISARMAMENT AND PEACE. Let us pray that nations move toward effective disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament, and that world leaders choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy instead of violence.

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS – Mass will be streamed at St Theresa’s on Sunday 22^nd  March 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. 

ANNIVERSARIES – James Philip Conde, Margaret Ellen Finnegan, Judith Mary Whitlow, Bridget Ann Purcell & Veronica Comerford.

RECENTLY DECEASED – Please remember in your prayers Mark Buggy, who died recently, and his family and friends.  The Requiem Mass for Mark is on Monday 30^th March at 11.45am. at St Theresa’s.

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.

PARISH OFFERTORY

Loose Plate: £509.45; Planned Giving: £322.136; Average weekly SO £718.15. St Columba’s Dona Stations: £66.00. Candles: £44.98. Thank you for your kind generosity.

EASTER  – The Easter Offertory collection is for the parish – anyone wishing to give a personal gift to either Fr William or Fr John please put the donation in an envelope marked personal with their name.

HOLY PLACES COLLECTION – There will be a retiring collection for this on Good Friday.

FR WILLIAM – Thursday is Fr William’s day off so please try not to arrange meetings on a Thursday if you would like Fr William to attend.

NEWSLETTER – As well as sending to the editor, please send any items for the newsletter to St Theresa’s office email: st.theresas@btinternet.com for the attention of Fr William. Thank you.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS – THE SCRUTINIES   Fr William will conduct the Third and final Scrutiny with Adam Fitzpatrick at 11 am Mass this Sunday. Please keep Adam and all concerned in your prayers, in these final weeks of his preparation for Baptism. A copy of the Scrutiny is available with Newsletters.

EASTER VIGIL REHEARSAL – There will be a rehearsal for those assisting, including altar servers, in the Easter Vigil, at St Columba’s on Monday 30^th March at 6.30pm.

RECONCILIATION SERVICE – Thanks to those who came along to this last Tuesday.

PRAYING TOGETHER FOR

• The residents of Broadway West, Totland Grove, Derwent Road, Willow Drive, Naomi Close, Dentith drive and Egerton Road.
• For the Zoo and all who work there.
• For a deeper awareness of our environment.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK – “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” Audrey Hepburn

SUGGESTION BOXES – It was agreed at the parish AGM last year that: “a parishioners’ suggestion box be made available at each church and parishioners encouraged to use them”.  These have now been placed in the entrances to each church- apologies for the delay in their installation.  There is a pen and paper attached to each which we hope will encourage you to use them.  They offer you an easy means of making suggestions for improvements which can help us all as a parish.  Ann McCarthy, Pauline Rourke (co-chairs Pastoral Council)

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN UPTON – The next fifth Sunday service will be at Holy Ascension NEXT Sunday 29 March at 4.30p.m.  You are invited to join our friends from the other Upton churches in this short service based on “three unusual saints”.  An opportunity to test your knowledge of possibly obscure saints.  There will be refreshments in the kemp room after the service.  A poster on the notice board gives more details.

DIOCESAN MASS FOR MARRIAGE 2026 – Bishop Mark will be celebrating the Mass for Marriage on Saturday 13th June at 12 noon at Saint Columba’s. Mass will be followed by a buffet lunch for invited guests in the Parish Hall. All parishioners celebrating a significant marriage anniversary can apply for an invitation from the Bishop’s Office via their Parish Priest or Parish Administrator by 8^th April. Details required are your names, address, telephone number and which anniversary you are celebrating.

St Columba’s Coffee Rota – See the rota on the noticeboard in St Columba’s Hall. We need volunteers every Sunday after 11:00 Mass, so if you would like 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
22 Mar – Lina Greig, Hopeful Ugandan Heart
29 Mar – Elizabeth Wilson, CWL
05 Apr – volunteers please 

NEEDLES & PINS – Wed 25th March – Everyone is invited to this friendly and welcoming needlecraft group in the Newman Room, between 2:00-4:00pm every fourth Wednesday of the month. Hope to see you.

CLOCKS –  go forward 1 hour next weekend

CAFOD FAMILY FAST DAY DONATION – Donations from the envelopes amounted to £452.  Many thanks for your continued generosity.  It will help families put food on their table in some of the poorest countries in the world.

VACANCY – Due to retirement, a vacancy has arisen within the Diocese for a Health & Safety officer.  Salary £32,000 – £38,000 dependant on experience. Hours: 25 per week, term time only,  Please send CV and covering letter to Pauline McCulloch recruitment@dioceseofshrewsbury.org Closing date 10 April.  Further details can be found on the Diocesan Website  Latest Vacancies – Diocese

MISA EN ESPAñOL UNA VEZ AL MES! Fr Patrick from St Clare’s Church will begin celebrating a Monthly Mass in Spanish for our Spanish speaking community in Chester and anyone who wishes to participate”. 
First Mass: Saturday 18^th April at 4pm. 
Location: St Clare’s, Downsfield Rd, Chester. CH4 8HH 
This Mass will take place once a month and is a beatiful oppotunity to come together in faith, prayer and community in the Spanish Language. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be served after the service. If you want further information please contact Lina Greig: 07837512544.

!TODOS SON BIENVENIDOS, FAMILIA Y AMIGOS! “Porque donde dos o tres se reunen en mi nombre, alli estoy yo en medio de ellos” 

MARRIAGE SUPPORT: If you are just in a rut or for more serious issues – Retrouvaille could be the solution. www.retrouvaille.org.uk  +44 797 338 0443

NOTE: The Easter newsletter deadline will be brought forward to Tuesday 31 March 9am.

SCHOOL NEWS – both the Catholic High and St Werburgh’s and St Columba’s schools are taking part in the Big Lent Walk this year to raise money for CAFOD

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

FISH & CHIP BABIES KNITTING PROJECT – There are photos showing the unpacking of your knitted garments by the recipients in East Africa on display in the front porch of both churches. Thank you and keep knitting!

CONTACTLESS CARD DONATIONS TO CAFOD AT ST COLUMBA’S – For the next three weeks you can donate to the CAFOD appeal by tapping CAFOD on the Dona station at the rear of the church and Second Collection on the station at the front of church.                                    

MASS REQUESTS – If you would like to have a Mass said, especially on a particular day, please allow at least one month before the date when requesting Mass. Requests can be made at the office or using an envelope. Thank you.

CALLED TO LOVE – A retreat for singles, dating and engaged young adults who want to think more deeply about relationships and the call to marriage. A relaxed weekend on 2^nd – 3^rd May 2026 at the Christian Heritage Centre, Stonyhurst, Clitheroe BB7 9PZ. This year’s retreat will have as its theme masculinity and femininity. For registration visit: https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/called-to-love/

LENT GROUP March 24th – This will be our last Lent Group so do join us in the Iona Chapel from 10.30 for 30-40 minutes. We shall read and discuss the raising of Lazarus in the Gospel of John, a foretaste of the Resurrection and a chance to prepare for Holy Week.  Anyone is welcome. Thanks to those who have led the group through Lent. Copies of the passage will be available.  FFI Lyn 07735574397

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 29 March to be compiled by  Muriel Green. Phone: 01244 383836, email: muriel.green1@btinternet.com. Deadline: 9.00a.m. Wednesday 25 March
Please include a contact number with your notice.  Also email a copy to Fr. William at st.theresas@btinternet.com

The month of March is dedicated to St Joseph

FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT

15 MARCH 2026

Saturday 14 March
St Theresa’s	5.00pm	Tony McHugh RIP
St Columba’s	6.30pm	Margery Whatmough
Sunday 15 March –Fourth Sunday of Lent
St Theresa’s	9.30am	Kazia Krawiec RIP
St Columba’s	11.00am	Ron Williams RIP
	2.00pm	Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Monday 16 March
St Theresa’s		Priests’ Intentions
St Columba’s	10.00am	Stations of the Cross
	10.30am	Aquiles Paras RIP
Tuesday 17 March – St Patrick, B. Feast
St Theresa’s		McCreary Family
	7.00pm	Reconciliation service
St Columba’s		The Elwell Family
Wednesday 18 March
St Theresa’s		Worral Family RIP
St Columba’s	9.30am	Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am	Novena Prayers
	10.30am	Meg Lee RIP
Thursday 19 March – St Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Solemn.
St Theresa’s		Eileen Mapp’s Intentions
St Columba’s		Priests’ Intentions
Friday 20 March
St Theresa’s	9.30am	Stations of the Cross
	10.00am	Steele Family Intentions
St Columba’s		The Parish
Saturday 21 March
St Theresa’s	9.30am	Malankara Jacobite Syriac Community
	5.00pm	Muriel & Jim Halligan RIP
St Columba’s	6.30pm	Patricia Duggan
Sunday 22 March – 5th Sunday of Lent
St Theresa’s	9.30am	Margaret Parry RIP
St Columba’s	11.00am	World Peace, God’s guidance and cover over our lives.
	2.00pm	Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS – Mass will be streamed at St Theresa’s on Sunday 15 March at 9.30a.m.

RECENTLY DECEASED – Please remember in your prayers Mark Buggy, who died recently, and his family and friends.  The Requiem Mass for Mark is on Monday 30 March at 11.45am. at St Theresa’s.

ANNIVERSARIES – Margaret Ellen Finnegan, John James Tully, Doreen Brenda Grainger, Jean Alice Hickman, Margaret Christine Steele.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR MARCH – FOR DISARMAMENT AND PEACE. Let us pray that nations move toward effective disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament, and that world leaders choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy instead of violence.

MOTHERS’ DAY – There are copies of a Mothers’ Day prayer available in St. Theresa’s porch for you to take home with you.

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. 

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.

PARISH OFFERTORY – Loose Plate: £472.19; Planned Giving: £310.50; Average weekly SO £718.15. St Columba’s Dona Stations: £49.00. Candles: £43.75. Thank you for your kind generosity.

HOLY PLACES COLLECTION – Second collection the weekend of 3-4 April.

CONTACTLESS CARD DONATIONS TO CAFOD AT ST COLUMBA’S – For the next three weeks you can donate to the CAFOD appeal by tapping CAFOD on the Dona station at the rear of the church and Second Collection on the station at the front of church.                                    

RECONCILIATION SERVICE – There will be a Reconciliation Service at St Theresa’s on Tuesday 17 March at 7pm.

MASS REQUESTS – If you would like to have a Mass said, especially on a particular day, please allow at least one month before the date when requesting mass. Requests can be made at the office or using an envelope. Thank you.

FR WILLIAM – Thursday is Fr William’s day off so please try not to arrange meetings on a Thursday if you would like Fr William to attend.

NEWSLETTER – As well as sending to the editor, please send any items for the newsletter to St Theresa’s office email: st.theresas@btinternet.com for the attention of Fr William. Thank you.

PRAYING TOGETHER FOR:

• The residents of Kelvin Grove, Western Approach, Thirlmere Road, Blacon Avenue, Keats Terrace, Blacon Hall Road and Malvern Road.  
• Greater compassion for those who feel marginalised in our society.
• A deeper unity between the churches

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS – THE SCRUTINIES – Fr William will conduct the Second Scrutiny with Adam Fitzpatrick at 11 am Mass this Sunday. Please keep Adam and all concerned in your prayers, in these final weeks of his preparation for Baptism. A copy of the Scrutiny is available with Newsletters.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK -‘What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.’ — Helen Keller

SUGGESTION BOXES – “A Parishioner’s Suggestion Box”, with attached pen and paper, is now available in the entrances to each church. If you have any questions, concerns or ideas and are unable to speak to Fr William please put them in the box with a contact number for a reply.

DAY OF RECOLLECTION FOR EXRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST – Many thanks to those who came along to this last Sunday in the Newman Room, there was a good turnout.

HEALING & HOPE SERVICE – At St Werburgh’s church on 21 March at 2pm. The sacraments of reconciliation and anointing of the sick will be offered to those who wish to receive them. All are welcome. Refreshments will be served by members of the SVP at the end.

LENT GROUP, March 17 – Do join us in the Iona Chapel from 10.30a.m. for 30-40 minutes. We shall read and discuss the Parable of the Vine in the Gospel of John, trying to see how this applies to our lives. Anyone is welcome. Copies of the passage will be available. FFI Lyn 07735574397

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN UPTON – The next fifth Sunday service will be at Holy Ascension on Sunday March 29 at 4.30p.m.  You are invited to join our friends from the other Upton churches in this short service based on “three unusual saints”.  An opportunity to test your knowledge of possibly obscure saints.  There will be refreshments in the kemp room after the service.  A poster on the notice board gives more details.

EASTER VIGIL REHEARSAL – There will be a rehearsal for those assisting, including altar servers, in the Easter Vigil, at St Columba’s on Monday 30 March at 6.30pm.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA – See the rota on the noticeboard in St Columba’s Hall. We need volunteers every Sunday after 11:00 Mass, so if you would like 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
15 Mar – volunteers please
22 Mar – Lina Greig, Hopeful Ugandan Heart
29 Mar – Elizabeth Wilson, CWL

CHRISTIAN AID – Lent lunch from 12 noon-1.30 pm, 9 March in Wesley Methodist Church, St John Street, and 20 March in Hoole URC, Hoole Road.

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

Fish & Chip babies knitting project -There are photos showing the unpacking of your knitted garments by the recipients in East Africa on display in the front porch of St Columba’s. Thank you and keep knitting!

DIOCESAN MASS FOR MARRIAGE 2026 – Bishop Mark will be celebrating the Mass for Marriage on Saturday 13 June at 12 noon at Saint Columba’s. Mass will be followed by a buffet lunch for invited guests in the Parish Hall. All parishioners celebrating a significant marriage anniversary can apply for an invitation from the Bishop’s Office via their Parish Priest or Parish Administrator. Details required are your names, address, telephone number and which anniversary you are celebrating.

THE NATIONAL NOVENA TO ST JOSEPH – The Mill Hill Missionaries will hold their annual National Novena at St Joseph’s, Maidenhead from 10–18 March 2026. Mass times: 10.00a.m. daily,11.00a.m. on Sunday. Services will be streamed on YouTube and www.millhillmissionaries.com/novena  Novena prayer booklets are available (donations £1). Petitions and booklet requests: novenamhm@gmail.com.

SCHOOL NEWS – both the Catholic High and St Werburgh’s and St Columba’s schools are taking part in the Big Lent Walk this year to raise money for CAFOD. 

CAFOD FAST DAY REMINDER – Your donation can help families around the world grow food in difficult conditions – such as flood resistant floating gardens or using solar-powered water pumps in times of drought. Collect a CAFOD envelope and place in the collection baskets, donate online at CAFOD.org.uk/envelope, call 030303 30 30, use the QR code on the posters in the church porches or the Dona stations (in St Columba’s only).  

Reflection on St Joseph: Husband of the Blessed Virgin, Guardian of Jesus, Pillar of Families – Join us for a Reflection on St Joseph from the Scriptures, the saints, popes and others all of which can help us understand the importance of devotion to him, especially within the vocation of marriage and for our families.
When: Feast of St Joseph Husband of the Blessed Virgin 19 March 2026
Where:  Shrewsbury Cathedral Parish Room 7.00 pm – 9.00 pm
Speaker: Jane Deegan Director of Marriage and Family Life Vocation, Lay Spirituality and Prayer

BETROTHED – Shrewsbury Diocese will be running a sacramental marriage preparation course on 21 and 28 March 2026. The course runs over two consecutive Saturdays from 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. on each day atOur Lady and St Oswald’s Catholic Primary School, Upper Brook Street, Oswestry, Shropshire SY11 2TG.
Registration is essential. To register, contact Monika: monika.golembiewska@dioceseofshrewsbury.org
For more information, contact Jane Deegan: jane.deegan@dioceseofshrewsbury.org

CALLED TO LOVE – A retreat for singles, dating and engaged young adults who want to think more deeply about relationships and the call to marriage. A relaxed weekend on 2 – 3 May 2026 at the Christian Heritage Centre, Stonyhurst, Clitheroe BB7 9PZ. This year’s retreat will have as its theme masculinity and femininity. For registration visit: https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/called-to-love/

THE COMMUNITY OF OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM – Seeks help to purchase a property to accommodate their growing community and further their mission for the re-evangelization of England. Any amount is greatly appreciated and the community assure you of their prayers. More information, as well as the option to donate online, can be found at: www.maryshouseappeal.org E. office@walsinghamcommunity.org T: 01362692574

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 22 March to be compiled by Eileen Irwin, phone: 01244 371660, email: st.theresas@btinternet.com. Deadline: 9.00a.m. Wednesday 18 March. Please include a contact number with your notice.  Also email a copy to Fr. William at st.theresas@btinternet.com
NOTE: The Easter newsletter deadline will be brought forward to. Tuesday 31 March 9am. 

The month of March is dedicated to St Joseph

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

8 MARCH 2026

Sat 7 Mar
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Malankara Jacobite Syriac Orthodox Community Mass
	5.00pm		May & George Littler RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Pat Wilkinson 90th Birthday
Sun 8 Mar			Third Sunday of Lent
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Veronica & Anthony Comerford
	2.00pm		Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Mon 9 Mar
St. Theresa’s			Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	10.00am		Stations of the Cross
	10.30am		Eddie & David Stockdale RIP
Tue 10 Mar
St. Theresa’s			Nicola & Jonny Lally & Family
St. Columba’s			Lucienne Francis
Wed 11 Mar
St. Theresa’s	12.00pm		Funeral Service for Joyce Mary Burrows
			Owain & Jackie Dale-Jones & Family
St. Columba’s	9.30am		Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am		Novena Prayers
	10.30am		J.M.W. Thanksgiving
Thu 12 Mar
St. Theresa’s			Martha O’Kane & Family
St. Columba’s			Priests’ Intentions
Fri 13 Mar
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Stations of the Cross
	10.00am		Janie Casey RIP
St. Columba’s			The Parish
Sat 14 Mar
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Tony McHugh RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Margery Whatmough
Sun 15 Feb			4th Sunday of Lent
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Kazia Krawiec
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Ron Williams RIP
	2.00pm		Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS – Mass will be streamed at St Columba’s on Sunday 8 March at 11.00a.m.

RECENTLY DECEASED – Please remember in your prayers Joyce Mary Burrows, Mark Buggy and Carlo Safina, who died recently, and also their families and friends.  Joyce’s funeral is on Wednesday 11 March at 12 noon at St Theresa’s.  The Requiem Mass for Mark is on Monday 30 March at 11.45am. at St Theresa’s.

ANNIVERSARIES – Eilleen Mary Harland, Mavis Gibson,  John James Tully,  Doreen Brenda Grainger, Agnes Jones, Mary Evelyn, Formston and Mavis Gibson.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR MARCH – FOR DISARMAMENT AND PEACE. Let us pray that nations move toward effective disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament, and that world leaders choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy instead of violence.

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. 

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.

PARISH OFFERTORY – Loose Plate: £559.28; Planned Giving: £164.05; Average weekly SO £718.15. St Columba’s Dona Stations: £73.00. Candles: £29.80. Thank you for your kind generosity.

WHITE FLOWER COLLECTION (SPUC) – Many thanks for the amount of £338.20 which was collected for this recently.

CONTACTLESS CARD DONATIONS TO CAFOD AT ST COLUMBA’S – For the next three weeks you can donate to the CAFOD appeal by tapping CAFOD on the Dona station at the rear of the church and Second Collection on the station at the front of church.  Pauline Rourke.                    

RECONCILIATION SERVICE – There will be a Reconciliation Service at St Theresa’s on Tuesday 17 March at 7pm.

MASS REQUESTS – If you would like to have a Mass said, especially on a particular day, please allow at least one month before the date when requesting mass. Requests can be made at the office or using an envelope. Thank you.

FR WILLIAM – Thursday is Fr William’s day off so please try not to arrange meetings on a Thursday if you would like Fr William to attend.

NEWSLETTER – As well as sending to the editor, please send any items for the newsletter to St Theresa’s office email (st.theresas@btinternet.com) for the attention of Fr William. Thank you.

PRAYING TOGETHER FOR:

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

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK – The Word of God is a living bread, the food of the soul. Let it sink into your inmost heart and pass into your affections and way of life. Eat plentifully of it and your soul will rejoice. St Bernard of Clairvaux

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS – THE SCRUTINIES – As announced last week, during the 11 am Mass this Sunday Fr William will conduct the First of the three Scrutinies with Adam Fitzpatrick. These are rites of self-searching and repentance, with a spiritual purpose, performed in these final weeks of Adam’s preparation for Baptism. A copy of the Scrutiny is available with Newsletters.

DAY OF RECOLLECTION for new and existing Eucharistic Ministers – You are welcome to attend the Day of Recollection with Natalie Orefice this Sunday 8 March at 2.00 pm in the Newman Room in preparation for the reintroduction of Holy Communion under both kinds in our Parish. 

LENT GROUP – This will continue on Tuesday 10 March. Feel free to come when you can. Anyone is welcome. Each week, we shall look at a passage from the gospel of John, trying to imagine ourselves in the scene and sharing our thoughts about our reaction to it. No-one is forced to speak. You can bring your own bible, but copies of the passage will be available. Join us at 10.30 a.m. in the Iona Chapel for 30-40 minutes maximum. For more information, contact Lyn: 07735574397

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA – See the rota on the noticeboard in St Columba’s Hall. We need volunteers every Sunday after 11:00 Mass, so if you would like 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
08 Mar – volunteers please
15 Mar – volunteers please
22 Mar – Lina Greig, Hopeful Ugandan Hearts

THE PRICE OF TEAS AND COFFEES in St Columba’s Church Hall on Sundays is £1 now. This will help volunteers raise more for their chosen charity and will encourage more groups to volunteer in the future. 

CHRISTIAN AID – Lent lunch from 12 noon-1.30 pm,  9 March in Wesley Methodist Church, St John Street, and 20 March in Hoole URC, Hoole Road.

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

FISH & CHIP BABIES KNITTING PROJECT – Photos showing the unpacking of your knitted garments by the recipients in East Africa are on display in the porches of both churches. Thank you and keep knitting!

VOTIVE CANDLES AT ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH – Our candles are safe and environmentally friendly: they may be left to burn when the church is empty, the spent wax is recycled and last year, using these candles, helped prevent 112 trucks of plastic and aluminium cups going to landfill. As they are more expensive, please consider a minimum donation of 50p per candle. You can donate via the Dona system, which increases your offering if you are registered for Gift Aid. Thank you. Pauline Rourke

ST WERBURGH’S & ST COLUMBA’S SCHOOL – The School Mission Team (SMT) have had the idea to use the arch in our prayer garden as a prayer arch. A school member with an intention they want prayed for, can tie a ribbon around the arch. If anyone has any spare ribbon or coloured string, could you please donate it to this project. The SMT are really excited about seeing the arch become colourful with prayer intentions! Thank you in advance. 

THE COMMUNITY OF OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM – Seeks help to purchase a property to accommodate their growing community and further their mission for the re-evangelization of England. Any amount is greatly appreciated and the community assure you of their prayers. More information, as well as the option to donate online, can be found at: www.maryshouseappeal.org  E. office@walsinghamcommunity.org  T: 01362 692574

THE NATIONAL NOVENA TO ST JOSEPH – The Mill Hill Missionaries will hold their annual National Novena at St Joseph’s, Maidenhead from 10–18 March 2026. Mass times: 10.00 daily,11.00 on Sunday. And will be streamed on YouTube and www.millhillmissionaries.com/novena  Novena prayer booklets are available (donations £1). Petitions and booklet requests: novenamhm@gmail.com.

SCHOOL NEWS – both the Catholic High and St Werburgh’s and St Columba’s schools are taking part in the Big Lent Walk this year to raise money for CAFOD. 

CHRISTIAN AID LENT LUNCHES – 12 noon – 1.30 on 9 March 9 in Wesley Church, St John St and 20 March in Hoole URC, Hoole Road 

CAFOD FAST DAY REMINDER – Your donation can help families around the world grow food in difficult conditions – such as flood resistant floating gardens or using solar-powered water pumps in times of drought. Collect a CAFOD envelope and place in the collection baskets, donate online at CAFOD.org.uk/envelope, call 030303 30 30, use the QR code on the posters in the church porches or the Dona stations (in St Columba’s only).  

CHESTER FAIR TRADING SPRING FAIR – 11.00am to 3.00pm on Saturday 14 March in Wesley Methodist Church, St John Street. Help to support global fair trading.

BETROTHED – Shrewsbury Diocese will be running a sacramental marriage preparation course on 21 and 28 March 2026. The course runs over two consecutive Saturdays from 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. on each day atOur Lady and St Oswald’s Catholic Primary School, Upper Brook Street, Oswestry, Shropshire SY11 2TG
Registration is essential. To register, contact Monika: monika.golembiewska@dioceseofshrewsbury.org.
For more information, contact Jane Deegan: jane.deegan@dioceseofshrewsbury.org

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN UPTON – The next fifth Sunday service will be at Holy Ascension on Sunday 29 March at 4.30p.m.  You are invited to join our friends from the other Upton churches in this short service based on “three unusual saints”.  An opportunity to test your knowledge of possibly obscure saints.  There will be refreshments in the kemp room after the service.  A poster on the notice board gives more details.

CALLED TO LOVE – A retreat for singles, dating and engaged young adults who want to think more deeply about relationships and the call to marriage. A relaxed weekend on 2 – 3 May 2026 at the Christian Heritage Centre, Stonyhurst, Clitheroe BB7 9PZ. This year’s retreat will have as its theme masculinity and femininity. For registration visit: https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/called-to-love/

FORMING CATHOLIC STUDENT LEADERS – Two six-day summer courses exploring faith, ethics and leadership for sixth form students, offered by the Christian Heritage Centre at Stonyhurst in the beautiful Ribble Valley.
The Common Good (Year 12) 10-15 August
The Human Ecology (Year 13) 5-10 July
Join us to learn new skills, build your character and develop your relationship with Christ. Please visit:
www.christianleadershipformation.com for registration and more information.

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 15 March to be compiled by Alison Wrigglesworth, phone: 07759042262, email: a.wrigglesworth@outlook.com. Deadline: 9.00a.m. Wednesday 11 March.
Please include a contact number with your notice.  Also email a copy to Fr. William at st.theresas@btinternet.com

The month of March is dedicated to St Joseph

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

1 MARCH 2026

Sat 28 Feb
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Ed & Bernie McCarney & Family
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Chris Duncan
Sun 1 Mar			Second Sunday of Lent
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		John Christoforou RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Josie McCann
	2.00pm		Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Mon 2 Mar
St. Theresa’s			Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	10.00am		Stations of the Cross
	10.30am		Lily, Keith, Olive
Tue 3 Mar
St. Theresa’s			Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s			Parishioners’ Intentions
Wed 4 Mar
St. Theresa’s			Gillian Prescott RIP
St. Columba’s	9.30am		Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am		Novena Prayers
	10.30am		Michael Craven RIP First Anniversary
Thu 5 Mar
St. Theresa’s			Catherine McHugh RIP
St. Columba’s			Priests’ Intentions
Fri 6 Mar			Women’s World Day of Prayer
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Stations of the Cross
	10.00am		Peter Lloyd RIP
St. Columba’s			Stephen & Kristy Graham
Sat 7 Mar
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Malankara Jacobite Syriac Orthodox Community Mass
	5.00pm		May & George Littler RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Pat Wilkinson 90th Birthday
Sun 15 Feb			Third Sunday of Lent
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Veronica & Anthony Comerford
	2.00pm		Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS – Mass will be streamed at St Columba’s on Sunday 1 March at 11.00a.m.

ANNIVERSARIES – Jayne Lesley McElwaine, Janet Irene McMahon, Michael Craven, Pauline Ann Roberts, Florence Childs, Kathleen Watts, Florence Southall, James John McCafferty.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR MARCH – FOR DISARMAMENT AND PEACE. Let us pray that nations move toward effective disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament, and that world leaders choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy instead of violence.

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. 

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.

PARISH OFFERTORY – Loose Plate: £446.90; Planned Giving: £326.06; Average weekly SO £718.15. St Columba’s Dona Stations: £104. Candles: £51.59. Thank you for your kind generosity.

RECONCILIATION SERVICE – There will be a Reconciliation Service at St Theresa’s on Tuesday 17 March at 7pm.

MASS REQUESTS – If you would like to have a Mass said, especially on a particular day, please allow at least one month before the date when requesting Mass. Requests can be made at the office or using an envelope. Thank you.

RETIRING COLLECTION – CAFOD FAMILY FAST DAY. There will be a Second Collection this weekend for CAFOD Family Fast Day.

FR WILLIAM – Thursday is Fr William’s day off so please try not to arrange meetings on a Thursday if you would like Fr William to attend.

NEWSLETTER – As well as sending to the editor, please send any items for the newsletter to St Theresa’s office email (st.theresas@btinternet.com) for the attention of Fr William. Thank you.

HALF MARATHON, SUNDAY 8 MARCH – Please check the route as you may have problems if you intend to come to the 9.30am Mass at St Theresa’s.

PRAYING TOGETHER FOR –

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

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK – “I raise up my voice – not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard… we cannot succeed when half of us are held back.” – Malala Yousafzai

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER – This is a service for everyone, and will be held at 10:30 am on Friday 6 March at the United Reform Church, Heath Road. All are welcome and there will be coffee and tea afterwards. 

DAY OF RECOLLECTION for new and existing Eucharistic Ministers – You are welcome to attend the Day of Recollection with Natalie Orefice on Sunday 8 March at 2.00 pm in the Newman Room in preparation for the reintroduction of Holy Communion under both kinds in our Parish. 

LENT GROUP – This will continue on Tuesday March 3. Feel free to come when you can. Anyone is welcome. Each week, we shall look at a passage from the gospel of John, trying to imagine ourselves in the scene and sharing our thoughts about our reaction to it. This is an approach to the gospel which can surprise us with new ideas. No-one is forced to speak. You can bring your own bible, but copies of the passage will be available. Join us at 10.30 a.m. in the Iona Chapel for 30-40 minutes maximum. For more information, contact Lyn: 07735574397

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA – See the rota on the noticeboard in St Columba’s Hall. We need volunteers every Sunday after 11:00 Mass, so if you would like 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
01 Mar – Sue Carr, parish
08 Mar – volunteers please
15 Mar – volunteers please

THE PRICE OF TEAS AND COFFEES in St Columba’s Church Hall on Sundays will be £1 from 1 March. This will help volunteers raise more for their chosen charity and will encourage more groups to volunteer in the future. 

SVP THEATRE NIGHT – SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE – Bebington Dramatic Society will present “Shakespeare In Love” on Wednesday 4 March, 7.30p.m. at the Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight. All proceeds to support the SVP Holiday Home in North Wales which provides much needed holidays for many people. Tickets £12 available from Sue McCarthy, Mark Traynor or any member of the SVP.

FRIENDSHIP THURSDAY – This week March 5, 2-4 pm in the parish hall. This group is for anyone so invite friends or neighbours who would like an afternoon in company over coffee, tea and biscuits. This week, our guest speaker will present a very interesting local subject “A Railway, its Engineers and their Houses”. £2 per head. We look forward to seeing you.

MASS AND STATIONS OF THE CROSS AT COUNTESS OF CHESTER HOSPITAL – Holy Mass will be celebrated next Thursday 5 March at 12:15 in the hospital chapel. Stations of the cross are prayed each Thursday of Lent at 12:15 in the chapel. All are welcome. 

CHRISTIAN AID – Lent lunches from 12 noon-1.30 pm, 2 & 9 March in Wesley Methodist Church, St John Street, and 20 March in Hoole URC, Hoole Road.

CHESTER FAIRTRADING SPRING FAIR – 11.00am-3.00pm on Saturday 14 March in Wesley Methodist Church, St John Street. Help to support global fairtrading.

POP-UP PLAY VILLAGE – to be heldat St Werburgh’s & St Columba’s Primary School on Friday 6 March, from 10:00–11:00am, for toddlers and young children. Whether you are a member of the parish looking for a friendly community activity, or beginning to explore school options for 2026/27, everyone is very welcome to attend. This fun and imaginative play session offers a relaxed opportunity for families to meet one another and enjoy the morning together. Our Headteacher, Mrs Jevons, will also be available to meet parents and carers during the session. If you’d like to join us, please sign up here

Adam Fitzpatrick and Charlotte Jackson took partin the Rite of Election celebrated by Bishop Mark at Shrewsbury Cathedral on Sunday 22 February. The Bishop declared catechumen Adam now to be a member of the Elect, to be initiated into the sacred mysteries at Easter. As part of Adam’s continuing preparation for entering fully into the Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist, during the 11 am Mass next Sunday Fr William will conduct the First of three Scrutinies with him. These are rites of self-searching and repentance, with a spiritual purpose, performed in these final weeks of preparation. Charlotte, who is already baptised, joins in the Lenten spirit of repentance, to hear the Lord’s call to conversion and be faithful to her baptismal covenant, as she makes final preparation to be received into full communion with the Church at Easter.

FISH & CHIP BABIES KNITTING PROJECT – Photos showing the unpacking of your knitted garments by the recipients in East Africa are on display in the porches of both churches. Thank you and keep knitting!

ST BEDES SCHOOL REUNION – Tuesday 3 March from 1 pm, The Albion Pub, Albion Street, Chester. For more information contact Ùna Hardwick, nee Meehan, 07828185867

NATIONAL NOVENA TO ST JOSEPH – 10–18 March. The Mill Hill Missionaries will hold their annual National Novena to St Joseph at St Joseph’s Church, 10–18 March 2026. Mass times 10.00am daily (11.00am on Sunday). Masses will also be streamed via the Mill Hill website and YouTube:
www.millhillmissionaries.com/novena
Novena prayer booklets are available (suggested donation £1). Petitions and booklet requests: Novena Director, 6 Colby Gardens, Maidenhead, SL6 7GZ, or email novenamhm@gmail.com

DANCE THROUGH THE DECADES – From the 60’s to NOW!! DJ Chris Appleton. 
In Aid and support of “Hopeful Ugandan Hearts”, on Saturday 7 March from 7p.m.-11p.m. at St Columba’s Church Hall. £15 per person (includes cold food buffet) 18+ Event Alcohol licensing in place. All proceeds help support the Charity’s work. 
Music • Dancing • Retro Vibes
Dance your way through the decades with hits from the 1960s right up to today! Dress up from your favourite decade if you wish. To be able to cater for this event please book your ticket in advance by Wednesday 4 March or contact Lina Greig on 07837512544 for more information. 

VOTIVE CANDLES AT ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH – Our candles are safe and environmentally friendly: they may be left to burn when the church is empty, the spent wax is recycled and last year, using these candles, helped prevent 112 trucks of plastic and aluminium cups going to landfill. As they are more expensive, please consider a minimum donation of 50p per candle. You can donate via the Dona system, which increases your offering if you are registered for Gift Aid. Thank you. Pauline Rourke

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

SIX BIBLE STUDIES ON THE LENTEN SUNDAY GOSPELS – Mauro Iannicelli will break-open the forthcoming Lenten Sunday Gospels with in-depth teaching and stimulating questions.
Starts: Tues 17 February 2026 at 7p.m.
Six consecutive Tuesdays: 17 Feb | 24 Feb | 03 Mar | 10 Mar | 17 Mar | 24 Mar (7-8:15p.m.)
Free of Charge | LIVE on YouTube.
Registration: comeandsee.org/lent26

THE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL IS JOINING THE CAFOD BIG LENT WALK! – The whole school will complete a circular walk inHandbridge on Friday 27 March to raise money to fight poverty in Ethiopia, which faces a devastating food crisis.  If you would like to sponsor the students by making an online donation, please go to our CAFOD portal or scan the QR code. Many thanks for your support.  Donate – Donation amount – JustGiving

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.

BETROTHED – Shrewsbury Diocese will be running two 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 two venues are:
(1) Vincent de Paul Church Westleigh Parish Hall, Groby Road, Altrincham WA14 2BQ, on 28 February and 7 March
(2) 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 WERBURGH’S & ST COLUMBA’S SCHOOL – The School Mission Team (SMT) have had the idea to use the arch in our prayer garden as a prayer arch. A school member with an intention they want prayed for, can tie a ribbon around the arch. If anyone has any spare ribbon or coloured string, could you please donate it to this project. The SMT are really excited about seeing the arch become colourful with prayer intentions! Thank you in advance. 

THE COMMUNITY OF OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM – Seeks help to purchase a property to accommodate their growing community and further their mission for the re-evangelization of England. Any amount, large or small, is greatly appreciated and the community assure you of their prayers. More information, as well as the option to donate online, can be found at: www.maryshouseappeal.org E. office@walsinghamcommunity.org T: 01362 692574

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 8 March to be compiled by Magdalena Bukowska Phone: 01244 624019, email: stcolumbaschurch2016@outlook.com. Deadline: 9.00a.m. Wednesday 4 March.
Please include a contact number with your notice.  Also email a copy to Fr. William at st.theresas@btinternet.com