EASTER WEEK ONE

31  MARCH 2024

Sat 30 Mar			Holy Saturday Easter Vigil
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		NO EVENING MASS
St. Columba’s	7.00pm		The Parish
Sun 31 Mar			Easter Sunday
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Graham Elwell
Mon 1 Apr			Monday of the Easter Octave
St. Theresa’s			Mae Dunne
St. Columba’s	10.30am		Mary Kiernan Anniv
Tue 2 Apr			Tuesday of the Easter Octave
St. Theresa’s			Private Intentions
St. Columba’s			Special Intentions
Wed 3 Apr			Wednesday of the Easter Octave
St. Theresa’s			Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	9.30am		Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am		Novena Prayers
	10.30am		Teresa Keelan RIP
Thu 4 Apr			Thursday of the Easter Octave
St. Theresa’s			Special Intentions
St. Columba’s			Mary Ible Birthday
Fri 5 Apr			Friday of the Easter Octave
St. Theresa’s	10.00am		Anne Beaumont RIP
St. Columba’s			Priests’ Intentions
Sat 6 Apr			Saturday of the Easter Octave
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		The Parish
Sun 7 Apr
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Muriel Halligan RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Private 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:
Easter Sunday Mass will be streamed from St Columba’s at 11.00am. this Sunday 31^st March 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. May the Lord console her family and friends.  The Requiem Mass is on Friday 12^th April at 1.45pm at St Theresa’s.

ANNIVERSARIES:
Charles Woods, Sarah Ann Gordyk, Elizabeth Mary (Beryl) Chapman, Sandra Mery Erskine, John (Jack) George Cross, David Carty

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 24th March £394;92 ; Planned giving £144.50; Average weekly SO £785.00; Candles £37.51; Thursday Badminton £150

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.
31^st Mar – Mosqueras (Easter Sunday)
7th April  – volunteers please 
14^th April – volunteers please

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.

RED MISSION BOXES, ST THERESAS’S
Please leave your box in the sacristy to be counted.  Thank you.

PRAYING TOGETHER
We pray for:

• the residents of Kingsway, Dickson’s Drive, Brookfield Drive, Willow Drive, Naomi Close, Dentith Drive and Egerton Road;
• for Worship Groups and all who plan services.
• For our worship that it is vibrant, spiritual and prayerful.

CHUCHES TOGETHER IN UPTON:
The next Fifth Sunday Service on the theme of “Jesus’ Life in Words and Music” will be held at 4.30 p.m. this Sunday at the United Reformed Church on Heath Road (next to the Wheatsheaf).  All welcome.

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.”

RECEPTIONS AND CONFIRMATIONS AT EASTER:
Luciana da Silva and Tommy Williams will be received into full communion with the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. Connor Rowlands will receive the sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist with Luciana and Tommy at the Vigil. Please keep Luciana, Tommy, and Connor in your prayers, that God will guide them, and grant them the grace to enter fully and joyfully into the life of the Church. Thank you.

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
Programme:  
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.

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: “Go out into the world today and love the people you meet. Let your presence light new light in the hearts of others” Mother Teresa

We’re all in this together: Lent reflection, Jesus says to his mother “Woman, here is your son” and to John he says “Here is your mother.”  Amid the agony and the echos of despair, Jesus is not preoccupied with his own suffering but with the welfare of those he loved: his mother, John and all of us.  It reveals his breadth of concern for humanity.  He is saying to all of us, “Behold here is your family.”  This is a beautiful encapsulation of the Christian call to see everyone we meet as brothers and sisters in Christ. (Partick van der Vorst – The Tablet)

Resources Holiday activities and food programme https://www.livewell.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/Services/3991, full list of clubs and information can be found at https://edsential.com/haf-cheshire-west/  Also check out the Cheshire Museums for a full programme of event and crafting https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/news/eggs-travaganza-of-events-at-councils-museums-this-easter

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. 

ST THERESA’S PRIMARY SCHOOL:
The School Council would like to say a huge “Thank You” to all the kind parishioners who provided all the wonderful Easter chicks, in addition to supplying a huge amount of chocolate eggs too! Last week, St Theresa’s School made £278 for CAFOD. What a fabulous team effort! Wishing you all a Holy and Happy Easter.
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.

SPIRITAN COLLECTION (HOLY GHOST FATHERS):
There will be a collection at Pentecost for this.  There will be envelopes and magazines available nearer the time.

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:
7 April 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 the compiler by 9.00A.M. on WEDNESDAY   3^rd APRIL 2024

SIXTH SUNDAY OF LENT

24^th  MARCH 2024

Sat 23 Mar			Palm Sunday Vigil
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Edwin Edwards
Sun 24 Mar			Palm Sunday
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Nina Wormald RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Matthew Traynor
Mon 25 Mar
St. Theresa’s			Private Intention(CS)
St. Columba’s	10.00am		Stations of the Cross
	10.30am		Adam & Martina Elwell
Tue 26 Mar
St. Theresa’s			Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s			Edward Elwell
Wed 27 Mar
St. Theresa’s			Nan & Martin Behan RIP
	6.00pm		First Forgiveness
St. Columba’s	9.30am		Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am		Novena Prayers
	10.30am		Phillip Francis
Thu 28 Mar			HOLY THURSDAY Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper
St. Theresa’s			NO MASS
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Beatrice Talgan
Fri 29 Mar			GOOD FRIDAY Celebration of the Lord’s Passion
St. Theresa’s	11.15am		Stations of the Cross
	3.00pm		Celebration of the Lord’s Passion
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Stations of the Cross led by The Youth Group
St. Columba’s	3.00pm		Celebration of the Lord’s Passion
Sat 30 Mar			HOLY SATURDAY Easter Vigil First Mass of Easter
St. Theresa’s			NO EVENING MASS
St. Columba’s	7.00pm		The Parish
Sun 31 Mar			EASTER SUNDAY
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Graham Elwell

   

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 March – For new martyrs – Let us pray that those who risk their lives for the Gospel in various parts of the world might imbue the Church with their courage and missionary drive.

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS:
Mass will be streamed from St Theresa’s at 5.00p.m. this Saturday 23^rd  March 2024
www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa

HOLY THURSDAY
As this Mass is at St Columba’s at 6.30pm on 28^th March,  anyone needing a lift from Blacon to St Columba’s please put your name on the list at the back of church.

SERVICE TIMES:
Leaflets are available with the service and Mass times for Lent and Easter. Please do take one with you.

EASTER MESSAGE
Fr William and Fr Desmond would like to wish everyone a happy & Holy Easter and to thank everyone who helped in any way with the preparation of the Lent & Easter services.

CLOCKS CHANGE
The clocks go  forward one hour at 2am on 31^st March 2024

ANNIVERSARIES:
Judith Mary Whitlow, Bridget Ann Purcell, Veronica Comerford, Charles Woods, Sarah Ann Gordyk & 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.

BAPTISM
We welcome into God’s family, Kobie Onochie Chukwuemeka Akubue, Noela Nancy Juma and Brielle Winfrey Juma who were baptised here recently.  May God bless them and their families.

OFFERTORY:
Loose plate10th March £487.20 ; Planned giving £205.86;
Average weekly SO £785.00;  Candles £25.78

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA:
The coffee rota is on the notice board 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.
24^th Mar – volunteers please (Palm Sunday)
31^st March – volunteers please (Easter Sunday)
7^th April – volunteers please

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.

RED MISSION BOXES, ST THERESAS’S
Please leave your box in the sacristy to be counted.  Thank you.

PRAYING TOGETHER
We pray for:

• The residents of Broadway West, Totland Grove, Derwent Road, Hereford Place, Worcester Place, Ludlow Road & Mayfield Road.
• For the zoo and all who work there.
• For a deeper awareness of our environment

CHUCHES TOGETHER IN UPTON:
The next Fifth Sunday Service on the theme of “Jesus’ Life in Words and Music” will be held at 4.30 p.m. on Easter Sunday at the United Reformed Church on Heath Road (next to the Wheatsheaf).  All welcome.

KNITTED CHICKS 
A heartfelt thank you to all those who knitted chicks for St Theresa’s Primary School, Blacon. 180 chicks were made and they will be sold in aid of CAFOD.

EASTER FLOWERS:
If you would like to donate towards the flowers at St Theresa’s please put an envelope marked “FLOWERS”  and place it in the Offertory basket.

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.”

RECEPTIONS AND CONFIRMATIONS AT EASTER:
Luciana da Silva and Tommy Williams are preparing in the parish to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. Connor Rowlands is preparing also, to receive the sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist with Luciana and Tommy at the Vigil. In these final days of their preparation especially, please keep Luciana, Tommy, and Connor in your prayers, that God will guide them, and grant them the grace to enter fully and joyfully into the life of the Church. Thank you.

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
Programme:  
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.

HIGHLIGHT FROM THE HIGH:
The students at the CHS are rehearsing for the ‘Living Stations of the Cross’ performance which will take place in the school hall on Tuesday 26^th March at 10am. Parishioners are invited to come and watch the play. Tickets free of charge. Limited places! To book your seat, please email shawk@christofidelis.org.uk

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 Columbas 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.

NEEDLES AND PINS – WED 27TH MARCH
Everyone is invited to this friendly and welcoming needlecraft group in the Newman Room, between 2:00-4:00pm every fourth Wednesday of the month. Hope to see you.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: “We look forward to the time when the power of love will replace the love of power. Then will our world know the blessings of peace” William Gladstone. 

RESOURCES: Situated about half way between both of our churches, the Countess of Chester Health Park, will host, from the 7th April “Cheshire’s Wonderful Wildlife” a poster art trail of 12 colourful posters on a circular 1/2 mile walk on accessible paths. Free to all. 

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. 

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:
31^st March edition will be compiled by Muriel Green, phone: 01244 383836; or email: muriel.green1@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 TUESDAY 26^th MARCH 2024

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

17 MARCH 2024

Sat 16 Mar
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		The Parish
Sun 17 Mar
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Jessica Baker RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Cath Carter RIP
Mon 18 Mar
St. Theresa’s			Zania Van-Zundert
St. Columba’s	10.00am		Stations of the Cross
	10.30am		Cornelius Lally
Tue 19 Mar			St Joseph, Husband of the BVM
St. Theresa’s	10.00am		Mass at St Theresa’s only, Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s			Priests’ Intentions
Wed 20 Mar
St. Theresa’s			Special Intentions
St. Columba’s	9.30am		Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am		Novena Prayers
	10.30am		Lucienne Francis
Thu 21 Mar
St. Theresa’s			Private Intentions
St. Columba’s			Parish Intentions
Fri 22 Mar
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Stations of the Cross
School Mass	10.00am		David Kluth’s Intentions
St. Columba’s			Marion.Baker RIP
Sat 23 Mar			Palm Sunday – Vigil
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		Edwin Edwards Anniversary
Sun 24 Mar			Palm Sunday
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Nina Wormald RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Matthew Traynor

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 5.00p.m. this Saturday 16th March 2024
www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTIONS – For March – For new martyrs – Let us pray that those who risk their lives for the Gospel in various parts of the world might imbue the Church with their courage and missionary drive.

ANNIVERSARIES:
Doreen Brenda Grainger, Jean Alice Hickman, Michael Byrne, James Philip Conde, Charles Buckley, Margaret Ellen Finnegan, Maria Magdelena Cumberford, 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 £785.00;  Candles £tbc

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.

PRAYING TOGETHER
We pray for:

• the residents of Newton Park Road, Kennedy Close, Sandon Road, Blacon Avenue, Keats Terrace, Blacon Hall Road and Malvern Road.
• Upton Village Surgery. For Doctors, Nurses, Health Visitors and Social Workers in our community.

LENT AND EASTER

STATIONS OF THE CROSS:
During Lent there will be Stations of the Cross every week. Monday at 10a.m. at St Columba’s in the Iona Chapel and Friday at 9.30a.m. at St Theresa’s.
Stations of the Cross in the COCH Spiritual Care Centre:
The stations of the cross will be prayed on Thursdays during Lent in the Hospital chapel at 12.15p.m.  All welcome.

SERVICE TIMES:
Leaflets are available with the service and Mass times for Lent and Easter. Please do take one with you.

HOLY THURSDAY
As this Mass is at St Columba’s at 6.30pm on 28^th March,  anyone needing a lift from Blacon to St Columba’s please put your name on the list at the back of church.

CHRISTIAN AID LENT LUNCHES:
See posters in church porches for dates and venues.

CAFOD LENT FAST DAY: 
The total amount raised was £651.11 of which £580 came from donations in the envelopes and £70.61 was raised at the coffee morning after Mass. Many thanks for your continued support of CAFOD. Your donations will mean that CAFOD can support many more projects to help vulnerable families in our world. Ann McCarthy

EASTER FLOWERS:
There will be a collection at St. Columba’s after all Masses this weekend

PASTORAL COUNCIL – VOLUNTEERING IN THE LIFE OF YOUR PARISH:
Following on from the recent talk about how to get involved in volunteering, you will now have had chance to read through the information in more detail. Thank you to those who have already come forward and we would still like to hear from more parishioners. If you missed the talk, the forms on volunteering roles and how to get involved are available in the church porches. Please place any completed forms in the white boxes in church porches. Thank you 

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.”

RECEPTIONS AND CONFIRMATIONS AT EASTER:
Luciana da Silva and Tommy Williams are preparing in the parish to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. Connor Rowlands is preparing also, to receive the sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist with Luciana and Tommy at the Vigil. In these final days of their preparation especially, please keep Luciana, Tommy, and Connor in your prayers, that God will guide them, and grant them the grace to enter fully and joyfully into the life of the Church. Thank you.

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY 2024 – ST THERESA’S 7^TH APRIL
Programme:
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 COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA:
The coffee rota is on the notice board 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.
17^th Mar – volunteers please
24^th Mar – volunteers please (Palm Sunday)
31^st March – volunteers please (Easter Sunday)

HIGHLIGHT FROM THE HIGH:
The students at the CHS are rehearsing for the ‘Living Stations of the Cross’ performance which will take place in the school hall on Tuesday 26^th March at 10am. Parishioners are invited to come and watch the play. Tickets free of charge. Limited places! To book your seat, please email shawk@christofidelis.org.uk

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: Saint Thomas Aquinas maintained that God is “the truth and the light that illuminates every understanding,” 

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.

PRAY AND FAST FOR THE END OF ABORTION:
“On Saturday 23^rd March, the Vigil of Palm Sunday, please pray and fast for the end of abortion in this Country. Through God’s grace we have seen thousands of Mothers in our counselling centre continue their pregnancies in very difficult circumstances. Please help us to help save lives with your prayers, fasting and support. www.GoodCounselNetwork.com”

SVP YOUTH MASS: 
The Chester Catholic High school is kindly hosting an SVP Youth Mass for all catholic schools in the Chester and Ellesmere Port area on Wednesday 20^th March at 10.30am. Local parishioners are very welcome to join us in this special celebration but at this is a school day all guests will need to register their wish to attend in advance. Please contact  stephen.perry12@btopenworld.com or GaspariniA@christofidelis.org.uk by Friday 23^rd February 2024.

PARISH YOUTH CLUB:
The next youth group meeting is Monday March 18th from 7 to 8.30pm. Please note we will meet in Saint Columba’s Church Hall. Young parishioners from Year 5 upwards are invited to come along. ALL are welcome.

ST WERBURGH’S & ST COLUMBA’S PRIMARY SCHOOL – FOUNDATION GOVERNOR VACANCY:
We are currently recruiting a Catholic Church Foundation Governor to join our Governing Body. The role would suit someone with an interest in serving our community and supporting the needs of our school children.  The role of a School Governing Body is: 

• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos, and direction of the school
• Holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils.
• Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent. 

At this time we would particularly welcome applications from interested parties who have a financial background.

We are a busy, energetic governing body and would warmly invite anyone interested in finding out more about the role to contact the school in the first instance to arrange an informal chat.  Telephone Sarah on  01244 478954 or email: admin@lovelearnlaugh.org.uk

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. 

LEAKS IN ST.COLUMBA’S CHURCH:
A cherry picker was used to examine the church roof last week to try to find the source of the leaks. Some remedial action was taken but we need to monitor the situation to see if the action was effective. If you notice wet carpet or water running down a wall it would be very helpful if you could let me know directly or via the church office. The two areas of leaking are: – on the wall behind the altar especially on the right hand side: – down the wooden column on the opposite wall (where the varnish is peeling off) to the left as you come in to church. Sadly, don’t bother reporting any water leak you may see in the front porch, to the right as you enter church, as years of investigation have proved that it is impossible to find the source and we just have to live with it!     Pauline Rourke                                                                     

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:
24^th March 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, and please ensure that items are emailed or phoned to thecompiler by 9.00A.M. on WEDNESDAY 20 MARCH 2024

FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT

10TH MARCH 2024

Sat 9 Mar
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		The Parish
Sun 10 Mar
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Caroline Connolly
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Stephen Phillips RIP
Mon 11 Mar
St. Theresa’s			Private Intentions
St. Columba’s	10.00am		Stations of the Cross
	10.30am		Cathryn McAlinden RIP
Tue 12 Mar
St. Theresa’s			Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s			Priests’ Intentions
Wed 13 Mar
St. Theresa’s			Special Intentions
St. Columba’s	9.30am		Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
	10.15am		Novena Prayers
	10.30am		Private Intentions
Thu 14 Mar
St. Theresa’s			Kazia Krawiec
St. Columba’s			Parishioners’ Intentions
Fri 15 Mar
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Stations of the Cross
	10.00am		Felicity Hughes RIP
St. Columba’s			Diane Blago RIP
Sat 16 Mar
St. Theresa’s	5.00pm		Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s	6.30pm		The Parish
Sun 17 Mar
St. Theresa’s	9.30am		Jessica Baker RIP
St. Columba’s	11.00am		Cath Carter 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 6.30p.m. this Saturday 9^th March 2024
www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTIONS – For March – For new martyrs – Let us pray that those who risk their lives for the Gospel in various parts of the world might imbue the Church with their courage and missionary drive.

ANNIVERSARIES:
Mary Evelyn Formston, Mavis Gibson, Charles Buckley, John James Tully, Doreen Brenda Grainger, Jean Alice Hickman.

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 £851.31 ; Planned giving £608. 14; Average weekly SO £785.00;  Candles £37. 10p. These figures include two weeks collection. THANK YOU for all your generous support.

ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA:
The coffee rota is on the notice board 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.
10^th Mar – Sue McCarthy for The Food Bank
17^th Mar – volunteers please
24^th Mar – volunteers please (Palm Sunday)

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.

PRAYING TOGETHER
We pray for:

• Pray for the residents of Kelvin Grove, Western Approach, Thirlmere Road, Meynell Place, Marlowe Close, Palgrave Close and Tennyson Walk.
• For a greater compassion for those who feel marginalised in our society.
• For a deeper unity between the churches.

LENT AND EASTER

STATIONS OF THE CROSS:
During Lent there will be Stations of the Cross every week. Monday at 10a.m. at St Columba’s in the Iona Chapel and Friday at 9.30a.m. at St Theresa’s.
Stations of the Cross in the COCH Spiritual Care Centre:
The stations of the cross will be prayed on Thursdays during Lent in the Hospital chapel at 12.15p.m.  All welcome.

SERVICE TIMES:
Leaflets are available with the service and Mass times for Lent and Easter. Please do take one with you.

CHRISTIAN AID LENT LUNCHES:
See posters in church porches for dates and venues.

CAFOD LENT FAST DAY: 
Please return envelopes in the collection baskets. Thank you.

PASTORAL COUNCIL – VOLUNTEERING IN THE LIFE OF YOUR PARISH:
Following on from last week’s talk about how to get involved in volunteering, you will now have had chance to read through the information in more detail. Thank you to those who have already come forward and we would still like to hear from more parishioners. If you missed the talk last week, the forms on volunteering roles and how to get involved are available in the church porches. Please place any completed forms in the white boxes in church porches. Thank you 

“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:
Monday 11^TH MARCH: Commentary Mass at 6.30p.m. in St Columba’s Church.
This is for all the children and parents. It is an important part of the children’s preparation, so all our First Holy Communion children should be there accompanied by a member or members of their family.

RECEPTIONS AND CONFIRMATIONS AT EASTER:
Luciana da Silva and Tommy Williams are preparing in the parish to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. Connor Rowlands is preparing also, to receive the sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist with Luciana and Tommy at the Vigil. In these final days of their preparation especially, please keep Luciana, Tommy, and Connor in your prayers, that God will guide them, and grant them the grace to enter fully and joyfully into the life of the Church. Thank you.

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 PIO PRAYER GROUP:
 The next meeting will be on Thursday, 14 March, at Flat 5, Abbots Court, Eversley Park, Chester CH2 2DY starting at 2pm. Everyone is welcome.

MOTHERING SUNDAY:
Fr William wishes all Mothers a very Happy Mother’s Day.

LEAKS IN ST.COLUMBA’S CHURCH:
A cherry picker was used to examine the church roof this week to try to find the source of the leaks. Some remedial action was taken but we need to monitor the situation to see if the action was effective. If you notice wet carpet or water running down a wall it would be very helpful if you could let me know directly or via the church office. The two areas of leaking are: – on the wall behind the altar especially on the right hand side: – down the wooden column on the opposite wall (where the varnish is peeling off) to the left as you come in to church. Sadly, don’t bother reporting any water leak you may see in the front porch, to the right as you enter church, as years of investigation have proved that it is impossible to find the source and we just have to live with it!      Pauline Rourke                                                                     

PASTORAL COUNCIL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING:
There was a record attendance at this meeting at St Theresa’s Centre last Monday. Individual reports were presented on each area of the Council’s activities, eleven in total, with opportunities for parishioners to ask questions and comment on each area. The reports (which will be available on the website and can be obtained from the parish offices) showed what a large number of parishioners are generously involved in a wide range of worthwhile activitiesand responsibilities. Ann McCarthy, Pauline Rourke
Thank you to all who attended the Parish AGM.  It was a huge success.  Fr William Damah CSSP

ST WERBURGH’S & ST COLUMBA’S PRIMARY SCHOOL – FOUNDATION GOVERNOR VACANCY:
We are currently recruiting a Catholic Church Foundation Governor to join our Governing Body. The role would suit someone with an interest in serving our community and supporting the needs of our school children.  The role of a School Governing Body is: 

• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos, and direction of the school
• Holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils.
• Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent. 

At this time we would particularly welcome applications from interested parties who have a financial background.

We are a busy, energetic governing body and would warmly invite anyone interested in finding out more about the role to contact the school in the first instance to arrange an informal chat.  Telephone Sarah on  01244 478954 or email: admin@lovelearnlaugh.org.uk

SVP MUSIC NIGHT AT THE HIGH SCHOOL:
The SVP are holding a music night at the Catholic High School on Friday 15^th March at 19.15 pm. Tickets are £10, on sale from any members of the SVP or contact Sue McCarthy  07515 491251

PARISH YOUTH CLUB:
The next youth group meeting is Monday March 18th from 7 to 8.30pm.Please note we will meet in Saint Columba’s Church Hall.Young parishioners from Year 5 upwards are invited to come along. ALL are welcome.

THE NATIONAL NOVENA TO ST JOSEPH:
The National Novena to St Joseph will take place from 10th-18th March 2024 at St Joseph’s Church in Maidenhead.

The Mill Hill Missionaries prepare for the Feast of St Joseph, their Society Patron, with a special Novena of Masses and prayers to ask for God’s blessing on their Society’s missionary outreach, and for the intentions of all those who support their work. Masses are at 10.00am every day of the Novena except Sunday, when it is at 11.00am. Masses will be available to follow on Zoom, via the Mill Hill website: www.millhillmissionaries.com/novena. Also on Zoom will be Evening Prayer together with the Novena Prayer at 6.00pm every day during the Novena.

A special Novena Prayer Booklet has been prepared, and is available on request for a suggested donation.

You are welcome to send in your petitions and/or to request a Novena prayer booklet. Please write to the Novena Director at 6 Colby Gardens, Maidenhead, SL6 7GZ, or email novenamhm@gmail.com

HIGHLIGHT FROM THE HIGH:
The students at the CHS are rehearsing for the ‘Living Stations of the Cross’ performance which will take place in the school hall on Tuesday 26^th March at 10am. Parishioners are invited to come and watch the play. Tickets free of charge. Limited places! To book your seat, please email shawk@christofidelis.org.uk

SVP YOUTH MASS: 
The Chester Catholic High school is kindly hosting an SVPYouth Mass for all catholic schools in the Chester and Ellesmere Port area on Wednesday 20^th March at 10.30am. Local parishioners are very welcome to join us in this special celebration but at this is a school day all guests will need to register their wish to attend in advance. Please contact  stephen.perry12@btopenworld.com or GaspariniA@christofidelis.org.uk by Friday 23^rd February 2024.

 PRAY AND FAST FOR THE END OF ABORTION:
“On Saturday 23^rd March, the Vigil of Palm Sunday, please pray and fast for the end of abortion in this Country. Through God’s grace we have seen thousands of Mothers in our counselling centre continue their pregnancies in very difficult circumstances. Please help us to help save lives with your prayers, fasting and support. www.GoodCounselNetwork.com”

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER:
Thank you to all who attended the simple and meaningful service on Friday and to Rob Green for the music.The refreshments after the service were appreciated, thank you to all who helped in any way

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. 

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.  Dalai Lama

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:
17^th March edition will be compiled by Amy O’Donnell, phone: 07854 290897; or 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  13^TH MARCH 2024