Events in April 2018
Franciscans In Chester: St Francis' Church History Book Available
Our book 'Franciscans In Chester: St Francis' Church and Friary' by Peter Bamford and Bernard Beatty has been published here on our website www.stfrancischester.co.uk.
'ACTS' Day of Reflection: Saturday 21st April 2018
Work and Love - the big things in our lives" is the theme for the next Day of Reflection for 'ACTS' ('Adult Catholics Together Spiritually') being held on Sat 21st April 2018. If you are aged between 18 - 35 please join us when we will be led by Canon Brendan Hoban. The day will start at 9.30pm at Wistaston Hall, Crewe CW2 8JS and finish around 5pm.
Payment by anonymous donation (suggested cost £15 & £10 for unemployed/students). Please contact Siobhan Cartwright for further details ( siobhanbc@gmail.com / tel: 0161 477 2783 / 07761 138947). Wistaston Hall is accessible by public transport but please contact Siobhan to discuss the possibility of getting a lift if required.
'CCRS' Catholic Certificate of Religious Studies: Saturday 21st April 2018
CCRS: The next module, The Person of Jesus, led by Fr Tony McGrath for the Catholic Certificate of Religious Studies begins on Saturday 21st April at Our Lady’s, Ellesmere Port, CH65 8BY (9:30am for) 10:00– 3:30pm with the second on Saturday 19th May.
You may start the course (comprising 8 modules) at the beginning of any module – registration forms and details are on the website at www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org/education/ccrs
A non-certificate option is also available (no essays!) Particularly aimed at teachers, catechists and those who wish to learn more about our Catholic Faith.
SPUC Pro-Life Chain: Saturday 21st April 2018
SPUC Pro-Life Chain: This annual demonstration will be held on Hoole Road by Canadian Avenue on Saturday, 21 April, from 11am to 12.30pm. We will hold placards with Pro-Life messages for passing motorists to see, whilst we stand in silence on the kerbside. Please pray for the success of this demonstration and join us if you can, even if for a short time.
Healing Mass: Saturday 21st April 2018
A Healing Mass for all families that are affected by mental illness and those that work with them. The mass will be held at St James’, 40, Underwood Road, Hattersley, Hyde, SK14 3DH on Saturday 21st April at 12 Noon. There will be an Anointing of the Sick during the Mass and an opportunity for socialising and meeting members of the Diocesan Mental Health Action Group afterwards.
Parents Association Dance Night: Friday 27th April 2018
Each year we hold a Parents Association Dance Night at the Catholic High School, hosted by our Parents Association and featuring our school swing band, The City Jazz Orchestra and Singers. The event raises money for the Parents Association and is always great fun. There is no charge for tickets, but we do ask for a donation on the door. There will be a raffle and a bar. The PA Dance Night will be on Friday 27th April, doors open at 7.30 - band on stage from 8pm.
Events in May 2018
Hospital Mass: Thursday 3rd May 2018
At 12:15pm on the first Thursday of each month a Mass is celebrated in the Chapel of the Countess of Chester Hospital. This is for patients/outpatients, staff, families, friends and the wellbeing of our hospitals, including the Bowmere. All are welcome.
'Time For Jesus': Friday 4th May 2018
On Friday 4th May we continue the special celebration 'Time for Jesus' which started on Friday 7th November 2014. It will begin at 11.00 am with the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Sacrament of Reconciliation then at 12 Noon there will be Holy Eucharist followed by the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament which will be held until 9.00 pm.
During this time there will be:
- Midday Prayer of the Church after Mass;
- Divine Mercy Prayer at 3.00pm followed by the Holy Rosary;
- Mass in Polish at 6.30pm;
- All the time there will be a Priest available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
At 9pm a group of parishioners will continue with prayer and readings in the small Chapel behind the main altar until 1am. All are welcome.
'Secular Franciscans Group': Sunday 6th May 2018
This is the date of the May meeting of the S.F.O. at 2.15pm in the Friary. Please note all future meetings of the S.F.O. will now take place on the first Sunday of each month.
The rule and life of the Secular Franciscans is this: To observe the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ by following the example of Saint Francis of Assisi, who made Christ the inspiration and the centre of his life with God and people. (From the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order).
If you would like to know more, please contact the minister of the Chester fraternity; Mrs Kate Hughes OFS, 7 Lansdowne Grove, Chester, CH4 8LD, telephone 01244 683538. Or follow this link to the national Secular Franciscan website; The Secular Franciscan Order of GB
Monday Club: Monday 7th May 2018
The Monday Club are a group of retired/semi-retired parishioners who get together on the first Monday of each month at 2:00pm in the Hall. They arrange trips out for meals, visits to Garden Centres and other activities throughout the year. Anyone who would like to attend the meeting and take part in future activities of the Group would be very welcome to join them.
Shrewsbury Lourdes Hospitality: Saturday 12th May 2018
To all members of the Shrewsbury Lourdes Hospitality At the last AGM we voted to begin a working party to look at our constitution and ensure that it is fit for purpose for the future. We have met a couple of times and have come up with some draft proposals. We will meet again at St Mary of the Angels, Hooton on Saturday, 12th May at 1.30pm. Anyone who wishes to join us will be very welcome. If you would like to receive a copy of the existing constitution and the suggested changes or, if you are unable to join us but want to make a comment, please email me at annerogowski584@hotmail.com and I will ensure that your points are fed back. We hope to have a final proposal ready to put before the AGM in September. Anne Rogowski.
CCRS: The next module, The Person of Jesus: Saturday 19th May 2018
CCRS: The next module, The Person of Jesus, led by Fr Tony McGrath for the Catholic Certificate of Religious Studies began on Saturday 19 May. You may start the course (comprising 8 modules) at the beginning of any module A non-certificate option is also available (no essays) – registration forms and details are on the website at www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org/education/ccrs.
Future Events
NightFever: Friday 15th June 2018
On Friday 15th June we’ll be launching a ‘NightFever’ programme in St Francis’ Church Chester. We will start with Mass at 7pm. Adoration will begin at 8pm running through until 10:30pm. NightFever is a fairly new idea and requires a small team of willing volunteers to go out into busy town/city centres inviting passers-by to come into church to light a candle and experience Adoration. There is also the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of reconciliation.
NightFever is hugely successful across Europe and the USA. So please do come along to Mass and spend some time in prayer during adoration after. If anyone would like to volunteer/more info please contact Ant Hunt on 07714 160 268
Multidisciplinary Conference on Sex and Gender for Catholic Educators: 13th-14th July 2018
Venue: St Mary’s University, Waldegrave Rd, Twickenham, TW1 4SX Dates: 13th-14th July 2018 Web site: www.sexandgender2018.com
For: All those working in the Formation of Young People, including teachers, parents, chaplains, catechists and pastors.
Goal: To equip educators and formators with a full and positive vision of the human person in his or her sexuality, so that they can better serve those who struggle with confusion in this area. There will also be a legal workshop to help them know where they stand with regard to the law.
The Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes: 26th July – 3rd August 2018
This year marks the 160th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady to Bernadette in Lourdes. The Diocesan Pilgrimage will take place from 26th July - 3rd August overland and 27th July - 2nd August by air.
Brochures and booking forms can be downloaded from the Pilgrimage Website: www.shrewsburypilgrimage.co.uk or from the;
Pilgrimage Office: St Alban's, 30 Mill Lane, Wallasey, CH44 5UD.
This year flight seats are limited so early booking is recommended.
Lifeteen Summer Camp UK #LTCAMPUK, 5th – 9th August 2018
What: Lifeteen Summer Camp UK #LTCAMPUK A week packed with high-adrenaline outdoor adventure including archery, mountain biking, climbing and much more. Enjoy a full day at Alton Towers and of course Mass, Reconciliation, amazing music, Eucharistic Adoration and talks from international speakers.
Why: Journey with new friends, be transformed as you pray, share and have fun together. Encounter your faith in a new way and delve deeper into what God has in store for you!
Where: Alton Castle, Staffordshire, ST104TTWhen: Sunday 5th - Thursday 9th August 2018 Who: For young people aged 11-18 Donation: The cost is £265 per person, but we ask for a minimum of £185. Group Leaders: Youth Leaders from Parishes are encouraged to attend with their young people, clergy too! We encourage Parishes to sponsor their Leaders donation for the Camp. Clergy are FREE to attend!
Booking: Bookings are now open. Email to register your interest youth@dioceseofshrewsbury.org
Full details are available from the 'What's On' page of the Shewsbury Youth Mission Team website. www.symt.org.uk
Adoremus, The Eucharistic Congress: Liverpool, 7th – 9th September 2018
Adoremus, The Eucharistic Congress will take place in Liverpool on 7-9 September 2018. Cost details are given as £40 per person for attendance for a session taking place on Friday 7 September (intended for those involved in catechesis and formation) or for Saturday 8 September (ie £40 per day). This cost also includes “privileged places” to one of 2 solemn Masses at The Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King in Liverpool on Sunday 9 September. If you are interested to participate please talk with Br Jarek. Full details are available from the announcement page of the Catholic News website. www.catholicnews.org.uk
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