SUNDAY 22nd JANUARY 2012.

MASS TIMES: INTENTIONS:

Saturday Vigil Mass: 7.15 p.m. David Beckett

Sunday: 9.15 a.m. The Parish

11:00 a.m. Hughie Middleton

Monday: 9.15 a.m. Eileen O’Donovan

Tuesday: 9.15 a.m. Fr Joseph Ware

Wednesday: 9.15 a.m. Gladys Shanley A.

Thursday: 9:15 a.m. Michael Kiernan

Friday: 9.15 a.m. Frank Mitchell

Saturday: 9.15 a.m. Sean Floyd

Saturday Vigil Mass: 7.15 p.m. Eileen Garner

Sunday: 9.15 a.m. The Parish

11.00 a.m. Kate Banks

MORNING PRAYER:

9.00 a.m. in the Sacristy Office, except on Wednesday, when Novena prayers are held at 9.15 a.m. before Mass commences.

CONFESSIONS:

Confessions are heard every Saturday after morning Mass, and in the evening from 6.45 p.m. – 7.10 p.m.

BAPTISMS:

By appointment with Fr. Cooke. After speaking to Fr Cooke, it is important that parentscontactour Baptism Co-ordinator, Ann Siddall (01244 371787) who will arrange for members of our Baptism Team to discuss Baptism and the practical details.

ANNIVERSARIES:

Please remember in your prayers: Bridget O’Malley, William Hope, Mary (Molly) Tallon, Monica Tweedle, Olivia Trotter, Tony Comerford, Richard Monet, James Kilcoyne, Florence Donnolly, Dorothy Tallon, Reginald Walpole, Anne Cunniff, Ivy Katherine Vickery, Mary McCallum, Michael Gritten, William Carter, Edward Halligan, John Mahoney, Robert Stephen Macdonald, Vicky Smith, Susan Pollock, Charles Dutton, Christine Elizabeth Colgan, Gladys Lilian Shanley, Patricia Banks, Margaret Johnstone, Malcolm Anthony de-Monte, Mary (Mollie) Callow, Robert Charles Gore, Julia Jones, Mary Thompson, Sean Murphy, Anne Gritten, Adam Turner, Josephine Patricia Grehan, Phoebe Phillips, John Martin, Marie Cousins, Patrick Foley, Jean Anderson, Margaret Barrow.

LATELY DEAD:

George Bowyer and Jim Walpole. May they rest in peace.

OFFERTORY, W/E 15th JANUARY:

Loose Plate: £501.48

Planned Giving: £464.53

Average Weekly Standing Orders: £506.00

Thank you for your continued generosity.

THANK YOU:

Sean’s Floyd’s family would like to thank everyone for their kind wishes and support offered during this sad time. Donations at the Funeral Mass amounted to £600, and will go in support of the Hospice.

COFFEE AFTER MASS:

Tea and coffee is served in the Hall after both of the Sunday morning Masses.All welcome!

UPTON CHURCHES PRAYER DIARY:

This week we pray for:

• The residents of Newton Lane, Appleton Road and Handforth Road..
• For the Archive Group, Social Committees and fundraising groups..
• For the fellowship and sharing at social gatherings.

PASTORAL COUNCIL:

The minutes of the January meeting are now displayed on the Notice Board in the front porch. They include important information about the parish finances and the proposals to replace the floor tiles in the church with carpet. The next meeting will be on Monday 6th February.

CHRISTINGLE APPEAL FOR OAKS:

Margaret Jarrett sends her grateful thanks to those who gave so generously to the appeal for the OAKS charity (Overseas Aid for the Kids of Sierra Leone). £565.50 was raised in the parish and will be sent to the school in Bo, which is run by the charity.

HELP NEEDED:

There is a parishioner living in the Hoole area who would like to come to either 9.15 or 11.00 a.m. Mass but is unable to get here on her own. Is there anyone who would be willing to give her a lift? If you can help please phone 0778 624 8314.

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 2012:

The annual Week of Prayer continues until Wednesday 25th January. We pray that we may be more deeply united to our brother and sister churches so that Christ’s prayer “that they may be one” will become a reality.

Please do your best to support the following local events:

• Joint Service this Sunday in Chester Cathedral, starting at 3.30 p.m. The preacher will be Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor, Archbishop of Westminster from 2000 to 2009. Music will be provided by the Cathedral Choir and the Choir of St. Nicholas Catholic High School, Hartford. All are welcome at the service.
• Prayer Service on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, in the Kempe Room, Holy Ascension Parish Church from 6.30 to 7.00 p.m. These services are led in turns by members from the three Upton churches.

FEASTS OF THE WEEK:

• Wednesday 25th is the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle. This day each year marks the conclusion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
• Saturday 28th is the Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-74). He was one of the greatest teachers and writers in the history of the church, producing an enormous output during a comparatively short lifetime of 49 years. His special contribution was to develop a systematic understanding of Christian theology that embraced many of the ideas to be found in Greek and Islamic philosophy, and his writings are still studied today.

PARISH BUILDINGS COMMITTEE:

A number of meetings have been held with diocesan advisers and contractors about the church floor. It was agreed that the existing floor is in poor condition and needs to be replaced. Their unequivocal judgement is that the tile flooring should be replaced by carpet. This would be much easier to replace than tiles in the future, will retain warmth (and help keep heating costs down), dampen noise and by reducing the echo help to improve the audibility of the spoken word. Some parishioners have expressed a concern that carpet may adversely affect the sound of our fine organ. Expert advice is that that is most unlikely to be the case as the sound of the organ will continue to travel upwards into the acoustically sympathetic roof and not downwards to the floor.

The diocese has agreed to release church funds to fund the provision of carpet for the entire church, assisted by the most generous legacy from a parishioner.

The process is still at an early stage but when contracts have been agreed and dates for the work set, parishioners will be informed.

pauline.rourke; leech2000

DIOCESAN MASS:

A Diocesan Celebration of Married Life will be held in St Wilfrid’s Parish Church, Witton Street, Northwich, CW9 5NP, on Saturday 11th February. Bishop Mark Davies will celebrate Mass at 2.00 p.m. and married couples will be invited to renew their vows to each other. All married couples and their families and those couples who are preparing for the sacrament of marriage are welcome. This year we especially invite those couples celebrating a significant anniversary. Also welcome are those who are widowed and of course, anyone else who wishes to attend. Refreshments will be provided afterwards in the parish centre

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:

Following a meeting of the Social Committee the following activities are planned for 2012:

• Friday 24th February: “Focus on Kenya” -social evening in the Hall, featuring a presentation by staff and students from the Catholic High School about their 2011 expedition to Kenya.
• Sunday 10th June: BBQ to celebrate the feast of St Columba
• Friday 27th July: Trip to the Bar Convent Museum York.

In addition, there will be a Beetle Drive in the Hall, on a March date to be arranged.

Watch out for further details of these and any other events, in the Newsletter and the notice boards in the Church and the Hall. Should anyone have any further ideas for functions or wish to know more about the Social Activities Committee please contact Paul Wrigglesworth on 01244 382457 or paul.wrigglesworth

SPUC:

The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children is holding its annual ‘White Flower appeal’ at St. Columba’s next weekend, Sat/Sun 28th/29th January. The proceeds will be used to continue the campaign to protect vulnerable Human Life at every stage, but especially the unborn.

NEEDLES & PINS GROUP:

The next meeting of the group is on Wednesday January 25th at 2.00 p.m. in the Church Hall.

WEEKEND RETREAT FOR YOUNG ADULTS:

This is being held from 10-12th February at Katherine House, Salford. An opportunity for prayer, input and discussion. Cost: donation only. Further information from 0151 733 5475 or email maryannefcj

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER:

This will be compiled by Brian Hall

Tel: 01244 371998

Email: bhhall

Items for inclusion can also be left in the blue folder in the Sacristy. Please ensure that all items are in place by 9.00 a.m. on Thursday. Please include a phone number in case of queries.

Please take your Newsletter home and use it for reference and prayer during the week.

Current and past issues of the Newsletter can be seen on the Parish website: www.stcolumbachester.org.uk

SUNDAY 15th JANUARY 2012.

MASS TIMES: INTENTIONS:

Saturday Vigil Mass: 7.15 p.m. William and Lily Duggan

Sunday: 9.15 a.m. The Parish

11:00 a.m. Kitty O’Donnell

Monday: 9.15 a.m. Steve & Chris Colgan

Tuesday: 9.15 a.m. Sean Floyd

Wednesday: 9.15 a.m. Patricia Duggan &

Maud Bagshaw

Thursday: 9:15 a.m. Winifred Nicholson RIP

Friday: 9.15 a.m. Denis O’Donovan

Saturday: 9.15 a.m. Sean Floyd

Saturday Vigil Mass: 7.15 p.m. David Beckett

Sunday: 9.15 a.m. The Parish

11.00 a.m. Hughie Middleton

BAPTISMS:

By appointment with Fr. Cooke. After speaking to Fr Cooke, it is important that parentscontactour Baptism Co-ordinator, Ann Siddall (01244 371787) who will arrange for members of our Baptism Team to discuss Baptism and the practical details.

MORNING PRAYER:

9.00 a.m. in the Sacristy Office, except on Wednesday, when Novena prayers are held at 9.15 a.m. before Mass commences.

ANNIVERSARIES:

Please remember in your prayers: Mary Regan, William Walker, Joan Ann Roberts, Samuel Grourke, Victoria Nisperos Scott, Samantha Edwards, Dora Bowen, William John (Jack) Barlow, Dorothy Boulton, Rowena Thompson, Angela Finan, Mary Anne Corner, Eliza Dean, John Rooney, Joan Mary Connolly, Kenneth Liversage, Helen Wilson, Jack Cunniff, John Abbott, Veronica Martell, Edith Watkins, Ann Mahoney, John Joseph McLoughlin, Reg Wells, Norah Byrne, Annie O’Loughlin, Margaret Holding, Eileen Coombes, Jason Monet, Elsie Rowlands, William Woods, Mgr. George Roger Leonard, Joan Connolly, Nora Margaret Connolly, David Noel Beckett, Bridget O’Malley, William Hope, Mary (Molly) Tallon, Monica Tweedle, Olivia Trotter, Tony Comerford, Richard Monet, James Kilcoyne, Florence Donnolly, Dorothy Tallon, Reginald Walpole, Anne Cunniff and Ivy Katherine Vickery.

CONFESSIONS:

Confessions are heard every Saturday after morning Mass, and in the evening from 6.45 p.m. – 7.10 p.m.

LATELY DEAD:

Sean Francis Floyd and James Walpole we remember them and their families in our prayers.

OFFERTORY:

Loose Plate: £495.92

Planned Giving: £509.75

Average Weekly Standing Orders: £562.00

Donations: Coffee Morning £38.85

The Children’s Society £145.09

COFFEE AFTER MASS:

Tea and coffee is served in the Hall after both of the Sunday morning Masses.All welcome!

UPTON CHURCHES PRAYER DIARY:

This week we pray for:

• The residents of Newhall Road, Winston Court, Arradon Court, Breton Close and Wealstone Lane.
• Greenacres, Orchard Manor, Wealstone and Crabwell Hall.
• All those who live and work in these homes.

CELEBRATION MASS:

The Baptism Celebration Mass at 11.00 a.m. this Sunday 15th January 2012 is for all the families who have had a Baptism during 2011. It will be followed by tea/coffee and biscuits in the hall. All are very welcome.

SINGERS WANTED:

CAN YOU HELP AT 11:00 MASS?

We want to introduce new settings of the Gloria, Sanctus and Memorial Acclamation at the 11:00 Mass on the weeks when the music group is not present when Rob Green usually plays the organ.

We will be holding a practice run-through of the new music at 7pm (for about 30 minutes) on Friday 20th January at the Church so that enough people can become familiar with the music to give a strong lead to the congregation at Mass. Please come along if you can help with developing the music in our parish.

Contact Francis Coxhead (342668) or Rob Green (383836) or just come along on 20th.

PARISH BUILDINGS COMMITTEE:

A number of meetings have been held with diocesan advisers and contractors about the church floor. It was agreed that the existing floor is in poor condition and needs to be replaced. Their unequivocal judgement is that the tile flooring should be replaced by carpet. This would be much easier to replace than tiles in the future, will retain warmth (and help keep heating costs down), dampen noise and by reducing the echo help to improve the audibility of the spoken word. Some parishioners have expressed a concern that carpet may adversely affect the sound of our fine organ. Expert advice is that that is most unlikely to be the case as the sound of the organ will continue to travel upwards into the acoustically sympathetic roof and not downwards to the floor.

The diocese has agreed to release church funds to fund the provision of carpet for the entire church, assisted by the most generous legacy from a parishioner.

The process is still at an early stage but when contracts have been agreed and dates for the work set, parishioners will be informed.

pauline.rourke; leech2000

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 2012:

The annual Week of Prayer takes place from Wednesday 18th to Wednesday 25th January. The theme for 2012 is “we will all be changed”. This comes to us from the churches in Poland, who have reflected upon their own experience as a nation, and how they have been changed and transformed by the many upheavals of their history, and sustained by their faith.

Please do your best to support the following local events:

• Prayer service each evening (except Sunday 22nd) in the Kempe Room, Holy Ascension Parish Church from 6.30 to 7.00 p.m. These services are led in turns by members from the three Upton churches.
• Friendship Lunch on Thursday 19th, 12 noon to 1.00 p.m. at Upton URC, Heath Road. All proceeds will go to the Hospice of the Good Shepherd.
• Joint Service on Sunday 22nd in Chester Cathedral, starting at 3.30 p.m. The preacher will be Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor, who was Archbishop of Westminster from 2000 to 2009. Music will be provided by the Cathedral Choir and the Choir of St. Nicholas Catholic High School, Hartford. All are welcome at the service.

FEAST OF THE WEEK: ST. WULSTAN:

Thursday 19th January is the Feast Day of St. Wulstan (1008-1095), a Benedictine monk who became Bishop of Worcester. He was unusually successful in combining monastic and diocesan duties. As an Anglo-Saxon, he was also unusually successful in weathering the turmoil of the Norman Conquest. He played an active role in the abolition of the slave trade between Bristol and the Viking domains in Ireland, and lived to the venerable age of 87.

CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL THEME & PRAYER FOR THE WEEK:

Christian Unity Week

During Christian Unity Week,

May Christ be born afresh into our hearts.

May doors be flung open to welcome people of all faiths.

May new gifts be discovered, cherished and expressed.

And may love be nurtured, gently given and received by all.

We ask this through Christ who is Lord of us all. Amen.

DIOCESAN MASS:

A Diocesan Celebration of Married Life will be held in St Wilfrid’s Parish Church, Witton Street, Northwich, CW9 5NP, on Saturday 11th February 2012. Bishop Mark Davies will celebrate Mass at 2.00 pm and married couples will be invited to renew their vows to each other. All married couples and their families and those couples who are preparing for the sacrament of marriage are welcome. This year we especially invite those couples celebrating a significant anniversary. Also welcome are those who are widowed and of course, anyone else who wishes to attend. Refreshments will be provided afterwards in the parish centre

CHRISTMAS CRIB OFFERINGS:

As customary, the Christmas Crib offerings are for the benefit of the Diocesan Catholic Children’s Society. Envelopes are available if you would like to Gift Aid your donation.

You can see more about the Society’s work at www.cathchildsoc.org.uk

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER:

This will be compiled by Bernard Payne

Tel: 01244 350323

Email: bernard.payne691

Items for inclusion can also be left in the blue folder in the Sacristy. Please ensure that all items are in place by 9.00 a.m. on Thursday. Please include a phone number in case of queries.

Please take your Newsletter home and use it for reference and prayer during the week.

Current and past issues of the Newsletter can be seen on the Parish website: www.stcolumbachester.org.uk

SUNDAY, 1st JANUARY 2012.

MASS TIMES: INTENTIONS:

Saturday Vigil Mass: 7.15 p.m. Malcolm Worrall

Sunday: 9.15 a.m. Patrick Regan

11:00 a.m. The Parish

Monday 9.15 a.m. Ada Laura Savage

Tuesday: 9.15 a.m. Michael & Mary

Mitchell

Wednesday: 9:15 a.m. Emily & Bill Burton

Thursday: 9:15 a.m. Chris Malone R.I.P.

Friday: 9.15 a.m. Rebecca Humphreys

Saturday: 9.15 a.m. Elizabeth & John

Woolnough

Saturday Vigil Mass 7.15 p.m. Catherine & George

Lavender

Sunday The Epiphany 9.15 a.m. Michael Kiernan

11.00 a.m. The Parish

BAPTISMS:

By appointment with Fr. Cooke. After speaking to Fr Cooke, it is important that parentscontactour Baptism Co-ordinator, Ann Siddall (01244 371787) who will arrange for members of our Baptism Team to discuss Baptism and the practical details.

MORNING PRAYER:

9.00 a.m. in the Sacristy Office, except on Wednesday, when Novena prayers are held at 9.15 a.m. before Mass commences.

ANNIVERSARIES:

Please remember in your prayers: Teresa Bettridge, Veronica Howard, Thomas Wall, Chris Speed, Patrick Peter Wilson, Jane O’Hord, Kevin Connolly, Patrick Joseph Regan, John Ibell, Margaret Winterbottom, Eileen Josephine Donoughue, Ada Laura Savage, Harold Sweeney, Lawrence Stevens, Margaret Johnson, Francis Joseph Burk, Christopher Garner, Ester Rose Parker, Susan Sweeney, Martin McKenna (Jnr), Agnes Morris, Mary Upton, Robert Henry (Harry) Barton, Les Christian, John Lloyd Hughes, Hilary Makinson, Alf Humphreys, Mary McCowne, Colin Blyth, John Hughes, Gerard McGlown and Helen Cadden.

LATELY DEAD:

Please pray for the soul of George Bowyer who died recently and that his friends and relations be comforted in their grief.

CONFESSIONS:

Confessions are heard every Saturday after morning Mass, and in the evening from 6.45 p.m. – 7.10 p.m.

OFFERTORY:

Father Cooke thanks everyone for their generous offerings and prayers at the Christmas Masses and wishes all parishioners a Happy and Peaceful 2012.

COFFEE AFTER MASS:

Tea and coffee is served in the Hall after both the

Sunday morning Masses.All welcome!

CRIB FIGURES:

The new crib figures have been bought in memory of Peter Anthony Burton.

CHRISTINGLE APPEAL:

The white envelopes are still available in both porches for anyone who wishes to support the OAKS appeal for the children of Bo in Sierra Leone. Your envelopes can be returned in the normal collection baskets or given to Pauline Payne. Margaret Jarret, the director of the OAKS charity, has recently returned from a visit to the school and reports that the number of children aged 5-16 receiving education is now up to 340. She sends her grateful thanks in a letter on the Third World notice board.

UPTON CHURCHES PRAYER DIARY:

This week we pray for:

• The residents of Woodlea Ave., Cornwall Road and Aldford Road.
• All Age Family Worship, Messy Church, Junior Church and Children’s Liturgy.
• All children who attend our churches each Sunday and their leaders.

CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

RE INSPECTION:

The recent Diocesan inspection of the Catholic High School confirmed that the school is ‘an outstanding Catholic School and highly effective in providing Catholic education.’ The complete report is available at the back of church and parishioners are very welcome to take a copy.

John Murray-Headteacher

PASTORAL COUNCIL:

The next meeting of the Pastoral Council will be held on Monday 9th January at 7.30 p.m.

PARISH BUILDINGS COMMITTEE MEETING 28/11/11:

We were delighted to welcome new member Brian Forrest. We have had an extension fitted to the lectern microphone to make reading easier. It would be helpful to let Readers know if you can (or can’t!) hear them. We have arranged for an engineer to visit to attend to a couple of the heaters which are a little noisy. We are still seeking advice from a variety of quarters about the church floor. A number of minor works for the improvement of the hall are in hand including buying more chairs. The completion of a number of small items of church maintenance was reported on. Individual replies will be sent to parishioners who had raised specific matters for the committees’ consideration.

pauline.rourke; leech2000

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 2012:

The annual Week of Prayer takes place from Wednesday 18th to Wednesday 25th January. The theme for 2012 is “we will all be changed”. This comes to us from the churches in Poland, who have reflected upon their own experience as a nation, and how they have been changed and transformed by the many upheavals of their history, and sustained by their faith.

Please do your best to support the following local events:

• Prayer service each evening (except Sunday 22nd) in the Kempe Room, Holy Ascension Parish Church from 6.30 to 7.00 p.m. These services are led in turns by members from the three Upton churches.
• Friendship Lunch on Thursday 19th, 12 noon to 1.00 p.m. at Upton URC, Heath Road. All proceeds will go to the Hospice of the Good Shepherd.
• Joint Service on Sunday 22nd in Chester Cathedral, starting at 3.30 p.m. The preacher will be Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor, who was Archbishop of Westminster from 2000 to 2009. Music will be provided by the Cathedral Choir and the Choir of St. Nicholas Catholic High School, Hartford. All are welcome at the service.

NEW SUNDAY MISSALS:

The first orders of the Sunday have been taken and a total of £306 has been put in the parish accounts for payment. There are still 2 to be collected and a further order has been sent for.
Hopefully these should not take so long in coming.
We have been reliably informed the New Daily Missalwill be available about the end of February and will be distributed in the order we were asked for them.

Thank you for your patience and continued support.

CONGRATULATIONS
To Carmen Garcia-Diaz and John Gornall, enrolled in St Columba’s branch of the Guild of St Stephen for Altar Servers, at Mass on the Feast of St Stephen. The Guild exists to give support and encouragement to Servers generally.

Our Altar Servers take an important part in our Liturgy and we thank them for their service.

If you know of any boy or girl who has made their First Holy Communion and is interested in becoming a Server for St Columba’s, please would you let Fr Russell or Lawrence know.

S.V.P:

There will be no collection in January. Thank you all for your continued support during 2011.

CHRISTMAS CRIB OFFERINGS:

As customary, the Christmas Crib offerings are for the benefit of the Diocesan Catholic Children’s Society. Envelopes are available if you would like to Gift Aid your donation.

You can see more about the Society’s work at www.cathchildsoc.org.uk

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER:

This will be compiled by Harry Sweeney

Tel: 01244 327462.

E-mail: harrye_sweeney

Items for inclusion can also be left in the blue folder in the Sacristy. Please ensure that all items are in place by 9.00 a.m. on Thursday.

It would be helpful to include a telephone contact number in case the editor needs to get in touch.

This Newsletter and earlier issues may also be seen on

the Parish website: www.stcolumbachester.org.uk

Christmas Vigil Mass:​6.00 p.m.​Kevin Connolly

​9.00 p.m. ​Michael Kiernan​

Christmas Day:​9.15 a.m.​Jim Strong

​11:00 a.m.​The Parish

St.Stephen (Boxing Day)​12 noon​Frank Wilkinson A.​

Tuesday:​ 9.15 a.m.​Ruth O’Sullivan

Wednesday:​9:15 a.m.​Philip Jordon

Thursday:​9:15 a.m.​Joan Cotter

Friday:​9.15 a.m.​Rose & Dick Mitchell

Saturday:​9.15 a.m.​Len Stewart

Saturday Vigil Mass​7.15 p.m.​Malcolm Worrall

Sunday New Year’s Day ​9.15 a.m.​Patrick Regan

​11.00 a.m.​The Parish

A HAPPY AND HOLY CHRISTMAS

TO YOU ALL

Fr. Cooke wishes the Parish a very happy and holy Christmas Season. Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to prepare for the great Feast of Our Lord’s Birth.

Nativity Scene drawn by Lottie Chesworth of St. Columba’s, the winning entrant for this year’s Christmas Card produced by Churches Together in Upton

MORNING PRAYER:

9.00 a.m. in the Sacristy Office, except on Wednesday, when Novena prayers are held at 9.15 a.m. before Mass commences.

BAPTISMS:

By appointment with Fr. Cooke. After speaking to Fr Cooke, it is important that parentscontactour Baptism Co-ordinator, Ann Siddall (01244 371787) who will arrange for members of our Baptism Team to discuss Baptism and the practical details.

ANNIVERSARIES:

Please remember in your prayers:

Rachel Gibson, Mike Ayland, Carol Finan, Michael Grisdale, James Edward Price, George John, William John, Edward John, Doris McCleary, Ann Chesters, Thomas McGuiness, Frederick Nixon, Francis Wilkinson, Richard Bird, Paul Murphy, Marjorie Houlbrook, Elvet Roy Eaton, Mary Mitchell, Catherine Sheridan, Fred Beswick, Harry O’Koru, Eva McDonnell, Adam Barnhill, James Ball, Kevin Connolly, Thomas Edward Johnston, Jacobus Philips, Joseph Herbert Lucas, Evelyn Taylor, Harry Ralph, John Leonard, Teresa Helena Adams, Elizabeth Mary Kirk, John Steven Colgan, Mary Winifred Smithwhite, Arthur Hindley, Teresa Bettridge, Veronica Howard, Kevin Connolly, Patrick Joseph Regan, Margaret Winterbottom, Thomas Wall, Chris Speed, Patrick Peter Wilson, Jane O’Hord.

CONFESSIONS:

Confessions are heard every Saturday after morning Mass, and in the evening from 6.45 p.m. – 7.10 p.m.

OFFERTORY:

Loose Plate:​£528.99

Planned Giving:​£459.52

Average weekly Standing Orders​£306.00`

Many thanks for your generous support

COFFEE AFTER MASS:

Tea and coffee is served in the Hall after both the

Sunday morning Masses.All welcome!

CRIB FIGURES:

The new crib figures have been bought in memory of Peter Anthony Burton.

CHRISTINGLE APPEAL:

The white envelopes are still available in both porches for anyone who wishes to support the OAKS appeal for the children of Bo in Sierra Leone. Your envelopes can be returned in the normal collection baskets or given to Pauline Payne. Margaret Jarret, the director of the OAKS charity, has recently returned from a visit to the school and reports that the number of children aged 5-16 receiving education is now up to 340. She sends her grateful thanks in a letter on the Third World notice board.

UPTON CHURCHES PRAYER DIARY:

This week we pray for:

•

The residents of Woburn Drive, Halton Road, Dorset Place and Cotswold Close•

For the Youth Clubs and Youth workers in our Churches.•

For all young people in our community.

S.V.P:

There will be no collection in January. Thank you all for your continued support during 2011.

NEW MISSALS:

The remaining orders of the Sunday Missals (£18) are now available for collection in the piety stall.

CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

RE INSPECTION:

The recent Diocesan inspection of the Catholic High School confirmed that the school is ‘an outstanding Catholic School and highly effective in providing Catholic education.’ The complete report is available at the back of church and parishioners are very welcome to take a copy.

John Murray

Headteacher

PARISH BUILDINGS COMMITTEE MEETING 28/11/11:

We were delighted to welcome new member Brian Forrest. We have had an extension fitted to the lectern microphone to make reading easier. It would be helpful to let Readers know if you can (or can’t!) hear them. We have arranged for an engineer to visit to attend to a couple of the heaters which are a little noisy. We are still seeking advice from a variety of quarters about the church floor. A number of minor works for the improvement of the hall are in hand including buying more chairs. The completion of a number of small items of church maintenance was reported on. Individual replies will be sent to parishioners who had raised specific matters for the committees’ consideration.

pauline.rourke; leech2000

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER:

This will be compiled by Brian Webster

Tel: 01244 851026.

E-mail: brianrobert

Items for inclusion can also be left in the blue folder in the Sacristy. Please ensure that all items are in place by 9.00 a.m. on Thursday.

It would be helpful to include a telephone contact number in case the editor needs to get in touch.​

This Newsletter and earlier issues may also be seen on

the Parish website: www.stcolumbachester.org.uk

SUNDAY18th DECEMBER 2011.

MASS TIMES:​INTENTIONS:

Saturday Vigil Mass:​ 7.15 p.m.​Vincent Balfe.

Sunday:​ 9:15 a.m.​Pat Howe.A.

11:00 a.m.​The Parish.​

Monday:​ 9:15 a.m.​William Reid.

Tuesday:​ 9.15 a.m.​Private Intention (Jean).

Wednesday:​ 9:15 a.m.​Sean Backhouse.

Thursday:​ 9:15 a.m.​Molly Massey.A.

Friday:​ 9.15 a.m.​Noel Mullen.

Saturday Christmas Eve

CONFESSIONS​9.45 a.m to 10.45 a.m

Christmas Vigil Mass:​6.00 p.m.​Kevin Connolly.

​9.00 p.m.​Michael Kiernan.

Christmas Day:​9.15 a.m.​Jim Strong.

11.00 a.m.​The Parish.

St.Stephen (Boxing Day) 12 noon.​Frank Wilkinson.A.​

MORNING PRAYER:

9.00 a.m. in the Sacristy Office, except on Wednesday, when Novena prayers are held at 9.15 a.m. before Mass commences.

BAPTISMS:

By appointment with Fr. Cooke. After speaking to Fr Cooke, it is important that parentscontactour Baptism Co-ordinator, Ann Siddall (01244 371787) who will arrange for members of our Baptism Team to discuss Baptism and the practical details.

CONFESSIONS:

Confessions are heard every Saturday after morning Mass, and in the evening from 6.45 p.m. – 7.10 p.m.

OFFERTORY:

Loose Plate:​£484.05

Planned Giving:​£447.30​

Average weekly Standing Orders​£506.00

Many thanks for your generous support

COFFEE AFTER MASS:

Tea and coffee is served in the Hall after both the

Sunday morning Masses.All welcome!

CRIB FIGURES

The new crib figures have been bought in memory of

Peter Anthony Burton.

ANNIVERSARIES:

Please remember in your prayers: Joe Corrigan, Adles Bronislaw,Vera Mary Michalak,

Winifrid Roberts, John Joyce, Catherine Barford, Mary Foley, Michael Francis Sharkey,

Michael Hayes, Robert Smith-White,

Patricia Ann Rose Howe, Nora Kinder,

James Judge, Muriel Hoole,

Gerard Monroe Gibbons, Sue McGann,

Anne O’Loughlin, Samuel Joseph Kenyon,

Margaret Hill, John Joseph Cox,

John Thomas Williams, Theresa Mary Creighton, John Carney, Sean Backhouse,

David Thomas Cross. John Ignatius Mitchell, Molly Massey,Connie Barlow,Maria Galvin,

Nora Garry, Patrick Joseph Burke,

John McLoughlin, Brigid Lynch, John Galvin, Eileen Burden, Florence Toop,Nellie Lennon, Elizabeth Mary Teresa Rimmer,Gerry Hickey, Rachel Gibson,Mike Ayland, Carol Finan,

Michael Grisdale, James Edward Price,

George John, William John, Edward John,

Doris McCleary, Ann Chesters,

Thomas McGuiness, Frederick Nixon,

Francis Wilkinson, Richard Bird, Paul Murphy, Marjorie Houlbrook Elvet, Roy Eaton.

UPTON CHURCHES PRAYER DIARY:

This week we pray for:

•

The residents of Glastonbury Avenue, Tewksbury Close and Marlowe Avenue.•

For the Second Step Bereavement Care Scheme.•

For all those who are bereaved and those who provide support

NEW MISSALS:

The remaining order of the Sunday Missals (£18) are now available for collection in the piety stall.

S.V.P:

There will be no collection in January. Thank you all for your continued support during 2011.

CHRISTINGLE CAROL AT 11.00 a.m. MASS:

1.
O sing about Christingle, your voices loud employ,
Your praises bring to God our King, for Jesus and His joy.

2.
The orange of Christingle, the world reminds us of,

And how our God created us, and on us shed His love.

3.
The candle of Christingle, with shining flame so bright,

Reminds us of our loving Lord, who is the world’s true light.

4.
The red band of Christingle, which plainly we can see,

Reminds us of how Jesus Christ was killed upon that tree.

5.
The four sticks of Christingle, with which the orb we spear,

Remind us how God cares for us, through seasons of the year.

6.
The fruits of the Christingle, they have a special worth,

Reminding of the Spirit’s fruits as well as fruits of earth.

7.
The whole of the Christingle, it is a joy to see,

It shines to show how God our Father loves both you and me.

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN UPTON CHRISTMAS CARD:

Thanks to all the children who entered the competition this year. The winner was Lottie Chesworth from St. Columba’s, whose design appears on the front of the Christmas card being delivered to 4,000 houses in Upton. The cards give details of the Advent and Christmas services in the three Upton churches. Can you please help us complete the delivery of these cards? The remaining bundles are set out in the Rear Porch, labelled with the respective road names. Your help will be very much appreciated.

CHRISTINGLE APPEAL:

As in recent years, we would again like to help the children of Bo, Sierra Leone as our Christingle Appeal by continuing to support the OAKS charity – Overseas Aid for Kids of Sierra Leone. The school is now providing education for 350 children aged 4-13 years, funded entirely by the charity. Any Parishioners who would like to help are asked to collect an envelope from either Porch this week, and return it in the normal offertory baskets this week or next, or to Pauline Payne. Thank you very much for your continued support of the Bo project.

CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

RE INSPECTION:

The recent Diocesan inspection of the Catholic High School confirmed that the school is ‘an outstanding Catholic School and highly effective in providing Catholic education.’ The complete report is available at the back of church and parishioners are very welcome to take a copy.

John Murray

Headteacher

FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS:

There will be Christmas floral arrangements for sale in the hall after Mass on Sunday. Suitable for both indoor/outdoor use.

PARISH BUILDINGS COMMITTEE MEETING 28/11/11:

We were delighted to welcome new member Brian Forrest. We have had an extension fitted to the lectern microphone to make reading easier. It would be helpful to let Readers know if you can (or can’t!) hear them. We have arranged for an engineer to visit to attend to a couple of the heaters which are a little noisy. We are still seeking advice from a variety of quarters about the church floor. A number of minor works for the improvement of the hall are in hand including buying more chairs. The completion of a number of small items of church maintenance was reported on. Individual replies will be sent to parishioners who had raised specific matters for the committees’ consideration.

pauline.rourke; leech2000

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR ROTA:

Please will Eucharistic Ministers and Readers pick up a copy of the Eucharistic Ministers and Readers Rota from the front porch.

If you are unable to carry out your duty on the specified day, will you PLEASE find a replacement, particularly if you are a Reader. It is unfair for a Reader who is not prepared to carry out the Ministry of the Word at the last minute. Your co-operation in this will be very much appreciated.

Many thanks

Carol Galvin

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER:

This will be compiled by Ann Siddall

Tel: a-siddall

Items for inclusion can also be left in the blue folder in the Sacristy. Please ensure that all items are in place by 9.00 a.m. on Thursday. It would be helpful to include a telephone contact number in case the editor needs to get in touch.​

This Newsletter and earlier issues may also be seen on

the Parish website: www.stcolumbachester.org.uk

SUNDAY 4TH DECEMBER 2011.

MASS TIMES: INTENTIONS:

Saturday Vigil Mass: 7.15 p.m. Louise Whitcombe

Sunday: 9:15 a.m. The Parish

11:00 a.m. Michael Kierwan

Monday: 9:15 a.m. Austin Pendelbury

Tuesday: 9.15 a.m. Private Intention

Wednesday: 9:15 a.m. Paddy Moran

Thursday: 9:15 a.m. Mairead O’Malley

Friday: 9.15 a.m. Peter Cawson

Saturday: 9.15 a.m. Private Intention

Saturday Vigil Mass: 7.15 p.m. Michael & Nora Finnegan

Sunday: 9.15 a.m. November List

11.00 a.m. The Parish

BAPTISMS:

By appointment with Fr. Cooke. After speaking to Fr Cooke, it is important that parents contact our Baptism Co-ordinator, Ann Siddall (01244 371787) who will arrange for members of our Baptism Team to discuss Baptism and the practical details.

CONFESSIONS:

Confessions are heard every Saturday after morning Mass, and in the evening from 6.45 p.m. – 7.10 p.m.

ANNIVERSARIES:

Please remember in your prayers: Lily Dowd, Angela Chapman, John Wolfe, John Bellis, Charles Maloney, John Halligan, John Burton, Frederick James Wright, Gillian Gallagher, Harold Beedle, Kathleen McAleavy, Joseph Francis Tallon, Agnes Jones, William Bird, Henry Bird, Michael Burns, Joseph Dowd, Margaret Beech, John Barnett, Elaine White, Janet Haslam, Richard Newbrook, Jane Stubbs, Matilda Hanratty, Michael Lee, Goerge Walker, Sarah Jane Brennan, Vera Fox, James Canavan.

ADVENT & CHRISTMAS AT ST.COLUMBA’S:

Please pick up a copy of the green sheet that gives the details of all the main services and celebrations over the period.

MORNING PRAYER:

9.00 a.m. in the Sacristy Office, except on Wednesday, when Novena prayers are held at 9.15 a.m. before Mass commences.

COFFEE AFTER MASS:

Tea and coffee is served in the Hall after both the Sunday morning Masses. All are very welcome.

RECENTLY MARRIED:

Congratulations to Jennifer Zahra and Sean Fitzgerald married at St Columba’s this weekend. We wish them every good wish for their future happiness.

FEAST OF THE WEEK:

The 8th December, is the feast of The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

OFFERTORY:

Loose Plate: £505.44 Planned Giving: £505.15

Average Weekly Standing Orders £506.00

Many thanks for your generous support.

SVP COLLECTION:

The monthly collection will take place this weekend, 3-4 December. Thank you for your continuing support.

MIKE KIERNON:

The collection at Mike Kiernon’s funeral amounted to £383.26. It has been divided between the SVP and CAFOD. Many thanks to Mary and her family for their support of these causes.

UPTON CHURCHES PRAYER DIARY:

This week we pray for:

• The residents of Cotebrook Drive, Oulton Ave, and Rushton Drive.
• For our churches open on Saturdays and the fellowship enjoyed there.
• For all those who use and maintain the web sites.

AUTUMN FAYRE:

Thank you to everyone who supported the Autumn Fayre on the 20 November. It was as well attended as ever. Also thanks to all the helpers and people who donated bottles and other goods. The total made was £400 of which £350 will be donated to the SVP and the remainder put towards other planned events.

AN ADVENT PENITENTIAL SERVICE

To be held at St Columba’s on Friday 16th December at 7.00 p.m., for all the parishes of Chester & District Local Pastoral Area 11. There will be opportunity for individual Confession during the Service and several priests of the LPA will be present to administer the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

2012 DIOCESAN YEARBOOK:

Copies of the new yearbook for Shrewsbury Diocese are now available, price £4.00. The yearbook contains a wealth of information about the Diocese and its constituent parishes and organisations. It also covers the various changes in diocesan pastoral administration recently introduced by Bishop Mark..

SVP CHRISTMAS OUTING:

Would all parishioners that are going on the outing on 7th December please be at the church car park by 11.30 a.m. as we want to be at the Yacht by 12 noon. Thank you. Margaret Allmark.

ADVENT REFLECTIONS:

There will be two further Reflections at St. Francis Church, Chester, starting at 6.30 p.m. on Wednesdays 7th and 14th December.

9.15 a.m. MASS: HYMN INTROIT:

Behold, O Sion, God will come

to save the nations of the earth.

Your hearts will quicken at the sound

of his majestic, glorious voice.

O Israel’s shepherd, hear our prayer.

You guided Joseph like a flock.

In all your splendour show yourself,

who rides above the heavenly host.

To God the Father, God the Son

and God the Spirit praises be,

who was before the world began,

is now and in eternity.

11.00 a.m. MASS: HYMN; CLOTH FOR THE CRADLE:

Cloth for the cradle, cradle for the child,

The child for our every joy and sorrow;

Find him a shawl that’s woven by us all

To welcome the Lord of each tomorrow.

1. Darkness and light and all that’s known by sight,

Silence and echo fading,

Weave into one a welcome for the Son

Set earth its own maker serenading.

2. Hungry and poor, the sick and the unsure,

Wealthy whose needs are stranger,

Weave into one a welcome for the Son,

Leave excess and want beneath the manger.

3. Wrinkled or fair, carefree or full of care,

Searchers of all the ages,

Weave into one a welcome for the Son,

The Saviour of shepherds and of sages.

CAROL SINGING:

We would be very glad of your support on the following occasions of carol singing out in the community:

• Tuesday 13th December, 2.30 p.m. at Orchard Manor Nursing Home – arranged by Churches Together in Upton.
• Thursday 15th December, 6.30 p.m. at Wealstone Nursing Home, and 8.00 p.m. at Mallard Court, Long Lane – arranged by Churches Together in Upton.
• Thursday 22nd December, singing around the wards of the Countess of Chester Hospital. Meet in the Chapel at 6.30 p.m.

CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL THEME AND PRAYER FOR THE WEEK:

Peacemaker God,

help us to live at peace with other people

and to stop doing anything which causes bad feeling;

to control our tempers when we become angry;

to not judge people when they do things we don’t understand;

and to forgive those who hurt us in what they say or do. Amen.

CHESTER & ELLESMERE PORT SVP WALSINGHAM PILGRIMAGE 2012:

The pilgrimage will take place from Monday 16th to Thursday 19th April. The cost (assuming 50 including driver travel) will be approx. £165 per person including coach travel, accommodation, meals in Walsingham and gratuities. For more details please contact Brian & Val Forrest (01244 318863) or any SVP member.

HALL-LABELLING OF STAGE AND STORE ROOM ITEMS FOR RETENTION:

The Parish Buildings Committee is planning to hire a skip within a couple of weeks to dispose of unwanted items stored in these areas. Will all users of the Hall, including Beavers, Cubs, Brownies, Guides, Scouts, Badminton and Sewing Groups etc, please urgently label those items which are in current use, to prevent them being put in the skip.

DIOCESE J&P ADVENT REFLECTION:

At this year’s Shrewsbury Diocese J&P Advent Reflection Fr Geoff O’Grady will speak on Praying for Social Justice in the Psalms. All welcome. Venue: Wistaston Hall, 89 Broughton Lane, Crewe CW2 8JS. Sunday 11 December, 4.30 – 6.30 p.m. The reflection will be followed by seasonal refreshments, and it would be helpful if you could let the J&P Coordinator know if you are intending to be present (01270 620584).

2012 CALENDARS:

The Mission Today 2012 Calendars are available in both the front and rear porches of the Church.These calendars are provided free as a “thank you” to the parish for all your enthusiasm, prayers and generosity.

CHURCHESTOGETHER IN UPTON:

Thanks to all the children who entered the competition this year. The winner was Lottie Chesworth from St. Columba’s, whose design appears on the front of the Christmas card that will be delivered to 4,000 houses in Upton. The cards give details of the Advent and Christmas services in the three Upton churches. Can you please help to deliver some of these cards? They are set out in the Rear Porch, labelled with the respective road names. Your help with delivery will be very much appreciated.

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS AND MINISTERS OF THE WORD:

Please will you pick up your copy of the Christmas and New Year Rota from the front porch.

CHRISTMAS FLOWERS:

There will be a collection after all Masses next week,10th/11th December, towards flowers for the Christmas season. Thank you in advance for your continued support.

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER:

This will be compiled by Muriel Green. Tel: 01244 383836

Email: muriel.green1

Items for inclusion can also be left in the blue folder in the Sacristy. Please ensure that all items are in place by 9.00 a.m. on Thursday. It would be helpful to include a telephone contact number in case the editor needs to get in touch.

This Newsletter and earlier issues can also be seen on the Parish website: www.stcolumbachester.org.uk

*SUNDAY 27*^*th* *NOVEMBER 2011.*

*MASS TIMES:**INTENTIONS:*

Saturday Vigil Mass: 7.15 p.m. Hughie Middleton & Family

Sunday: 9.15 a.m. Glyn Williams R.I.P.

11.00 a.m. The Parish

Monday: 9.15 a.m. November List

Tuesday: 9.15 a.m. Michael Kiernan

Wednesday: 9.15 a.m. November list

Thursday: 9.15 a.m. Robert Trundle A.

Friday: 9.15 a.m. John Adams (Ill)

Saturday: 9.15 a.m. Special Intention

Saturday Vigil Mass: 7.15 p.m. Louise Whitcombe

Sunday: 9.15 a.m. The Parish

11.00 a.m. Michael Kiernan

*MORNING PRAYER:*

9.00 a.m. in the Sacristy Office, except Wednesdays.

*BAPTISMS:*

By appointment with Fr. Cooke. After speaking to Fr Cooke, it is important that parentscontactAnn Siddall (01244 371787)who will arrange for members of our Baptism Team to discuss Baptism and the practical details.

*CONFESSIONS: *Confessions are heard every Saturday after morning Mass, and in the evening from 6.45 p.m. – 7.10 p.m.

*LATELY DEAD:*

Please remember in your prayers Michael Kiernan who died last week; we pray for Mary and the family and pray for the repose of Mike’s soul.

*ANNIVERSARIES:*

Please remember in your prayers: Rob Jones, John Gordon Sands, Frank Buddery, Nora Little, Angela Podmore, Peter Garry, Robert Trundle, Louise Whitcombe, John Henry McCowne, Stan Connelly, Francesca Pace, Baby Ann Burton, Winifride Dorothy Jones, Edward Fox, Sarah Morgan, John Parke, Peter Anthony Burton, Lily Dowd, Angela Chapman, John Wolfe, John Bellis, Charles Maloney, John Halligan.

*COFFEE AFTER MASS:*

Tea and coffee are served in the Hall after the Sunday morning Masses. All are welcome.

*ADVENT & CHRISTMAS AT ST. COLUMBA’S:*

Please pick up a copy of the green sheet that gives the details of all the main services and celebrations over the period.

*OFFERTORY: *

Loose Plate: £461.10

Planned Giving: £477.43

Average Weekly SOs £506.00

Thank you for your support.

*SVP COLLECTION:*

The SVP collection for November amounted to £310.89. Thank you for your continued support. The December collection will be next weekend, *3-4 December.*

*UPTON CHURCHES PRAYER DIARY:*

This week we pray for:

*

The residents of Queen’s Crescent, Weston Grove, Lakeside Close and Dukesway.

*

For the Senior Citizens Club, Food and Fun, and St. Vincent De Paul Society.

*

For all those who are retired.

*9.15 MASS: HYMN INTROIT:*

To you, O Lord, I pray; I trust in your great name.

Let not my enemies exalt nor put my soul to shame.

Reveal your ways to me and guide me in right paths

That you may teach me in your truth, O Lord, is all I ask.

Give glory to our God, the Father and the Son,

and also to the Paraclete, eternal Three-in-One.

*ADVENT REFLECTIONS:*

At St. Francis Church Chester in the Season of Advent there will be three Wednesday evening reflections starting at 6.30 p.m.:

*30*^*th* *November, 7*^*th* *December, and 14*^*th* *December.*

*ADVENT PENITENTIAL SERVICE:*

This will be held at St. Columba’s on *Friday 16*^*th* *November*, at 7.00 p.m. The service will be for all the parishes of Chester & District – Local Pastoral Area 11. Look out for further details.

*CAROL SINGING:*

We would be very glad of your support on the following occasions of carol singing out in the community:

*

*Tuesday 13*^*th* *December*, 2.30 p.m. at Orchard Manor Nursing Home – arranged by Churches Together in Upton.

*

*Thursday 15*^*th* *December*, 6.30 p.m. at Wealstone Nursing Home, and 8.00 p.m. at Mallard Court, Long Lane – arranged by Churches Together in Upton.

*

*Thursday 22*^*nd* *December*, singing around the wards of the Countess of Chester Hospital. Meet in the Chapel at 6.30 p.m.

*CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL THEME AND PRAYER FOR THE WEEK:*

/Advent: Time of Expectation/

Father, in the wilderness of the River Jordan

you sent a messenger to prepare people’s hearts for the

coming of your Son. Help me to hear his words and

be sorry for my sins, so that I may clearly see the way to

walk, the truth to speak, and the life to live for Him,

our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

*FEASTS OF THE WEEK:*

30^th November is the Feast of *Andrew the Apostle*. He became Patron Saint of Scotland following the legendary translation of some of his remains from Greece to the place in Scotland now known as St.Andrews.

On 3^rd December we celebrate the feast of *St. Francis Xavier*the Patron of Foreign Missions,. Born in 1506 in the Basque country, he became a Jesuit missionary, eventually spending an enormously active10-year period spreading the gospel in Goa, Ceylon, the East Indies and Japan.

*SVP CHRISTMAS OUTING:*

This will be on *Wednesday 7*^*th* *December 2011*, and we will go to the Yacht Inn on Parkgate Road for lunch and then on to Gordale Garden Centre for a couple of hours for you to look around and maybe buy Christmas Presents. If you know of anyone who is housebound or unable to get out please let any member of SVP know or phone Margaret Allmark 01244 399624.

*PARISH BUILDINGS COMMITTEE – REQUEST FOR NEW MEMBERS:*

The committee oversees repairs and refurbishment of St Columba’s properties. We meet half a dozen times a year or so, the meetings are usually only an hour long, focus on actions and are not ‘talking shops’! We would very much appreciate hearing from any parishioners who might be interested in replacing two members who have left.**No ‘buildings’ experience is necessary – just common sense! Please contact Pauline Rourke or Graham Leech.

Tel: 01244-372392

E-mails: pauline.rourke@btinternet.com or leech2000@btinternet.com for further information.

*PARISH BUILDINGS COMMITTEE – HALL STORAGE:*

The storage areas by the stage in the hall and at the back of the stage itself have become crowded with miscellaneous bits and pieces. Some of these appear to be surplus to requirements – and are a potential fire and access hazard. /Please could anyone involved in using the storage spaces tidy their things away and get rid of anything of no further use, or mark them as ‘to be disposed of’ before we hire a skip in the next couple of weeks and get rid of anything unclaimed/? Thank you!

*CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL PRODUCTION OF OLIVER! *

This will be staged on *Wednesday 30*^*th* *November*, *Thursday 1*^*st* *December and Friday 2*^*nd* *December*in the school hall. Tickets will be £10 each and are available from the school office.

*CHRISTMAS FAMILY FUN NIGHT:*

*St.Werburgh’s & St. Columba’s School Christmas Family Fun Night*takes place this *Friday 2nd December*, in St Columba’s Church Hall, 6 – 8pm. Entrance: £1 per adult & child free. Raffle, stalls, bottle tombola, refreshments, children’s entertainment, licensed bar & ….. yes, he’ll be there, it’s Father Christmas! Come & have some fun! We look forward to seeing you!

“*MAKE YOUR WAY TO HIM”:*

One-day Catholic youth event taking place on *Saturday 3*^*rd* *December*, 10.30 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church, King Street, Middlewich, CW10 9EB. Inspiring talks, lively worship, workshops, great people. Donation only, further information from 020 8675 2743 or _*info@youth2000.org *_See posters in the Porches.

*HOUSE GROUP:*

If you are in your 30s or 40s and would like to get to know some more people from church, you are welcome to join our informal social/spiritual house group. We meet monthly in each other’s houses to get to know each other and talk about things. Topics have include faith, the church today, our favourite music, watching films, books, the saints, Christians around the world, Mary. For more information contact Steve on 0754 8791 456 _*dutch1815@hotmail.co.uk*_or Sarah on 0775 7337 323 _*sarahjturner@yahoo.com*_Next meeting is on *Monday 19th December*.

*CHESTER & ELLESMERE PORT SVP WALSINGHAM PILGRIMAGE 2012:*

The pilgrimage will take place from *Monday 16*^*th* *to Thursday 19*^*th* *April*. The cost (assuming 50 including driver travel) will be approx. £165 per person including coach travel, accommodation, meals in Walsingham and gratuities. For more details please contact Brian & Val Forrest (01244 318863) or any SVP member.

*NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER:*

This will be compiled by Brian Hall

Tel: 01244 371998, email *bhhall@talktalk.net*

Items for inclusion can also be left in the blue folder in the Sacristy. Please ensure that all items are in place by 9.00 a.m. on Thursday. Please include a phone number in case of queries.

Please take your Newsletter home and use it for reference and prayer during the week. Current and past issues of the Newsletter can be seen on the Parish website: *www.stcolumbachester.org.uk*

*SUNDAY 20*^*TH* *NOVEMBER 2011.*

*MASS TIMES:**INTENTIONS:*

Saturday Vigil Mass: 7.15 p.m. Niamh and Colin

Special Intention

Sunday: 9.15 a.m. November List

11.00 a.m. First Sacraments Enrolment

Monday: 9.15 a.m. November List

Tuesday: 9.15 a.m. November List

Wednesday: 9.15 a.m. November List

Thursday: 9.15 a.m. November List

Friday: 9.15 a.m. November List

Saturday: 9.15 a.m. November List

Saturday Vigil Mass: 7.15 p.m. Hughie Middleton & Family

Sunday: 9.15 a.m. Glyn Williams RIP

11.00 a.m. The Parish

November is the month of the Holy Souls and Mass will be offered throughout the month for the November List Intentions. We remember all the Faithful Departed and give comfort and consolation in our remembrance of them.

*BAPTISMS:*

By appointment with Fr. Cooke. After speaking to Fr Cooke, it is important that parentscontactAnn Siddall (01244 371787)who will arrange for members of our Baptism Team to discuss Baptism and the practical details.

We welcome into the family of God, OLIVER RAYMOND BINYON who was baptised recently at St. Columba’s. Please remember him and his family in your prayers.

*CONFESSIONS: *Confessions are heard every Saturday after morning Mass, and in the evening from 6.45 p.m. – 7.10 p.m.

*ANNIVERSARIES:*

Please remember in your prayers: Fred Rowlands, William Pollock, John North, Joseph Smith, Margaret Theresa Dennan, Margaret Mary O’Grady, Joseph Desmond McCartney, Mary Catherine Hopkins, Alan (Tony) Trotter, Margaret Bird, Annie Keegan, Patricia Madden, Alan Banks, Kathleen Heffernan, Nora Hughes, Patricia McNicholas, Margaret Henderson, Anne Bowes, Sam Tierney, Michael Leon Delaney, Patrick Lavelle, Sibley, Fleury Brayet, Bridgit Corrigan, Martin Keating, Donald Brough, Frances Maud Boulton, Rob Jones, John Gordon Sands, Frank Buddery and

Nora Little

*COFFEE AFTER MASS:*

Tea and coffee are served in the Hall after the Sunday morning Masses. All are welcome.

*OFFERTORY: *

Loose Plate: £458.41

Planned Giving: £495.94

Average Weekly SOs £506.00

Donations: Piety Stall £158.00

Thank you for your support.

*UPTON CHURCHES PRAYER DIARY:*

This week we pray for:

*

The residents of Longfield Avenue, Iver Road and Iver Close.

*

The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children.

*

All those who are not able to attend church.

*FIRST SACRAMENTS ENROLMENT:*

During the 11.00 a.m. Mass this Sunday 33 children from the Parish are being enrolled into their First Sacraments Preparation Programme. Please pray for the children and their families at this special time in the development of their faith and commitment to Jesus and His Church.

*THE FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING:*

The Feast of Christ the King ends the liturgical year. We recognise in Jesus the fullness of life and through grace and love we hope to find our eternal home with him in The Father’s Kingdom.

*DIOCESAN YEAR OF PRAYER:*

The Diocesan Year of Prayer with Mary comes to a close on *Monday 21*^*st* *November*, the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On that day Bishop Mark will be celebrating a special Mass at 12 noon in Shrewsbury Cathedral. Everyone is very welcome to attend the Mass.

*NEEDLES AND PINS GROUP:*

The Needles and Pins Group meet again at 2 pm on Wed. 23rd November in the Church Hall.

*FEAST OF THE WEEK – ST. CECILIA:*

Tuesday 22^nd November is the feast day of St. Cecilia. Though a late 4^th century Church in Rome was named after her, nothing is known of Cecilia’s life or death. Popular legends were written about her in the late 5^th century, and in the 16^th century she was named the patron of music. Odes in her honour have been set by many composers, including Purcell, Handel and Britten. Tradition remembers Cecilia as a virgin, martyred for the faith. Her name is included in Eucharistic Prayer I (Roman Canon).

*SVP CHRISTMAS OUTING:*

This will be on 7^th December 2011, and we will go to the Yacht Inn on Parkgate Road for lunch and then on to Gordale Garden Centre for a couple of hours for you to look around and maybe buy Christmas Presents. If you know of anyone who is housebound or unable to get out please let any member of SVP know or phone Margaret Allmark 01244 399624.

*PARISH BUILDINGS COMMITTEE – REQUEST FOR NEW MEMBERS*

The committee oversees repairs and refurbishment of St Columba’s properties. We meet half a dozen times a year or so, the meetings are usually only an hour long, focus on actions and are not ‘talking shops’! We would very much appreciate hearing from any parishioners who might be interested in replacing two members who have left.**No ‘buildings’ experience is necessary – just common sense! Please contact Pauline Rourke or Graham Leech.

Tel: 01244-372392

E-mails: pauline.rourke@btinternet.com or leech2000@btinternet.com for further information.

*PARISH BUILDINGS COMMITTEE – HALL STORAGE*

The storage areas by the stage in the hall and at the back of the stage itself have become crowded with miscellaneous bits and pieces. Some of these appear to be surplus to requirements – and are a potential fire and access hazard. /Please could anyone involved in using the storage spaces tidy their things away and get rid of anything of no further use, or mark them as ‘to be disposed of’ before we hire a skip in the next couple of weeks and get rid of anything unclaimed/? Thanks very much.

*CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL THEME & PRAYER FOR THE WEEK:*

/What Young People offer us/

Dear Lord,

We pray for all young people, both near and far.

We think especially of the students in our school receiving the

Sacrament of Confirmation this week.

We pray also for the work of youth associations everywhere,

and all who work for and support young people. Amen

*CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL PRODUCTION OF OLIVER! *

This will be staged on Wednesday 30^th November, Thursday 1^st December and Friday 2^nd December in the school hall. Tickets will be £10 each and are available from the school office.

*CHESTER & ELLESMERE PORT SVP WALSINGHAM PILGRIMAGE 2012:*

The pilgrimage will take place from Monday 16^th to Thursday 19^th April. The cost (assuming 50 including driver travel) will be approx. £165 per person including coach travel, accommodation, meals in Walsingham and gratuities. For more details please contact Brian & Val Forrest (01244 318863) or any SVP member.

*NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER:*

This will be compiled by Bernard Payne

Tel: 01244 350323

Email: bernard.payne691@btinternet.com

Items for inclusion can also be left in the blue folder in the Sacristy. Please ensure that all items are in place by 9.00 a.m. on Thursday. Please include a phone number in case of queries.

Please take your Newsletter home and use it for reference and prayer during the week.

Current and past issues of the Newsletter can be seen on the Parish website: *www.stcolumbachester.org.uk*

MASS TIMES:​INTENTIONS:

Saturday Vigil Mass:​ 7.15 p.m.​November List.

Sunday:​ 9.15 a.m.​November List.

11.00 a.m.​The Parish

Monday:​ 9.15 a.m.​November List.

Tuesday: ​​ 9.15 a.m.​November List

Wednesday:​ 9.15 a.m.​November List

Thursday:​ 9.15 a.m.​November List

Friday:​ 9.15 a.m.​November List

Saturday:​ 9.15 a.m.​November List.

Pagbilao Association UK

Fiesta of St Catherine of Alexandria.

Saturday Vigil Mass:​ 7.15 p.m.​Niamh ​Intention.

Sunday:​ 9.15 a.m.​November List

11.00 a.m.​First Sacrements Enrolment.

November is the month of the Holy Souls and Mass will be offered throughout the month for the November List Intentions. We remember all the Faithful Departed and give comfort and consolation in our remembrance of them.

BAPTISMS:

By appointment with Fr. Cooke. After speaking to Fr Cooke, it is important that parents contact Ann Siddall (01244 371787) who will arrange for members of our Baptism Team to discuss Baptism and the practical details.

CONFESSIONS:Confessions are heard every Saturday after morning Mass, and in the evening from 6.45 p.m. – 7.10 p.m.

ANNIVERSARIES:

Please remember in your prayers: Charles Huxley, Denis Tobin, Theresa Hanratty, Kathleen Stanley, Mabel Bennett O’Kelly, Bertie Bond, Mavis Skinner, Catherine McPhillips, Percy Edwards, Elosie Magot Hunt, James Regan, Sheila Rigby, Kenneth Mahoney, Rose Ebo, John Carroll, George Pickering, Patricia Treacy, Teresa Devane, John Francis Rigby, Phillip McMullan, Joseph Ferri, Gertrude Buddery, Mary (May) O’Neill, Fred Rowlands, William Pollock, John North, Joseph Smith, Margaret Theresa Dennan, Margaret Mary O’Grady, Joseph Desmond McCartney.

COFFEE AFTER MASS:

Tea and coffee are served in the Hall after the Sunday morning Masses. All are welcome.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY:

The Upton Churches joint service will be at 3 p.m. on Sunday 13th November at the United Reformed Church. The preacher will be Fr. Peter Philips from St. Mary of the Angels, Hooton.

OFFERTORY:

Loose Plate:​£440.00

Planned Giving:​£505.90

Average Weekly SOs​​£506.00

Donations:Coffee Moring.​£64.17

Thank you for your support.

UPTON CHURCHES PRAYER DIARY:

This week we pray for:

•

Pray for the residents of Bache Drive, Dulas Court, Birch Rise, Long Lane and Mallard Court.•

For the ACF, Friendship Group, FM Group and Catholic Womens League.•

For all catering staff and those who make refreshments after the services.

CHESTER & ELLESMERE PORT SVP WALSINGHAM PILGRIMAGE 2012:

The pilgrimage will take place from Mon 16th to Thur 19th April. The cost (if 50 including driver travel) will be approx. £165 per person including coach travel, accommodation, meals in Walsingham and gratuities. For more details please contact Brian & Val Forrest (01244 318863)

FIRST SACRAMENTS ENROLMENT MASS:

On Sunday 20th November, Feast of Christ the King, the children in our Parish who are preparing to receive First Sacraments this school year will be enrolled at the 11.00 a.m. Mass. Please pray for the children and their families.

DIOCESAN YEAR OF PRAYER:

The Diocesan Year of Prayer with Mary comes to a close on Monday 21stNovember, the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On that day Bishop Mark will be celebrating a special Mass at 12 noon in Shrewsbury Cathedral. Everyone is very welcome to attend the Mass.

FEASTS OF THE WEEK:

Tuesday is the feast day of St. Albert the Great, one of the great Doctors of the Church. Today he would be called a “polymath” – his interests covering physics, astronomy, chemistry and biology, human and animal physiology, geography, geology and botany. Born in Germany in 1206, he studied in Italy at the University of Padua and became a leading figure in the early days of the Dominicans. Thomas Aquinas was one of his pupils. He was canonised in 1931 and named patron saint of students of the natural sciences.

Thursday is the feast day of St. Hilda (614 – 680), born in Northumbria at a time of great missionary movements that followed in the wake of Augustine’s arrival in England (597). Hilda was related to the Anglo Saxon royal families that ruled over both Northumbria and East Anglia. She became a nun at the age of 33 and was Abbess of Hartlepool before moving on to her main life’s work, founding and developing Whitby Abbey as a very important seat of learning. Hilda hosted the famous Synod of Whitby, which met in 663/4 to consider and resolve a number of differences between the Roman and Celtic monastic traditions in the Church.

RACE NIGHT 18th NOVEMBER:

Friday, 18th November at 7.30 p.m. Chester CAFOD Support Group Race Night will be held at St. Werburgh’s Parish Centre, Brooke Street. Please come along and join in the fun. In the meantime, we are selling horses for £2.00. The owners of winning horses will win a bottle of fair trade wine. To buy your horse please contact Bernard Payne on 01244 350323 or Sue Bownas 01244 679270; when buying a horse we ask you to name it too, so do have a name ready!

PAGBILAO FIESTA IN THE UK:

On Saturday 19th November the Philippino Pagbilao Association UK will be holding their 6th UK Fiesta, at St Columba’s. This is an annual gathering attended by the Association to honour the Patron Saint of their home town (Pagbilao, Quezon), St Catherine of Alexandria. Members and guests will gather to celebrate and commemorate their town fiesta being held in the Philippines. They will join St Columba’s 9.15 morning mass which will be for the intention of their fiesta. Their celebrations will continue in the Church Hall throughout the day.

ST CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA:

From the tenth century onwards veneration for St. Catherine of Alexandria has been widespread in the Church of the East, and from the time of the Crusades this saint has been popular in the West, where many churches have been dedicated to her and her feast day kept with great solemnity, sometimes as a holy-day of obligation. She is listed as one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers of mankind among the saints in Heaven; she is the patroness of young women, philosophers, preachers, theologians, wheelwrights, millers, and other workingmen. She was said to have appeared with Our Lady to St. Dominic and to Blessed Reginald of Orleans; the Dominicans adopted her as their special protectress. Hers was one of the heavenly voices heard by St. Joan of Arc.

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS & READERS ROTA: Please collect from front porch. E-mails will be sent if addresses known.

CAFOD:

Saturday, 19th November 11a.m. – CAFOD Shrewsbury Memorial Mass will be offered at St Werburgh’s Birkenhead, CH41 2XZ for all those who have gone before us and whose values, generosity and commitment have influenced our lives. We will especially be remembering all those who have worked to promote and support CAFOD during the last 50 years. Do join us in prayer and reflection if you can; light refreshments will be served after Mass.If you wish to have someone included in our Remembrance Book, slips are available for you to provide details, or contact Sue and Liz on shrewsbury

AUTUMN FAYRE – SUNDAY 20THNOV:

St Columba’s annual Autumn Fayre will be held on Sunday the 20th November. Please come along and enjoy Hot Dogs, Home Made Soups, Cake Stall and of course the world famous Bottle Tombola. Please leave any bottle donations for the Tombola in the Church Office thank you. Any donations of cakes can also be made on the morning.

SVP CHRISTMAS OUTING:

This will be on 7th December 2011, and we will go to the Yacht Inn on Parkgate Road for lunch and then on to Gordale Garden Centre for a couple of hours for you to look around and maybe buy Christmas Presents. If you know of anyone who is housebound or unable to get out please let any member of SVP know or phone Margaret Allmark 01244 399264.

PASTORAL COUNCIL:

The next meeting of St. Columba’s Pastoral Council will be at 7.30 p.m. on Monday, 14th November in the Parish Office.

RED MISSION BOXES:

Please leave you Red Mission Box in the Sacristy for Margaret Curtis (318424) to collect. If you wish to Gift Aid, sellotape a message to your box. You can collect your box from the rear porch.

NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER:

This will be compiled by Alison Wrigglesworth

Tel: 01244 382457

Email: alison.wrigglesworth

Items for inclusion can also be left in the blue folder in the Sacristy. Please ensure that all items are in place by 9.00 a.m. on Thursday. Please include a phone number in case of queries.

Please take your Newsletter home and use it for reference and prayer during the week.

Current and past issues of the Newsletter can be seen on the Parish website:www.stcolumbachester.org.uk

CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL THEME AND PRAYER FOR THE WEEK:

AntiBullying Week

Father, help me to treat everybody I meet today with dignity and respect,especially the people

I find difficult to get on with.

Help me to see the face of Christ in others and avoid any temptation to say or do anything which may hurt them. Amen.

HANDEL’S MESSIAH:

Chester Music Society Choir and the Liverpool Sinfonia Orchestra will be performing this enduringly popular work on Saturday 19th November in Chester Cathedral, at 7.30 p.m. Tickets are £6 to £17, available by phoning07805 475816.

*SUNDAY 6*^*TH* *NOVEMBER 2011.*

*MASS TIMES:**INTENTIONS:*

Saturday Vigil Mass: 7.15 p.m. Rosario Daly

Sunday: 9.15 a.m. November List

11.00 a.m. Bill Roberts

Monday: 9.15 a.m. Peter Cawson

Tuesday: 9.15 a.m. November List

Wednesday: 9.15 a.m. November List

Thursday: 9.15 a.m. November List

Friday: 9.15 a.m. November List

Saturday: 9.15 a.m. November List

Saturday Vigil Mass: 7.15 p.m. November List

Sunday: 9.15 a.m. November List

11.00 a.m. The Parish

November is the month of the Holy Souls and Mass will be offered throughout the month for the November List Intentions. We remember all the Faithful Departed and give comfort and consolation in our remembrance of them.

*BAPTISMS:*

By appointment with Fr. Cooke. After speaking to Fr Cooke, it is important that parentscontactAnn Siddall (01244 371787)who will arrange for members of our Baptism Team to discuss Baptism and the practical details.

*CONFESSIONS: *Confessions are heard every Saturday after morning Mass, and in the evening from 6.45 p.m. – 7.10 p.m.

*ANNIVERSARIES:*

Please remember in your prayers: Gerald Finan, John Gordon Sands, Arnold Whittaker, Arthur Kavanagh, Emily Burton, Ivan Tate, Alison Riva, Eva Adams, Mary Chambers, Bob Croft, Trevor Price, Paul Harrison, Marie Teresa Sheridan, Mary Heffernan, Michael Heffernan, Deanna Morgan, Tessa Stacey, Therese Stecszyn, Robert Jones, Maria Bullen, Joseph Patrick Barlow, Stephen Augustine Pendlebury, Lionel Dean, Thomas Leslie Borrows, Gregory Morris, Greg Morns, Margaret Mary Norbury, Charles Huxley, Denis Tobin, Theresa Hanratty, Kathleen Stanley, Mabel Bennett O’Kelly, Bertie Bond and Mavis Skinner.

*COFFEE AFTER MASS:*

Tea and coffee are served in the Hall after the Sunday morning Masses. All are welcome.

*SVP MONTH COLLECTION: *Will take place this weekend (5/6^th Nov.) Thanks for CONTINUED SUPPORT.

*OFFERTORY: *

Loose Plate: £446.81

Planned Giving: £491.12

Average Weekly SOs £506.00

Thank you for your support.

*UPTON CHURCHES PRAYER DIARY:*

This week we pray for:

*

The residents of Upton Drive, Pine Gardens & Bache Avenue

*

The British Legion, Golf Club and Village Hall Committee and all who use these facilities

*

Those who have served their country.

*REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY:*

The Upton Churches joint service will be at 3 p.m. on *Sunday 13^th November*at the United Reformed Church. The preacher will be Fr. Peter Philips from St. Mary of the Angels, Hooton.

*CHESTER & ELLESMERE PORT SVP WALSINGHAM PILGRIMAGE 2012:*

The pilgrimage will take place from Mon 16^th to Thur 19^th April. The cost (if 50 including driver travel) will be approx. £165 per person including coach travel, accommodation, meals in Walsingham and gratuities. For more details please contact Brian & Val Forrest (01244 318863)

*DIOCESAN YEAR OF PRAYER:*

The Diocesan Year of Prayer with Mary comes to a close on *Monday 21*^*st* *November*, the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On that day Bishop Mark will be celebrating a special Mass at 12 noon in Shrewsbury Cathedral. Everyone is very welcome to attend the Mass.

*CONWAY CENTRE RESIDENTIAL:*

Please remember in your thoughts and prayers our year 7 children who will be away from the Catholic High for most of the coming week enjoying the activities at the Conway Centre. May they all return safely and in good health.

*PASTORAL COUNCIL: *The next meeting of St. Columba’s Pastoral Council will be at 7.30 p.m. on Monday, 14^th November in the Parish Office.

*EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS & READERS ROTA: *Please collect from front porch. E-mails will be sent if addresses known

*CAFOD:*

*Saturday, 19^th November 11 a.m.*Memorial Mass at *St Werburgh’s**Birkenhead*for all those who have gone before us and whose values, generosity and commitment have influenced our lives. Remembering especially CAFOD supporters during the last 50 years. If you wish to include someone in our Remembrance Book, slips are available, or contact Sue or Liz 01244 677594.

*GIFT AID:*

From time to time we remind you to check your income tax affairs to ensure that you are paying sufficient income tax to cover the amount which the Parish recovers on your behalf. This is particularly relevant as it has just come to my notice, not in this parish or diocese, that someone who was not paying sufficient tax to cover his recovery was sent a bill for that amount by HMRC. If you are not sure what all this means, please contact David Savage, St. Columba’s Gift Aid Organiser, on 380626.

*PARISH BUILDINGS COMMITTEE – *

*REPORT FROM THE MEETING ON 17*^*TH* *OCTOBER 2011 *

We are receiving estimates from a number of contractors for the removal of the existing floor tiles in the church and for re-covering the floor with either tiles or carpet. We will take the best advice we can obtain in order to make the appropriate recommendation as to the nature of the new floor covering. We were grateful to parishioners who responded to our request to express a preference about the sample re-padded kneelers. The denser padding was preferred. The kneelers will be attended to after the floor is resurfaced. We are also considering the replacement of the outside doors to the hall to improve security. We have had motion sensors installed in the toilets in the hall so that the lights cannot be left on overnight.

_pauline.rourke@btinternet.com _; _leech2000@btinternet.com _

*A Very Warm Welcome Awaits New Members:*

The committee oversees repairs and refurbishment of St Columba’s properties. Two members have moved away this year. We would very much appreciate hearing from any parishioners who might be interested in helping by filling the vacancies.**No ‘buildings’ experience is necessary – just common sense! We meet half a dozen times a year or so. Please contact Pauline Rourke or Graham Leech on Chester 372392 or _pauline.rourke@btinternet.com _; or _leech2000@btinternet.com _for further information.

*The Storage Areas by the Stage in the Hall*and at the back of the stage itself have become crowded with miscellaneous bits and pieces. Some may still have a purpose and if so should be stored away tidily in the available cupboards. Some, however, appear to be surplus to requirements – and are a potential fire and access hazard. /Please could anyone involved in using the storage spaces tidy their things away and get rid of anything of no further use before we take steps to hire a skip and get rid of the remainder/. Thanks very much.

*DATE FOR DIARIES:*

*Friday, 18*^*th* *November at 7.30 p.m.*Chester CAFOD Support Group Race Night will be held at St. Werburgh’s Parish Centre, Brooke Street. Please come along and join in the fun. In the meantime, we are selling horses for £2.00. The owners of winning horses will win a bottle of fair trade wine. To buy your horse please contact Bernard Payne on 01244 350323 or Sue Bownas 01244 679270; when buying a horse we ask you to name it too, so do have a name ready!

*ST PIO PRAYER GROUP: *Next meeting is Thursday 10 November at 7.30pm at 10 Totland Grove, Newton, Chester.

*CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL THEME AND PRAYER FOR THE WEEK:*

/Celebrating Old Age/

We thank God for the contribution that elderly people make to our wider community.

We think particularly of our grandparents.

We value their experience, their wisdom and their strength.

May we always treat elderly people with dignity and kindness and give them the respect they deserve. Amen.

*A NIGHT NOT TO BE MISSED:*

St Werburgh’s & St Columba’s Primary School PTA presents a *Family Music Evening *on Friday 11th Nov., St Columba’s Church Hall. 7 – 10pm.

Performances from St Werburgh’s & St Columba’s School Choir, Catholic High Choir ‘Breathe’,

The Songsmiths & the Catholic High’s internationally famed ‘City Jazz Band’. Licensed bar available.

Tickets cost £3 per adult & 50p per child & are available from the School Office or from Helen Harrison on 342431.

*AUTUMN FAYRE – SUNDAY 20*^*th* *NOV:*

The countdown until St. Columba’s Autumn Fayre continues. We would appreciate donations of bottles for the Tombola.Support your parish and donate bottles of any kind for the Tombola, please leave them in the Church Office. Thank you!

*PREPARATION FOR FIRST SACRAMENTS:*

Parents of all children in the Parish who are preparing to receive First Forgiveness and First Holy Communion this school year are reminded of the first Parents’ Meeting at St. Werburgh’s and St. Columba’s School *this Thursday 10*^*th* *November at 7.00 p.m.*

*SVP CHRISTMAS OUTING:*

This will be on 7^th December 2011, and we will go to the Yacht Inn on Parkgate Road for lunch and then on to Gordale Garden Centre for a couple of hours for you to look around and maybe buy Christmas Presents. If you know of anyone who is housebound or unable to get out please let any member of SVP know or phone Margaret Allmark 01244 399264.

*UPTON CHURCHES CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION:*

Please hand in your entries to Pauline Payne this weekend.

*NEXT WEEK’S NEWSLETTER:*

This will be compiled by Harry Sweeney

Tel: 01244 327462

Email: harrye_sweeney@hotmail.com

Items can also be left in the blue folder in the Sacristy. Please ensure that all items (with contact phone nos.) are in place by 9.00 a.m. on Thursday.