The month of April is dedicated to The Holy Spirit
FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
26 APRIL 2026
| Saturday 25 April | ||
| St Theresa’s | 5.00pm | Angela Stanley’s Intentions |
| St Columba’s | 6.30pm | Jo Staunton (MS) |
| Sunday 26 April – Fourth Sunday of Easter. Day of Special Prayer for Vocations | ||
| St Theresa’s | 9.30am | Parishioners’ Intentions |
| St Columba’s | 11.00am | Manoel Lourenco Filho RIP |
| 2.00pm | Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite | |
| Monday 27 April | ||
| St Theresa’s | Priests’ Intentions | |
| St Columba’s | 10.30am | Mary Ryan |
| Tuesday 28 April | ||
| St Theresa’s | Special Intention | |
| St Columba’s | Private Intention | |
| Wednesday 29 April – St Catherine of Siena, V, D. Feast | ||
| St Theresa’s | Private Intention | |
| St Columba’s | 9.30am | Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament |
| 10.15am | Novena Prayers | |
| 10.30am | Stuart Worrall RIP | |
| Thursday 30 April | ||
| St Theresa’s | Private Intention | |
| St Columba’s | Priests’ Intentions | |
| Friday 1 May | ||
| St Theresa’s | 10.00am | Mark Buggy RIP |
| St Columba’s | The Parish | |
| Saturday 2 May | ||
| St Theresa’s | 5.00pm | Christine North’s Intentions |
| St Columba’s | 6.30pm | Frank Stone Junior Anniversary |
| Sunday 3 May – 5th Sunday of Easter | ||
| St Theresa’s | 9.30am | Parishioners’ Intentions |
| St Columba’s | 11.00am | Amelia Laurenco RIP |
| 2.00pm | Kerala Catholic Community Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite | |
LIVE STREAMING OF MASS – Mass will be streamed at St Columba’s on Sunday 26 April at 11.00 a.m.
RECENTLY DECEASED – Please remember in your prayers Patricia Watson, who died recently, and her family and friends. Funeral Service for Patricia is on Thursday 14 May at 12 noon at Chester Crematorium.
ANNIVERSARIES – Michael Thornber and Carol Anne Murray.
POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR APRIL – FOR PRIESTS IN CRISIS. Let us pray for priests going through moments of crisis in their vocation, that they may find the accompaniment they need and that communities may support them with understanding and prayer.
CONFESSIONS – After each weekday Mass until 11.30am.
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: £501.57; Planned Giving: £403.00; Average weekly SO £718.15. (St Columba’s) Dona Stations: £80; Candles: £69.64. Thank you for your kind generosity.
FR WILLIAM – Please remember that Thursday is Fr William’s day off.
RETREAT – Fr William will be away on annual retreat from Sunday 26 April to Friday 1 May.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK – Spring is nature’s way of saying, “let’s party!” Robin Williams
PRAYING TOGETHER FOR
- The residents of Abbots Park, Milbourne Close, Neston Drive, Imperial Avenue, Embassy Close, Bristol Close and Virginia Drive.
- All Sewing Groups.
HOLY HOUR – Thank you to all who came along to this last week.
THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD – 14 MAY – The Ascension is a Holy Day of Obligation. The Vigil Mass will be at 7pm at St Columba’s on Wednesday 13 May, Mass on Thursday 14 May will be at St Theresa’s at 10am.
FR JOHN – Fr John will be leaving us this weekend. We thank him for his service to our parish and hope he has enjoyed his stay here as much as we have enjoyed having him here.
SPIRITAN APPEAL-23/24 MAY – The annual Spiritan Appeal will take place at all Masses over the weekend of 23/24 May. It is a time for us to show our appreciation to the Spiritan Community and the work they do.
ALL PARISHIONERS ARE INVITED – PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, SATURDAY 9 MAY 2026, ST COLUMBA’S HALL, 2.30 – 4.30 pm Join us to hear about the Pastoral Council’s work over the past year and to share your ideas for the year ahead. Reports will be presented on parish activities with time for questions. If you wish to raise a specific matter, please send it in writing to either parish secretary by Thursday 30 April.
The winners of the Art Competition (theme Ecology and Creation) will be announced, and entries will be on display. The meeting will be followed by Afternoon Tea organised by the Social Committee.
New Members welcome! If you would be interested in joining the Pastoral Council please give your name and contact details to one of the parish secretaries.
Free Raffle Tickets for all attendees (Pastoral Council members not eligible).
Ann McCarthy, Pauline Rourke (co-chairs Pastoral Council)
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
26 Apr – Catholic Women’s League
03 May – Lyn Coyle, Friendship Group
10 May – volunteers please
RE-INTRODUCTION OF HOLY COMMUNION UNDER BOTH KINDS – It is hope to re-introduce this in the near future. To be able to do this we will need more Extra Ordinary Ministers of the Eucharist, particularly at St Theresa’s Saturday evening 5pm Mass and St Columba’s for both Masses. If you feel you can take on this role please contact one of the parish offices or Fr William. Training will be given. Thank you.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNIONS – On Sunday 3 May and Sunday 10 May, 11/12 children will be making their First Holy Communions at the 11.00am Mass at St Columba’s. The children’s families will be joining them for the celebrations, so church is likely to be quite full on both occasions. The central benches will be reserved for the children and their immediate family. We look forward to welcoming everyone. Thank you very much. Pauline Payne 01244 350323
CHESTER PARISHES CONFIRMATION – Bishop Mark Davies will celebrate the next Chester Catholic Parishes Sacrament of Confirmation on 11 November 2026 at St. Columba’s Church. This year the preparation programme for parishioners from all Chester Catholic Parishes will be led by St. Columba and St. Theresa’s Confirmation preparation team. Anyone currently at high school or older may prepare to be Confirmed. For youth candidates, to register, parents please email stcolumbatheresaconfirmation@hotmail.co.uk. Please include your child’s current school year. Adult candidates, please speak to Fr William first and then email the above email address to join the separate adult preparation group. There will be an information meeting about Confirmation preparation in mid-June, details to be announced nearer the time.
DATE FOR YOUR DIARY – The Parish “We’ve Got Talent” event – an evening of entertainment by our very own parishioners – Friday 15 May at 7pm in St Columba’s church hall. Not to be missed. Tickets £3.00 (or donation) will be on sale from 24 April. Proceeds to parish funds. There will be a list for anyone needing a lift from St Theresa’s nearer the time.
CALLED TO LOVE – A retreat for singles, dating and engaged young adults who want to think more deeply about relationships and the call to marriage. A relaxed weekend on 2 – 3 May 2026 at the Christian Heritage Centre, Stonyhurst, Clitheroe BB7 9PZ. This year’s retreat will have as its theme masculinity and femininity. For registration visit: https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/called-to-love
DIOCESAN LOURDES PILGRIMAGE 2026 – The Pilgrimage Team are very pleased to announce that bookings are now open for our 2026, 75th Anniversary Pilgrimage to Lourdes. By coach 30 July to 7 August and by air 31 July to 6 August. Brochures can be found on the pilgrimage website along with a link to the new online booking system: www.shrewsburypilgrimage.co.uk
VACANCIES – Two vacancies within the Shrewsbury Youth Mission Team for a Programme Coordinator and Youth Mission Team Member. Closing date 29 April 26. Further details regarding both posts can be found on the Diocesan website, interested parties should send their CV and covering letter to Pauline McCulloch: recruitment@dioceseofshrewsbury.org
CATHOLIC FAMILY HOLIDAYS IN THE LAKE DISTRICT – Castlerigg Manor in Keswick (heart of the Lake District) is offering budget-friendly holidays for Catholic families during May, August, and early September. Breakfast and evening meal are included and there will be Mass on site. Guests have full use of the site including the grounds, games room, chapel, and lounges, and Castlerigg is just a short walk from Keswick and Lake Derwentwater. Ideal for individuals, couples, families, or groups of friends. Head to www.castleriggmanor.com >> stay with us or contact director@castleriggmanor.co.uk / Tel: 017687 72711
YOUTH MINISTRY GAP YEAR OPPORTUNITY – Do you know anyone aged 18-25 who is looking for a new challenge? The Diocese of Lancaster has a Youth Ministry team based in Keswick in the Lake District. They run retreats at Castlerigg Manor and also work in Churches and schools around the area. The ‘Youth Ministry Internship’ scheme comes with high quality training, experience, and recognised qualifications and gives young people the chance to join a welcoming community and a vibrant team doing some amazing work.
Interested? Contact director@castleriggmanor.co.uk orwww.castleriggmanor.com >> join the team
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 3 May to be compiled by Amy O’Donnell, phone: 07854 290897, email: amyod@hotmail.co.uk. Deadline: 9.00a.m. Wednesday 29 April.
Please include a contact number with your notice. Also email a copy to Fr. William at st.theresas@btinternet.com