The month of September is dedicated to Our Lady of Pity

TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

27 SEPTEMBER 2026

Sat 26 Sep
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm  Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm  Fr John Lennon
Sun 27 Sep
St. Theresa’s	9.30am  Jessica Baker RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am  Margaret Patino Pan RIP (CWL)
	2.00pm  Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Mon 28 Sep
St. Theresa’s	Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	10.30am  Margaret Patino Pan RIP (SL)
Tue 29 Sep	– Ss Michael, Gabriel & Raphael, Archangels
St. Theresa’s	Special Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm    Christine Foley RIP
Wed 30 Sep	– St Jerome
St. Theresa’s	Private Intentions
St. Columba’s	9.30am  Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am  Novena Prayers
	10.30am  Margaret Patino Pan RIP
Thu 1 Oct	– St Theresa of the Child Jesus
St. Theresa’s	9.30am  Margaret Patino Pan RIP
St. Columba’s	Priests’ Intentions
Fri 2 Oct	– Guardian Angels
St. Theresa’s	10.00am  Eric Hocking RIP
St. Columba’s	The Parish
Sat 3 Oct
St. Theresa’s	9.30am  Malankara Jacobite Syriac Community
	5.00pm  Maureen Templeton’s Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm  Joyce Bownas RIP Anniv
Sun 4 Oct	– 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
St. Theresa’s	9.30am  Keith Evans RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am  Michael Holland 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 27 September at 11.00a.m.

ANNIVERSARIES – Jessica Baker, Keith Alexander Evans, John Anthony Taylor, Nicholas Philip Lancaster, Howard Jefferson Sherman, Rose Marshall, Barbara Fry, Martin Connolly, Kathy Dempsey.

WELCOME– We welcome Fr Josephat Ezeanlue CSSp as assistant Parish Priest.  We hope he settles in soon and enjoys his time with us.

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

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

CHANGES TO BAPTISM ARRANGEMENTS – Parents are asked to note that, in future,Baptisms will be carried out in groups on a Sunday designated by Fr William. Individual Baptisms will no longer be offered. The next Baptism Sunday will be on 29 November at 12.30 pm, preceded by a meeting with parents on 24 November at 4.30 pm in the Newman Room. Baptism forms will be available in the front and back porches. Please submit the form to the Parish Office by 19 November. The following Baptism Sunday will be on 27 December at 12.30 pm. Parents’ Meeting: 21 December. Deadline for submission of the forms: 16 December.

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

PARISH OFFERTORY – Loose Plate: £441.08; Planned Giving: £434.81; Average weekly SO £734.72. St Columba’s Dona Stations: £132; Candles £57.16. Thank you for your generosity.

MASS COUNT – Will take place in both churches over the weekends up to 10/11 October.

FEAST OF ST THERESA – Thursday 1 October is the Feast of St Theresa and there will be Mass at 9.30am in St Theresa’s church.  Our Primary school will be joining us for this Mass.  All welcome.

CHRISTIAN AID: “Singing for Peace” at 4pm on 4 October in Hoole URC, Hoole Road

POPES PRAYER INTENTION FOR OCTOBER – For mental health ministry. Let us pray that the mental health ministry be established throughout the Church, helping to overcome the stigma and discrimination of persons with mental illnesses.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK – 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, which the Church observes on 27 September.  Pope Leo XIV began his Message by insisting that the title “Even just one of these children,” draws our attention to the minors directly involved in the experience of migration and flight, to the care owed to them, and to the Lord’s promise that “whoever receives one such child in my name receives Me” (Mk 9:37).

PRAYING TOGETHER FOR –

• The residents of Church Lane, Nield Court and Grangeside, Harthill Road, The Parade, Tomlin’s Terrace, and Carlisle Road.
• The church organists and music leaders, for the ministry of music in our worship.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA – We need volunteers every Sunday after 11:00 Mass. To raise money for your good cause, please put your details on the sheet and let Margaret Curtis know on 01244 318424 or marg.curtis@outlook.com
27 Sept – MacMillan Coffee Morning
04 Oct – Lena Greig, Hopeful Ugandan Hearts
11 Oct – Giovanni, Little Choir

MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING – It’s finally here, our annual MacMillan fund raiser is this weekend. We will still welcome any donated cakes which can be sold after the Saturday Mass at 6:30pm 26 Sep in the Newman Room and after the Sunday Mass, 11:00am 27 Sep, in St Columba’s Hall. Thank you. 

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN UPTON – The AGM was held recently and resulted in a new Chair being appointed, Sheila Dunbar of the URC, David Savage having stepped down after his agreed twelve month tenure.  Lyn Coyle remains as Minutes Secretary and there are vacancies for Vice-Chair, Secretary and Treasurer.  The programme of Fifth Sunday Services and other events will continue but Committee Meetings will be held less frequently.  If you would like to hear more or volunteer to join the Committee then please contact Lyn (07735574397) or David (01244 380626).

FASHION SHOW FOR CHARITY – Wednesday 30th September, 2–4.30 p.m., £5, includes Bren Brews drink and cake; Hoole URC Church Hall, Hoole Road, in aid of Chifundo, women’s Malawi charity.  Tickets call/email 01244 381 490, satflynn7@gmail.com

FAITH EXPLORATION AND SHARING (OCIA) – For anyone not yet in full communion with the Church but interested in exploring a way toward that, beginning at the end of September the parish will be running the Sycamore course explaining the Catholic faith. If you are interested in joining the group, please contact the Parish Office for more details. If you know someone you think might be interested why not offer some words of encouragement.  Start date TBA soon.

SAVE THE DATE, 16 OCTOBER – There will be a family fun evening in St Theresa’s club starting at 7:00pm. Watch this space for more details. 

LITTLE CHOIR – We are launching a drawing competition to design the new cover for the Little Choir of St Columba’s folders. Children are invited to create an A4 drawing about the choir, music and singing in church, including “Little Choir of St Columba, Chester.” Entries can be emailed to StColumbaLittleChoir@proton.me or handed in at church by Friday 9 October. The winner will be announced on Sunday 11th October at the cake sale after the 11:00 Mass, and their artwork will become the choir’s official folder cover. 

SEASON OF CREATION: runs throughout September, ending on 4 Oct, the feast of St Francis of Assisi. We give thanks for all that God has made, repent for the damage that we have caused and commit ourselves to take action to protect the earth our common home. (CAFOD). The Children’s Liturgy Group plus members of the Youth group will take part in a special Offertory procession at the 11am Mass at St Columba’s on 4 Oct.

CAFOD: Family Fast Day Appeal this Harvest Please donate to our Family Fast Day parish collection. Put your faith into action and share the Lord’s love by supporting our global neighbours experiencing shortages of food and safe water. Your gift can support children like Tayla in Zimbabwe to stay in school by helping communities and schools provide nourishing meals, improve access to water and grow food in school gardens. Use the CAFOD envelope in church porches, donate online at cafod.org.uk/envelope or call 0303 303 3030.

FEAST OF ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI AND JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS, 3-4 October 2026. Everyone is warmly invited to join the Capuchin Friars at St Francis Church, Chester, as we celebrate the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis during the special Jubilee Year proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV. On Sat 3 Oct, there will be a special musical performance, The Life of St Francis, at 5 pm, followed by the Transitus and Solemn Vespers at 6 pm, with refreshments in the Parish Hall at 7 pm.  On Sun 4 Oct, Bishop Mark Davies will celebrate Solemn Mass at 10 am, followed by a Polish Mass at 5 pm. Please note: Due to the Transitus celebrations, there will be no 6:30 pm Vigil Mass at St Francis Church on Sat 3 Oct.

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHAPLAIN VACANCY AT HMP &YOI STYAL –  We are seeking a compassionate and committed Roman Catholic Chaplain (Priest or Lay) to join our multi-faith chaplaincy team in a women’s prison. If you are interested in helping people build brighter futures, we would love to hear from you. This is a one day a week post (8hrs).Please contact Managing Chaplain Jo Hirst for further information 01625 553015 Joanna.hirst1@justice.gov.uk.

FRIENDSHIP THURSDAY – This takes place on the 3^rd Thursday of every month from 2pm-4pm in St Columba’s Hall.It is very informal and friendly and is a chance to meet others.  We ask for £2 towards running costs please.  For further information please see the posters in church or contact Lyn Coyle : 37745574397 or Marilyn.coyle44@gmail.com

FIRST COMMUNION PREPARATION CLASSES – These classes are for children who come to either St Columba’s or St Theresa’s churches but do not attend one of the RC Primary Schools. They are held in the Newman Room at St Columba’s on Wednesday evenings in term time from 5pm to 6pm. The classes started on  Wednesday 23 Sept. If you have a child in Year 3 or above who would like to enrol to join these classes to prepare for First Forgiveness and First Holy Communion this school year, or if you would like any further information, please contact Pauline Payne by email: pauline.payne4@btinternet.com

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 2p.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 4 October to be complied by Alison Wrigglesworth, phone: 07759 042262, email: a.wrigglesworth@outlook.com. Deadline: Wednesday 30 September 9.00 A.M.  Please include a contact number with your notice and also email a copy to Fr William at st.theresas@btinternet.com

The month of September is dedicated to Our Lady of Pity

TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

20 SEPTEMBER 2026

Sat 19 Sep
St. Theresa’s	9.30am  Malankara Jacobite Syriac Community
	5.00pm  Mae Dunne
St. Columba’s	6.30pm  Margaret Patino Pan RIP (EH)
Sun 20 Sep	– Home Mission Sunday
St. Theresa’s	9.30am  Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am  Margaret Patino Pan RIP (MW)
	2.00pm  Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Mon 21 Sep	– St Matthew, Ap, Ev. Feast
St. Theresa’s	William Cannon RIP
St. Columba’s	10.30am  Mark Traynor
Tue 22 Sep
St. Theresa’s	6.30pm  Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	No Mass at St Columba’s. Parishioners’ Intentions
Wed 23 Sep	– St Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio), P. Mem.
St. Theresa’s	Special Intention
St. Columba’s	9.30am  Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am  Novena Prayers
	10.30am  Niall Sullivan RIP (CM)
Thu 24 Sep	– Our Lady of Walsingham. Feast
St. Theresa’s	Private Intentions
St. Columba’s	Priests’ Intentions
Fri 25 Sep
St. Theresa’s	10.00am  Nigel Clayton RIP
St. Columba’s	The Parish
Sat 26 Sep
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm  Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm  Fr Jonathan Lennon RIP Anniv.
Sun 27 Sep	– 26th Sunday in Ord. Time. Special Day of Prayer for the Harvest
St. Theresa’s	9.30am  Jessica Baker RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am  Margaret Patino Pan RIP (CWL)
	2.00pm  Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS – Mass will be streamed at St Columba’s on Sunday 20 September at 11.00a.m.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR SEPTEMBER – For the care of water. Let us prayfor a just and sustainable management of water, a vital resource, so that everyone may have equal access to it.

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

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

ANNIVERSARIES – Angels Christine Woodworth.

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

PARISH OFFERTORY Loose Plate: £579.69; Planned Giving: £222.15; Average weekly SO £734.72. St Columba’s Dona Stations: £132; Candles £TBC. Thank you for your generosity.

RETIRING COLLECTION – This weekend (19/20 September) there will be a retiring collection for Home Missions.

MASS COUNT – Will take place in both churches over this weekend 19/20 and weekend of 26/27 September.

MASS – Please note that the Mass on Tuesday, 22 September, will be celebrated at St Theresa’s, as the Pastoral Council meeting will take place there immediately afterwards.

FEAST OF ST THERESA – Thursday 1^st October is the Feast of St Theresa and there will be Mass at 9.30am in St Theresa’s church.  Our Primary school will be joining us for this Mass.  All welcome.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK – “It’s the first day of autumn! A time of hot chocolatey mornings, and toasty marshmallow evenings, and, best of all, leaping into leaves!” — Winnie the Pooh

PRAYING TOGETHER FOR –

• The residents of Lawn Drive, Earls Oak, Windmill Rise, Hatton Road, Pulford Road, Leaside Road, Fernhill Road and For Dorin Park School.
• All who are physically or mentally disabled, their teachers and families.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA – We need volunteers every Sunday after 11:00 Mass. To raise money for your good cause, please put your details on the sheet and let Margaret Curtis know on 01244 318424 or marg.curtis@outlook.com
20 Sept – volunteers please
27 Sept – MacMillan Coffee Morning
04 Oct – Lena Greig, Hopeful Ugandan Hearts 

MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING – It’s nearly time for our annual MacMillan fund raiser, on 27 Sept. We would welcome any donated cakes which can be sold after the Saturday Mass at 6:30pm 26 Sep in the Newman Room and after the Sunday Mass, 11:00am 27 Sep, in St Columba’s Hall.  Thank you

YOUTH GROUP – The next youth group is this Monday, 21 September, starting at 7pm in the Newman room and finishing at 8.30pm in St Columba’s Church hall. All young parishioners school year 5 or older are very welcome and encouraged to join our group.

SAVE THE DATE, 16 OCTOBER – There will be a family fun evening in St Theresa’s club starting at 7:00pm. Watch this space for more details. 

NEEDLES & PINS – WED 23 SEPT – 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.

FRIENDSHIP THURSDAY IS BACK! – Beginning again this Thursday, 17 Sept from 2-4 pm in the Church Hall. We will meet on the 3^rd Thursday of every month until July 2027. There are sometimes guest speakers or interesting activities, but the main purpose is to meet other people for coffee, chat and friendship. It’s very informal and friendly; anyone is welcome, so do come along. This week there will be a raffle, cakes, and a free book table with a new selection of books. We ask for £2 towards running costs please. For information see posters in the church porches or contact Lyn Coyle: 37745574397 or marilyn.coyle44@gmail,com

CHANGES TO BAPTISM ARRANGEMENTS – Parents are asked to note that, in future,Baptisms will be carried out in groups on a Sunday designated by Fr William. Individual Baptisms will no longer be offered. The next Baptism Sunday will be on 29 November at 12.30 pm, preceded by a meeting with parents on 24 November at 4.30 pm in the Newman Room. Baptism forms will be available in the front and back porches. Please submit the form to the Parish Office by 19 November. The following Baptism Sunday will be on 27 December at 12.30 pm. Parents’ Meeting: 21 December. Deadline for submission of the forms: 16 December.

FIRST COMMUNION PREPARATION CLASSES – These classes are for children who come to either St Columba’s or St Theresa’s churches but do not attend one of the RC Primary Schools. They are held in the Newman Room at St Columba’s on Wednesday evenings in term time from 5pm to 6pm. The classes will begin on Wednesday 23 Sept. If you have a child in Year 3 or above who would like to enrol to join these classes to prepare for First Forgiveness and First Holy Communion this school year, or if you would like any further information, please contact Pauline Payne by email: pauline.payne4@btinternet.com

COME AND VISIT OUR SCHOOL – St Werburgh’s and St Columba’s Catholic Primary School. Families considering a school place for September 2027 are warmly invited to visit us and discover what makes our school such a welcoming and special place to learn. Open-day dates:

• Wednesday 30 September 2026 at 1.30 pm
• Wednesday 7 October 2026 at 9.30 am
• Tuesday 20 October 2026 at 9.30 am
• Wednesday 4 November 2026 at 1.30 pm
• Wednesday 11 November 2026 at 9.30 am
• Wednesday 2 December 2026 at 9.30 am

Please contact the school office to reserve your place: office@lovelearnlaugh.org.uk or 01244 478968

FASHION SHOW FOR CHARITY – Wednesday 30 September, 2–4.30 p.m., £5, includes Bren Brews drink and cake; Hoole URC Church Hall, Hoole Road, in aid of Chifundo, women’s Malawi charity.  Tickets call/email 01244 381 490, satflynn7@gmail.com

FAITH EXPLORATION AND SHARING (OCIA) – For anyone not yet in full communion with the Church but interested in exploring a way toward that, beginning at the end of September the parish will be running the Sycamore course explaining the Catholic faith. If you are interested in joining the group, please contact the Parish Office for more details. If you know someone you think might be interested why not offer some words of encouragement.

SVP APPEAL – We are currently supporting a lady and her one-year-old boy who have recently moved from homelessness to a new home. She needs furnishings for the house, particularly curtains and curtain poles.  She also needs some furniture to store clothes etc. for her child’s bedroom. Does anyone have a child’s chest of drawers or wardrobe, in good condition, to donate? Please contact Sue McCarthy, Mark Traynor or any SVP member. 07515491251. Thank you.

CAFOD PETITION SIGNING – CANCEL THE DEBT – Our petition signatures have been collected alongside many other parishes and CAFOD will communicate the results with the government at the end of the year as they take over the presidency of the G20. As the UK is hosting the G20 it gives us a special opportunity to push for urgent action.

PARISH WEBSITE AGAIN – We apologise for some ongoing issues with the website. Our two volunteers are spending many hours trying to make changes and publish items each week, despite constant “error” messages and we are most grateful to them. We are awaiting software updates to be processed by the website company to carry out maintenance to the website. It is a matter of urgency to achieve this. Please bear with us and thank you for your patience. Lyn Coyle.

DIOCESAN VACANCIES have arisen within the Shrewsbury Youth Mission Team (SYMT), based in Stockport & the Curial office based in Birkenhead. Further details for all vacancies can be found on the Diocesan website: https://dioceseofshrewsbury.org/careers. Closing date: 18 September.

THE DIMENSIONS OF LOVE – FR TOM’S PILGRIMAGE – To mark ten years of priestly ministry, Fr Tom Cunnah will undertake a nine-day, 130-mile thanksgiving pilgrimage across the Diocese of Shrewsbury, from West Kirby to Ludlow and Shining Tor, beginning on 3 September. Along the way, he will be praying for vocations and raising awareness and funds for the work of Caritas supporting families in need. Parishioners can follow his journey on Caritas social media.

FEMALE NANNY WANTED – A family based in Chester are looking for a female after-school nanny to help with childcare for their 3 school-aged children twice a week with some overnight stays too.  If you would like to have a chat, please contact 07507190242.

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 2p.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 27 September to be complied by Eileen Irwin, phone: 01244 371660, email: st.theresas@btinternet.com. Deadline: Wednesday 23  September 9.00am. Please include a contact number with your notice and also email a copy to Fr William at st.theresas@btinternet.com

The month of September is dedicated to Our Lady of Pity

TWENTY FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

13 SEPTEMBER 2026

Sat 12 Sep
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm  Mark Buggy
St. Columba’s	6.30pm  Georgina Goodyear – Wedding Anniv.
Sun 13 Sep	– Day of Special Prayer for Education
St. Theresa’s	9.30am  Peter Cunniff RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am  Margaret Patino Pan RIP (MW)
	2.00pm  Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Mon 14 Sep	– Exaltation of the Holy Cross; Feast
St. Theresa’s	Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	10.30am  Margaret Patino Pan RIP (EW)
Tue 15 Sep	– Our Lady of Sorrows. Mem.
St. Theresa’s	6.30pm  Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	Parishioners’ Intentions. No Mass at St Columba’s
Wed 16 Sep	– Ss Cornelius, P, M & Cyprian, B, M. Mem.
St. Theresa’s	Special Intention
St. Columba’s	9.30am  Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am  Novena Prayers
	10.30am  Margaret Patino Pan RIP (MJ)
Thu 17 Sep
St. Theresa’s	Private Intentions
St. Columba’s	Priests’ Intentions
Fri 18 Sep
St. Theresa’s	10.00am  Joan Woods RIP
St. Columba’s	The Parish
Sat 19 Sep
St. Theresa’s	9.30am  Malankara Jacobite Syriac Community
	5.00pm  Mae Dunne RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm  Margaret Patino Pan RIP (EH)
Sun 20 Sep	– Home Mission Sunday
St. Theresa’s	9.30am  Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am  Margaret Patino Pan RIP (MW)
	2.00pm  Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS – Mass will be streamed at St Theresa’s on Sunday 13 September at 9.30a.m.

ANNIVERSARIES – Kathleen Teresa Baxter, Janet Marie Heath Jones, Joan Margaret Mary Woods.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR SEPTEMBER – For the care of water. Let us prayfor a just and sustainable management of water, a vital resource, so that everyone may have equal access to it.

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

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

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

PARISH OFFERTORY – Loose Plate: £529.04; Planned Giving: £227.10; Average weekly SO £734.72. (St Columba’s) Dona Stations: August: £464; Last week: £97. Candles £48.70. Thank you for your generosity.

RETIRING COLLECTION – next weekend (19/20 September) there will be a retiring collection for Home Missions.

MONDAY MASS – 14 SEPTEMBER – We have managed to get a priest to say Mass on Monday 14 September at 10.30 am at St Columba’s.

ST THERESA’S ANNIVERSARY – Tuesday 15 September is the 70^th anniversary of the first priest being appointed to oversee the creation of St Theresa’s parish. The 6.30 p.m. Mass on 15 September will therefore be at St Theresa’s, not St Columba’s. If anyone would like to donate towards flowers to decorate the church, please put your donation in an envelope marked flowers and place in the offertory basket.  Many thanks.

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

ST THERESA’S CLUB EVENT – Classical guitar duo concert at 11am on Monday 14 September. All welcome.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK – “Each new day is a blank page in the diary of your life. The secret of success is in turning that diary into the best story you possibly can.” Douglas Pagels

PRAYING TOGETHER FOR –

• The residents of St Christopher’s Close, Dale Drive, Heath Road, Sumner Road, Fisher Road, Stamford Road, and Church Way.
• The Treasurers, Finance Organisers and the Gift Aid Recorders.
• Those who are responsible for the financial affairs of our Churches.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA – We need volunteers every Sunday after 11:00 Mass. To raise money for your good cause, please put your details on the sheet and let Margaret Curtis know on 01244 318424 or marg.curtis@outlook.com
13 Sept – Lyn Coyle for Friendship Group
20 Sept – volunteers please
27 Sept – MacMillan Coffee Morning

MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING – It’s nearly time for our annual MacMillan fund raiser, on 27 Sept. We would welcome any donated cakes which can be sold after the Saturday Mass at 6:30pm 26 Sept in the Newman Room and after the Sunday Mass, 11:00am 27 Sept, in St Columba’s Hall.  Thank you

FRIENDSHIP THURSDAY IS BACK! – Beginning again this Thursday, Sept 17 from2-4 pm in the Church Hall. We will meet on the 3^rd Thursday of every month until July 2027. There are sometimes guest speakers or interesting activities, but the main purpose is to meet other people for coffee, chat and friendship. It’s very informal and friendly; anyone is welcome, so do come along. This week there will be a raffle, cakes, and a free book table with a new selection of books. We ask for £2 towards running costs please. For information see posters in the church porches or contact Lyn Coyle: 37745574397 or marilyn.coyle44@gmail,com

PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING – The next meeting is on Tuesday 22 September at St Theresa’s at 7.00 p.m. If you have any matters you wish to raise, please put your request in writing to the parish secretary by Monday 14th September. Apologies for short notice. May we remind you that Suggestion Boxes are available at the front of church; please include contact details when using them. Thank you, Anne McCarthy, Pauline Rourke.

CHANGES TO BAPTISM ARRANGEMENTS – Parents are asked to note that, in future,Baptisms will be carried out in groups on a Sunday designated by Fr William. Individual Baptisms will no longer be offered. 

The next Baptism Sunday will be on 29 November at 12.30 pm, preceded by a meeting with parents on 24 November at 4.30 pm in the Newman Room. Baptism forms will be available in the front and back porches. Please submit the form to the Parish Office by 19 November.
The following Baptism Sunday will be on 27 December at 12.30 pm. Parents’ Meeting: 21 December. Deadline for submission of the forms: 16 December.

FIRST COMMUNION PREPARATION CLASSES – These classes are for children who come to either St Columba’s or St Theresa’s churches but do not attend one of the RC Primary Schools. They are held in the Newman Room at St Columba’s on Wednesday evenings in term time from 5pm to 6pm. The classes will begin on Wednesday 23rd Sept. If you have a child in Year 3 or above who would like to enrol to join these classes to prepare for First Forgiveness and First Holy Communion this school year, or if you would like any further information, please contact Pauline Payne by email: pauline.payne4@btinternet.com

COME AND VISIT OUR SCHOOL – St Werburgh’s and St Columba’s Catholic Primary School. Families considering a school place for September 2027 are warmly invited to visit us and discover what makes our school such a welcoming and special place to learn. Each open day will include a tour of the school with our headteacher, giving prospective parents and carers an opportunity to see the school in action, meet members of our community and ask any questions they may have. Open-day dates

• Wednesday 30 September 2026 at 1.30 pm
• Wednesday 7 October 2026 at 9.30 am
• Tuesday 20 October 2026 at 9.30 am
• Wednesday 4 November 2026 at 1.30 pm
• Wednesday 11 November 2026 at 9.30 am
• Wednesday 2 December 2026 at 9.30 am

Please contact the school office to reserve your place: office@lovelearnlaugh.org.uk or 01244 478968

MASS IN SPANISH – 19 September, 4 p.m., at St Clare’s Church, Downsfield Rd, Chester, CH4 8HH. This Mass takes place once a month and is a beautiful opportunity to come together in faith, prayer and community, in Spanish. Tea and coffee will be served after mass. TODOS SON BIENVENIDOS! Lina

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

FASHION SHOW FOR CHARITY – Wednesday 30 September, 2–4.30 p.m., £5, includes Bren Brews drink and cake; Hoole URC Church Hall, Hoole Road, in aid of Chifundo, women’s Malawi charity.  Tickets call/email 01244 381 490, satflynn7@gmail.com

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

HERITAGE OPEN DOORS FESTIVAL, CHESTER – St. Werburgh’s Parish History Group will be holding a display, showing the building of St. Werburgh’s and what parish life was like 100 years ago. The church will be open to visitors Mon 14 – Fri 18 Sep inclusive, from 1.00 – 3.00pm. In addition there will be a talk on Wed 16 Sep at 2.00pm, explaining these topics in further detail. Come and see how many people/events you remember.

SVP APPEAL – We are currently supporting a lady and her one-year-old boy who have recently moved from homelessness to a new home. She needs furnishings for the house, particularly curtains and curtain poles.  She also needs some furniture to store clothes etc. for her child’s bedroom. Does anyone have a child’s chest of drawers or wardrobe, in good condition, to donate? Please contact Sue McCarthy, Mark Traynor or any SVP member. 07515491251. Thank you.

FEMALE NANNY WANTED – A family based in Chester are looking for a female after-school nanny to help with childcare for their 3 school-aged children twice a week with some overnight stays too.  If you would like to have a chat, please contact 07507190242.

PARISH WEBSITE AGAIN – We apologise for some ongoing issues with the website. Our two volunteers are spending many hours trying to make changes and publish items each week, despite constant “error” messages and we are most grateful to them. We are awaiting software updates to be processed by the website company to carry out maintenance to the website. It is a matter of urgency to achieve this. Please bear with us and thank you for your patience. Lyn Coyle.

CAFOD PETITION SIGNING – CANCEL THE DEBT – Our petition signatures have been collected alongside many other parishes and CAFOD will communicate the results with the government at the end of the year as they take over the presidency of the G20. As the UK is hosting the G20 it gives us a special opportunity to push for urgent action.

DIOCESAN VACANCIES have arisen within the Shrewsbury Youth Mission Team (SYMT), based in Stockport & the Curial office based in Birkenhead. Further details for all vacancies can be found on the Diocesan website: https://dioceseofshrewsbury.org/careers. Closing date: 18 September.

THE DIMENSIONS OF LOVE – FR TOM’S PILGRIMAGE – To mark ten years of priestly ministry, Fr Tom Cunnah will undertake a nine-day, 130-mile thanksgiving pilgrimage across the Diocese of Shrewsbury, from West Kirby to Ludlow and Shining Tor, beginning on 3 September. Along the way, he will be praying for vocations and raising awareness and funds for the work of Caritas supporting families in need. Parishioners can follow his journey on Caritas social media.

FAITH EXPLORATION AND SHARING (OCIA) – For anyone not yet in full communion with the Church but interested in exploring a way toward that, beginning at the end of September the parish will be running the Sycamore course explaining the Catholic faith. If you are interested in joining the group, please contact the Parish Office for more details. If you know someone you think might be interested why not offer some words of encouragement.

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 2p.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 20 September to be complied by Magdalena Bukowska, phone: 01244 624019, email: stcolumbaschurch2016@outlook.com. Deadline: Wednesday 16 September 9.00 A.M. 
Please include a contact number with your notice and also email a copy to Fr William at st.theresas@btinternet.com

The month of September is dedicated to Our Lady of Pity

23^rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

6 SEPTEMBER 2026

Sat 5 Sep
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Malankara Jacobite Syriac Orthodox Community Mass
	5.00pm		For a successful outcome
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Peter Cunniff RIP
Sun 6 Sep
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Special Intention (AT)
	2.00pm		Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Mon 7 Sep
St. Theresa’s			Private Intentions
St. Columba’s	10.30am		Mary Ryan (CM)
Tue 8 Sep
St. Theresa’s			Special Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Parishioners’ Intentions
Wed 9 Sep
St. Theresa’s			Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	9.30am		Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am		Novena Prayers
	10.30am		Rosemary McRoberts
Thu 10 Sep
St. Theresa’s			Michelles’ Intentions
St. Columba’s			Priests’ Intentions
Fri 11 Sep
St. Theresa’s	10.00am		Sarah Russell RIP
St. Columba’s			Parishioners’ Intentions
Sat 12 Sep
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Mark Buggy RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Georgina Goodyear (Wed.Ann)
Sun 13 Sep
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am		The Parish
	2.00pm		Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS – Mass will be streamed at St Theresa’s on Sunday 6 September at 9.30a.m.

ANNIVERSARIES – Winifred McGlown, James Donnelly, Julia Sheila Ring, Kathleen Joy Borg, Kathleen Teresa Baxter

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR SEPTEMBER – For the care of water. Let us prayfor a just and sustainable management of water, a vital resource, so that everyone may have equal access to it.

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

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

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

PARISH OFFERTORY –23 August 2026 – Loose Plate: £424.62; Planned Giving: £200.30; Average weekly SO £734.72. (St Columba’s) Dona Stations: £TBC; Candles (Loose) £32.66. Thank you for your kind generosity.

ST THERESA’S FEAST DAY – If anyone would like to donate towards flowers to decorate the church, please put your donation in an envelope marked flowers and place in the offertory basket.  Many thanks.

MONDAY MASS – 14 SEPTEMBER – We have now managed to get a priest to say Mass on Monday 14 September at 6.30pm at St Columba’s.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK – “If you see someone without a smile give them yours.” Dolly Parton

PRAYING TOGETHER FOR

• The residents of Daleside, Meadowsway, Queensway, Cleaveland Road, Stratford Road, Walton Place, and Downham Place
• The junior and Infant schools: Acresfield, Upton Heath, Mill View, Westlea, Dorin Park and St Werburgh’s & St Columba’s and St Theresa’s.  Also schools in Newton, Guilden Sutton and Mickle Trafford. 
• The teachers and pupils that they will be open to the Christian teaching they receive. 
• The local clergy as they lead assemblies. 

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

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA – We need volunteers every Sunday after 11:00 Mass. To raise money for your good cause, please put your details on the sheet and let Margaret Curtis know on 01244 318424 or marg.curtis@outlook.com
06 Sept – Richard Curtis for Altar Servers 
13 Sept – Lyn Coyle for Friendship Group
20 Sept – volunteers please
27 Sept – MacMillan Coffee Morning

CHURCHES TOGETHER UPTON AGM INVITATION – You are warmly invited to attend on Wednesday 9 September at 2.30p.m. at the URC on Heath Road, Upton. New members would be very welcome so if you want to know more, please contact Lyn on 07735574395.

FRIENDSHIP THURSDAY IS BACK SOON Beginning again on 17 Sept from 2-4 pm in the Church Hall. We will meet on the 3rd Thursday of every month until July 2027. There are guest speakers and sometimes interesting activities but the main purpose is to meet other people for coffee, chat and friendship. It’s very informal and friendly so do come and bring a friend if you like. Anyone is welcome. On 17 Sept, there will be a raffle, including cakes. We have a free book table with a new selection of books. We ask for £2 towards running costs please. For information see posters in the church porches or contact Lyn Coyle 37745574397 / marilyn.coyle44@gmail.com

FIRST COMMUNION PREPARATION CLASSES For children who come to either St Columba’s or St Theresa’s churches but do not attend one of the RC Primary Schools. They are held in the Newman Room at St Columba’s on Wednesday evenings in term time from 5pm to 6pm. The classes will begin on Wednesday 23 Sept. If you have a child in Year 3 or above who would like to enrol to join these classes to prepare for First Forgiveness and First Holy Communion this school year, or if you would like any further information, please contact Pauline Payne by email pauline.payne4@btinternet.com

ST THERESA’S CLUB EVENT – Classical guitar duo concert at 11am on Monday 14 September. All welcome

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

Call to Family, Community and Participation

The human person is not only sacred, but social. How we organize our society — socially, economically, legally and politically — directly affects human dignity and the ability of every human person to grow in community. Marriage and family, the foundations for social life, should be strengthened and supported. Every person has a right to participate in society and a corresponding duty to work for the advancement of the common good and the well-being of all. (The Catholic Spirit)

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

HERITAGE OPEN DOORS FESTIVAL, CHESTER – St. Werburgh’s Parish History Group will be holding a display, showing the building of St. Werburgh’s and what parish life was like 100 years ago.   The church will be open to visitors Mon 14 – Fri 18 Sep inclusive, from 1.00 – 3.00pm. In addition there will be a talk on Wed 16 Sep at 2.00pm, explaining these topics in further detail. Come and see how many people/events you remember.

SVP APPEAL FOR CHILD’S FURNITURE – We are currently supporting a lady and her one-year-old boy who have recently moved from homelessness to a new home. She needs some furniture to store clothes etc for her child’s bedroom. Does anyone have a child’s chest of drawers or wardrobe, in good condition, to donate. Please contact Sue McCarthy, Mark Traynor or any SVP member. 07515491251. Thank you.

FEMALE NANNY WANTED – A family based in Chester are looking for a female after-school nanny to help with childcare for their 3 school-aged children twice a week with some overnight stays too.  If you would like to have a chat, please contact 07507190242.

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

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

CAFOD PETITION SIGNING – CANCEL THE DEBT – Our petition signatures have been collected alongside many other parishes and CAFOD will communicate the results with the government at the end of the year as they take over the presidency of the G20. As the UK is hosting the G20 it gives us a special opportunity to push for urgent action.

DIOCESAN VACANCIES have arisen within the Shrewsbury Youth Mission Team (SYMT), based in Stockport & the Curial office based in Birkenhead. Further details for all vacancies can be found on the Diocesan website https://dioceseofshrewsbury.org/careers Closing date: 18 September.

THE DIMENSIONS OF LOVE – FR TOM’S PILGRIMAGE – To mark ten years of priestly ministry, Fr Tom Cunnah will undertake a nine-day, 130-mile thanksgiving pilgrimage across the Diocese of Shrewsbury, from West Kirby to Ludlow and Shining Tor, beginning on 3 September. Along the way, he will be praying for vocations and raising awareness and funds for the work of Caritas supporting families in need. Parishioners can follow his journey on Caritas social media.

COME AND VISIT OUR SCHOOL – St Werburgh’s and St Columba’s Catholic Primary School – Families considering a school place for September 2027 are warmly invited to visit us and discover what makes our school such a welcoming and special place to learn. Each open day will include a tour of the school with our headteacher, giving prospective parents and carers an opportunity to see the school in action, meet members of our community and ask any questions they may have.
Open-day dates

• Wednesday 30 September 2026 at 1.30 pm
• Wednesday 7 October 2026 at 9.30 am
• Tuesday 20 October 2026 at 9.30 am
• Wednesday 4 November 2026 at 1.30 pm
• Wednesday 11 November 2026 at 9.30 am
• Wednesday 2 December 2026 at 9.30 am

Please contact the school office to reserve your place: office@lovelearnlaugh.org.uk 01244 478968

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 2p.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 13 September to be compiled by Paula Bownass tele. 01244 379794 or email: paulabownas@yahoo.co.uk. Deadline: Wednesday 9 September 9.00am. 
Please include a contact number with your notice and also email a copy to Fr William at st.theresas@btinternet.com

The month of September is dedicated to The Care of Water

22^nd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

30 AUGUST 2026

Saturday 29th August
St Theresa’s	5.00p.m.	Parishioners’ Intentions
St Columba’s	6.30p.m.	Sandra Brookfield RIP
Sunday 30th August
St Theresa’s	9.30a.m.	Stephen James Taylor
St Columba’s	11.00a.m.	Philip Francis RIP (CT)
	2.00p.m.	Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite
Monday 31st August
St Theresa’s		John Albert Hodkinson RIP
St Columba’s	10.30a.m.	Margaret Patino Pan RIP
Tuesday 1st September
St Theresa’s		Peter Lane RIP
St Columba’s	6.30p.m.	Margaret Patino Pan RIP (MS)
Wednesday 2nd September
St Theresa’s		Priests’ Intentions
St Columba’s	9.30a.m.	Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15a.m.	Novena Prayers
	10.30a.m.	Niall Sullivan RIP
Thursday 3rd September – St Gregory the Great
St Theresa’s		Private Intention
St Columba’s		Joseph Francis
Friday 4th September
St Theresa’s	10.00a.m.	Val & Peter Higgins Ints.
St Columba’s		Priests’ Intentions
Saturday 5th September
St Theresa’s	5.00p.m.	For a successful outcome
St Columba’s	6.30p.m.	Peter Cunniff RIP
Sunday 6th September
St Theresa’s	9.30a.m.	Parishioners’ Intentions
St Columba’s	11.00a.m.	Special Intention (AT)

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS – Mass will be streamed at St Columba’s on Sunday 30 August at 11a.m.

ANNIVERSARIES – John Albert Hodkinson, Peter Lane, Winifred McGlown, James Donnelly

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR SEPTEMBER – For the care of water. Let us prayfor a just and sustainable management of water, a vital resource, so that everyone may have equal access to it.

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

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

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

PARISH OFFERTORY – 16 August 2026 – Loose Plate: £500.82; Planned Giving: £167.11; Average weekly SO £734.72. (St Columba’s) Dona Stations: £TBC; Candles (Loose) £44.64; Piety Stall £116.89. Thank you for your kind generosity.

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

MONDAY MASS – 14 SEPTEMBER – Please note that there will not be a 10.30a.m. Mass at St Columba’s on Monday 14 September.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK – “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference.” Reinhold Niebuhr.

PRAYING TOGETHER FOR

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

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

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

SVP APPEAL FOR CHILD’S FURNITURE – We are currently supporting a lady and her one-year-old boy who have recently moved from homelessness to a new home. She needs some furniture to store clothes etc for her child’s bedroom. Does anyone have a child’s chest of drawers or wardrobe, in good condition, to donate. Please contact Sue McCarthy, Mark Traynor or any SVP member. 07515491251. Thank you.

THE DIMENSIONS OF LOVE – FR TOM’S PILGRIMAGE – To mark ten years of priestly ministry, Fr Tom Cunnah will undertake a nine-day, 130-mile thanksgiving pilgrimage across the Diocese of Shrewsbury, from West Kirby to Ludlow and Shining Tor, beginning on 3 September. Along the way, he will be praying for vocations and raising awareness and funds for the work of Caritas supporting families in need. Parishioners can follow his journey on Caritas social media.

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

PAT WILKINSON, DECEASED – Pat’s funeral took place on Tuesday, 25 August at the Parish Church of St Thomas Becket, Tarporley. The video will be available for 1 month.

CHURCHES TOGETHER UPTON AGM INVITATION – Each year, the committee meets to review the past year and plan for the next. As events are done in the name of the three member churches, the AGM is open to anyone. You are warmly invited to attend on Wednesday 9 September at 2.30p.m. at the URC on Heath Road, Upton. Currently, the committee is small and our Church, the largest congregation of the three, has only two representatives: David Savage (retiring Chairman) and Lyn Coyle. New members would be very welcome so if you want to know more, please contact Lyn on 07735574395.

DIOCESAN VACANCIES have arisen within the Shrewsbury Youth Mission Team (SYMT), based in Stockport & the Curial office based in Birkenhead. Further details for all vacancies can be found on the Diocesan website https://dioceseofshrewsbury.org/careers Closing date: 18 September.

MARSH & PLESSINGTON – TODAY – The service based on remembrance of our two local martyrs will be held at 4.30p.m. today in the Iona Chapel.  You are invited to join us in this short service together with our friends from the other Upton churches.

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

The dignity of work and participation has been a key principle of Catholic social teaching from the very beginning. Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum shone a light on the injustice and exploitation of workers by the rich during the Industrial Revolution. He advocated for workers to join forces and fight against inhuman conditions.

Since then, Church teaching has upheld the dignity of work and participation. The human person should always come before the pursuit of profit. Workers have the right to join trade unions, to a just wage, to spend time with their families and to rest. Work is an essential part of our human dignity and everyone has the right to participate. (CAFOD)

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

CAFOD PETITION SIGNING – CANCEL THE DEBT – Many, many thanks to everyone who has already signed. This weekend is your last opportunity to sign the petition as the sheets have to be sent to CAFOD by Sept 1st.

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

COME AND VISIT OUR SCHOOL – St Werburgh’s and St Columba’s Catholic Primary School
Families considering a school place for September 2027 are warmly invited to visit us and discover what makes our school such a welcoming and special place to learn. Each open day will include a tour of the school with our headteacher, giving prospective parents and carers an opportunity to see the school in action, meet members of our community and ask any questions they may have.
Open-day dates

• Wednesday 30 September 2026 at 1.30 pm
• Wednesday 7 October 2026 at 9.30 am
• Tuesday 20 October 2026 at 9.30 am
• Wednesday 4 November 2026 at 1.30 pm
• Wednesday 11 November 2026 at 9.30 am
• Wednesday 2 December 2026 at 9.30 am

Please contact the school office to reserve your place: office@lovelearnlaugh.org.uk 01244 478968

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 2p.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 6 September to be complied by Amy O’Donnell, phone 07854 290897, email: amyod@hotmail.co.uk. Deadline: Wednesday 2 September 9.00a.m.  
Please include a contact number with your notice and also email a copy to Fr William at st.theresas@btinternet.com