THIRD WEEK OF LENT
12TH MARCH 2023
Saturday 11th March
St. Theresa’s 5.00pm Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s 6.30pm Thanksgiving & Pte. Int. (EE)
Sunday 12th March
St. Theresa’s 9.30am Kazia Krawiec RIP
St. Columba’s 11.00am The Parish
Monday 13th March
St. Theresa’s Private Intention
St. Columba’s 10.00am Stations of the Cross
10.30am Private Intention
Tuesday 14th March
St. Theresa’s Priests’ Intentions
St. Columba’s Alf Shepherd RIP
Wednesday 15th March
St Theresa’s Private Intention
St Columba’s 9.30am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
10.15am Novena Prayers
10.30am Robert Niven RIP
Thursday 16th March
St. Theresa’s 9.30am Year 3 Class Mass (in church)
Aquiles Paras RIP
St Columba’s 12.30pm Funeral Service for Josie Watts
Friday 17th March – St Patrick, B, Patron of Ireland
St. Theresa’s 9.30am Stations of the Cross
St. Theresa’s 10.00am Kathleen (Kay) Watts RIP
St. Columba’s Kathleen (Kay) Watts RIP
Saturday 18th March
St. Theresa’s 5.00pm Vera Joyce RIP
St. Columba’s 6.30pm Victor Piggott
Sunday 19th March
St. Theresa’s 9.30am Parishioners’ Intentions
St. Columba’s 11.00am The Parish
LIVE STREAMING OF MASS:
Mass will be streamed from St Theresa’s at 9.30am. this Sunday 12th March 2023.
www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa
RECENTLY DECEASED:
Please remember in your prayers Josie Watts, Eileen Thornber and Kathleen (Kay) Watts. May the Lord console their families and friends. Josie’s Funeral Service is on Thursday 16 March at 12.30pm at St Columba’s, Kay’s Requiem Mass is on Friday 24 March at 1pm at St Theresa’s and Eileen’s Requiem Mass is on 20 April at 10.30am at St Columba’s.
ANNVERSARIES:
Mavis Gibson, Charles Buckley, John James Tully, Doreen Brenda Grainger, Jean Alice Hickman
CONFESSIONS:
There will be Confessions after every weekday Mass until 11.30am. at both churches.
St Columba’s: From 6pm before the 6.30pm Saturday evening Mass.
St Theresa’s: From 4.30pm before 5pm Saturday evening Mass.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS during Lent:
St Theresa’s Friday 9.30a.m.
St Columba’s Monday 10.00a.m.
WEDDINGS, BAPTISMS AND FUNERALS:
Please contact one of the Parish Offices to make your arrangements.
PRAYING TOGETHER:
We pray for:
- the residents of Kelvin Grove, Western Approach, Thirlmere Road, Blacon Avenue, Keats Terrace, Blacon Hall Road and Malvern Road.
- a greater compassion for those who feel marginalised in our society.
- a deeper unity between the churches.
OFFERTORY:
St Columba’s: Loose plate: £231.75; Planned Giving: £189.05; Average Weekly SO – £574.00;
St Theresa’s: Loose plate & Planned giving £409.75; Average weekly SO – £161
THANK YOU for all your generous support.
ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA:
12th Mar – volunteers please
19th Mar – Lina Greig for Uganda Orphans
26th Mar – Sue McCarthy for SVP
2nd April – volunteers please
Why not donate a little time to make tea and coffee to refresh the parishioners after 11:00 Mass on Sunday? You can make some money for your favourite charity, too. Call Margaret Curtis 01244 3184234 to book your date(s).
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.
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS – A FIRST SCRUTINY
Anil, Lindsay and John of our parish took part in the Rite of Election celebrated by Bishop Mark at Shrewsbury Cathedral on Sunday 26th February. The Bishop declared catechumen Anil now to be a member of the Elect, to be initiated into the sacred mysteries at the Easter Vigil. As part of Anil’s continuing preparation for entering fully into the Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist, during the 11 am Mass this Sunday Fr William will conduct the First of three Scrutinies with him. These are rites of self-searching and repentance, with a spiritual purpose, performed in these final weeks of preparation.
At the Rite of Election Lindsay and John, who are already baptised, were encouraged by Bishop Mark to join in the Lenten spirit of repentance, to hear the Lord’s call to conversion and be faithful to their baptismal covenant.
At the Easter Vigil, Anil, Lindsay and John together will receive the sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist and thereby enter fully into the life of the Church. Please keep them in your prayers.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNIONS:
Parents are reminded about the following meetings:
Monday March 13th: Parents Meeting at St Werburgh’s and St Columba’s School at 7pm
This is an Information Evening for all parents.
Monday 20th March: Commentary Mass at 6.30pm 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.
PILGRIMAGE TO WALSINGHAM:
We’re looking at the possibility of a pilgrimage to Walsingham but in order for this to go ahead it would depend on numbers. Please register your interest, either by phone or email with either of the secretaries. Thank you.
DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES 2023:
Booking are now open for this years Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Under the leadership of Bishop Mark, the theme for our pilgrimage will be “… tell the priests to build a chapel here“. This years overland pilgrimage will depart on Thursday 27 July returning on Friday 4 August. Those pilgrims wishing to fly will depart from Liverpool airport on Friday 28 July returning on Thursday 3 August. More details, brochure and booking forms are available on the pilgrimage website http://www.shrewsburypilgrimage.co.uk . Young pilgrims (aged 16 – 22) who wish to join us in Lourdes and offer their time and energy to assist and serve the sick and elderly pilgrims are asked to contact Sandy Fairley at the Youth Mission Team (youth@dioceseofshrewsbury.org) for more details.
LOURDES BY JUMBULANCE:
Chester and Wirral Across Groups are again travelling to Lourdes this year. There are vacancies for nurses, helpers, and sick and disabled pilgrims. We have taken folk with a wide range of health problems such as stroke, cancer, MS, Motor Neurone Disease, etc. The cost is £995. Nurses and under 25s in full time education pay half. However, financial help may be available for those who cannot afford to pay the full amount. COVID Vaccinations compulsory. See church notice boards for further information, or please contact Tony Murphy on 07881-656-974 or tonymurphyefc2002@yahoo.co.uk
Tony Murphy will be giving a talk at all Masses the weekend of 18/19 March.
NEW EXTRAORDINARY MINSTERS OF THE EUCHARIST AND READERS- 25 March:
There will be a meeting for new Ministers on Saturday 25th March at St Theresa’s at 10am. If you have already registered an interest or would like to become either an extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist or a Reader please come along. Please let one of the secretaries know by phone or email if you will be attending.
ST CLARE’S HEADTEACHER VACANCY:
There is a vacancy for a Headteacher at St. Clare’s Catholic Primary School, Chester. Closing date is 20th March at 10:00am. An application pack is available from the school office at admin@stclares.cheshire.sch.uk. Telephone 01244 445266.
CLERGY WELFARE OFFICER VACANCY:
Due to the upcoming retirement of our current RGN/Welfare Officer, the Diocese is looking to appoint a replacement. The Welfare Officer is expected to draw on their nursing skills and experience to effectively assist priests approaching retirement, those in retirement and those on sick leave. They will need to be proactive, caring and demonstrate safe and effective practice through a multidisciplinary approach.
They will require a current NMC pin and understand the Catholic faith. For application form please contact Pauline McCulloch recruitment@dioceseofshrewsbury.org. For further information please see link.
Closing date Friday 24 March.
YOUTH GROUP NEWS:
We met on 27th Feb and had a busy evening. Our quiet time was a walk around the Stations of the Cross with a pause for reflection at the first station. The display we put up before Christmas in the church porches to highlight the Food Bank needed a revamp to tie in with spring coming – hopefully -so now there are butterflies and daffodils (but still some snowflakes!). And then we made pancakes and the most popular topping was lemon juice and sugar – healthy and not so healthy. An enjoyable evening was had by all. Our next meeting is on Monday 20th March, 7-8.30pm at St Columba’s. Young people from Year 5 upwards are welcome.
CHARITY ZUMBATHON:
A charity Zumbathon for ‘Home of Peace’ orphanage in Uganda will take place at St Columba’s Church Hall, Saturday 25th March, 10am-12pm £10 entrance, all ages and dance abilities welcome as we are doing Zumba gold (low intensity) and Zumba fitness. For booking and donations Contact Lina Greig for by email: linamahigduran@hotmail.com or phone 07837512544
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:
A stumble may prevent a fall. English Proverb.
WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER:
Watching a recent advert for a charity, it asked what would you take if you had to leave your home now? The answers were illuminating, some went for personal belongings and photographs, other for more practical kit and passports. But it gave an insight into how different people think and what we hold to be important. Some people who have travelled to the Chester area will have been in this position. We have a family member who had lived for around 6 months with a grab bag in case of evacuation due to war. Many of us will have been fortunate and have never had to make such decisions but, if you had to leave quickly, what would you take and why?
RESOURCES:
Cafod has provided a lent diary with daily readings, reflection and prayer. Well worth a look. https://cafod.org.uk/pray/lent-calendar
National Novena to St Joseph: 11th to 19th March 2023:
The National Novena to St Joseph will take place from 11th -19th March 2023 at St Joseph’s Church in Maidenhead. Every year, 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 on Saturday (11th and 18th) at 10am: Sunday (12th and 19th) at 11:00am; Monday-Friday (13th-17th) at 7:30pm and are available to watch online via the Mill Hill website: www.millhill missionaries.com/novena. You are welcome to send in your petitions and/or to request a Novena prayer booklet.
HEALTH AND WELLBEING WALK:
Every Monday 10:00a.m. for 10:30a.m. Health And Wellbeing Walk sponsored by St Theresa’s and the URC. For more information ring Brendan Doyle on: 07484353841 or Ann Francis on 01244 959061.
CONFIRMATIONS 2023:
The Chester Parishes take it in turns to organise Confirmation. Last year it was St Columba’s and St Theresa’s, this year St Werburgh’s, St Clare’s and St Francis. The date is Wednesday 10th May, 7.00 pm, at St Francis.
AN ONLINE COURSE ON VATICAN II:
In response to Synodal Submissions, the Diocese is offering a series of short podcasts throughout Lent. Accessible on the diocesan website at dioceseofshrewsbury.org they are not time-bound and may be listened to anytime. You will also find handouts there on various topics, whilst a leaflet outlining the content of the recordings is available in the parish. If you have difficulty accessing this material or have any other questions, don’t hesitate to call Barbara Davies on 07730 526821.
LIVE SCREENING OF THE KING’S CORONATION, St Columba’s Hall:
King Charles III coronation will be screened live in St Columba’s Hall on 6th May 2023. We plan to welcome parishioners who would like to watch this historic event communally, from late morning onwards on the big day. We will provide tea and coffee followed by sandwiches and cake for lunch. We need to know the approx. number of people wanting to attend, to cater accordingly, so please put you name down on the sheets in either church.
ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH & HALL BOOKINGS
To arrange meetings etc. in either the Church, Newman Room or the Iona Chapel, please book through Nuala Keegan, Church Office, 01244 624019, Email: stcolumbaschurch2016@outlook.com
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:
19th March edition will be compiled by Eileen Irwin, Phone: 01244 371660/379443, Email: st.theresas@btinternet.com. Please include a phone number in case of queries, and please ensure that items are emailed or phoned to the compiler by 9.00a.m. on WEDNESDAY 15th MARCH