Special Events
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)Introduction Session: 9th December 2025
Do you want to experience the Church More Deeply?
If you feel a desire to grow closer to Jesus, understand the teach1ngs of the Church, and fully participate in the life of the Catholic community, we warmly invite you to RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). RCIA Is the Church's pathway for adults seeking to enter more fully into the Catholic faith or to deepen their faith. It prepares participants for Baptism, Profession of Faith, Confirmation, or Eucharist, depending on each person's situation. It is intended for:
• Adults who have not been baptised • Christians from other traditions seeking full communion with the Catholic Church • Catholics who have not yet received Confirmation or Eucharist • anyone desiring a deeper encounter with the Church and its life.
RCIA is a supportive and personal journey: learning to know Jesus more deeply, discovering the richness of the Catholic faith, and growing as a disciple in community.
Schedule
Introduction Session: 9th December 2025
RCIA consists of three 12-week terms: • Winter: 13th January - 24th March 2026 • Spring: 14th April - 30th June 2026 • Autumn: 14th September - 8th December 2026
Further Stages in 2027 • an additional winter section • Lent 2027 as immediate preparation for Baptism or Reception into the Church • mystagogical catechesis in spring 2027, to deepen the experience of the sacraments received.
If you are interested in joining RCIA, please send us an email [email protected], and we will provide you with a link to the registration form. Even if you have not participated in Alpha or other parish programs, RCIA is open to all adults who wish to grow in faith and fully embrace the life of the Church.
Catholic High School Christmas Fair & Carol Service
This takes place on Tuesday 16th December, 4pm to 6pm in the School Hall. Entry fee is Ł1 and all welcome! Santa's Grotto, stalls, amazing food and music. Please come support this event!
After the Christmas Fair, there will be a Carol Service in the Lyceum (6th Form building) at 6:30pm. Enjoy mince pies and a glass of wine at the interval before a final blast of Christmas songs and dance!
Monthly & Weekly Events
Vigil Mass – First Saturday of the Month at 6:30pm St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Chester
As we prepare for the 800th Anniversary of the Death of St. Francis, our parish is beginning a new series of monthly Franciscan teachings on the Rule of St. Francis, to be given each month by friars and sisters from various Franciscan communities.
The series began on Saturday, 1st November, with a Vigil Mass at 6:30 pm, followed by teaching and adoration with our parish music team. The first reflection, was led by the Minor Sisters of Saint Francis from Birmingham, and focused on the theme “Living the Gospel” — the heart of Franciscan life and spirituality.
Through prayer, teaching, and worship, we will explore how the words and example of St. Francis continue to guide us today in living the Gospel with simplicity, joy, and faith.
All parishioners and friends are warmly invited to take part in each evening of our Franciscan journey.
Upcoming themes in the series: * 6th December 2025 – Call and Formation * 3rd January 2026 – Prayer and Worship * 7th February 2026 – Holy Poverty and Dependence on God * 7th March 2026 – Work as Humble Service * 2nd May 2026 – Fraternal Love and Correction * 6th June 2026 – Obedience and Servant Leadership * 4th July 2026 – Mission in the World * 1st August 2026 – Unity * 5th September 2026 – Simplicity and Purity of Heart
Growing Disciples - Children and Parents Ministry St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Chester
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We warmly invite all families to join our new Saturday Children and Family Ministry, for children preparing for and after First Holy Communion!
Every Saturday at 6:30pm, Mass will be at the heart of our ministry, followed by time for children and parents to gather in the parish hall.
* 1st Saturday of the month – Mass with Franciscan teaching, praise & worship. * 2nd Saturday – Mass followed by an icebreaker games in the hall. * 3rd Saturday – Mass and motion worship for children (dance, movement, and prayer in the hall). * 4th (and 5th) Saturday – Mass with teaching and creative/craft activities.
Our ministry includes preparation for First Holy Communion, as well as continued formation and engagement for children after Communion, with prayer, family involvement, and joyful learning.
Starting 14th February 2026, we will also launch the Alpha Course for parents, with parallel activities for children.
We aim to build a vibrant, joyful community of prayer, friendship, and service centered on the Eucharist. Families, children, and friends – all are welcome!
* Volunteer parents wanted!
If you have skills in working with children, know fun icebreaker games, enjoy crafts, art, music, or dance — and want to be part of our team (even just once every two months) — we would love to hear from you. Email: [email protected]
Invitation to Weekly Parish Community Gatherings Over Coffee and Tea
We warmly invite you to join our weekly parish community gatherings over coffee and tea, held after the Sunday 9:30am Mass. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect, enjoy fellowship, and strengthen our bonds within the community.
If you are interested in helping organize these gatherings on a rotating basis, please send us an email [email protected] Together, we can create a welcoming space where everyone feels at home. We look forward to seeing you this Sunday!
The Rosary
The Rosary will be recited at 11.30am Monday to Thursday. If you would like to volunteer to lead the Rosary please contact Br Piotr. All are welcome to join in.
The prayers that compose the Rosary are arranged in sets of ten Hail Marys, called "decades". Each decade is preceded by one Lord's Prayer, and traditionally followed by one Glory Be.
Usually, five decades are recited in a session. Each decade provides an opportunity to meditate on one of the Mysteries of the Rosary, which recall events in the lives of Jesus Christ and his mother Mary.
Wikipedia contains a series on the Rosary of the Catholic Church available via this link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosary
St Francis Holy Hour
We will be meeting weekly for a Holy Hour to pray, to reflect and to share. We pray for our parish and our country in the sacramental presence of our Lord. We reflect on inspired readings and most of all on God’s Word. We share our thoughts and life experiences as Christian brothers and sisters. You are more than welcome to join in weekly, or bi-weekly or just once in a while when you can make it on Thursday evenings from 6:30 p.m. in the Church (Entry via the green door at the left hand side of the Church).
If you have questions call 01244 351331. See you there!
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