The month of October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary
TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
18 OCTOBER 2026
| Sat 17 Oct | |
| St. Theresa’s | 5.00pm Lionel William Steele RIP |
| St. Columba’s | 6.30pm Margaret Patino Pan RIP (CJ) |
| Sun 18 Oct | Day of Scpecial Prayer for World Missions |
| St. Theresa’s | 9.30am Czeslawa Boryslawska RIP |
| St. Columba’s | 11.00am Delia Hesketh |
| 2.00pm Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite | |
| Mon 19 Oct | St Peter of Alcantara, P. Mem. |
| St. Theresa’s | Joan Hayden RIP |
| St. Columba’s | 10.30am Cathy Murphy |
| Tue 20 Oct | |
| St. Theresa’s | Parishioners’ Intentions |
| St. Columba’s | 6.30pm Isabel Roberts |
| Wed 21 Oct | |
| St. Theresa’s | John Fletcher RIP |
| St. Columba’s | 9.30am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament |
| 10.15am Novena Prayers | |
| 10.30am Private Intention (C.H) | |
| Thu 22 Oct | |
| St. Theresa’s | Priests’ Intentions |
| St. Columba’s | Priests’ Intentions |
| Fri 23 Oct | |
| St. Theresa’s | 10.00am Anthony Baker RIP |
| St. Columba’s | Carmen Simon |
| Sat 24 Oct | |
| St. Theresa’s | 5.00pm Czeslawa Boryslawska RIP |
| St. Columba’s | 6.30pm Unborn Child |
| Sun 25 Oct | 30th Sunday in Ord. Time |
| St. Theresa’s | 9.30am Jessica Baker RIP |
| St. Columba’s | 11.00am Margaret Patino Pan RIP (SH) |
| 2.00pm Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite |
LIVE STREAMING OF MASS – Mass will be streamed at St Columba’s on Sunday 18 October at 11.00a.m.
RECENTLY DECEASED – Fr John Kirwan, Mill Hill Father whose work in the Democratic Republic of Congo was supported for many years by our Parish. Please also remember in your prayers, Kate Hughes, and her family and friends. Kate’s funeral will take place at St Clare’s on Wednesday 21 October at 12 noon.
ANNIVERSARIES – Maureen Teresa Brady, Doreen Mary Judge.
PAT WILKINSON’S MEMORIAL SERVICE – Will take place on Sunday 8 November at 11a.m. Family, friends and parishioners are warmly invited.
WELCOME – We welcome Fr Josephat Ezeanlue CSSp as assistant Parish Priest. We hope he settles in soon and enjoys his time with us.
CONFESSIONS – After each weekday Mass until 11.30a.m.
On Saturdays:
St Columba’s 6.00p.m. – 6.25p.m.
St Theresa’s 4.30p.m. – 4.55p.m.
WEDDINGS, BAPTISMS & FUNERALS – Please contact one of the Parish Offices to make your arrangements.
CHANGES TO BAPTISM ARRANGEMENTS – Baptisms will be carried out in groups on a Sunday designated by Fr William. Individual Baptisms are no longer offered. The next Baptism Sunday will be on 29 November at 12.30 pm, preceded by a meeting with parents on 24 November at 4.30 pm in the Newman Room. Baptism forms will be available in the front and back porches. Please submit the form to the Parish Office by 19 November. The following Baptism Sunday will be on 27 December at 12.30 pm. Parents’ Meeting: 21 December. Deadline for submission of the forms: 16 December.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY – The Children’s Liturgy normally happens at the 11a.m. service at St Columba’s on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month. See the parish website under the Family tab.
PARISH OFFERTORY – Loose Plate: £460.07; Planned Giving: £245.25; Average weekly SO £734.72. St Columba’s Dona Stations: £43; Candles £41.70. Mission Appeal £336.63 Thank you for your generosity.
SECOND COLLECTION – For World Mission Sunday this weekend of 17/18 October.
POPES PRAYER INTENTION FOR OCTOBER – For mental health ministry. Let us pray that the mental health ministry be established throughout the Church, helping to overcome the stigma and discrimination of persons with mental illnesses.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK – “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Nelson Mandela
PRAYING TOGETHER FOR –
- The residents of Marl Heyes, Upton Park, Delvine Drive, Exeter Place, Burns Way, Masefield Drive, Aragon Green & Brentwood Road.
- The magazine committee, newsletter editors, distributors and those who run the bookstalls in our churches.
- A deepening of our faith through the written word.
CONFIRMATION PRAYER REQUEST – Please pray for our young parishioners who are preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation on 11 November.
WORLD MISSION SUNDAY 18 OCTOBER – This weekend, the Holy Father invites all Catholics to support Missio – his charity for world mission. This day of prayer, solidarity and giving unites Catholics worldwide to share the Good News of God’s love which has the power to transform lives and heal our world. There will be a retiring collection at all Masses over the weekend of 17/18 October for World Mission Sunday.
TOMBOLA PRIZES NEEDED PLEASE – We are now collecting donations for the Tombola at the Autumn Fair on 15 November. Please leave your kind donations of bottles and other prizes inside the entrance to St Columba’s and St Theresa’s.
ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA – Every Sunday after 11:00a.m. Mass. To volunteer, put your details on the sheet and let Margaret Curtis know on 01244 318424 or marg.curtis@outlook.com
18 Oct – Volunteers please
25 Oct – Maggie Burns, Maisy – Zanzibar
01 Nov – Volunteers please
LATIN NIGHT – Latin Night in aid of Hopeful Ugandan Hearts!! Saturday 14 November from 7p.m. to 11p.m. at St Columba’s Church Hall. £20 Adult tickets include welcome drink and Latin Food buffet. Cash/card bar. Booking essential contact Lina Greig 07837512544. All proceeds will support 60 children to go to school, buy food and specially get their Christmas presents. Come, dance and enjoy an evening of Latin dancing and food to make a difference of the children in Uganda.
SPAINISH MASS – Next Spanish Mass for our Spanish speaking community in Chester and anyone who wishes to participate will be held on Saturday 24 October 4p.m. at St. Clare’s Church, Downsfield Rd, Chester. CH4 8HH. Tea and coffee will be served after Mass! This Mass Will take place once a month and is a beautiful opportunity to come together in faith, prayer and community in the Spanish Language. iTodos son Bienvenidos!
DIOCESE’S MESSAGE REGARDING ONLINE NEPAL APPEAL – The Diocese is aware that an overseas priest who previously served in the Diocese has been seeking financial support for work in Nepal. While we recognise the desire to assist those in need, the Diocese would not recommend responding to fundraising requests of this nature. Those wishing to support relief efforts in Nepal are encouraged instead to donate through CAFOD’s emergency appeal, which is supporting the work of Caritas Nepal. Any contribution would be gratefully received. https://cafod.org.uk/give/donate-to-emergencies
YOUTH GROUP – The youth group will meet on Monday 19 October, starting at 7p.m. in the Newman room and finishing at 8.30p.m. in St Columba’s Church hall. All young parishioners school year 5, or older are welcome and encouraged to join our happy group.
SUGGESTION BOXES – Nine suggestions, received through the boxes, were discussed by Fr William and Pastoral Council members. It was encouraging to see parishioners sharing their thoughts, which were largely positive and constructive.
Suggestions included holding a memorial Mass for Pat Wilkinson in recognition of her contribution to parish life; encouraging parishioners, on occasion, to ask one another how they are after Mass, as a simple way of strengthening community spirit; making Mass more engaging for younger children through age appropriate hymns as learnt at school, and other activities.
One comment expressed concern that families may feel intimidated by older parishioners’ disapproval when their children are not completely quiet in church. We want families to feel welcome and children to know that they belong in our parish community.
Other suggestions raised wider questions about the Church, including women priests, married priests and greater visibility and welcome for LGBTQ+ people. While some matters lie beyond the Parish Council’s remit, all comments provide an opportunity to listen and reflect.
Thank you to everyone who contributed. Please continue to share your ideas as we work together to build a welcoming and caring parish. Ann McCarthy, Pauline Rourke, co-chairs Pastoral Council.
CTU QUIZ NIGHT! – It is Quiz Night on Friday October 30 so do come for a fun evening. Be there for a 7p.m. start or come to join a team on the spot. Bring your own drinks and glasses; table nibbles are provided and a hot drink at the interval. There will be a raffle. Admission £3 per person at the door with all profits going to the Hospice of the Good Shepherd.
WEBSITE GOOD NEWS – The difficulties with the website seem to have at last been overcome and you should now see new items being uploaded over the next few weeks. Look for the Coming Events picture at the top which will have links to parish events.
NEW TO THE PARISH? – Welcome. We hope you will enjoy being part of our parish. Please fill in a New Parishioner form (copies in the back and front porches and available on the website). Please give this into the office at either church and arrangements will be made for someone to contact you for a friendly call to say Hello and welcome you personally.
FRIENDSHIP THURSDAY on the third Thursday afternoon of every month from 2-4p.m. Our guest/ or activities till Christmas are:
November 19: Fairtrade is coming to speak about their work and to sell all manner of Fairtrade items. Bring your purse and look out for cards, food and gift items for Christmas!
December 17: a chance to make a Christmas table decoration. A generous sponsor has offered to pay the costs so no charge will be made.
ST.COLUMBA’S PARISH OFFICE HOURS – From Monday 19 October, the Parish Office will be open 10.00a.m – 1.00p.m, Monday to Friday.
The Parish Secretary will continue to work from 9.00a.m. – 2.00p.m. We would be grateful if those wishing to visit or contact the Parish Office could, wherever possible, do so during the office opening hours. This will allow dedicated time within the working day for administration and other parish work. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Pauline Rourke
CHS CHRISTMAS FAIR AND GROTTO – The High School will once again be hosting its popular Christmas Fair and Grotto on Monday 14 December, from 3.30pm to 6.00pm, in support of the Christo Fidelis Fund. Entry is just £1 per person. If you would like to run a stall at the fair, tables are available to hire for £10. To reserve a table, please contact Sally Faulkner at faulkners@christofidelis.org.uk. We are also gratefully accepting donations for our raffle, including unwanted gifts, bottles, chocolates, and other suitable prizes. Donations can be dropped off at the school reception. We are extremely grateful for your continued support and look forward to welcoming you to this festive community event.
CHESTER THEOLOGICAL SOCIETY LECTURE – Working Beyond the Text: Historical Consultation on the Visual Presentation of Scripture, presented by Dr Katie Turner, King’s College London, at 7.30p.m. on Wednesday 28 October at Hollybank (Chester University Dept of Theology & Religious Studies).
CHRISTIAN HERITAGE CENTRE, STONYHURST – The Centre is offering three different opportunities for people to deepen their faith and prepare for an important new chapter.
RETREAT: BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD – 20–23 November 2026 – Residential retreat exploring mindfulness, psychology and the Christian spiritual life. Find out more and book: https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/be-still-and-know-that-i-am-god/
MARRIAGE PREPARATION WEEKEND – 8th–10th January 2027 – Residential Marriage Preparation Weekend offering time and space to explore the beauty of the Church’s teaching of the Sacrament of Matrimony. https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/marriage-preparation/
MEN’S RETREAT: SPIRITUAL EXERCISES OF ST IGNATIUS – 26 February – 3 March 2027 OR 5 – 10 March 2027 – A five-day silent retreat for men (laity and clergy), led by Benedictine monks from St Joseph’s Abbey, Flavigny. https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/mens-retreat-spiritual-exercises-of-st-ignatius/
ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH & HALL BOOKINGS – To book the Church, Newman Room or Iona Chapel, Contact Magdalena Bukowska at the Church Office 01244 624019, email Stcolumbaschurch2016@outlook.com.
Office hours Mon-Fri 9.00a.m. to 2.00p.m.
Open 10.00a.m. – 1.00p.m. visit/contact
To check Hall availability, visit the Church Hall calendar on the St Columba’s website, then contact Magdalena during office hours or email: Columbashallbookings@gmail.com
NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER – Sunday 25 October to be complied by Amy O’Donnell, phone: 07854 290897, email: amyod@hotmail.co.uk. Deadline: Wednesday 21 October 9.00 A.M. Please include a contact number with your notice and also email a copy to Fr William at st.theresas@btinternet.com