SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
21ST MAY 2023
| Sat 20 May | |||
| St. Theresa’s | 5.00pm | Frank & Mary Lally RIP | |
| St. Columba’s | 6.30pm | Stuart Worrall RIP | |
| Sun 21 May | World Communication Day | ||
| St. Theresa’s | 9.30am | Parishioners’ Intentions | |
| St. Columba’s | 11.00am | Ellie Marsden. A | |
| Mon 22 May | Dedication of The Cathedral | ||
| St. Theresa’s | Priests’ Intentions | ||
| St. Columba’s | 10.30am | Colin Boult RIP | |
| Tue 23 May | |||
| St. Theresa’s | Private Intention | ||
| St. Columba’s | Priests’ Intentions | ||
| Wed 24 May | Our Lady Help of Christians | ||
| St. Theresa’s | Tom Groom RIP | ||
| St. Columba’s | 9.30am | Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament | |
| 10.15am | Novena Prayer | ||
| 10.30am | The Parish | ||
| 2.00pm | Requiem Mass for Margaret Mary Collins | ||
| Thu 25 May | St Bede the Venerable, P, D | ||
| St. Theresa’s | 9.30am | St Theresa’s School | |
| St. Columba’s | Private Intention | ||
| Fri 26 May | St Philip Neri, P | ||
| St. Theresa’s | 10.00am | Mihal Krawiec RIP | |
| St. Columba’s | The Parish | ||
| Sat 27 May | St Augustine of Canterbury, B | ||
| St. Theresa’s | 5.00pm | Parishioners’ Intentions | |
| St. Columba’s | 6.30pm | John Humphries RIP | |
| Sun 28 May | |||
| St. Theresa’s | 9.30am | RCIA Thanksgiving | |
| St. Columba’s | 11.00am | The Parish |
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 11.00am this Sunday 21st May 2023.
www.facebook.com/thecatholicparishofstcolumbaandsttheresa
RECENTLY DECEASED:
Please remember in your prayers Claire Graham, Margaret Collins, Margaret Finnegan, Ron Wright, Stuart Worrall, Brian Kelly and Tom Groom. May the Lord console their families and friends.
Margaret Collins’s Requiem Mass is on Wednesday 24th May at 2p.m at St Columba’s. Tom Groom’s Requiem Mass is on Thursday 8th June at 10am at St Theresa’s.
ANNIVERSARIES:
Anne Rooney, Jane Whelan, Anita Roberts, Patrick Joseph Casey.
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.
WEDDINGS, BAPTISMS AND FUNERALS:
Please contact one of the Parish Offices to make your arrangements.
SYNOD 2021-2024
Communion Participation Mission
The Ordinary Council of the General Secretariat of the Synod met in Rome recently to discuss and approve the Instrumentum Laboris: the working document for the participants in the first session of the Synod, to be held 4-29 October 2023 (the second and final session will be held in October 2024). This ‘General Assembly of the Synod’ in October is referred to as the celebratory phase of the synodal process, and follows the preparatory phase, in which we were consulted along with the people of God worldwide, and the subsequent phases of discernment by the bishops.
As reported in a recent parish newsletter, our Pastoral Council has been considering its own Instrumentum Laboris, so to speak; a recent meeting discussed ‘a strategy to recruit more volunteers to support in all aspects of our churches’ work.’
More news to follow!
Please continue to pray for the Synod and for our participation, walking together along the way, united in Christ, the Way, the Truth and the Life.
https://sscolumbaandtheresa.co.uk/prayer-for-the-synod/
FIRST HOLY COMMUNIONS (St Columba’s):
Today we have our second family celebrations of First Holy Communions, so the central pews will again be reserved for the children and their families. We welcome you all and pray for and congratulate these children. Isla Daltrey, Janelle Diagboya, Isla Field, Niko Hasaj, Emma Holding, Delilah Horbury, Mbongeni Kahlu, James Odunaiya, Elizabeth Simpkin, Victoria Simpkin and Florence Toop.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNIIONS (St Theresa’s):
Congratulations to the children from St Theresa’s school who made their First Holy Communion this weekend. Please pray for them and their families.
SPIRITAN’S MISSION APPEAL – 27TH /28TH MAY:
There will be a retiring collection at all Masses over the weekend 27th/28th May. The Bishop endorses this collection in appreciation of the Spiritan’s service to the Parish.
PRAYING TOGETHER:
We pray for:
- The residents of Ormonde Road, Newton Hall Drive, Beechway, Upton Dene, Upton Grange, Wavertree Road, Western Avenue and Lloyd Place.
- The staff and patients of the Hospice of the Good Shepherd and the local support groups.
- Those who are terminally ill and those who care for them.
OFFERTORY:
St Columba’s: (07/05/2023) Loose plate: £260.67; Planned Giving: £143.50; Average Weekly SO – £574.00; Candles: £33.24; Donation £10.00; w/e 14/05/2023 TBN
St Theresa’s: Loose plate & Planned Giving: £270.78; Average weekly SO – £161.
THANK YOU for all your generous support.
WORLD COMMUNICATION DAY – 21st MAY:
In recent years, the Holy Father has reflected on the building blocks of good communication. The heart, he says, is the common factor motivating us “to go and see” and “to listen”. It enables us, having listened, to “speak the truth in love”. Full message can be found here: cbcew.org.uk/wcd23-papal-message/
There will be a retiring collection for this next weekend at all Masses.
ST COLUMBA’S COFFEE ROTA:
21st May – volunteers please
28th May – volunteers please
4th June – Ripon family for Camps International Humanitarian Collaboration Peru
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).
ANNUAL PARISH COACH TRIP – YORK:
The annual trip this year is to fabulous city of YORK on Thursday 27th July. There’s a sheet in the front of both churches to enter your name to reserve a seat. £20 a ticket, departs St Columba’s at 09:00 and St Teresa’s at 09:15.
NEEDLES AND PINS – WED 24th MAY:
Everyone is welcome to come along to this friendly needlecraft group in St Columba’s Hall, between 2:00p.m.- 4:00p.m. every fourth Wednesday of the month. Hope to see you.
TOMATO PLANTS (St Columba’s):
Gardener’s Delight and Moneymaker varieties of tomato plants will be on sale in the hall again today at 30p each or ring Pauline Payne on 01244 350323 to order. Proceeds to parish Third World project, the OAKS school in Sierra Leone.
NHS AT ST THERESA’S:
The NHS will be in St Theresa’s car park on 23rd May and 21st June for Covid booster vaccinations for anyone over 75 years of age or anyone who is immunosuppressed. Health checks are also available. This will be from 10.30am to 4pm on all dates.
THE CHS 50TH ANNIVERSARY MASS:
You are warmly invited to join the CHS celebration Mass on Friday 9th of June, 11a.m. at Chester Cathedral. If you are interested, please contact Mrs. Mallon by email at mallonk@christofidelis.org.uk. There are extra seats available!
SAVE THE DATE – SATURDAY 24TH JUNE:
There is a day of reflection, prayer and discernment about your role and mission in the Church on Saturday 24th June 2023 from 10am-5pm at St Columba’s Church Hall. More details to follow.
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR YOUR DIARIES:
Sun 11th June: Annual BBQ to celebrate the feast of St Columba
Thurs 27th July: Coach trip to York. There’s a sheet in the front of both churches to enter your name to reserve a seat. £20 a ticket, departs St Columba’s at 09:00am and St Theresa’s at 09:15am.
SUMMER CONCERT:
Chester Deo Gratias Choir will be having their summer concert on Saturday 17th June 7.30p.m. at All Saints in Hoole Road, Chester to support two charities Reverse Rett and Fountain of Life in Kyrgzstan. Tickets £9/£8 concessions. Free glass of wine/juice. Tel: 01244 345649 and email: centre@allsaints.church.
VOCATIONS WEEKEND FOR WOMEN (20s & 30s):
The vocations weekend for women in their 20s and 30s will be held in Liverpool on 26th– 28th May 2023. The weekend is organised by the Sisters, Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ). The theme is Discerning God’s Call In Your Life. If you are wondering about religious life, this weekend will give you insight into apostolic community, as well as chance to reflect on your personal journey and the call of God in your life.
For more information, contact Sr. Lynne fcJ at fcjvocationeurope@gmail.com or visit our website www.fcjsisters.org
HIGHLIGHT FROM THE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL:
The exam season has begun; therefore, we pray for every student in Y11 & Y13 sitting exams over the next month that they may do well and obtain the set of grades they are hoping for. We are very proud of our students who worked so hard for these exams, and to whom the COVID-19 pandemic has had a massive impact on them. Well done everyone!
CHESTER HALF MARATHON- 21st May 2023:
This takes place on Sunday 21st May and roads around Blacon will be closed. If you usually attend the 9.30am Mass at St Theresa’s please check the route as you may need to make alternative arrangements.
VATICAN II COURSE:
Thank you to the many people who have been in touch to say how helpful they find the reflections on Vatican II. We continue Part III on The Church by asking the question: ‘Who is the Church?’ The relevant podcast and handout are now available on the website; dioceseofshrewsbury.org in the section on ‘News and Events’. For any information contact Barbara; barbara.davies@dioceseofshrewsbury.org or Tel: 07730 526821.
CHRIST AND CREATION – FOUR TALKS & DICUSSIONS – MAY & JUN 2023:
This course looks at the startling but ancient truth that Jesus Christ as the Second Person of the Trinity has co-existed with the Father and the Holy Spirit from the beginning of time and has a central role in the work of Creation. The four talks are on Wednesday evenings at 7.30 pm, starting 17th May, the first two at St Werburgh’s and the second two at Chester Cathedral. Details on the Notice Boards and the Website. All invited to attend. More from David Savage 01244 380626.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:
The soul that is full of wisdom is saturated with the spray of a bubbling fountain – God himself. Hildegard of Bingen
WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER:
This Sunday sees the end of Mental Health Awareness week, which runs from May 15-21. The theme for the week has been around “anxiety”. The Mental Health Foundation says “Anxiety is a normal emotion in us all, but sometimes it can get out of control and become a mental health problem. Lots of things can lead to feelings of anxiety, including exam pressures, relationships, starting a new job (or losing one) or other big life events. We can also get anxious when it comes to things to do with money and not being able to meet our basic needs, like heating our home or buying food.” None of us knows what problems others may have. But please know that you don’t have to deal with it alone, and that help and support is available. MindUk have local and national support networks including web information, and infoline charged at local rates, 0300 123 3393. The mental health Foundation also has support and tips on its web site.
RESOURCES:
Young Minds has tips for students to help cope with exam pressure. We wish all our students taking exams over the coming months all the very best.
LOVE THE STRANGER
In light of the challenges we face in the UK, advocating for the dignity of refugees and migrants amidst a hostile environment, the Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN) which Caritas Shrewsbury is a member of, welcomes the teaching document Love the Stranger from the Department of International Affairs at the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales (CBCEW). The document speaks into this contested space and reinforces Catholic social teaching, offering guidance on a Catholic response to refugees and migrants.
‘Love the Stranger’ places the human being at the heart of our pastoral outreach, looking beyond statistics and policies to the person – each with a name, a face and a story. The document offers 24 guiding principles and has been endorsed by the Holy See, COMECE, CAFOD, CSAN and Caritas Social Action Network members. You can download Love the Stranger at https://www.cbcew.org.uk/love-the-stranger/
Caritas Shrewsbury as part of CSAN want to encourage all Catholics to reflect upon Love the Stranger and have been part of compiling an accompanying call-to-action as a toolkit to inform and assist the community as we aim to fulfil our obligation to love the stranger in the way that God intends. You can download the call to action at www.csan.org.uk/love-the-stranger-call-to-action/ and we are keen to support the use of call to action use in parishes. Please email ben.gilchrist@caritasshrewsbury.org.uk with your ideas and for more information.
Podcast 8 (of 11) on Lumen Gentium Chapters 3 & 4
Reflections on The Church
Having looked at the Council’s answer to ‘Who is the Church’, we continue our reflections on Vatican II with the next question Lumen Gentiumaddresses: ‘How is the Church?’ – what structure did Christ will for her? The answer is given in Chapters 3 and 4, where the immense, complementary vocations of Hierarchy and Laity are explored at some length. Christ is at work in both, in such a way that “…the whole Church, strengthened by each one of its members, may more effectively fulfil his mission for the life of the world” (# 37). Podcast 8 and its handouts are now available at dioceseofshrewsbury.org. A leaflet outlining the content of the podcasts is available in the parish. If you cannot access this material, or have questions and reflections, please don’t hesitate to contact Barbara on 07730 526821 or at barbara.davies@dioceseofshrewsbury.org.
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:
21st May Edition will be compiled byHarry Sweeney, Phone:01244 327462, E-mail: harrysweeney45@gmail.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 24th MAY
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