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.

The month of December is dedicated to The Immaculate Conception

THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD

25  December 2025

Wed 24 Dec			CHRISTMAS EVE
St. Theresa’s	4.30pm		Carols
	5.00pm		Vigil Mass John Lloyd RIP
St. Columba’s	4.30pm		Children’s Nativity Mass
	7.00pm		Vigil Mass Kevin, Francis & Martin Connolly
Thu 25 Dec			THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Christmas Day Mass Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Christmas Day Mass Parishioners’ Intentions
Fri 26 Dec			St Stephen, M. Feast
St. Theresa’s	10.00am		Paul Murphy RIP
St. Columba’s			The Parish
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. Feast
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Michael Dunne RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Parishioners’ Intentions
	2.00pm		Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite

CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES – A leaflet containing all Mass times is available in the porches of each church. It is also on the website under Our Parish > Mass times.

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

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, who died recently, and also his family and friends.

ANNIVERSARIES – Muriel Halligan, Michael Gerrard Dunne.

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.

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.

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

PRAYERS – please pray for

• all residents of Blacon, Chester and Upton — for our churches, parishioners and wider communities.
• We remember especially those who cannot be with us this Christmas time, those who feel lonely, and all who are suffering in body, mind or spirit.
• We hold in our hearts those who are in hospital or receiving care, asking that they may know comfort, strength and hope.
• May God’s peace surround each one of us.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK – “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach”. Charles Dickens 

CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS – As we celebrate the joy of Christ’s birth, we wish you all a very happy and holy Christmas. May the light and peace of the newborn Saviour fill your hearts and homes with hope, love, and gratitude. We also pray that the coming New Year brings you every blessing, good health, and a deepening of faith.  With our prayers and best wishes,
Fr William, Fr Peter and Deacon Lawrence

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.

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.

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.

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

ALTAR SERVERS – we need you! An appeal for altar servers at both St Columba’s and St Theresa’s churches please. At the moment, we have no active altar servers at St Theresa’s. If you or your children are interested in altar serving at either church, please contact Richard Curtis (07787782255 / rich.curtis89@yahoo.co.uk). Training can be flexible around your availability, often focusing in 15-30 minutes sessions after Mass for convenience. 

FRIENDSHIP THURSDAY – We had a very enjoyable Christmas Afternoon, and thanks are owed to our helpers and to Upton Community Choir who sang to (and with) us. It was a shame that many of our usual attendees were unable to come and I hope that they have recovered from any illnesses and will be back on 8 January 2026.

SENIOR PARISHIONERS & VOLUNTEERS CHRISTMAS PARTY – Thanks to those who went along to this – I’m sure you enjoyed it.  A special thanks to those who organised the event and who helped in any way.

 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.

FOOD BANK DONATIONS – Urgently Needed – The Food Bank is asking for tinned meat, fish, veg, fruit, tomatoes, spaghetti, puddings, curry sauce, Smash, pasta & sauce, UHT/powdered milk, long-life juice, custard, jams, spreads, and coffee. See westcheshirefoodbank.org.uk  for up-to-date needs. Thank you for your support!

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.

**CHRISTMAS QUIZ**
1 What gifts did the Wise Men bring to Jesus?

2 What did the angel say to the shepherds first?
A. “Glory to God in the highest!”
B. “Do not be afraid.”
C. “The Saviour is born.”
D. “Peace be with you.”

3. Who brought the news to Mary that she would have a baby?
A. Michael
B. Raphael
C. Gabriel
D. Uriel

4. Why don’t Christmas trees knit?

5 Why did Santa go to music school?

PARISH WEBSITE – Items for the website must be about parish-based events and should be sent to Lyn Coyle, who is the parish liaison with the website manager:marilyn.coyle44@gmail.com

PARISH OFFICE CLOSURES
St Columba’s office will be closed from Tue 23 Dec & will re-open on Fri 2 Jan. Carol Galvin will be in the office for emergencies from 9am – 12noon during this time.
St Theresa’s office will be closed from 24 Dec until Fri 2 Jan.  The office answer machine is available for messages to be left.

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

 **Quiz Answers**
 1 Gold, frankincense and myrrh – the gifts of the Wise Men carried deep meaning. Gold recognised Jesus as King, frankincense honoured Him as God, and myrrh pointed to His future sacrifice.
 2 B “Do not be afraid.”
 3 C. Gabriel
 4 Because they always drop their needles!
 5 So he could improve his “wrapping” skills!

The month of December is dedicated to The Immaculate Conception

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

21 December 2025

Sat 20 Dec
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Frank Lally & Ruth O’Donnell
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Bob Breen RIP
Sun 21 Dec			Fourth Sunday of Advent. Day of Special Prayer for Expectant Mothers
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Eddie Elwell
	2.00pm		Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Mon 22 Dec
St. Theresa’s			Constance & Joseph Rowlands
St. Columba’s	10.30am		Parishioners’ Intentions
Tue 23 Dec
St. Theresa’s			Henry Lloyd RIP
St. Columba’s			Parishioners’ Intentions
Wed 24 Dec			CHRISTMAS EVE
St. Theresa’s	4.30pm		Carols
	5.00pm		Vigil Mass John Lloyd RIP
St. Columba’s	4.30pm		Children’s Nativity Mass
	7.00pm		Vigil Mass Kevin, Francis & Martin Connolly
Thu 25 Dec			THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Christmas Day Mass Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Christmas Day Mass Parishioners’ Intentions
Fri 26 Dec			St Stephen, M. Feast
St. Theresa’s	10.00am		Paul Murphy RIP
St. Columba’s			The Parish
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. Feast
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Michael Dunne RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Parishioners’ Intentions
	2.00pm		Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS – Mass will be streamed at St Columba’s on Sunday 21 December at 11.00am.

CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES – A leaflet containing all Mass times is available in the porches of each church. It is also on the website under Our Parish > Mass times.

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

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 – Margaret Rose Allmark, Ellie Marsden, Ruth O’Donnell, Francis Joseph Lally, Muriel Halligan & Michael Gerrard Dunne.

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 Woodlea Avenue, Cornwall Road, Aldford Road, Cleaveland Road, Stratford Road, Walton Place & Downham Place. 
• For All Age Family Worship, Messy Church, Junior Church and Children’s Liturgy.  
• For all children who attend our churches each Sunday and their leaders.

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.

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.

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 – We had a very enjoyable Christmas Afternoon, and thanks are owed to our helpers and to Upton Community Choir who sang to (and with) us. It was a shame that many of our usual attendees were unable to come and I hope that they have recovered from any illnesses and will be back on 8 January, 2026.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA – We would like to thank all who volunteered their time to help with tea and coffee after the 11:00am Mass. 
21 Dec – Sue McCarthy, SVP
28 Dec – volunteers please
04 Jan – volunteers please

SENIOR PARISHIONERS & VOLUNTEERS CHRISTMAS PARTY – Thanks to those who went along to this – I’m sure you enjoyed it.  A special thanks to those who organised the event and who helped in any way.

PARISH OFFICE CLOSURES

St Columba’s office will be closed from Tue 23 Dec to Thur 1 Jan and will re-open on Fri 2 Jan. Carol Galvin will be in the office for emergencies from 9am – 12noon during this time.

St Theresa’s office will be closed from Thur 24 Dec to Fri 2 Jan.  The office answer machine is available for messages to be left.

FOOD BANK DONATIONS – Urgently Needed – The Food Bank is asking for tinned meat, fish, veg, fruit, tomatoes, spaghetti, puddings, curry sauce, Smash, pasta & sauce, UHT/powdered milk, long-life juice, custard, jams, spreads, and coffee. See westcheshirefoodbank.org.uk  for up-to-date needs. Thank you for your support!

ALTAR SERVERS – we need you! An appeal for altar servers at both St Columba’s and St Theresa’s churches please. At the moment, we have no active altar servers at St Theresa’s. If you or your children are interested in altar serving at either church, please contact Richard Curtis (07787782255 / rich.curtis89@yahoo.co.uk). Training can be flexible around your availability, often focusing in 15-30 minutes sessions after Mass for convenience. 

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK– “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35)

SOUP WITH SOUL – continues at the Town House, Chester Mon-Fri 12noon-3pm until the 23 December. They have added to the menu for Christmas: soup, sausage roll, Christmas cracker & shortbread, house wine, beer, mince pies. Take your pick! Creating a positive future for those experiencing homelessness and hardship. 

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. 

PARISH WEBSITE – Items for the website must be about parish-based events and should be sent to Lyn Coyle, who is the parish liaison with the website manager: marilyn.coyle44@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.

ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH & HALL BOOKINGS – To book the Church, Newman Room orIona 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 Deadlines: Due to the printers’ holiday closures over Christmas and New Year the newsletters covering Sunday 21 Dec through to 4 January have now been printed. If you have an urgent item that needs announcing over Christmas or New Year, please ring St Theresa’s number with the details 01244 371660. Thank you.

The month of December is dedicated to The Immaculate Conception
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT – 14 December 2025
Saturday 13 December
St Theresa’s	5.00pm	Maureen & Michael Cheston RIP
St Columba’s	6.30pm	John Black Birthday Anniv
Sunday 14 December – Third Sunday of Advent
St Theresa’s	9.30am	Collette Smith’s Ints
St Columba’s	11.00am	Ian & Joan Bullough RIP
	2.00pm	Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Monday 15 December
St Theresa’s		Parishioners’ Intentions
St Columba’s	10.30am	Parishioners’ Intentions
Tuesday 16 December
St Theresa’s	7.00pm	Penitential Service
St Columba’s		Parishioners’ Intentions
Wednesday 17 December
St Theresa’s		Milton, Luciana, Catarina
St Columba’s	9.30am	Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am	Novena Prayers
	10.30am	Milton, Luciana & Catarina
Thursday 18 December
St Theresa’s	1.30pm	School Mass  Children & Staff at St Theresa’s
St Columba’s		Priests’ Intentions
Friday 19 December
St Theresa’s	10.00am
	6.30pm	Sarah Russell RIP  Parish Carol Service
St Columba’s		The Parish
Saturday 20 December
St Theresa’s	5.00pm	Maureen & Michael Cheston RIP
St Columba’s	6.30pm	Bob Breen RIP
Sunday 21 December – Fourth Sunday of Advent
St Theresa’s	9.30am	Frank Lally & Ruth O’Donnell RIP
St Columba’s	11.00am	Parishioners’ Intentions
	2.00pm	Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite

CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES – A leaflet containing all Mass times is available in the porches of each church. It is also on the website under Our Parish > Mass times.

PENITENTIAL SERVICE – This is being held at St Theresa’s on Tuesday 16 December at 7pm.  All welcome.

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

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 familes and friends.

ANNIVERSARIES – Joe Blundell, Fr Vincent O’Toole, Catherine (Kitty) McAlinden, Margaret Rose Allmark, Ruth O’Donnell & Francis Joseph Lally.

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.

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS – Mass will be streamed at St Columba’s on Sunday 14 December at 11.00am.

PARISH OFFERTORY – Loose Plate: £424.74; Planned Giving: £457.61; Average weekly SO £718.15; Candles: £30.61.

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.

CARITAS – Many thanks for the amount of £185.80 which was collected recently.

PARISH CAROL SERVICE on 19 December – all are warmly invited to join our Carol Service in St Theresa’s at 6.30pm when the knitted Nativity figures, which have been travelling round parish families, will be placed on the altar. Refreshments to follow.

PRAYERS – please pray for

• the residents of Woburn Drive, Halton Road, Dorset Place and Cotswold Close, Hillside Road, Belvedere Drive, Furne, Road, & Morton Road
• the Youth Clubs and Youth workers in our churches
• all young people in our community

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK – “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

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.

ADVENT PRAYER GROUP – continues this Tue 16 Dec. Come to the Iona Chapel for 11-11.30am to look at next Sundays readings. We’re friendly and informal. Further info Lyn Coyle marilyn.coyle44@gmail.com

CAROL SINGING AROUND COUNTESS OF CHESTER HOSPITAL WARDS. Wed 17 December at 6.30 pm. Please join us in bringing joy and comfort to patients, families, and staff during this special season. It is a wonderful opportunity to bless so many in the hospital with the spirit of Christmas. Meeting Point – Spiritual Care Centre F1. For more information: Chaplaincy (01244) 364543 coch.chaplaincy@nhs.net

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.

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.

FLOWER COLLECTION – There will be a collection at St. Columba’s this weekend 13/14 Dec towards the cost of flowers to decorate the Church over the Christmas period. The new card machine is available if needed. For   St Theresa’s please put your donation in an envelope marked “FLOWERS” and place it in the offertory basket.  You have always been very generous in the past and we ask for your continued support.

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.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA – We would like to thank all who volunteered their time to help with tea and coffee after the 11:00am Mass. 
14 Dec – Chris & Elizabeth Nichols for tombola
21 Dec – volunteers please

SENIOR PARISHIONERS & VOLUNTEERS CHRISTMAS PARTY – Thanks to those who went along to this – I’m sure you enjoyed it.  A special thanks to those who organised the event and who heped in any way.

PARISH YOUTH CLUB – the final meeting of 2025! The next youth group meeting is on Mon 15 Dec, 7 – 8.30pm.  Please note we will start in the Newman Room – entrance at the back of Saint Columba’s Church. Young parishioners from Year 5 upwards are invited to come along. ALL are welcome.

ST WERBURGH’S AND ST COLUMBA’S SCHOOL NEWS – Wed 17 Dec, 7pm – Carol Service in St Werburgh’s Church.

THE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL CHRISTMAS FAIR & CAROL SERVICE – Tuesday 16 December 4-6pm, in the school Hall. Entry fee £1 all welcome! Santa’s Grotto, stalls, amazing food and music. Please come & support this event! After the Christmas Fair, there will be a Carol Service in the Lyceum (6^th Form building) at 6:30pm. Enjoy mince pies and a glass of wine at the interval before a final blast of Christmas songs and dance!

PARISH OFFICE CLOSURES
St Columba’s office will be closed from Tue 23 Dec to Thur 1 Jan and will re-open on Fri 2 Jan. Carol Galvin will be in the office for emergencies from 9am – 12noon during this time.
St Theresa’s office will be closed from Thur 24 Dec to Fri 2 Jan.  The office answer machine is available for messages to be left.

COMMEMORATING MRS OATES’ SERVICE AS HEADTEACHER – All are warmly invited to a celebration of Mrs Oates’ dedicated service to St Werburgh’s and St Columba’s School on Thur 18 Dec at St Columba’s Church. A special thanksgiving service will begin at 6.30pm, followed by a Cheese and Wine Reception in the church hall from 7.00–8.00pm. Children are welcome at both events. Please complete the RSVP form to help us plan refreshments: Spread the word! We look forward to celebrating with you https://forms.office.com/e/9bNg70BFcR  

FOOD BANK DONATIONS – Urgently Needed – The Food Bank is asking for tinned meat, fish, veg, fruit, tomatoes, spaghetti, puddings, curry sauce, Smash, pasta & sauce, UHT/powdered milk, long-life juice, custard, jams, spreads, and coffee. See westcheshirefoodbank.org.uk  for up-to-date needs. Thank you for your support!

ALTAR SERVERS – we need you! An appeal for altar servers at both St Columba’s and St Theresa’s churches please. At the moment, we have no active altar servers at St Theresa’s. If you or your children are interested in altar serving at either church, please contact Richard Curtis (07787782255 / rich.curtis89@yahoo.co.uk). Training can be flexible around your availability, often focusing in 15-30 minutes sessions after Mass for convenience. 

SOUP WITH SOUL – continues at the Town House, Chester Mon-Fri 12noon-3pm.  They have added to the menu for Christmas: soup, sausage roll, Christmas cracker & shortbread, house wine, beer, mince pies. Take your pick! Creating a positive future for those experiencing homelessness and hardship. 

CAFOD Christmas Fun Run Saturday 27 December in Bollington – An opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors over the Christmas period, whilst also supporting communities around the world to lift themselves out of poverty. Adult, child and family entrance fees available; runners and walkers welcome. We are also really in need of volunteers to help out on the day. If you can spare a few hours, please contact events@cafod.org.uk for more information. Use the QR code to register or find out more info on our website: cafod.org.uk/Bollington

PARISH WEBSITE – Items for the website must be about parish-based events and should be sent to Lyn Coyle, who is the parish liaison with the website manager: marilyn.coyle44@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.

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.

WARNING – NEWSLETTER DEADLINE CHANGES – CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR. Please note that, due to the printers’ holiday closures, the next four newsletter deadlines are earlier than usual.  Send you notices to the editors as normal (including a contact number) and copy in Fr William at st.theresas@btinternet.com. If you have an urgent item that falls outside these deadline dates but needs announcing over the Christmas or New Year, please ring St Theresa’s number with the details.  Thank you for your help in keeping everything running smoothly. 

Newsletter date	Deadline for input 9 am on	Editor	Contact details
Sun 21 Dec	Mon 15 Dec	Alison Wigglesworth	a.wrigglesworth@outlook.com  07759042262
Thu 25 Dec	Tue 16 Dec	Muriel Green	muriel.green1@btinternet.com  01244 383836
Sun 28 Dec	Tue 16 Dec	Rebecca Vaughan	rebecca_vghn@yahoo.co.uk 01244 318632
Sun 4 Jan 26	Tue 16 Dec	Amy O’Donnell	amyod@hotmail.co.uk  07854290897

The month of December is dedicated to The Immaculate Conception

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

7 December 2025

Sat 6 Dec
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Thomas Smith RIP
Sun 7 Dec			Second Sunday of Avent
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Eddie Mapp RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Milton, Luciana & Catarina
	2.00pm		Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Mon 8 Dec			The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Feast
St. Theresa’s			Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	10.30am		Brian Haslam & Wife Catherine
Tue 9 Dec
St. Theresa’s			Stephen Dale RIP
St. Columba’s			Parishioners’ Intentions
Wed 10 Dec
St. Theresa’s			Milton, Luciana, Catarina
St. Columba’s	9.30am		Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am		Novena Prayers
	10.30am		Roy Burns
Thu 11 Dec
St. Theresa’s	11.30am		Requiem Mass for Janie Casey
St. Columba’s			Priests’ Intentions
Fri 12 Dec
St. Theresa’s	10.00am		Peter Lloyd RIP
St. Columba’s			The Parish
Sat 13 Dec
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Maureen & Michael Cheston RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		John Black Birthday Anniversary
Sun 14 Dec			Third Sunday of Advent
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Collette Smith’s Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Ian & Joan Bullough 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 7 December at 9.30a.m.

CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES – A leaflet containing all mass times is available in the porches of each church. It is also on the website under Our Parish/ Mass times.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception – Monday 8th December – Mass at 10.30am at St Columba’s: all welcome!

RECENTLY DECEASED – Please remember in your prayers, Janie (Jenny) Casey who died recently, and also her family and friends.  Her Requiem Mass is at St Theresa’s on Thursday 11 December at 11.30am.

ANNIVERSARIES – Peter Anthony Burton, Christian Mapp, Mary Taylor, Edwin Albert (Eddie) Mapp, Colagera Anna (Lina) Safina, Terence Smith, Margaret Hocking, Mary Rhoden, Barbara Cross, Christina (Chrissie) Harrison, Irene Patricia Williams, Fr Vincent O’Toole.

CONFESSIONS – After each weekday mass until 11.30a.m. At the weekend: St Columba’s: from 6.00-6.25p.m. on Saturday. St Theresa’s: from 4.30-4.55p.m. on Saturday.

WEDDINGS, BAPTISMS AND 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.

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.

LARGE PRINT NEWSLETTER – A limited number of large print newsletters are now available at the back of both our Churches. 

PARISH OFFERTORY – Loose Plate: £508.36; Planned Giving: £278.90; Average weekly SO £718.15; Candles: £35.28.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK – “Peace does not mean an absence of conflicts; differences will always be there. Peace means solving these differences through peaceful means; through dialogue, education, knowledge; and through humane ways.” — The 14th Dalai Lama, Tibet

PRAYING FOR –

• the residents of Glastonbury Avenue, Tewkesbury Close, Marlowe Avenue, Cotes Place, Bridgeman Road, Stubbs Place, & South Way.
• those who are bereaved and those who provide support.

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.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA – We would like to thank all parishioners who have volunteered their time to help with tea and coffee after the 11:00am Mass. 
07 Dec – Sue Carr, parish
14 Dec – volunteers please
21 Dec – volunteers please

ALTAR SERVERS – we need you! An appeal for altar servers at both St Columba’s and St Theresa’s churches please. At the moment, we have no active altar servers at St Theresa’s. If you or your children are interested in altar serving at either church, please contact Richard Curtis (07787782255 / rich.curtis89@yahoo.co.uk). Training can be flexible around your availability, often focusing in 15-30 minutes sessions after mass for convenience. 

CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE CIO end of year Christmas meeting in the Newman Room on Monday 8 December at 2pm. Small bites, entertainment & raffle. Feel free to bring Christmas related stories & poems.

ADVENT PRAYER GROUP continues this Tuesday, 9 Dec 9. Come to the Iona Chapel for 11 am to 11.30 to look at next Sunday’s readings. We’re friendly and informal. Further info: Lyn Coyle marilyn.coyle44@gmail.com.

SENIOR PARISHIONERS & VOLUNTEERS CHRISTMAS PARTY – This year the Christmas party for senior parishioners (50+) and parish volunteers will be held on Saturday 13 December, starting at 2 pm, in St Columba’s Church Hall. As usual this will include free food and drinks.

PARISH YOUTH CLUB – the final meeting of 2025! The next youth group meeting is on Monday 15 December from 7 to 8.30pm. Please note we will start in the Newman Room – entrance at the back of Saint Columba’s Church. Young parishioners from Year 5 upwards are invited to come along. ALL are welcome.

CHRISTMAS CARDS AND DIARIES are now available on the Piety Stall. If there is a requirement for items not currently stocked, please contact Janet on 01244 329469, as it may be possible to order. For St Theresa’s, contact Carol Ingram.

ST WERBURGH’S AND ST COLUMBA’S SCHOOL NEWS – Wednesday 17 December, 7pm, Carol Service in St Werburgh’s Church.

THE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL CHRISTMAS FAIR & CAROL SERVICE – Tuesday 16 December, 4pm to 6pm in the school Hall. Entry fee £1 all welcome! Santa’s Grotto, stalls, amazing food and music. Please come & support this event! After the Christmas Fair, there will be a Carol Service in the Lyceum (6th Form building) at 6:30pm. Enjoy mince pies and a glass of wine at the interval before a final blast of Christmas songs and dance!

COMMUNITY CAROL SERVICE – There is a Community Carol Service at Holy Trinity Church, Blacon, on Monday 8 December at 6pm.  All welcome.

SOUP WITH SOUL – continues at the Town House, Chester M-F 12pm-3pm.  They have added to the menu for Christmas: soup, sausage roll, Christmas cracker & shortbread, house wine, beer, mince pies. Take your pick! Creating a positive future for those experiencing homelessness and hardship. 

THANK YOU FROM HOPEFUL UGANDAN HEARTS – Thank you all for your continuous support with the activities of Hopeful Ugandan Hearts, this year and previous years. Thanks to your generosity we were  able to raise £1,177.44 from the Sunday Cake sales and £2,160 from the Zumbathons which we held at your hall. These funds provided the children of “Home of Peace” in Jinja and “Christ’s Heart Children’s Orphanage” in Kampala with food, medical care and education. Kind regards, Lina, Monica, Stephanie and Dorita  (Hopeful Ugandan Hearts)

CHURCHES TOGETHER ADVENT SERVICE – Many thanks to welcomers, helpers with refreshments, Mark our musician, Fr William and those who attended the Service, held in a cosy Iona Chapel. It was very enjoyable and a good start to Advent with our fellow Christians.

COMMEMORATING MRS OATES’ SERVICE AS HEADTEACHER – All are warmly invited to a celebration of Mrs Oates’ dedicated service to St Werburgh’s and St Columba’s School on Thursday 18 December at St Columba’s Church. A special thanksgiving service will begin at 6.30pm, followed by a Cheese and Wine Reception in the church hall from 7.00–8.00pm. Children are welcome at both events. Please complete the RSVP form to help us plan refreshments: https://forms.office.com/e/9bNg70BFcR  Spread the word! We look forward to celebrating together!

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 14 December to be compiled by Eileen Irwin Phone: 01244 371660, email: st.theresas@btinternet.com. Deadline: 9.00a.m. Wednesday 10 December. Please include a contact number with your notice.  Also email a copy to Fr. William at st.theresas@btinternet.com.

FOOD BANK DONATIONS – Urgently Needed – The Food Bank is asking for tinned meat, fish, veg, fruit, tomatoes, spaghetti, puddings, curry sauce, Smash, pasta & sauce, UHT/powdered milk, long-life juice, custard, jams, spreads, and coffee. See westcheshirefoodbank.org.uk  for up-to-date needs. Thank you for your support!

ST COLUMBA’S RED MISSION BOX HOLDERS – Could those parishioners at St Columba’s with a MIssio Box, please leave it in the sacresty for Margaret to collect. You can collect your next Red Box from the back of the church, after your donation has been counted.

SHREWSBURY LOURDES HOSPITALITY – There will be midday Mass at St Mary’s, Crewe on 8 December to celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Conception. Refreshments will be available after Mass, everyone is welcome.

CAFOD Christmas Fun Run Saturday 27 December in Bollington – An opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors over the Christmas period, whilst also supporting communities around the world to lift themselves out of poverty. Adult, child and family entrance fees available; runners and walkers welcome. We are also really in need of volunteers to help out on the day. If you can spare a few hours, please contact events@cafod.org.uk for more information. Register or find out more info on our website: cafod.org.uk/Bollington

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.

PARISH WEBSITE – Items for website must be about parish-based events and should be sent to Lyn Coyle, who is the parish liaison with the website manager.  marilyn.coyle44@gmail.com