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Newsletter 26 November 2023

24 November 2023 By amos

THIRTY FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

26^th NOVEMBER 2023

Sat 25 Nov
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm	Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm	Bernard and Maureen Wilkinson

Sun 26 Nov		Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
St. Theresa’s	9.30am	Jefferey Samuel Parry RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am	Eddie and Family

Mon 27 Nov
St. Theresa’s		Holy Souls
St. Columba’s	10.30am	Alphie Lewis RIP

Tue 28 Nov
St. Theresa’s		Sheila Gilden RIP
St. Columba’s		Priests’ Intentions

Wed 29 Nov
St. Theresa’s		Holy Souls
St. Columba’s	9.30am	Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am	Novena Prayer
	10.30am	Brian Haslam 90th B.D

Thu 30 Nov		St Andrew, Patron of Scotland
St. Theresa’s		Holy Souls
St. Columba’s		Gerry Galvin B.D

Fri 1 Dec
St. Theresa’s	10.00am	Ints of St Theresa’s School
St. Columba’s		Holy Souls

Sat 2 Dec
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm	Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm	The Parish

Sun 3 Dec
St. Theresa’s	9.30am	Christine Hunter RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am	Parishioners’ Intentions

Please note if there is no time next to Mass it means there is no Mass for parishioners to attend that day but the Priests will say Mass privately.

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS:
Mass will be streamed from St Theresa’s at 9.30a.m. this Sunday 26th November 2023.
www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTIONS – NOVEMBER:
Let us pray for the Pope that, with the help of the Holy Spirit, he may continue to accompany in the faith the flock entrusted to him.

RECENTLY DECEASED:
Please remember in your prayers Cath Carter who died recently. May the Lord console her family and friends.

ANNIVERSARIES:
Ann White, Hilary Watmough, Liliana Gittins, Jefferey Samuel Parry, Paolo Florio, Susan Mary Roberts, Peter Anthony B urton, Christian Mapp, Mary Taylor

WEDDINGS, BAPTISMS AND FUNERALS:
Please contact one of the Parish Offices to make your arrangements. We welcome into God’s family Jack Anthony James Shone and Santino Antonio Stanford, who were baptised recently. May God bless them and their families.

CONFESSIONS:
There will be Confessions after each weekday Mass until 11.30am.
St Columba’s: From 6pm before the 6.30pm Saturday evening Mass.
St Theresa’s: From 4.30pm before 5pm Saturday evening Mass.

OFFERTORY:
St Columba’s: Loose plate TBC; Planned Giving TBC; Average Weekly SO – £574.00; Candles TBC.Badminton £206
St Theresa’s: Loose plate & Planned Giving £477.94; Average weekly SO – £161.00.
THANK YOU for all your generous support.

PRAYING TOGETHER
We pray for:

the residents of Gatesheath Drive, Alpraham Crescent, St James Ave, Donne Place, Kipling Rd. Wordsworth Mews, & Wordsworth Square.
For those who prepare couples for marriage.
For those couples married in our churches this year and those who are about to be married.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA
26th Nov – Lina Greig for Christ Heart Children’s Orphanage, Uganda – money raised will go towards children’s Christmas lunch, presents and clothing
3rd Dec – Claire O’Donnell for Mind
10th Dec – Rippon family for Camps International Humanitarian Collaboration
Why not donate a little time to make tea and coffee after 11:00 Mass on Sunday? You can make some money for your favourite charity, too. Call Margaret Curtis 01244 318424 to book your date(s).

THE AUTUMN FAYRE
Thank you to all who helped out at the Autumn Fayre and for donations, plus those who attended to make it a success.

FIRST SACRAMENTS – ST COLUMBA’S:
This Sunday 12 children from the parish who are preparing to receive First Sacraments this school year will be enrolled in their preparation programme during the 11.00am Mass. Please pray for the children and their families at this important time in their faith journey.

CHESTER CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL. GOVERNOR VACANCY NOVEMBER 2023
There is currently a vacancy for 1 new Foundation governor at Chester Catholic High. As a Foundation governor you would ensure the Catholic teachings are preparing all our students, Catholic and non-Catholic alike, to be ready to leave school prepared for their future in this ever changing world. We all have talents to share. You just need to be able to offer your time and commitment as a volunteer for the benefit of the students and staff in our school. The term of office is 4 years.
To apply, you do not have to have a connection with the school but you must be a practicing catholic and belong to a parish. This is so your parish priest can vouch for you and sign your application form.
There are full details of the role and how to apply on the Diocese website: https://educationshrewsbury.org/schools&academies- governance.
A Disclosure Barring service (DBS) will be applied for once an application for any governor role has been approved.
If you would like an informal chat about governance, or wish to express an interest in the role, please contact the Chair of Governors via the school email:johnsonj@christofidelis.org.uk.

HIGHLIGHT FROM THE HIGH:
Students from The Catholic High School, Chester are performing ‘Annie Jr’ on Tuesday 28th and Wednesday 29th November at 7pm. There are over 70 students involved in the production and it is set to be a fantastic performance. If you would like to buy tickets please do so by heading to https://app.parentpay.com/ParentPayShop/Uniform/Default.aspx?shopid=7772 £8.50 per adult; £7.00 per child (any child still in school/sixth form)

EXHIBITION IN THE PARISH HALL:
Today, 26th November after Mass, while we have tea and coffee in the hall, you can see a free exhibition about the life and teaching of Servant God Fr. Luigi Giussani. He is the founder of the Catholic Movement of Communion and Liberation. The encounter with Fr Giussani (1922-2005) has left an indelible mark on the lives of many people worldwide, including some members of our parish. Joint us in discovering a legacy that goes beyond borders and generations. Giovanna and Luca

UPTON DRAMATIC SOCIETY:
The 39 Steps – Upton Village Hall Wednesday 29th November to Saturday 2nd December. Tickets £10 each. Call 07847619190 (see poster in porch)

COMMUNITY CAROLS – BLACON:
This Carol service will take place at Holy Trinity Church, Norris Road, Blacon on Monday 4^th December at 6pm. All are welcome.

CAFOD WORLD GIFTS
are a range of virtual charity gifts that will delight the people you give them to and help transform the lives of families experiencing poverty. Each World Gift is a real example of CAFOD’s work. When you choose a gift, you support the area of our work that this gift represents. So, for example, when you buy chickens, you support our work with poor farmers in rural areas of the countries we work in, by contributing to our Farming fund.
Catalogues are available in the church porches

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN UPTON: THURSDAY COFFEE MORNING:
This event has donated £700 to various local and national charities during 2022/23. Details are on the Notice Board. Thanks for your support

ADVENT JOURNEY – HOSTING OUR KNITTED MARY, JOSEPH & DONKEY FIGURES
To focus our attention on Advent, we’re asking all households, particularly those with young children, to host our knitted Mary, Joseph and donkey for one or more nights to symbolise the journey to Bethlehem. The knitted family will arrive in Bethlehem, actually St Theresa’s crib, on Friday 22nd December during the Carol Service.
If you can host these small figures, (they’re no trouble) please add your details to the list in the church porch BY 3^rd DECEMBER IF POSSIBLE, so we can plan the route and arrange the transfer from host to host.

CHRISTMAS Party for Seniors (50+) and volunteers Sat 9th Dec
This year’s Christmas Party for Senior parishioners and also Parish volunteers, is been held on Sat 9th of December in St Columba’s Church Hall starting at 2 p.m. Free food and drinks plus entertainment by Upton Community choir.

SINFONIA
Are a local music group who use the Hall for their rehearsals. They gave a very enjoyable concert earlier this year and are going to give a Christmas Concert on Friday 8th December at 7pm in the Hall. Admission free. Tea & mince pies free. A retiring collection will be available for Dee Banks School. Please come along and support this event.

ANGELS, SHEEP, DONKEYS, KINGS, ACTORS AND SHEPHERDS NEEDED!
The children’s liturgy invites children of all ages to come and take part in St Columba’s Christmas Eve celebration Mass at 4.30 pm. Whether you are a budding actor, narrator, musician or would just like to dress up and be part of the celebrations we want to hear from you. For further information please contact Gillian Blatch at stcolumbaschurch2016@outlook.com and mark it for the attention of Gillian Children’s liturgy.

ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH & HALL BOOKINGS
To arrange meetings etc. in either the Church, Newman Room or the Iona Chapel, please book through Carol Galvin, St. Columba’s Church Office, phone: 01244 624019, Email: stcolumbaschurch2016@outlook.com, Office hours Monday to Friday 9.00am to 1.00pm
Hall availability can be checked by looking at St Columba’s Church website – section for Church Hall gives a calendar of events in the Hall. Then contact Sue Carr on 07553 114531 or email columbashallbookings@gmail.com to arrange booking.

REPORT FROM PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING 25 OCTOBER 2023
Reports were received and discussed from the SVP, youth group, buildings, social committee etc and on the recent appeals to parishioners to consider their financial donations and for volunteers. Appreciation was expressed for those parishioners who responded. It was agreed that the level of donations should be monitored and that another appeal held in the future. All the new volunteers will be approached in the next few weeks and a small group of ‘welcomers’ assembled to consider some possibilities for widening this role. The two chairpersons are now working on a recruitment strategy for volunteers for the more spiritual aspects of church life. Ann McCarthy, Pauline Rourke

Resources: The Cheshire prize for literature 2023/24 is now open and will close on January 31^st 2024. There are three age groups: primary, secondary and over 18’s and four categories: short stories, poetry, children’s literature and scriptwriting. No theme, so you can write about anything. Further details on cwac.co/4ByYG. Any queries about the competition should be emailed to cheshireprize@chester.ac.uk or phone 01244 511344.

WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER: World Youth Sunday will be celebrated on Sunday 26 November. This year the Pope has chosen “Rejoicing in Hope” (Rom 12:12) as its theme. The Pope talks of “As young people, you are indeed the joyful hope of the Church and of a humanity always on the move. I would like to take you by the hand and walk with you on the path of hope. I would like to speak with you about our joys and hopes, but also of our sorrows and concerns, and those of all our brothers and sisters in the human family..How can we live without hope? What would our days be like? Hope is the salt of our daily lives.” He asks our youth to “Remain open, like canals in which the hope of Jesus can flow and spread in all the areas where you live”. God bless our youth, they are our future, and God bless all families, parents, guardians, teachers, youth workers, coaches and all who help our Youth, to be the best that they can be. The full link to the Pope’s message to the Youth can be found at https://worldyouthday.com/message-of-his-holiness-pope-francis-for-the-xxxviii-world-youth-day/

PIETY STALL:
The Piety stall is now selling Christmas Cards, diaries and calendars. If you need anything else, I have a catalogue, please telephone me on 01244 329469. Many thanks.

RED MISSION BOXES, ST COLUMBA’S:
If you have a Red Mission box for collection, please leave it in the sacristy. When counted I can return your box to your home. Thank you, Margaret Curtis 01244 318424.

FREE NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION:
Do you want an electronic version of the newsletter? If so, subscribe via our web page on https://sscolumbaandtheresa.co.uk/ Front page bottom right – subscribe button.

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER:
3^rd December edition will be compiled by Alison Wrigglesworth, phone: 01244 382457 or Email: a.wrigglesworth@outlook.com. Please include a phone number in case of queries, and please ensure that items are emailed or phoned to the compiler by 9.00a.m. on WEDNESDAY 29^th November

Newsletter 19 November 2023

17 November 2023 By amos

THIRTY THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

19TH NOVEMBER 2023

Sat 18 Nov
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm	Michael Berry RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm	The Parish

Sun 19 Nov
St. Theresa’s	9.30am	Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am	Delia Hesketh RIP

Mon 20 Nov
St. Theresa’s		Kenneth Kilcoyne RIP
St. Columba’s	10.30am	John Fletcher RIP

Tue 21 Nov		Presentation of the BVM
St. Theresa’s		Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s		Mark Traynor

Wed 22 Nov		St Cecilia, V. M. Mem
St. Theresa’s		Private Intention
St. Columba’s	9.30am	Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am	Novena Prayer
	10.30am	Sean McCabe RIP

Thu 23 Nov
St. Theresa’s		Special Intention
St. Columba’s		Holy Souls

Fri 24 Nov		Ss Andrew Dung-Lac, P and Companions
St. Theresa’s	10.00am	Kathleen Holden RIP
St. Columba’s	10.00am	Funeral Service for Maureen Brady

Sat 25 Nov
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm	Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm	Bernard and Maureen Wilkinson

Sun 26 Nov
St. Theresa’s	9.30am	Jefferey Samuel Parry RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am	Eddie and Family

Please note if there is no time next to Mass it means there is no Mass for parishioners to attend that day but the Priests will say Mass privately.

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS:
Mass will be streamed from St Columba’s at 11a.m. this Sunday 19th November 2023.
www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTIONS – NOVEMBER:
Let us pray for the Pope that, with the help of the Holy Spirit, he may continue to accompany in the faith the flock entrusted to him.

RECENTLY DECEASED:
Please remember in your prayers Maureen Theresa Brady. Maureen’s Funeral Service is at St Columba’s on Friday 24^th November at 10a.m. May the Lord console her family and friends.

ANNIVERSARIES:
Annina (Ann) Florio, Berta Barton, Victor Alfred Piggott, Kathleen Margaret Maguire, George Richard Becker, Eric Walsh, Owen Christopher O’Hanlon, Elizabeth Bayley.

OFFERTORY:
St Columba’s: Loose plate £428.12; Planned Giving £100.50; Average Weekly SO – £574.00; Candles £25.55.
St Theresa’s: Loose plate & Planned Giving £790.66; Average weekly SO – £161.00.
THANK YOU for all your generous support.

PIETY STALL:
The Piety stall is now selling Christmas Cards, diaries and calendars. If you need anything else, I have a catalogue, please telephone me on 01244 329469. Many thanks.

ST. COLUMBA’S BASKET COLLECTION SATURDAYS:
Following suggestions from parishioners and the kindness of volunteers, from Saturday 4th November, the collection basket will be passed round at Saturday evening Mass instead of being left at the rear of the church.

PRAYING TOGETHER
We pray for:

the residents of Cotebrook Drive, Oulton Avenue, Rushton Drive, Barnes, Morgan Close, Griffin Close and Blake Close.
our churches open on Saturdays and the fellowship enjoyed there.
all who use and maintain the web sites.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA
19^th Nov – Autumn Fair
26th Nov – Lina Greig for Christ Heart Children’s Orphanage, Uganda – money raised will go towards children’s Christmas lunch, presents and clothing
3rd Dec – Claire O’Donnell for Mind
10th Dec – Rippon family for Camps International Humanitarian Collaboration
Why not donate a little time to make tea and coffee after 11:00 Mass on Sunday? You can make some money for your favourite charity, too. Call Margaret Curtis 01244 318424 to book your date(s).

FIRST SACRAMENTS – ST COLUMBA’S:
Next Sunday 26th November children from the parish who are preparing to receive First Sacraments this school year will be enrolled in their preparation programme during the 11.00am Mass. Please pray for the children and their families at this important time in their faith journey.

HOSPICE COFFEE MORNING:
THANK YOU to all who supported and helped in any way with last week’s Coffee morning for the Hospice. We made £300 thanks to lots of generous donations. This has gone to the Hospice – on behalf of the Parish as a thank you for the care shown to Delia.

LOUDFENCE – SAFEGUARDING:
Thank you to all who submitted prayers and/or reflections, in support of victims and survivors of abuse, for offering up in the Mass at Holy Apostles and Martyrs church, Wallasey on Tuesday last. All such received were displayed around the church as a sign of solidarity. The Mass was a prelude to Safeguarding Week in the Diocese which began with the Safeguarding Mass at St Mary’s, Crewe on Saturday and continues with this Safeguarding Sunday. Please keep all concerned in your prayers.

AUTUMN FAYRE – 19^TH NOVEMBER 2023 – TODAY:
This popular event in St Columba’s Hall is upon us again.
Everyone is welcome to come along to enjoy a delicious selection of soup, sandwiches, hotdogs and pizza. Browse the variety of stalls selling homemade items and produce or try to win a prize in the tombola. TODAY (SUNDAY) AFTER THE 11AM MASS AT ST COLUMBA’S.

Please note: There will be no coffee after Mass at St Theresa’s this Sunday but coffee/tea will be served at St Columba’s from 11am onwards at the Autumn Fair in the hall.

HIGHLIGHT FROM THE HIGH:
Save the date! The Catholic High School, Chester, invites you to come along to the Christmas Fair followed by Carol Service on Tuesday 19th December from 4pm in the school. There will be stalls, games, and refreshments. Visit Santa’s Grotto! The Carol Service will start at 6:30pm. Entry Fee £1. Everyone is welcome!

In preparation for the CHS Christmas Fair we are currently collecting books for one of the stalls. If you have any book in good condition that you would like to donate, please drop them off at the school reception for the attention of Ana. Thank you.

YOUTH GROUP:
The next meeting of our Parish Youth Group will be on Monday 20th November at 7-8.30pm in St Columba’s Hall. All young people from year 5 upwards are welcome to join our friendly group. We would love to see you!

EXHIBITION IN THE PARISH HALL:
On the 26th November after Mass, while we have tea and coffee in the hall, you can see a free exhibition about the life and teaching of Servant God Fr. Luigi Giussani. He is the founder of the Catholic Movement of Communion and Liberation. The encounter with Fr Giussani (1922-2005) has left an indelible mark on the lives of many people worldwide, including some members of our parish. Joint us in discovering a legacy that goes beyond borders and generations. Giovanna and Luca

UPTON DRAMATIC SOCIETY:
The 39 Steps: Upton Village Hall Wednesday 29th November to Saturday 2nd December. Tickets £10 each. Call 07847619190 (see poster in porch)

THE HOLY SOULS – NOVEMBER:
There are envelopes available at the back of church. Please put names/donations in the envelope and place in the offertory basket, they will then be placed before the altar.

CAFOD’S ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CRISIS APPEAL:
To donate go to cafod.org.uk/ipc or call 0303 303 3030 to support those affected and get funds to local trusted experts in Gaza and southern Israel who have been working alongside communities helping those most in need. Your donation will help support aid workers providing urgent humanitarian aid including food, water and emergency shelter to those in need. Copies of the prayer for peace in the Middle East are available in the church porches.

WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER:
The World Day of the Poor will be celebrated by the Catholic Church on Sunday 19 November with the theme of “Do not turn your face away from anyone who is poor” (Tobit 4:7).The Pope’s message is one that “We are living in times that are not particularly sensitive to the needs of the poor. The pressure to adopt an affluent lifestyle increases, while the voices of those dwelling in poverty tend to go unheard. The poor are persons; they have faces, stories, hearts and souls. They are our brothers and sisters, with good points and bad, like all of us, and it is important to enter into a personal relation with each of them. The Book of Tobit teaches us to be realistic and practical in whatever we do with and for the poor.” He ends by saying that “In this house of ours, which is the world, everyone has a right to experience the light of charity; no one must be deprived of that light.” The full message can be read at https://www.cbcew.org.uk/papal-message-world-day-of-the-poor-2023/

ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH & HALL BOOKINGS
To arrange meetings etc. in either the Church, Newman Room or the Iona Chapel, please book through Carol Galvin, St. Columba’s Church Office, phone: 01244 624019, Email: stcolumbaschurch2016@outlook.com Office hours Monday to Friday 9.00am to 1.00pm
Hall availability can be checked by looking at St Columba’s Church website – section for Church Hall gives a calendar of events in the Hall. Then contact Sue Carr on 07553 114531 or email columbashallbookings@gmail.com to arrange booking.

COMMUNITY CAROLS – BLACON:
This Carol service will take place at Holy Trinity Church, Norris Road, Blacon on Monday 4^th December at 6pm. All are welcome.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:
“Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life”. Nelson Mandela

RESOURCES:
Chester’s Christmas market chalets are being prepared for opening on Friday 17 November. The Chester Christmas Market will be open seven days a week: Sunday to Wednesday 10.30am to 6.30pm; Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10.30am to 8pm. The festive favourites are all set to return this year: Thursday 23 November 7pm – 12 Days of Christmas parade, starting from Bridge Street; Thursday 30 November 7pm – Lantern Parade, starting from Town Hall Square; Thursday 7 December 7pm – Winter Watch Parade, starting from Town Hall Square; Thursday 14 December 6.30pm – Roman Saturnalia Parade, starting from the Grosvenor Museum; Thursday 14 December, 7pm -Winter Watch Parade, meeting the Romans in Town Hall Square.

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER:
26^thNovember edition will be compiled by Eileen Irwin, phone: 01244 379443 or 01244 371660 Email: st.theresas@btinternet.com. Please include a phone number in case of queries, and please ensure that items are emailed or phoned to the compiler by 9.00a.m. on WEDNESDAY 22^nd November

Newsletter 12 November 2023

11 November 2023 By amos

THIRTY SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

12^THNOVEMBER 2023

Sat 11 Nov
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm	Eta Ashe RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm	The Parish

Sun 12 Nov
St. Theresa’s	9.30am	Kathleen Maguire RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am	Brian Moyes RIP

Mon 13 Nov
St. Theresa’s		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	10.30am	Margaret Lannin RIP

Tue 14 Nov
St. Theresa’s		Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am	Funeral Service for Margaret Alcock

Wed 15 Nov
St. Theresa’s		Private Intention
St. Columba’s	9.30am	Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am	Novena Prayer
	10.30am	Delia Hesketh

Thu 16 Nov
St. Theresa’s		Special Intention
St. Columba’s		Holy Souls

Fri 17 Nov
St. Theresa’s		NO 10.00 a.m. Mass
	12.30pm	Requiem Mass for John Fletcher
St. Columba’s		Private Intention

Sat 18 Nov
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm	Michael Berry RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm	Priests’ Intentions

Sun 19 Nov
St. Theresa’s	9.30am	Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am	The Parish

Please note if there is no time next to Mass it means there is no Mass for parishioners to attend that day but the Priests will say Mass privately.

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS:
Mass will be streamed from St Columba’s at 11a.m. this Sunday 12^th November 2023.
www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa

RECENTLY DECEASED:
Please remember in your prayers Joan Benson of Grey Friars, Margaret Alcock, John Fletcher and Maureen Theresa Brady. Margaret’s Funeral Service is on Tuesday 14^th November at 11,00 a.m. at St Columba’s, John’s Requiem Mass is on Friday 17^th November at 12.30p.m. at St Theresa’s. This will replace the normal 10a.m. Mass on that day. Maureen’s Funeral Service is at St Columba’s on Friday 24^th November at 10a.m. May the Lord console their families and friends.

ANNIVERSARIES:
Steven Andrew Roberts, Kenneth Klepalo, Annina (Ann) Florio, Berta Barton, Victor Alfred Piggott, Kathleen Margaret Maguire, George Richard Becker, Eric Walsh, Owen Christopher O’Hanlon, Elizabeth Bayley.

OFFERTORY:
St Columba’s: Loose plate £356.75; Planned Giving £332.50; Average Weekly SO – £574.00; Piety Stall £56.80p; Candles £28.07.
St Theresa’s: Loose plate & Planned Giving £217.33; Average weekly SO – £161.00.
THANK YOU for all your generous support.

PRAYING TOGETHER
We pray for:

Pray for the residents of Queen’s Crescent, Weston Grove, Lakeside Close, Dukesway, Milton Road, Mostyn Place, Crabwell Place, Byron Close, Thomas Close.
For the Senior Citizens Club, Food & Fun and St Vincent de Paul Society.
For all those who are retired

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA
12^th Nov – Sue Carr for Hospice of the Good Shepherd
19^th Nov – Autumn Fair
Why not donate a little time to make tea and coffee after 11:00 Mass on Sunday? You can make some money for your favourite charity, too. Call Margaret Curtis 01244 318424 to book your date(s).

HOSPICE COFFEE MORNING:
After Mass this Sunday 12^th November. Coffee and cakes to raise funds for the Hospice of the Good Shepherd – in memory of fellow parishioner – Delia Hesketh – who spent her final weeks in the Hospice recently. The Hospice’s value is not appreciated until it is needed. Please come and support us.

LOUDFENCE – SAFEGUARDING 14^TH NOVEMBER:
LOUDfence is a pro healing and reconciliation movement founded by Antonia Sobocki in the UK in 2020. It is a community activity of solidarity and support with abuse victims and survivors, to empower parishioners and enable them to be part of the solution by giving them an avenue to express their feelings. To safeguard is to live out the values of the Gospel in their most literal sense. A Diocesan Mass supporting the movement will be celebrated on Tuesday 14 November 6.45 pm, at Holy Apostles and Martyrs Church, Wallasey. All welcome. You are invited to submit your prayers or reflections to be offered up in the Mass; these may be submitted, anonymously, either by post using the dove image sheets provided in church porches, to the Diocesan Safeguarding Office (Curial Office, 2 Park Road South, Prenton CH43 4UX), or digitally to safeguarding@dioceseofshrewsbury.org The deadline for submissions is 7^th November.

AUTUMN FAYRE – 19^TH NOVEMBER 2023:
This popular event in St Columba’s Hall is nearly upon us again. We would love to offer food at the Fair from other world cuisines representing the parish. PLEASE contact Margaret 01244 318424, if you can bring food from your cultural heritage to give more variety. Soup, sandwiches, hotdogs and pizza are already on the menu, so whether it’s half a dozen naan breads or a pot of authentic curry, ANYTHING would be appreciated. Thank you.

AUTUMN FAIR – TOMBOLA:
If you can donate a bottle (!) for the Tombola, please leave in the back porch of the church.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY:
Churches Together in Upton will be holding a short Remembrance Service today at 4.30 p.m. at Holy Ascension church. All welcome.

UPTON DRAMATIC SOCIETY:
The 39 Steps Upton Village Hall Wednesday 29th November to Saturday 2nd December. Tickets £10 each. Call 07847619190 (see poster in porch)

CAFOD UPDATE:
Thank you to everyone who signed ‘Salina’s letter’ this summer. Salina is the small-scale farmer from Bangladesh who is calling on the World Bank to protect the rights of farmers over their own seeds. 70,000 parishioners in England and Wales signed the letter, and a third of all parishes took part. Salina said, “I am very happy to know about 70,000 signatures along with mine.” This helped CAFOD to secure initial meetings with World Bank staff, who heard the message that seeds are for all. This is a long struggle but it’s a very good start. Thank you for adding your voice.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:
Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” — Helen Keller.

WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER:
In some parts of the world, you can go into a library and, instead of borrowing a book, you can borrow a person. That is to say you can sit down and talk to someone who maybe comes from a different country, has different views to you, has different life experiences to you. Well, we don’t need to go to the library to meet interesting folk and have a chat, we can do it in our own halls after church with coffee and tea. It’s amazing who you can meet. Maybe try a different table, say hello to someone new. See you in the church “library “for a coffee sometime and see what a fascinating community we have.

RESOURCES:
The Home Library Service is a service that provides library material directly to the homes of readers who are unable to collect their own items from a library. This can be due to mobility issues or simply because the items are too heavy to carry. Volunteers deliver books or talking books on a regular basis, free of charge. Contact your local library for further information.

ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH & HALL BOOKINGS
To arrange meetings etc. in either the Church, Newman Room or the Iona Chapel, please book through Carol Galvin, St. Columba’s Church Office, phone: 01244 624019, email: stcolumbaschurch2016@outlook.com
Office hours Monday to Friday 9.00am to 1.00pm
Hall availability can be checked by looking at St Columba’s Church website – section for Church Hall gives a calendar of events in the Hall. Then contact Sue Carr on 07553 114531 or email columbashallbookings@gmail.com to arrange booking.

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER:
19^thNovember edition will be compiled by Amy O’Donnell, phone: 07854 290897 Email: amyod@hotmail.co.uk. Please include a phone number in case of queries, and please ensure that items are emailed or phoned to the compiler by 9.00a.m. on WEDNESDAY 15^th November

Newsletter 5 November 2023

4 November 2023 By amos

THIRTY FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

5^THNOVEMBER 2023

Sat 4 Nov
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm	Bart Bradshaw RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm	Delia Hesketh RIP

Sun 5 Nov
St. Theresa’s	9.30am	Graham George RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am	Kerry Prendergast RIP

Mon 6 Nov
St. Theresa’s		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	10.30am	Margaret Lannin RIP

Tue 7 Nov
St. Theresa’s		Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s		David Vaughan RIP

Wed 8 Nov
St. Theresa’s		Private Intention
St. Columba’s	9.30am	Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am	Novena Prayer
	10.30am	Delia Hesketh RIP

Thu 9 Nov		Dedic.of the Lateran Basilica
St. Theresa’s		Special Intention
St. Columba’s		Holy Souls

Fri 10 Nov		St Leo The Great, Pp, D
St. Theresa’s	10.00am	Jessica Baker RIP
St. Columba’s		Holy Souls

Sat 11 Nov		St Martin of Tours, B
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm	Eta Ashe RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm	The Parish

Sun 12 Nov		Feast
St. Theresa’s	9.30am	Kathleen Maguire RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am	Brian Moyes RIP

Please note if there is no time next to Mass it means there is no Mass for parishioners to attend that day but the Priests will say Mass privately.

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS:
Mass will be streamed from St Columba’s at 11a.m. this Sunday 5^th November 2023.
www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa

CLERGY EDUCATION & TRAINING FUND
There will be a second collection this week-end for the Clergy Education and Training Fund. Please place donations in the baskets provided. Many thanks!

RECENTLY DECEASED:
Please remember in your prayers Joan Benson of Grey Friars, Margaret Alcock, John Fletcher and Maureen Theresa Brady. Joan’s Requiem Mass will be on Monday 6^th November at 12p.m. at St Francis Church in Chester followed by a private cremation.

John’s Requiem Mass is on Friday 17^th November at 12.30p.m. at St Theresa’s. This will replace the normal 10a.m. Mass on that day. Maureen’s Requiem Mass is at St Columba’s on Friday 24^th November at 10a.m. May the Lord console their families and friends.

ANNIVERSARIES:
David Vaughan, Graham James George, Sheila Mary Cherry, Steven Andrew Roberts, Kenneth Klepalo, Kathleen Margaret Maguire.

OFFERTORY:
St Columba’s: (22 & 29/10/2023) Loose plate £626.63; Planned Giving £246.60; Average Weekly SO – £574.00;
St Theresa’s: Loose plate & Planned Giving £TBC; Average weekly SO – £161.00.
THANK YOU for all your generous support.

PRAYING TOGETHER
We pray for:

the residents of Longfield Avenue, Iver Road, Iver Close, Owen Close, Shelly Road, Chaucer Close, Browning Close and Alderley Place.
For the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children.
For all who are not able to attend church.

WELCOME:
We welcome back Fr William and hope he is refreshed from his travels.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA
5^th Nov – Rippon family for Camps Intl., Humanitarian Collaboration
12^th Nov – Sue Carr for Hospice of the Good Shepherd
19^th Nov – Autumn Fair
Why not donate a little time to make tea and coffee after 11:00 Mass on Sunday? You can make some money for your favourite charity, too. Call Margaret Curtis 01244 318424 to book your date(s).

PASTORAL COUNCIL MINUTES:
The approved Pastoral Council Minutes for the 11^th September are now available for perusal in both porches.

HOSPICE COFFEE MORNING after Mass next Sunday 12^th November. Coffee and cakes to raise funds for the Hospice of the Good Shepherd – in memory of fellow parishioner – Delia Hesketh – who spent her final weeks in the Hospice recently. The Hospice’s value is not appreciated until it is needed. Please come and support us.

AUTUMN FAIR – TOMBOLA:
If you can donate a bottle (!) for the Tombola, please leave in the back porch of the church.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 12^th NOVEMBER:
Churches Together in Upton will be holding a short Remembrance Service next Sunday at 4.30 p.m. at Holy Ascension church. All welcome.

ST PIO PRAYER GROUP:
The next meeting is on Thursday, 9^th November, starting at 2pm in Flat 5, Abbots Court, Eversley Park, Chester CH2 2DY. Everyone is welcome.

VOLUNTEERS FOR PARISH ACTIVITIES.
Thanks very much to all who have volunteered. A number of you were kind enough to offer your service in several areas. We will consider where assistance could be most helpful and some activities may be organised differently as a result. Over the next few weeks you will be contacted individually by phone, email or in person. Ann McCarthy and Pauline Rourke.

CT UPTON QUIZ NIGHT:
Thanks to all of you who supported the recent Quiz Night. Special thanks to Spar, Long Lane for donating the raffle prizes and to St. Columba’s for the use of the Hall. The sum of £175 was raised and will be divided between Christian Aid and CAFOD.

UPTON DRAMATIC SOCIETY:
The 39 Steps Upton Village Hall Wednesday 29th November to Saturday 2nd December. Tickets £10 each. Call 07847619190 (see poster in porch)

WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER:
We thought we would get this one in early! With the cost of living crisis, there are lots of people in our communities who are in need of help. Advent calendars are everywhere you look, from chocolate, to beers, coffee, toys etc., you name it, you can get an Advent calendar for it! But rather than taking a chocolate etc. maybe we could try the reverse advent calendar, whereby we put in an item of food into our food bank. If we start early, we can ensure that those people in most need will have what they need for Christmas. If we feel able to give, even a couple of items, it will really help. At the moment, they are looking for UHT juice, custard, tinned vegetables, jams and spreads and tinned meats. Thank you.

CAFOD: Thank you very much for your donations to the Harvest Appeal. Donations from the envelopes amounted to £300. There are copies of a CAFOD’s prayer for peace in the Middle East in church porches. Please take a copy. CAFOD campaigners have delivered ‘Salina’s letter’ to the World Bank’s UK offices. As part of CAFOD’s Fix the Food System campaign, over 70,000 Catholics from across England and Wales had signed the letter in solidarity with Salina to urge the World Bank to stop supporting policies that limit small farmers’ choice over which seeds they can use. Thank you for your support

Hall availability can be checked by looking at St Columba’s Church website – section for Church Hall gives a calendar of events in the Hall. Then contact Sue Carr on 07553 114531 or email columbashallbookings@gmail.com to arrange booking.

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER:
12^thNovember edition will be compiled by Harry Sweeney, phone: 01244 327462 Email: harrysweeney45@gmail.com, please include a phone number in case of queries, and please ensure that items are emailed or phoned to the compiler by 9.00a.m. on WEDNESDAY 8^th November

Newsletter 29 October 2023

27 October 2023 By amos

THIRTIETH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

29th OCTOBER 2023

Sat 28 Oct
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm	Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm	Joan Bullough B.Day

Sun 29 Oct
St. Theresa’s	9.30am	Jessica Baker RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am	Elizabeth (Betty) Allingham RIP

Mon 30 Oct
St. Theresa’s		Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	10.30am	Judy Sheanan RIP

Tue 31 Oct		Vigil All Saints
St. Theresa’s	7.00pm	Katherine Gannon RIP
St. Columba’s		Private Intention

Wed 1 Nov		All Saints
St. Theresa’s		Private Intention (BW)
St. Columba’s	9.30am	Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am	Novena Prayers
	10.30am	Jim Mason RIP

Thu 2 Nov		Comm.of Faithful Departed
St. Theresa’s		Private Intention (SR)
St. Columba’s		Priests’ Intentions

Fri 3 Nov		St Winefride, V. Feast
St. Theresa’s	10.00am	Emma Hornby’s Ints.
St. Columba’s		Parishioners’ Intentions

Sat 4 Nov
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm	Bart Bradshaw RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm	Delia Hesketh RIP

Sun 5 Nov
St. Theresa’s	9.30am	Graham George RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am	Kerry Prendergast RIP

Please note if there is no time next to Mass it means there is no Mass for parishioners to attend that day but the Priests will say Mass privately.

ALL SAINTS- 1st NOVEMBER:
The Vigil Mass for All Saints will be held at 7.00 p.m. on Tuesday 31st October at Theresa’s Church and the Mass of the Day will be held at St. Columba’s Church on Wednesday 1st November at 10.30 a.m.

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS:
Mass will be streamed from St Columba’s at 11a.m. this Sunday 29th October 2023.
www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa

RECENTLY DECEASED:
Please remember in your prayers Joan Benson of Grey Friars. Her requiem mass will be on Monday 6^th November at 12:00 at St Francis Church in Chester followed by a private cremation. May the Lord console her families and friends.

ANNIVERSARIES:
Breda Mary Wright, Marie Willetts, Rose Marshall, Richard Heselwood, Sidney Claude Jefferies.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTIONS:
For October – For the Synod
Let us pray for the Church, that she may adopt listening and dialogue as a style of life at every level, allowing herself to be guided by the Holy Spirit towards the world’s peripheries.

OFFERTORY:
St Columba’s: Loose plate £TBC; Planned Giving £TBC; Average Weekly SO – £574.00;
St Theresa’s: Loose plate & Planned Giving £165.00; Average weekly SO – £161.00.
THANK YOU for all your generous support.

PRAYING TOGETHER
We pray for:

the residents of Bache Drive, Dulas Court, Birch Rise, Long Lane, Mallard Court. Cleves Close, Roman Drive, Cavalier Drive, Hadrian Drive.
For the ACF, Friendship Group, MOT Group and Catholic Women’s League.
For all catering staff and those who make refreshments after the services.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA
29th Oct – Chris & Elizabeth for the Tombola
5th Nov – Rippon family for Camps Intl., Humanitarian Collaboration
12th Nov – volunteers please
Why not donate a little time to make tea and coffee after 11:00 Mass on Sunday? You can make some money for your favourite charity, too. Call Margaret Curtis 01244 318424 to book your date(s).

CT UPTON FIFTH SUNDAY SERVICE:
This will be held on the theme of “The Two Saints Way” at Holy Ascension Church at 4.30 p.m. today.

COUNTESS OF CHESTER MONTHLY MASS:
Mass will be held at 12.15pm on Thursday 2^nd November in the Countess of Chester Hospital Chapel, for all staff, patients and their families, volunteers and parishioners. Fr Desmond will be joining us this month, and all are welcome.

LOUDFENCE – SAFEGUARDING 14 NOVEMBER:
LOUDfence is a pro healing and reconciliation movement founded by Antonia Sobocki in the UK in 2020. It is a community activity of solidarity and support with abuse victims and survivors, to empower parishioners and enable them to be part of the solution by giving them an avenue to express their feelings. To safeguard is to live out the values of the Gospel in their most literal sense. A Diocesan Mass supporting the movement will be celebrated on Tuesday 14 November 6.45 pm, at Holy Apostles and Martyrs Church, Wallasey. All welcome. You are invited to submit your prayers or reflections to be offered up in the Mass; these may be submitted, anonymously, either by post using the dove image sheets provided in church porches, to the Diocesan Safeguarding Office (Curial Office, 2 Park Road South, Prenton CH43 4UX), or digitally to safeguarding@dioceseofshrewsbury.org The deadline for submissions is 7^th November.

AUTUMN FAYRE – 19^TH NOVEMBER 2023:
This popular event in St Columba’s Hall is nearly upon us again. Food, Stalls and TOMBOLA.

We would also love to offer food at the Fayre from other world cuisines representing the parish. PLEASE contact Margaret 01244 318424, if you can bring food from your cultural heritage to give more variety. Soup, sandwiches, hotdogs and pizza are already on the menu, so whether it’s half a dozen naan breads or a pot of authentic curry, ANYTHING would be appreciated. Thank you.

Donations of bottles etc are needed as prizes for The Tombola stall at The Autumn Fayre. Could you please leave them inside the entrance to St Columbas and St Theresas.

GIFT AID APPEAL:
Thank you to everyone who completed a Gift Aid form, joined the Planned Giving envelope scheme and anyone who altered their contributions following the recent appeal. All the relevant forms and boxes for completed forms are still available as you leave the church for anyone still needing them.

THE HOLY SOULS-NOVEMBER:
There are envelopes available at the back of church. Please put names/donations in the envelope and place in the offertory basket, they will then be placed before the altar.

HEARTS ON FIRE, FEET ON THE MOVE
Thank you for celebrating World Mission Sunday
Thank you very much for your donations to World Mission Sunday last week. £362.27 was collected. Your prayers and support of World Mission Sunday will help missionaries work alongside communities throughout the world that are poor or in need, regardless of their background or belief. Please pray for the work of Missio and all those working to offer the love of Jesus, that we may remain strong in our witness to Christ’s love for all peoples. To continue supporting mission throughout the year, please go to missio.org.uk or call 020 7821 9755 (office hours).

Thought for the week : “never let them tell you, that you cannot make a change, when the ripples of a single stone, can make a million waves.” Becky Hemsley, poet.

UPTON DRAMATIC SOCIETY:
The 39 Steps Upton Village Hall Wednesday 29th November to Saturday 2nd December. Tickets £10 each. Call 07847619190 (see poster in porch)

ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH & HALL BOOKINGS
To arrange meetings etc. in either the Church, Newman Room or the Iona Chapel, please book through Carol Galvin, St. Columba’s Church Office, phone: 01244 624019, email: stcolumbaschurch2016@outlook.com Office hours Monday to Friday 9.00am to 1.00pm
Hall availability can be checked by looking at St Columba’s Church website – section for Church Hall gives a calendar of events in the Hall. Then contact Sue Carr on 07553 114531 or email columbashallbookings@gmail.com to arrange booking.

We’re all in this together Pope Francis has issued an urgent appeal for a halt to violence in Israel and Palestine reiterating his belief that wars are always a defeat. He says that “Prayer is the meek and holy force to oppose the diabolical force of hatred, terrorism and war”. This week the Pope made a phone call to the parishioners of the Holy Family Catholic Parish in Gaza, with a religious sister expressing gratitude for his encouragement to the suffering community. There are about “500 people, sheltering in the parish facilities in Gaza, including the sick, families, children, the disabled, people who have lost their homes and belongings,” she said. “It was a great blessing to be able to speak with him. He gave us courage and support in prayer”. We are encouraged to pray for peace as the conflict escalates and the death toll rises in both Israel and Gaza.”https://www.cbcew.org.uk/pope-francis-calls-catholic-faithful-of-parish-in-gaza/

CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP COURSE:
Are you currently in Lower Sixth/Year 12/S5?
The Christian Leadership Formation programme uniquely offers a combination of stimulating and high-quality intellectual content, spiritual nourishment, personal development, inter-personal skills, team-building and socials in a tightly-knit community experience, with expert academics and professionals. Open to any student who is motivated by their faith and their studies, with bursaries available as needed.

CATHOLIC CERTIFICATE IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES:
The diocesan Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS) will resume this month, with both an online course or daytime classes in Wythenshawe. Details are at: www.educationshrewsbury.org/formation-development/ccrs or enquiries to ccrs@diocseofshrewsbury.org

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER:
5^th November edition will be compiled by Rebecca Vaughan, phone: 01244 318632, email: rebecca_vghn@yahoo.co.uk. Please include a phone number in case of queries, and please ensure that items are emailed or phoned to the compiler by 9.00a.m. on WEDNESDAY 1^st November

Newsletter 26 November 2023

Newsletter 19 November 2023

Newsletter 12 November 2023

Newsletter 5 November 2023

Newsletter 29 October 2023

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