THIRTY THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
17 November 2024
| Sat 16 Nov | |||
| St. Theresa’s | 5.00pm | Christina North RIP | |
| St. Columba’s | 6.30pm | Peter Carr RIP | |
| Sun 17 Nov | |||
| St. Theresa’s | 9.30am | Nicolas Lancaster RIP | |
| St. Columba’s | 11.00am | David Vaughan RIP | |
| Mon 18 Nov | Dedication of the Basilicas of St Peter & St Paul | ||
| St. Theresa’s | Eric Walsh RIP | ||
| St. Columba’s | 10.30am | Private Intention C-S | |
| Tue 19 Nov | |||
| St. Theresa’s | Parishioners’ Intentions | ||
| St. Columba’s | Holy Souls | ||
| Wed 20 Nov | |||
| St. Theresa’s | Jane Walsh | ||
| St. Columba’s | 9.30am | Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament | |
| 10.15am | Novena Prayers | ||
| 10.30am | Tomasz Bukowski | ||
| Thu 21 Nov | The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mem. | ||
| St. Theresa’s | Priests’ Intentions | ||
| St. Columba’s | Mark Traynor | ||
| Fri 22 Nov | St Cecilia, V, M. Mem. | ||
| St. Theresa’s | 10.00am | Nell Tobin RIP | |
| St. Columba’s | Holy Souls | ||
| Sat 23 Nov | |||
| St. Theresa’s | 5.00pm | James Alexander Fletcher RIP | |
| St. Columba’s | 6.30pm | Ann Chappell RIP | |
| Sun 24 Nov | Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, Solemnity | ||
| St. Theresa’s | 9.30am | Parishioners’ Intentions | |
| St. Columba’s | 11.00am | William Upperman 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 NOT be streamed this Sunday 17th November 2024.
ANNIVERSARIES
Victor Alfred Piggott, Catherine Mary Carter, Thomas Gilfoyle, Stephen Michael Phillips, Peter James Fynn, James Alexander Fletcher, Annie Keegan.
POPES NOVEMBER PRAYER INTENTIONS
For anyone who has lost a child. We pray that all parents who mourn the loss of a son or daughter find support in their community and receive peace and consolation from the Holy Spirit.
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 6p.m. before the 6.30p.m. Saturday evening Mass.
St Theresa’s: From 4.30p.m. before 5p.m. Saturday evening Mass.
PARISH OFFERTORY
St Columba: Loose Plate: £TBC; Planned Giving £TBC; Average weekly SO £555.00. St Theresa: Loose Plate £ 251.16; planned Giving £143.00. 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.
17 Nov Autumn Fair
24 Nov volunteers please
1 Dec Richard Curtis – Altar Servers
PRAYING TOGETHER
Please pray for
- the residents of Queen’s Crescent, Weston Grove, Lakeside Close, Dukesway, Bowyers Close, Ashfield Crescent, Glenside Close and Longdale Drive.
- the Senior Citizens Club, Food & Fun and St Vincent de Paul Society.
- all those who are retired
ASSISTED SUICIDE BILL
The Bill is to be debated in the House of Common later this month (Friday 29th November) that would legalise assisted suicide in this country. It is extremely important that concerned citizens write to their MP to make their voice known. This vote could go either way, and we know that MPs are getting many letters from the assisted suicide lobby. The contact details for our MP are: Samantha Dixon c/o House of Commons. London. SW1AQ 0AA email: samantha.dixon.mp@parliament.uk.
There are cards available at the back of church for you to complete and send to Samantha Dixon, our MP.
THE HOLY SOULS – NOVEMBER
Please put names/donations in an envelope, marked Holy Souls, and place in the urn/ basket in front of the altar.
YOUTH SUNDAY 24 NOVEMBER
We are looking for several young volunteers to welcome, be collectors, read the readings and read the Prayers of the Faithful etc. on Youth Sunday. If you wish to volunteer, please contact (St Theresa) Ann McCarthy, (St Columba) Denise Lusk, or either parish office.
FIRST SACRAMENTS – ST COLUMBA’S
Next Sunday 24 November we will be celebrating Youth Sunday. Children from the parish who are preparing to receive First Sacraments this school year will be enrolled in their preparation programme during the 11.00am Mass. Please pray for the children and their families at this important time in their faith journey.
SEASON OF ADVENT
“On Sunday 1st December, as we start our journey through the Season of Advent , we invite you back into St Columba’s church at 12.30pm (following 11am Mass and tea and coffee) for a short period of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. All are welcome and we would love for the children of the parish, especially those who are preparing to make their First Holy Communion, to be part of this time of prayer.”
BLESSING OF THE NEW LECTIONARIES
The new lectionaries will be Blessed at all Masses on the weekend of 1st December 2024.
NEW PRAYER GROUP – LECTIO DIVINA
Lectio Divina simply means Sacred Reading and it is a way of praying through reflection on God’s word, with a leader to guide the group. Initially, the plan is to have four sessions in the weeks before Christmas on Thursdays Nov 28th, Dec 5th, Dec 12th, and Dec 19th in the Iona Chapel at 11a.m. Each session will last no more than 40 minutes, allowing a little time to introduce the process. This type of prayer group works best with a maximum of 12 people and so anyone who is interested and would like to know more/ join with no commitment, is asked to send a brief email to marilyn.coyle44@gmail.com This will allow any information to be sent out and numbers to be kept reasonable. Lyn Coyle.
OUR AUTUMN FAIR THIS SUNDAY
In St. Columba’s Church Hall
Come along and have a hearty lunch; soup-and-a-sandwich or hotdog. Please also support the Tombola and sale stalls.
YOUTH GROUP
Our youth group will meet on Monday 18th November, starting at 7p.m. in the Iona chapel and finishing at 8.30p.m. in St. Columba’s Church Hall. All parishioners in school year 5, or older are very welcome to come along and join our happy group, learn a bit about our faith, play games, do activities, and generally have fun, snacks provided. If you need a lift, or more information, please call Denise Lusk (01244 379742).
SINFONIA
Sinfonia are having their end of year rehearsal/party on Friday 29th November 7p.m. in the Church Hall and have again invited parishioners to attend. Last year’s event was a lovely start to the festive season with music and song. Please come along and enjoy this occasion. Tea and nibbles will be provided
NEW TO THE PARISH? WELCOME!
We have a New Parish Registration Form to be completed and sent to either parish office to let us know that you are here and enable us to welcome you to the parish. The form can be completed and submitted online or downloaded and printed out. Instructions are on the form, which can also be found in the front porches of both churches. You will find it on the I’m New tab of the website.
FR WILLIAM
Fr William is taking a few days holiday from 15th – 22nd November. We hope he has a well-deserved rest.
COMMUNICATIONS GROUP: WEBSITE
A tremendous amount of work has been done to improve the parish website by adding helpful information, photographs and key contact numbers. It’s now a very valuable resource for anyone wanting to know about the parish. The work is almost complete and the parish owes huge thanks to Mike Forber, who manages the website for us on an entirely voluntary basis. Do visit the website and see for yourselves. Lyn Coyle.
CAFOD FAMILY FAST DAY
The total amount raised from the envelopes was £687.50. Thank you so much for your continued generosity. Your donations will help more people around the world learn new skills and fulfil their God-given potential.
WALK WITH ME – £1
There are copies of this Advent booklet price £1 available at the back of church.
CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS
With winter coming, the charity are in desperate need of the following items of clothing: Men’s Shorts; men’s joggers; men’s underwear; men’s socks. They are also looking for some men’s clothing in XXL including a few coats! Any items can be left by the foodbank boxes in our church porches or contact Alex Mosquera on 01244 506 877 who will organise collection. Thank you.
BAPTISMAL CANDLES AND CERTIFICATES
Irene Queenan is going to retire soon from the art of preparing Baptismal Candles and Certificates. If anyone would like to take over this role, please contact the office.
CHRISTMAS CARDS
Christmas cards are on sale in the Piety Shop. If anyone would like any other religious items, please ring Janet on 01244 329469 as I have a catalogue and can order the item or see Carol after Sunday morning Mass at St Theresa’s.
SOUND SYSTEM AT ST THERESA’S
We have had a trial of a new sound system installed at St Theresa’s and the feedback so far has been very positive.
ADVENT JOURNEY – HOSTING OUR KNITTED MARY, JOSEPH & DONKEY FIGURES
To continue our Advent tradition, we’re asking households, particularly those with young children, to host our knitted Mary, Joseph and donkey for one or more nights to symbolise the journey to Bethlehem. The knitted family will arrive at St Theresa’s crib, during the Carol Service. If you can host these small figures, they really are no trouble, please add your details to the list (in both churches’ porches) by 27th November, so we can plan the route and arrange the transfer from host to host.
CHESTER URSULINE CONVENT CLASS OF 1975
The girls who left the Ursuline Convent in 1975 (aged 16, the last but one year before the Convent closed) are marking 50 years since leaving school with a “Grand Re-union” on 25th April 2025. We have successfully contacted quite a number, but some are proving difficult to find. Can you possibly help? Please contact Pat Riddell (nee Axon) patriddell31@aol.com The girls who left the Ursuline Convent in 1975 (aged 16, the last but one year before the Convent closed) are marking 50 years since leaving school with a “Grand Re-union” on 25th April 2025. We have successfully contacted quite a number, but some are proving difficult to find. Can you possibly help? Please contact Pat Riddell (nee Axon) patriddell31@aol.com
TWO ADMINISTRATOR VACANCIES
Two Administrator vacancies, (full time: 35 hours and part time: 25 hours) have arisen within our Inter-Diocesan Fuel Management Department, which is a Catholic organisation purchasing gas, electricity, fuel oil and biomass for all Catholic Dioceses in England and Wales. Salary: £23K to £25K (pro rata) depending on experience. Further details can be found via our Diocesan website https://www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org/latest-vacancies/ completed application should be sent to Pauline McCulloch, recruitment@dioceseofshrewsbury.org Closing date Friday 29 November 2024.
BUILDING WORKS
Most of the outside work has now been completed, just a few finishing touches to be made. The internal decorating has not yet been started but this should take place in the next few weeks.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
Think big thoughts, but relish the small pleasures. H Jackson Brown Jr.
HELP AT HOME
A parishioner requires 1 hours help on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays from 9.30a.m. to 10.30a.m. No cleaning. Just a few light duties. Please ring 01244 370310 for more information. Thank you.
ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH & HALL BOOKINGS
To arrange meetings etc. in either the Church, Newman Room or the Iona Chapel, please book through Magdalena Bukowska, St. Columba’s Church Office, phone: 01244 624019, email: stcolumbaschurch2016@outlook.com. Office hours Monday to Friday 9a.m. to 2p.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 Magdalena Bukowska on 01244 624019 for enquires within the office hours stated above or email columbashallbookings@gmail.com to arrange booking.
NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER
Sunday 24th November 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 also emailed to Fr William or phoned to the compiler by 9.00a.m. on WEDNESDAY 20 November 2024.