SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

5 MAY 2024

Sat 4 May			The English Martyrs
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Margaret Turnbull’s Ints
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		The Parish
Sun 5 May
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Special Intentions
Mon 6 May
St. Theresa’s			Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	10.30am		Priests’ Intentions
Tue 7 May
St. Theresa’s			Special Intentions
St. Columba’s			Private Intentions
Wed 8 May
St. Theresa’s			Private Intentions
St. Columba’s	9.30am		Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am		Novena Prayers
	10.30am		James & Ann Traynor RIP
Thu 9 May			The Ascension of the Lord – Holyday of Obligation
St. Theresa’s	10.00am		Anthony Baker RIP
St. Columba’s	7.00pm		John Ray Green
Fri 10 May
St. Theresa’s	10.00am		Sarah Russell RIP
St. Columba’s			The Parish
Sat 11 May
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Fr Prin’s Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Anthony Wall RIP
Sun 12 May
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Thanksgiving Mass

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 6.30p.m. this Saturday 4^th May 2024
www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa

THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD – 9^th MAY:
The Ascension is a Holyday of Obligation and Mass will be at St Theresa’s at 10am and at St Columba’s at 7pm.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTIONS – For May
for the formation of men and women religious, and seminarians – Let us pray that men and women religious, and seminarians, grow in their own vocational journey through human, pastoral, spiritual and community formation, that leads them to be credible witnesses of the Gospel

ANNIVERSARIES:
John Bond, Michael Thornber, Carol Anne Murray, Brian Peter Kelly, Michael Patrick Murray, Thomas William Groom, Mary Lally.

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

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

PARISH OFFERTORY:
Loose Plate  £604; Planned Giving £263.80; Average weekly SO £735.00;  Candles £30.30;
Many thanks for your generous support.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA
The coffee rota is on the noticeboard in St Columba’s Hall. Please enter your name and good cause against your preferred dates. You could make £30-£50 for your chosen cause.
5th May – Giovanne for Little Choir, music books
12th May – volunteers please 
19th May – Pentecost 

BISHOPS VISITATION
The Bishop will visit St Columba’s on Sunday 26^th May2024  and St Theresa’s on Sunday 14^th July 2024

CHESTER HALF MARATHON – SUNDAY 19^th MAY
Various roads around Blacon will be closed until lunch time.  Please check the route to see if it will affect you coming to the 9.30am Mass at St Theresa’s on that day.

ST COLUMBA’S LITTLE CHOIR 
Today, Sunday 5th May there will be coffee and cake after Mass at St Columba’s to raise funds to support the the Little Choir. The Little Choir leads the musical liturgy every 1st Sunday of the month but we do need new music books and other items so your support would be greatly appreciated.

DIOCESAN MARRIAGE MASS:
The Annual Diocesan Marriage Mass will take place here at St Columba’s Church on Saturday 8^th June 2024.  If you have a special anniversary this year, please get in touch with the Diocese of Shrewsbury, Curial Offices, 2 Park Road South, Prenton, CH43 4UX or telephone 0151-652-9855.  Many thanks.

PENTECOST APPEAL FOR THE SPIRITANS:
19^th MAY
The Holy Ghost Fathers, Spiritans (the Religious Order of Frs.William and  Desmond) will be having a mission appeal in both churches in aid of their mission here in the UK and abroad, on Pentecost Sunday.-19^th May. Spiritan students: Caliel from Cameroon and Valentine from Nigeria will preachthe appeals. Parishioners are encouraged to contribute generously insupport of the Spiritan missions. Your donations make a lot of positiveimpact on the lives of your Christian brothers and sisters in need. For more information there are leaflets and envelopes available at the back of church.

PRAYING TOGETHER:
We pray for:

• the residents of Churchward Close, The Wien, Mickle Trafford, Woodside Road, Oakfield Road & Foxcote Close.
• the hospitals in this area: the Countess & Wirral Cheshire Trust.
• For doctors and nurses and all who work in the NHS.
• For the patients and those who are addicted to drugs or alcohol, or who are mentally ill.  Also for those we know at this time who are ill.
• We pray for all those involved in the Countess of Chester Hospital’s Chaplaincy.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNIONS – St Columba’s
Today we have our first family celebrations of First Holy Communions so the central pews will be reserved for the children and their families. We welcome you all and pray for and congratulate these children. Brielle Juma. Noella Juma, Ella Nancollas, Adam Papp, Jeanelle Rivera, Alphonsa Roy and Aron Roy.

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION – INFORMATION MEETING:
The next Chester Parishes Sacrament of Confirmation will be on 8th November 2024. Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation will be led by St. Columba and St. Theresa’s Confirmation team.

An information meeting will be held on Thursday 23rd May, at 7pm in St. Columbas church. If you wish to be Confirmed next November please email stcolumbatheresaconfirmation@hotmail.co.uk to register, before the meeting, stating your school year, or if you are over 18 and wish to join the adult preparation group. If you are not sure about being Confirmed then please come along to the meeting anyway to find out more. To to be eligible to be Confirmed you must be at high school now, or older (no upper age limit). For more information please call Denise Lusk on 01244 379742.

CONFIRMATION CATECHISTS
If you are already Confirmed, would you like to join our team who prepares our young parishioners to be Confirmed? It is a rewarding and enjoyable thing to do. For more information, or to volunteer, please call Denise Lusk on 01244 379742 or email stcolumbatheresaconfirmation@hotmail.co.uk

THOUGH FOR THE WEEK: “Don’t let your age control your life. Let your life control your age.”
― Anthony Douglas Williams

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN UPTON:
The Annual Coach Outing will be held on Wednesday 29^th May and will be to the church of Our Lady and St. Nicholas in Liverpool.See the Notice Boards for more details.

RIGHT TO LIFE (UK): Ask your MP to support the abortion time limit reduction amendment
Support an amendment to reduce our abortion time limit from 24 weeks to 22 weeks. Research indicates that a significant number of babies born at 22 or 23 weeks can now survive outside the womb, leaving a contradiction in our abortion law. Take action: Collect a postcard today from the back of the church and post it to your MP urgently in support of this amendment!  Our MP is Samantha Dixon.

ZUMBATHON – 18^th May
There  will be another Zumbathon for the HOME OF PEACE & CHRIST’S HEART CHILDREN ORPHANAGES in Uganda, from 11am-1pm in St Columba’s Hall. This Zumbathon is to able to keep the children at school for another term. It helps us to pay school fees and feed the children in the two Orphanages I support and I am a trustee. Tickets are: Adults £10 & Children 6+ £5.  Will have a Raffle and Dance to MAKE A DIFFERENCE!! Lina Greig

CONTINUING SUPPORT FOR NEWBORN BABIES IN EAST AFRICA
A request for unwanted sewing patterns for young children’s clothing, please. As part of our ongoing support for  children in French Soailand.we would like to make a variety of clothing for them, please arrange a handover with Margaret on 01244 318424.

TOMATO PLANTS – St Columba’s
Alicante, Gardener’s Delight,  Moneymaker and Tumbling Tom varieties of tomato plants will be on sale in the hall after the 11.00am Mass next week at 30p each or ring Pauline Payne on 01244 350323 to order. All proceeds to our parish Third World project, the OAKS school in Bo, Sierra Leone.

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 8.30a.m. to 12.30p.m.
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.

RED BOXES (St Theresa’s):
The boxes are available at the back of Church for you to collect. Thank you for your donations.

CAFOD – CALL FOR A CEASEFIRE IN THE HOLY LAND:
Thousands of people have been killed across Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory as the region witnesses the deadliest days in recent history. CAFOD unequivocally condemns this shocking killing and kidnapping of civilians. But we know more violence is never the answer.

The scale of the Israeli government’s violent retaliation is causing more civilian deaths and injuries. The decision to withhold food, water and fuel from reaching the two million inhabitants of Gaza – half of whom are children – will inevitably lead to a humanitarian catastrophe. Will you email the Foreign Secretary to urge the UK to play its part in upholding international law, ensuring humanitarian aid can reach people in need, and works with other world leaders to secure a lasting peace for the region? Go to cafod.org.uk for more details of what to email. In addition we could all consider doing what we can personally to make our views known to those in authority, our MPs for instance. Copies of a CAFOD’s prayer for peace in Israel and Gaza are available in the church porches.

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER: 5 May edition will be compiled by Alison Wrigglesworth, phone: 07708 304246 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 thecompiler by 9.00A.M. on WEDNESDAY, 8^th  MAY 2024.

EASTER WEEK FIVE

28TH APRIL 2024

Sat 27 Apr
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Tom Groom RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		John Black
Sun 28 Apr
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Brian Kelly RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Stuart Worrall Anniversary
Mon 29 Apr			St Catherine of Siena, V, D
St. Theresa’s	1.30pm		Funeral Service Cecilia Relish
St. Columba’s	10.30am		Chris Steele RIP
Tue 30 Apr
St. Theresa’s			Special Intention
St. Columba’s			James Connolly RIP
Wed 1 May
St. Theresa’s			Priests’ Intention
St. Columba’s	9.30am		Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am		Novena Prayers
	10.30am		Frank Stone Jnr
Thu 2 May			St Athanasius, B, D
St. Theresa’s			Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s			Thomas Hanratty RIP
Fri 3 May			Ss Philip & James, Ap.
St. Theresa’s	10.00am		Mary & Frank Lally RIP
St. Columba’s			Private Intentions
Sat 4 May			The English Martyrs
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Margaret Turnbull’s Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		The Parish
Sun 5 May
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Special 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 Columba’s at 11a.m. this Sunday 28^th April  2024
www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTIONS – For April -for the role of women – Let us pray that the dignity and worth of women be recognized in every culture, and for an end to the discrimination they face in various parts of the world.

ANNIVERSARIES:
John Bond, Michael Thornber, Carol Anne Murray, Brian Peter Kelly, Michael Patrick Murray, Thomas William Groom, Mary Lally.

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

RECENTLY DECEASED:
Please remember in your prayers Cecilia Relish of Warwick Rd, who died recently.  May the Lord console her family and friends.  Cecilia Relish’s funeral is on Monday 29^th April at 11am at St Theresa’s.

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

OFFERTORY:
Loose Plate  £738.17; Planned Giving £418.40; Average weekly SO £735.00;  Candles £30.30;
Many thanks for your generous support.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA:
The coffee rota is on the noticeboard in St Columba’s Hall. Please enter your name and good cause against your preferred dates. You could make £30-£50 for your chosen cause.
28th April – volunteers please
5th May – Giovanne for Little Choir, music books
12th May – volunteers please 

St Columba’s Little Choir 
Sunday 5th May there will be coffee and cake after Mass at St Columba’s to raise funds to support the the Little Choir. The Little Choir leads the musical liturgy every 1st Sunday of the month but we do need new music books and other items so your support would be greatly appreciated.

PRAYING TOGETHER:
We pray for:

• the residents of Arley Close, Lincoln Drive, Grasmere Road, Imperial Avenue, Embassy Close, Bristol Close and Virginia Drive.
• the elderly and housebound.
• all who prepare the food and for those who come and enjoy the fellowship enjoyed at church meals

DIOCESAN MARRIAGE MASS:
The Annual Diocesan Marriage Mass will take place here at St Columba’s Church on Saturday 8^th June 2024.  If you have a special anniversary this year, please get in touch with the Diocese of Shrewsbury, Curial Offices, 2 Park Road South, Prenton, CH43 4UX or telephone 0151-652-9855.  Many thanks.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNIONS – St Columba’s
On Sunday 5th May and Sunday 12th May at the 11.00a.m. Mass, children from the parish will be making their First Holy Communions. The central benches in church will be reserved for the children and their families on these occasions.

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION – INFORMATION MEETING:
The next Chester Parishes Sacrament of Confirmation will be on 8th November 2024. Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation will be led by St. Columba and St. Theresa’s Confirmation team.

An information meeting will be held on Thursday 23rd May, at 7pm in St. Columbas church. If you wish to be Confirmed next November please email stcolumbatheresaconfirmation@hotmail.co.uk to register, before the meeting, stating your school year, or if you are over 18 and wish to join the adult preparation group. If you are not sure about being Confirmed then please come along to the meeting anyway to find out more. To to be eligible to be Confirmed you must be at high school now, or older (no upper age limit). For more information please call Denise Lusk on 01244 379742.

CONFIRMATION CATECHISTS
If you are already Confirmed, would you like to join our team who prepares our young parishioners to be Confirmed? It is a rewarding and enjoyable thing to do. For more information, or to volunteer, please call Denise Lusk on 01244 379742 or email stcolumbatheresaconfirmation@hotmail.co.uk

CHILDREN’S LITURGY:
We are delighted to announce that due to a couple of more volunteers, we can now offer Children’s Liturgy twice a month at St Columba’s. Thank you to all those who have expressed an interest in assisting with this vital part of the Mass and we hope that soon we will have enough volunteers to run it at both churches with the parish and each week. Should anybody be interested in helping with Children’s Liturgy please contact Gillian Blatch at gh.settle@gmail.com

PRAYER AND THE SPIRITUAL LIFE WORKSHOP:
Pope Francis has designated 2024 a Year of Prayer. He urges us to embrace prayer ‘as the royal road to holiness’. As part of your journey to deepen your prayer life, we invite you to access a workshop entitled Growth in Holiness: Prayer and the Spiritual Life offered to you freely by the Diocese of Shrewsbury, in conjunction with the Franciscan Catechetical Institute. Please see notice boards or visit this webpage for more information: https://www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org/growth-in-holiness-prayer-and-the-spiritual-life-workshop-offering-for-parishes/

THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD – 9^th MAY:
The Ascension is a Holyday of Obligation and Mass will be at St Theresa’s at 10am and at St Columba’s at 7pm.

PENTECOST APPEAL FOR THE SPIRITANS:
The Holy Ghost Fathers, Spiritans (the Religious Order of Frs.William and  Desmond) will be having a mission appeal in both churches in aid of their mission here in the UK and abroad, on Pentecost Sunday. Spiritan students: Caliel from Cameroon and Valentine from Nigeria will preachthe appeals. Parishioners are encouraged to contribute generously insupport of the Spiritan missions. Your donations make a lot of positiveimpact on the lives of your Christian brothers and sisters in need. For more information there are leaflets and envelopes available at the back of church.

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN UPTON:
The Annual Coach Outing will be held on Wednesday 29^th May and will be to the church of Our Lady and St. Nicholas in Liverpool. See the Notice Boards for more details.

RIGHT TO LIFE (UK):
Ask your MP to support the abortion time limit reduction amendment
Support an amendment to reduce our abortion time limit from 24 weeks to 22 weeks. Research indicates that a significant number of babies born at 22 or 23 weeks can now survive outside the womb, leaving a contradiction in our abortion law. Take action: Collect a postcard today from the back of the church and post it to your MP urgently in support of this amendment! – Our MP is Samantha Dixon.

DIRECTOR OF SCHOOLS VACANCY:
The Diocese is seeking to recruit a Director of Schools and applications are now open. Details of the role and the application process can be found at https://www.tes.com/jobs/vacancy/director-of-schools-birkenhead-2040730

THE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL is looking for exam invigilators to support the exams from as soon as possible. If anyone is interested please visit the school website Vacancies – The Chester Catholic High School (christofidelis.org.uk) or email Mr Kilcoyne School Business Manager kilcoynea@christofidelis.org.uk  for more details.

A YEAR OF ENCOUNTER:
With a UK general election due sometime this year, politicians will be looking for our votes. We have a responsibility as Catholics to make sure that parties commit to tackling issues such as poverty and injustice. Raising our voices and contacting parliamentary candidates as a parish community will send a strong signal to those standing for election in our local constituencies. A Year of Encounter is a joint initiative between CAFOD and St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP), equipping Catholics to ask key questions of local candidates at the key moments. Please see cafod.org.uk/encounter for more information, including an online session on Saturday 4th May to learn more.

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 8.30a.m. to 12.30p.m.
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.

RED BOXES (St Theresa’s):
The boxes are available at the back of Church for you to collect. Thank you for your donations.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:
We can’t choose the music life plays for us, but we can choose how we dance to it!  Kate B Jackson

SVP THEATRE NIGHT – THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST:
The SVP will be holding their annual theatre night at the Gladstone theatre, Port Sunlight on Tuesday June 4th at 7.30. Tickets £12 available from Sue McCarthy or any SVP member.07515 491251. All proceeds go to the SVP holiday home.

BARN DANCE – ST COLUMBA’S HALL:
In aid of Hospice of the Good Shepherd. Saturday 1^st June. Tickets £18. Telephone 07861049281 for tickets or more information.

CAFOD – CALL FOR A CEASEFIRE IN THE HOLY LAND:
Thousands of people have been killed across Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory as the region witnesses the deadliest days in recent history. CAFOD unequivocally condemns this shocking killing and kidnapping of civilians. But we know more violence is never the answer.

The scale of the Israeli government’s violent retaliation is causing more civilian deaths and injuries. The decision to withhold food, water and fuel from reaching the two million inhabitants of Gaza – half of whom are children – will inevitably lead to a humanitarian catastrophe. Will you email the Foreign Secretary to urge the UK to play its part in upholding international law, ensuring humanitarian aid can reach people in need, and works with other world leaders to secure a lasting peace for the region? Go to cafod.org.uk for more details of what to email. In addition we could all consider doing what we can personally to make our views known to those in authority, our MPs for instance. Copies of a CAFOD’s prayer for peace in Israel and Gaza are available in the church porches.

CONTINUING SUPPORT FOR NEWBORN BABIES IN AFRICA:
A request for unwanted sewing patterns for young children’s clothing, please. As part of our ongoing support for African children, we would like to make a variety of clothing for them, please arrange a handover with Margaret on 01244 318424.

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER:
5^th May edition will be compiled by Eileen Irwin, phone: 01244 371660; or email: st.theresas@btinternet.com. Please include a phone number in case of queries, andplease ensure that items are emailed or phoned to thecompiler by 9.00A.M. on WEDNESDAY1^st MAY 2024

EASTER WEEK FOUR

21 APRIL 2024

Saturday 20th April

St. Theresa’s 5.00p.m Ruth O’Donnell RIP

St Columba’s 6.30p.m. The Parish

Sunday 21st April

St. Theresa’s. 9.30a.m. Parishioners’ Intentions

St. Columba’s 11.00a.m. Agnes Williams

Monday 22nd April

St Theresa’s 1.30p.m. Funeral Service Hilary Forshaw

St. Columba’s 10.30a.m. Suzanne Oakes RIP

Tuesday 23rd April – St. George, M. Solemnity

St. Theresa’s Special Intention

St. Columba’s Philip G Francis

Wednesday 24th April

St Theresa’s Priests’ Intentions

St Columba’s 9.30a.m. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.15a.m. Novena Prayers

10.30a.m. David Charles Walpole RIP

Thursday 25th April – St Mark, Ev. Feast

St. Theresa’s Mae Dunne’s Intentions

St Columba’s Priests’ Intentions

Friday 26th April

St. Theresa’s 10.00a.m. Rose Mackie’s Intentions

St. Columba’s. Private Intention

Saturday 27th April

St. Theresa’s 5.00pm Tom Groome RIP

St Columba’s 6.30pm John Black

Sunday 28th April

St. Theresa’s 9.30a.m. Brian Kelley RIP

St. Columba’s 11.00a.m. Stuart Worrall Ann.

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.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTIONS – For April – for the role of women – Let us pray that the dignity and worth of women be recognized in every culture, and for an end to the discrimination they face in various parts of the world.

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS: Mass will be streamed from St Theresa’s at 9.30a.m. this Sunday 21st April 2024 www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa

CONFESSIONS: There will be Confessions after each weekday Mass until 11.30a.m.

St Columba’s: From 6pm before the 6.30p.m. Saturday evening Mass.

St Theresa’s: From 4.30p.m. before 5p.m. Saturday evening Mass.

RECENTLY DECEASED: Please remember in your prayers, Hilary Forshaw of Highfield Road and Celia Relish of Warwick Rd, who died recently. May the Lord console their family and friends. Hilary Forshaw’s funeral is on Monday 22nd April at 1.30 pm. Cecilia Relish’s funeral is on Monday 29th April at 11am. Both at St Theresa’s.

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

ANNIVERSARIES: Sheila Ann Gilfoyle, William (Jimmy) Hinde), Alice Harvey, Gerald O’Hanlon, Michael Thornber, John Bernard Douggie, Carol Anne Murray.

OFFERTORY:

St Columba’s: Loose Plate £386.92; Planned Giving £162.00; Average weekly SO £574.00; Candles £24.27;

St Theresa’s: Loose Plate £tbc; Planned Giving £tbc; SO £161.00.

Many thanks for your generous support.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA: The coffee rota is on the noticeboard in St Columba’s Hall. Please enter your name and good cause against your preferred dates. You could make £30-£50 for your chosen cause.

21st April – Lina Greig for Hopeful Ugandan Hearts

28th April – volunteers please

5th May – Giovanne for Little Choir, music books

PRAYING TOGETHER:

We pray for:

• Pray for the residents of Abbots Park, Milbourne Close, Neston Drive, Onslow Road, Springwood Close, Overwood Lane and Melverley Drive.

• For Sewing Groups.

DIOCESAN MARRIAGE MASS: The Annual Diocesan Marriage Mass will take place here at St Columba’s Church on Saturday 8th June 2024. If you have a special anniversary this year, please get in touch with the Diocese of Shrewsbury, Curial Offices, 2 Park Road South, Prenton, CH43 4UX or telephone 0151-652-9855. Many thanks.

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION: The next Chester Parishes Sacrament of Confirmation will be on 8th November 2024. Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation will be led by St. Columba and St. Theresa’s Confirmation team. Anyone who is currently at high school may be Confirmed, with no upper age limit. If you wish to be Confirmed please email stcolumbatheresaconfirmation@hotmail.co.uk to register and receive further information. Please say if you are over 18, as adults will be prepared separately. For more information, please call Denise Lusk on 01244 379742.

BILINGUAL MASS: Bishop Mark will celebrate a bilingual Mass for all members of the Chinese Catholic community on Sunday 28th April at 2.30pm, at St Hugh’s & St John’s, Timperley. During the Mass, which will be concelebrated with Father Bruno Lepeu who is chaplain to the Chinese community, the Bishop will welcome members of the Chinese community who have been baptised or received into full communion with the Catholic Church in 2024. Please encourage these new members of the Church from the Chinese community in your parishes, to complete the attached booking form. The completed form should be forwarded to Father Tomasz Mamelka at the parish Office:@sthughandstjohntimperley.co.uk–using the email title ‘Bilingual Mass’ by Friday 25th April at the latest. All clergy who would like to join the Mass are also most welcome, please let Father Tomasz Mamelka know if you will be attending.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY: We are delighted to announce that due to a couple of more volunteers, we can now offer Children’s Liturgy twice a month at St Columba’s. Thank you to all those who have expressed an interest in assisting with this vital part of the Mass and we hope that soon we will have enough volunteers to run it at both churches with the parish and each week. Should anybody be interested in helping with Children’s Liturgy please contact Gillian Blatch at gh.settle@gmail.com. The next Children’s Liturgy meeting will be held at 11 am Mass on Sunday 21st April at St Columba’s. Children of all ages are welcome to attend.

PRAYER AND THE SPIRITUAL LIFE WORKSHOP: Pope Francis has designated 2024 a Year of Prayer. He urges us to embrace prayer ‘as the royal road to holiness’. As part of your journey to deepen your prayer life, we invite you to access a workshop entitled Growth in Holiness: Prayer and the Spiritual Life offered to you freely by the Diocese of Shrewsbury, in conjunction with the Franciscan Catechetical Institute. Please see notice boards or visit this webpage for more information: https://www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org/growth-in-holiness-prayer-and-the-spiritual-life-workshop-offering-for-parishes/

A NEW VICAR GENERAL FOR THE DIOCESE: Canon Philip Moor VG continues to recover from his recent illness. He is aware that the road to recovery will be a long one, and we must give him all the space and time to recover his health and strength. I am grateful to Canon Jonathan Brandon for accepting my invitation to serve as a new Vicar General of the Diocese alongside Canon Michael Gannon VG. I am conscious that Jonathan is Parish Priest of one of the largest parishes of our Diocese, and I very much appreciate his generosity in being ready to undertake this service of the Diocese.

THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD – 9th MAY: The Ascension is a Holyday of Obligation and Mass will be at St Theresa’s at 10am and at St Columba’s at 7pm.

LOURDES APPEAL: Tony Murphy will be appealing at all Masses this weekend for volunteers to help at Lourdes.

PENTECOST APPEAL FOR THE SPIRITANS: The Holy Ghost Fathers, Spiritans (the Religious Order of Frs.William and Desmond) will be having a mission appeal in both churches in aid of their mission here in the UK and abroad, on Pentecost Sunday. Spiritan students: Caliel from Cameroon and Valentine from Nigeria will preachthe appeals. Parishioners are encouraged to contribute generously insupport of the Spiritan missions. Your donations make a lot of positiveimpact on the lives of your Christian brothers and sisters in need. For more information there are leaflets and envelopes available at the back of church.

HOLY PLACES: There will be a collection for “Holy Places” this week-end. This should have been collected during Holy Week-End. Many thanks.

CONTINUING SUPPORT FOR NEWBORN BABIES IN AFRICA: A request for unwanted sewing patterns for young children’s clothing, please. As part of our ongoing support for African children, we would like to make a variety of clothing for them, please arrange a handover with Margaret on 01244 318424.

NEEDLES AND PINS – WED 24TH APRIL: 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.

THANK YOU: The Scones Cream and teas were a big success last Sunday thanks to all who came along to support the event. We made c.£225 which will go towards a better sound system at St Theresa’s. Please watch the newsletter and Notice boards for future events.

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN UPTON: The Annual Coach Outing will be held on Wednesday 29th May and will be to the church of Our Lady and St. Nicholas in Liverpool.See the Notice Boards for more details.

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 8.30a.m. to 12.30p.m.

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.

RIGHT TO LIFE (UK): Ask your MP to support the abortion time limit reduction amendmentSupport an amendment to reduce our abortion time limit from 24 weeks to 22 weeks. Research indicates that a significant number of babies born at 22 or 23 weeks can now survive outside the womb, leaving a contradiction in our abortion law. Take action: Collect a postcard today from the back of the church and post it to your MP urgently in support of this amendment! – Our MP is Samantha Dixon.

DIRECTOR OF SCHOOLS VACANCY: The Diocese is seeking to recruit a Director of Schools and applications are now open. Details of the role and the application process can be found at https://www.tes.com/jobs/vacancy/director-of-schools-birkenhead-2040730

THE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL is looking for exam invigilators to support the exams from as soon as possible. If anyone is interested please visit the school website Vacancies – The Chester Catholic High School (christofidelis.org.uk) or email Mr Kilcoyne School Business Manager kilcoynea@christofidelis.org.uk for more details.

RED BOXES (St Theresa’s): The boxes are available at the back of Church for you to collect. Thank you for your donations.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind. Mahatma Gandhi.

CAFOD – CALL FOR A CEASEFIRE IN THE HOLY LAND: Thousands of people have been killed across Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory as the region witnesses the deadliest days in recent history. CAFOD unequivocally condemns this shocking killing and kidnapping of civilians. But we know more violence is never the answer.The scale of the Israeli government’s violent retaliation is causing more civilian deaths and injuries. The decision to withhold food, water and fuel from reaching the two million inhabitants of Gaza – half of whom are children – will inevitably lead to a humanitarian catastrophe. Will you email the Foreign Secretary to urge the UK to play its part in upholding international law, ensuring humanitarian aid can reach people in need, and works with other world leaders to secure a lasting peace for the region? Go to cafod.org.uk for more details of what to email. In addition we could all consider doing what we can personally to make our views known to those in authority, our MPs for instance. Copies of a CAFOD’s prayer for peace in Israel and Gaza are available in the church porches.

EASTER WEEK THREE

14^TH APRIL 2024

Sat 13 Apr
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Margaret Collins RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Gladys Campbell RIP
Sun 14 Apr
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Jobi Baby
St. Columba’s	11.00am		The Parish
Mon 15 Apr
St. Theresa’s			Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	10.30am		Ray Harrington
Tue 16 Apr
St. Theresa’s			Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s			Priests’ Intentions
Wed 17 Apr
St. Theresa’s			Special Intentions
St. Columba’s	9.30am		Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am		Novena Prayers
	10.30am		Mary Kiernan RIP
Thu 18 Apr
St. Theresa’s			Terry Dobson RIP
St. Columba’s			Private Intentions
Fri 19 Apr
St. Theresa’s	10.00am		Mary Scalley RIP
St. Columba’s			Parishioners’ Intentions
Sat 20 Apr
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Ruth O’Donnell RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		The Parish
Sun 21 Apr
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Agnes Williams

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.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTIONS – For April – for the role of women – Let us pray that the dignity and worth of women be recognized in every culture, and for an end to the discrimination they face in various parts of the world.

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS:
Mass will be streamed from St Theresa’s at 9.30a.m. this Sunday 14^th April  2024
www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa

ANNIVERSARIES:
Angela Crowe, Daniel Joseph Keegan, James Rogerson, Mary Teresa Kiernan, James Rogerson, Sheila Ann Giloyle, William (Jimmy) Hinde.

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

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

OFFERTORY:
St Columba’s: (24/03 & 31/03) Loose Plate  £1475.72; Planned Giving £299.00; Average weekly SO £574.00; Candles £103.52; (07/04) Loose Plate £374.27; Planned Giving £246.00; Tea & Coffee £45.20; Clergy Educ.&Training Fund £20.00;
St Theresa’s: (24/03 & 31/03)  Loose Plate £441.49; Planned Giving £202.44; SO £161.00.
Many thanks for your generous support.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA:
The coffee rota is on the noticeboard in St Columba’s Hall. Please enter your name and good cause against your preferred dates. You could make £30-£50 for your chosen cause.
14^th April – Social Committee, for St Theresa’s sound system
21st April – Lina Greig for Hopeful Ugandan Hearts
28^th April – volunteers please.

PRAYING TOGETHER
We pray for:

• The residents of Ethelda Drive, Dorfold Way, Sussex Road, Palmerstone Close, Meadowside Mews, Highcliffe Avenue and Sherwood Road.
• All who serve through the Anglican Diocese of Chester, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Shrewsbury and the United Reformed Church Mersey Synod.
• Our churches that they may be filled with the Holy Spirit.

MORE THANKS FROM DEACON LAWRENCE:
To my great surprise at the conclusion of Mass at St Theresa’s on Easter Friday, Fr William presented me with certification of a blessing from Pope Francis, which had been sought to mark my 80^th birthday in January. So, my heartfelt thanks to Fr William and the parish (and the Holy Father!) for that kindness, much appreciated. The evidence is currently with the framers but an image will be posted on the parish website in due course, for anyone interested to see. Lawrence.

DIOCESAN MARRIAGE MASS:
The Annual Diocesan Marriage Mass will take place here at St Columba’s Church on Saturday 8^th June 2024.  If you have a special anniversary this year, please get in touch with the Diocese of Shrewsbury, Curial Offices, 2 Park Road South, Prenton, CH43 4UX or telephone 0151-652-9855.  Many thanks.

CAFOD LENT APPEAL:
The final amount – £681.11. Thank you for your continued generosity.

CAFOD – CALL FOR A CEASEFIRE IN THE HOLY LAND:
Thousands of people have been killed across Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory as the region witnesses the deadliest days in recent history. CAFOD unequivocally condemns this shocking killing and kidnapping of civilians. But we know more violence is never the answer.

The scale of the Israeli government’s violent retaliation is causing more civilian deaths and injuries. The decision to withhold food, water and fuel from reaching the two million inhabitants of Gaza – half of whom are children – will inevitably lead to a humanitarian catastrophe. Will you email the Foreign Secretary to urge the UK to play its part in upholding international law, ensuring humanitarian aid can reach people in need, and works with other world leaders to secure a lasting peace for the region? Go to cafod.org.uk for more details of what to email. In addition we could all consider doing what we can personally to make our views known to those in authority, our MPs for instance. Copies of a CAFOD’s prayer for peace in Israel and Gaza are available in the church porches.

SOCIAL COMMITTEE:
The social committee wish to apologise for the change in plans for this Sunday, 14th April. Due to Easter commitments and volunteers’ holidays, it has not been possible to organise a full afternoon tea. Instead we will be providing delicious scones, jam and cream in St Columba’s church hall after the 11.00 am Mass (at a cost of ONLY £1.50) to raise funds for St Theresa’s sound system. 

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION:
The next Chester Parishes Sacrament of Confirmation will be on 8th November 2024. Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation will be led by St. Columba and St. Theresa’s Confirmation team. Anyone who is currently at high school may be Confirmed, with no upper age limit. If you wish to be Confirmed please email stcolumbatheresaconfirmation@hotmail.co.uk to register and receive further information. Please say if you are over 18, as adults will be prepared separately. For more information, please call Denise Luck on 01244 379742.

YOUTH GROUP:
The next youth group meeting is this Monday, 15^th April, at St Columba’s, starting 7p.m, finishing 8.30p.m. All young people who are in school year 5, or older are very welcome to come along.

PRAYER AND THE SPIRITUAL LIFE WORKSHOP:
Pope Francis has designated 2024 a Year of Prayer. He urges us to embrace prayer ‘as the royal road to holiness’. As part of your journey to deepen your prayer life, we invite you to access a workshop entitled Growth in Holiness: Prayer and the Spiritual Life offered to you freely by the Diocese of Shrewsbury, in conjunction with the Franciscan Catechetical Institute. Please see notice boards or visit this webpage for more information: https://www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org/growth-in-holiness-prayer-and-the-spiritual-life-workshop-offering-for-parishes/

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Sunday 14^th April (today) – Afternoon tea at St Columba’s to raise money towards a new sound system at St Theresa’s.
Sunday 9th June – Annual BBQ to celebrate the feast of St Columba.
Keep your eye on the newsletter and notice board for further information and any other dates of activities.

CONTINUING SUPPORT FOR THE NEWBORN IN AFRICA:
A request for unwanted sewing patterns for young children’s clothing, please. As part of our ongoing support for African children, we would like to make a variety of clothing for them, please arrange a handover with Margaret on 01244 318424.

MISSIO DONATIONS:
In 2023, St Columba’s parishioners donated £880.57 through Red Box donations, thank you very much!

RED BOXES (St Theresa’s):
The boxes are available at the back of Church for you to collect. Thank you for your donations.

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN UPTON:
The Annual Coach Outing will be held on Wednesday 29^th May and will be to the church of Our Lady and St. Nicholas in Liverpool. See the Notice Boards for more details.

RESOURCES – MEMORY CAFE 2024:
A place for people with dementia, their families, friends and carers to come together and enjoy a cuppa in the unique setting of Chester Zoo.  The Zoos friendly staff and volunteers will be on hand to have a chat and share the latest news from the zoo.  Refreshments are available to purchase from Bembe Coffee Shop at the main entrance, which is free to access and has plenty of free parking. Time 10.30 am – 12pm.  Dates for the rest f this year include 22 April, 13 May, 10 & 24 June, 8 July, 9 & 23 September, 14 & 28 October, 11 & 25 November and 9 December. 

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:
God loved us before he made us; and his love has never diminished and never shall.” – Julian of Norwich

THE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL is looking for exam invigilators to support the exams from as soon as possible. If anyone is interested please visit the school website Vacancies – The Chester Catholic High School (christofidelis.org.uk) or email Mr Kilcoyne School Business Manager kilcoynea@christofidelis.org.uk  for more details.

RIGHT TO LIFE (UK):
Ask your MP to support the abortion time limit reduction amendment
Support an amendment to reduce our abortion time limit from 24 weeks to 22 weeks. Research indicates that a significant number of babies born at 22 or 23 weeks can now survive outside the womb, leaving a contradiction in our abortion law. Take action: Collect a postcard today from the back of the church and post it to your MP urgently in support of this amendment! – Our MP is Samantha Dixon.

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 8.30a.m. to 12.30p.m.
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:
21^st April edition will be compiled by Harry Sweeney, phone: 01244 327462; or 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 THURSDAY 18^TH APRIL 2024

EASTER WEEK TWO

7^TH APRIL 2024

Sat 6 Apr
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		The Parish
Sun 7 Apr			Divine Mercy Sunday
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Muriel Halligan RIP
	2.00pm		Divine Mercy Sunday
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Private Intentions
Mon 8 Apr			The Annunciation of The Lord
St. Theresa’s			Private Intentions
St. Columba’s	10.30am		Stuart Worrall B.D.
Tue 9 Apr
St. Theresa’s			Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s			Ray Harrington
Wed 10 Apr
St. Theresa’s			Special Intentions
St. Columba’s	9.30am		Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am		Novena Prayers
	10.30am		Margaret Collins RIP
Thu 11 Apr			St Stanislaus, B, M
St. Theresa’s			Private Intentions
St. Columba’s			Priests’ Intentions
Fri 12 Apr
St. Theresa’s	1.45pm		Requiem Mass Chris Steele
St. Columba’s			Private Intentions
Sat 13 Apr
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Margaret Collins RIP
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Gladys Campbell RIP
Sun 14 Apr
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Parishioners’ Intentions
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 Columba’s at 11.00am. this Sunday 7^th April  2024
www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTIONS – For April -for the role of women – Let us pray that the dignity and worth of women be recognized in every culture, and for an end to the discrimination they face in various parts of the world.

RECENTLY DECEASED:
Please remember in your prayers Chris Steele who died recently, she was the pianist at St. Theresa’s who played at Sunday Masses and other services for many years and will be greatly missed. May the Lord console her family and friends. Chris’ Requiem Mass will take place at St Theresa’s Church on Friday 12^th April at 1.45 pm

ANNIVERSARIES:
John (Jack) George Cross, David Carty, Philomena Pellegrini, Margaret Mary Collins, Anne Hogan, Henry Arthur (Harry) Harrison, Lt. Stewart Harrison.

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

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

OFFERTORY:
Loose plate  £tbc; Planned giving £tbc; Average weekly SO £; Candles £tbc;

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA:
The coffee rota is on the noticeboard in St Columba’s Hall. Please enter your name and good cause against your preferred dates. You could make £30-£50 for your chosen cause.
07 April             – volunteers please 
14 April             – volunteers please
21 April             – volunteers please
A big thank you to those who purchased tea, coffee and cakes after the Easter service on Sunday, we manged to raise £45 for the Parish.   

PRAYING TOGETHER
We pray for:

• Pray for the residents of Essex Road, Deva Lane, Walnut Close, Provan Way, Saughall Road, Westbourne Road and Cranleigh Crescent.
• For the Library, Pavilion and recreational areas in our community.
• For all adults and children that they will be safe as they enjoy leisure time.

DIOCESAN MARRIAGE MASS:
The Annual Diocesan Marriage Mass will take place here at St Columba’s Church on Saturday 8^th June 2024.  If you have a special anniversary this year, please get in touch with the Diocese of Shrewsbury, Curial Offices, 2 Park Road South, Prenton, CH43 4UX or telephone 0151-652-9855.  Many thanks.”

EASTER THANK-YOU:
A big thank you to everyone who helped to get the churches ready for all of the Easter services, and for those who contributed to the services and its welcoming spirit.  All your tireless work was very much appreciated.  

ALTER SERVERS
A big “THANK YOU” to our altar servers from both St Theresa’s and St Columba’s who did really well over Holy Week. A special thank you to those who served at all of the masses and those who served at St Columba’s from St Theresa’s. Easter eggs are in the altar server sacristy if you haven’t yet collected them. 
Wishing you all a super Easter Holiday.

RIGHT TO LIFE (UK):
Ask your MP to support the abortion time limit reduction amendment
Support an amendment to reduce our abortion time limit from 24 weeks to 22 weeks. Research indicates that a significant number of babies born at 22 or 23 weeks can now survive outside the womb, leaving a contradiction in our abortion law. Take action: Collect a postcard today from the back of the church and post it to your MP urgently in support of this amendment! – Our MP is Samantha Dixon.

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY 2024
ST THERESA’S 7^TH APRIL:
2.00pm   Sacrament of Reconciliation
2.15pm   Recitation of the Chaplet
2.30pm   Blessing and veneration of the Divine Mercy picture and Benediction
2.45pm   Mass

The service on Divine Mercy Sunday is an opportunity to receive Our Lord’s promises of specific, extraordinary graces on the Sunday after Easter.  “The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion (on this day) will obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment” (St Faustina). There is a novena which is said in the 9 days before Divine Mercy Sunday (https://www.thedivinemercy.org/message/devotions/novena/). You are invited to attend this service and receive the extraordinary graces from Our Lord.

ST. PIO PRAYER GROUP:
The next meeting is on Thursday, 11 April, starting at 2pm, in Flat 5, Abbots Court, Eversley Park, Chester CH2 2DY. Everyone is welcome.

CAFOD – Call for a ceasefire in the Holy Land:
Thousands of people have been killed across Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory as the region witnesses the deadliest days in recent history. CAFOD unequivocally condemns this shocking killing and kidnapping of civilians. But we know more violence is never the answer.

The scale of the Israeli government’s violent retaliation is causing more civilian deaths and injuries. The decision to withhold food, water and fuel from reaching the two million inhabitants of Gaza – half of whom are children – will inevitably lead to a humanitarian catastrophe. Will you email the Foreign Secretary to urge the UK to play its part in upholding international law, ensuring humanitarian aid can reach people in need, and works with other world leaders to secure a lasting peace for the region? Go to cafod.org.uk for more details of what to email.

In addition we could all consider doing what we can personally to make our views known to those in authority, our MPs for instance.

Copies of a CAFOD’s prayer for peace in Israel and Gaza are available in the church porches.

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION:
The next Chester Parishes Sacrament of Confirmation will be on 8th November 2024. Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation will be led by St. Columba and St. Theresa’s Confirmation team. Anyone who is currently at high school may be Confirmed, with no upper age limit. If you wish to be Confirmed please email stcolumbatheresaconfirmation@hotmail.co.uk to register and receive further information. Please say if you are over 18, as adults will be prepared separately.  

THE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL is looking for exam invigilators to support the exams from as soon as possible. If anyone is interested please visit the school website Vacancies – The Chester Catholic High School (christofidelis.org.uk) or email Mr Kilcoyne School Business Manager kilcoynea@christofidelis.org.uk  for more details.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Sunday April 14th Afternoon tea at St Columba’s to raise money towards a new sound system at St Theresa’s
Sunday 9th Jun Annual BBQ to celebrate the feast of St Columba
Keep your eye on the newsletter and notice board for further information and any other dates of activities.

Thought for the week: “The most wasted of days is one without laughter.”  E E Cummings.

REQUEST FOR UNWANTED KNITTING WOOL:
If anyone has wool they don’t need, please consider donating it to the makers of hats and jumpers for the Fish & Chip babies, please contact Margaret Curtis (318424) to arrange a handover. ALSO, if any knitters  needs more wool, please contact me, too. 
There are now photographs of the chicks and information about the fish & chip babies on the website. 

CHESTER OPERATIC SOCIETY ‘GET HAPPY’:
There will be a performance of popular and enduring tunes from the Golden age of the 1920s to the 1950s from Broadway, musical theatre, and Hollywood musical film by Chester Operatic Society. The performance will be at Chester Town hall Fri 12th & Sat 13th April 2024. Tickets are £18 but for every table of 10 one ticket is free. If you would like tickets please contact Mark Traynor marktraynor96@gmail.com or www.ticketsource.co.uk/chesteroperatic.

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 8.30a.m. to 12.30p.m.
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:
14^th April edition will be compiled by Rebecca Vaughan, phone:01244 318632 ; or 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 9.00am on THURSDAY  11 APRIL 2024