The month of July is dedicated to The Precious Blood of Jesus
SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
19 JULY 2026
| Saturday 18 July | ||
| St Theresa’s | 5.00pm | Parishioners’ Intentions |
| St Columba’s | 6.30pm | Paula Graham |
| Sunday 19 July | ||
| St Theresa’s | 9.30am | Deacon Lawrence Hordley’s Intentions |
| St Columba’s | 11.00am | Deacon Lawrence & Eileen Hordley– Thanksgiving for his ministry in the Parish |
| 2.00pm | Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite | |
| Monday 20 July | ||
| St Theresa’s | Priests’ Intentions | |
| St Columba’s | 10.30am | Ann and James Traynor RIP |
| Tuesday 21 July | ||
| St Theresa’s | Special Intention | |
| St Columba’s | 6.30pm | Bob Roberts |
| Wednesday 22 July – St Mary Magdalene, Feast. | ||
| St Theresa’s | 9.30am | St Theresa’s School Leavers |
| St Columba’s | 9.30am | Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament |
| 10.15am | Novena Prayers | |
| 10.30am | Philip Francis RIP | |
| Thursday 23 July – St Bridget, R Patron of Europe. Feast. Day of Special Prayer for Europe | ||
| St Theresa’s | Private Intention | |
| St Columba’s | Priests’ Intentions | |
| Friday 24 July | ||
| St Theresa’s | 10.00am | Mary Walsh RIP |
| St Columba’s | Special Intention (MS) | |
| Saturday 25 July | ||
| St Theresa’s | 5.00pm | Thomas Byrne RIP |
| St Columba’s | 6.30pm | Philip Francis RIP (SVP) |
| Sunday 26 July – 17th Sunday in Ord. Time | ||
| St Theresa’s | 9.30am | Parishioners’ Intentions |
| St Columba’s | 11.00am | Tony Walsh RIP 1st Anniversary |
| 2.00pm | Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite | |
LIVE STREAMING OF MASS – Mass will be streamed at St Columba’s on Sunday 19 July at 11a.m.
ANNIVERSARIES – Winifred Meakin, Anthony James Walsh, Mary Walsh, Thomas Byrne.
POPE’S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR JULY – FOR RESPECT FOR HUMAN LIFE – Let us pray for the respect and protection of human life in all its stages, recognizing it as a gift from God.
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.
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: £385.54; Planned Giving: £220.97; Average weekly SO £718.15. (St Columba’s) Dona Stations: £108.50; Candles: £40.61. Thank you for your kind generosity.
PRAYING TOGETHER FOR
- The residents of Keswick Close, Stanton Drive, Caldy Close, Dyserth Road, Cadnant Close, Aberdaron Drive and Cemlyn Close
- The Army Chaplain and all at the Dale Camp, the work of the Armed Forces, the soldiers and their families
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK – “Time goes on. So whatever you’re going to do, do it. Do it now. Don’t wait.” Robert De Niro.
CONFIRMATION – If you wish to prepare to be Confirmed next November and are already at high school, please email ASAP to register. stcolumbatheresaconfirmation@hotmail.co.uk
HAPPY HOLIDAYS – To all of our students, teachers and support staff in schools, wishing you all a happy and fulfilling summer break.
DEACON LAWRENCE – After 24 years of devoted service to our parish, Deacon Lawrence is retiring from active ministry. To express the gratitude and affection of the whole parish community, a presentation will be made to him in St Columba’s Hall following the 11.00a.m. Mass on Sunday 19 July, and all parishioners are warmly invited to join us.
ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA – We need volunteers every Sunday after 11:00 Mass. To raise money for your good cause, please put your details on the sheet and let Margaret Curtis know on 01244 318424 or marg.curtis@outlook.com
19 July – Deacon Lawrence’s Presentation
26 July – volunteers please
2 August – volunteers
YOUTH GROUP – The next meeting is Monday 20 July, start 7p.m. in the Newman Room, finish 8.30p.m. in the church hall. This time we are planning to make, bake and eat pizzas and play games to celebrate the end of another great year.
All young parishioners school year 5 and older are warmly welcome to come along and join our happy group.
ST COLUMBA’S RED MISSION BOX HOLDERS – There are three Red Mission box collections during the year: March, July and November. So, to have your box emptied, please leave it in the sacristy before the end of July, then pick up your empty, relabelled box from the rear porch.
NEEDLES & PINS – Wed 22 July – 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.
FOOD BANK DONATIONS: MORE NEEDED PLEASE – Donated food is taken to the West Cheshire Foodbank at Ellesmere Port every fortnight. The warehouse is usually fairly full but recently the crates have been half empty. The volunteers have had to leave halfway through the day because they had run out of supplies. We know that everyone is suffering at the cost of living, but it is extremely sad to hear that there are not enough supplies to make up much-needed parcels, especially as St Columba’s and St Theresa’s have been so generous in the past. Last time an appeal was made in the newsletter, the response was amazing and the Centre so grateful Please remember this worthwhile cause. As Pope Leo has said, the poor should be at the heart of the Church. Please give as generously as possible, especially UHT milk, Long-life juice, Pasta in sauce, Coffee, Tinned Meat, Pasta sauce, Tinned vegetables
Thank you so much. Your generosity makes all the difference
ANNUAL PARISH COACH TRIP – NOTTINGHAM – Our annual coach trip this year is to Nottingham on Thurs 30 July for just £18 per person. We depart St Columba’s at 08:45 and St Theresa’s at 09:00 and leave Nottingham at about 5:00pm. If you haven’t yet booked, you will go on the reserve list, as all the seats are currently taken.
HOT WEATHER IN ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH – During the current spell of unusually hot weather, I am afraid there is no way to cool the church. The small windows at the top of the stained-glass windows, which previously provided some ventilation, can no longer be opened because the opening mechanism has failed and cannot be repaired. If you have a personal hand-held fan, please do bring it with you to church. Pauline Rourke, co-chair Pastoral Council
SAFETY IN ST COLUMBA’S PARISH HALL – Following feedback from parishioners and a review of health and safety arrangements in the parish hall, we would like to remind all who come for tea and coffee after the 11.00am Mass on Sundays of the following:
- Children should not enter or play on the stage area, nor touch the curtains, as this presents a safety risk.
- Children should not run around the hall, particularly when hot drinks are being served.
We recognise that keeping children occupied can sometimes be challenging, so a box of games, colouring and drawing activities will be available each week. This will be kept behind the bar and may be used during refreshments. We kindly ask parents and carers to return the items to the bar area afterwards.
Children are very welcome in our parish community, and we hope that parents and carers will understand the need for these measures to help ensure that the hall remains a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.
The Pastoral Council
FR WILLIAM – Is available to meet with St. Columba’s parishioners after 10.30a.m. Mass on Mondays & Wednesdays or can be contacted at St Theresa’s presbytery (details on top of Newsletter). Thursday is his day off.
ST THERESA’S ANNIVERSARY – On the 15 September it will be 70 years since the first Parish Priest was appointed to St Theresa’s. If anyone has any photos or information they would like to share with the parish, please let us know. Please write your name and tel. no. on them so that the items can be returned. Thank you.
BADMINTON GROUP – The Parish Badminton Group meets on Thursdays from 7p.m. to 9p.m. in St Columba’s Hall and is looking for new members. Mixed group, all ages, all abilities welcome.
CATHOLIC HOLIDAYS IN THE LAKE DISTRICT THIS SUMMER – During August and September, Castlerigg Manor in Keswick is opening its doors to families, groups of friends, or private individuals who are looking for an affordable stay in the Lake District. Breakfast and evening meal are provided, and Mass is celebrated on site. For more information check out castleriggmanor.com/stay-with-us or contact director@castleriggmanor.co.uk / 017687 72711
QUIET RETREATS FOR ADULTS THIS OCTOBER – During October half term, Castlerigg Manor is running a quiet retreat for individual adults who want to spend a few days of peace, relaxation, and prayer in the Lake District. Each day there will be a talk, Mass, and evening prayer, and then a lot of time to explore the area, pray, or just simply relax. Book at castleriggmanor.com/events or contact director@castleriggmanor.co.uk
MARRIAGE IN A RUT? Or need help with deeper issues? Retrouvaille has helped thousands of couples find hope and healing in their marriage. Next dates: 2 – 4 October. www.retrouvaille.org.uk/info Tel: 0788 7296983
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 9a.m. to 2.00p.m.
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 26 July to be compiled by Paula Bownas, phone: 01244379794, email: paulabownas@yahoo.co.uk. Deadline: 9.00a.m. TUESDAY 21 July (Please note earlier deadline). Please include a contact number with your notice and also email a copy to Fr. William at st.theresas@btinternet.com