Parish News Blog

Church News and Blog

2020

September

Blog - Our Lady and St Werburgh

This Week - 12/09/2020

Adam here, I hope that you are all well. This weekend's live-stream of Holy Mass will be tomorrow at 11am.

This weeks update includes the parish newsletter, Father Anton's weekly column, and new dates and times for future Live Masses. Public Mass times are Saturdays at 6.00pm and Sundays at 10.00am and 11.00am.

Tomorrow there is a Foodbank Collection taking place this Sunday between 2-3 pm in the parish car park! Come along and bring your contributions and catch up on the news in general!

Thank you once again to all 113 of the newsletter subscribers.

Blog - Revitalisation of The Parish Foodbank Operation

Supporting our Local Foodbank - 05/09/2020

Tomorrow between 2.00 – 3.00pm our representative for Foodbank will be in the church car park gathering supplies for those in need.

Blog - Our Lady and St Werburgh

This Week - 05/09/2020

Adam here, I hope that you are all well. This weekend's live-stream of Holy Mass will now be tomorrow at 6pm. Due to techical issues i am told.

This weeks update includes the parish newsletter, Father Anton's weekly column, and new dates and times for future Live Masses.

As requested by many of you all, I have added a picture of myself to this blog in place of the older pictures. I hope you like.

Thank you once again to all 110 of the newsletter subscribers.

August

Blog - Our Lady and St Werburgh

This Week - 30/08/2020

Adam here, I hope that you are all well.

Our 30th Live Streamed Mass was this morning. A small update to Mass times this week.

Thank you once again to all 110 of the newsletter subscribers.

Blog - Our Lady and St Werburgh

This Week - 16/08/2020

Adam here, I hope that you are all well. Finally, we have all had a break from the harsh heat!

Our 29th Live Streamed Mass was this morning. It was great that Mass was attended by parishioners for the first time. Updates this week include the Newsletter and Father Anton's weekly column.

The Church will be open on Wednesday for prayer from 6.30 pm until 7.30 pm.

Please note there will be no streamed Mass on the weekend of 22nd and 23rd August.

From the weekend of the 29th and 30th August we will be streaming one of the weekend Masses live - with updates via school, on the parish website, in the newsletter, and from Fr Anton.

Thank you once again to all 110 of the newsletter subscribers.

Blog - Our Lady and St Werburgh

This Week - 09/08/2020

Adam here, I hope that you are all enjoying the sunny weather. It has been tremendously hot here in Kent.

Our 28th Live Streamed Mass was this morning. Updates this week include information concerning the re-opening of our church next week. As always there is the Newsletter and Father Anton's weekly column.

Our streamed Mass on Tuesday 11th August at 7pm will be our final midweek streamed Mass for the time being.

The Church will be open on Wednesday for prayer from 6.30 pm until 7.30 pm.

Please note there will be no streamed Mass on the weekend of 22nd and 23rd August.

From the weekend of the 29th and 30th August we will be streaming one of the weekend Masses live - with updates via school, on the parish website, in the newsletter, and from Fr Anton.

Thank you once again to all 110 of the newsletter subscribers.

Mass Times for Next Week.

  • Saturday August 15th at 6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am and 11 am

The 10 am Sunday Mass will be streamed but will have a different presentation due to the catering of people under health and safety guidance.

Everyone will be required to wear a face mask when you come to church unless you have an exemption such as breathing difficulties.

Blog - Our Lady and St Werburgh

This Week - 02/08/2020

Adam here, I hope you are enjoying the sensational weather. Our 26th live streamed Mass is today.

This weeks updates include new streamed live mass times, the newsletter, and Fr. Anton's column.

Today from 2 to 3pm our representative for Foodbank will be in the church car park gathering supplies for those in need.

Father Joe Tynan who served in this area for many years has passed away. May he rest in peace!

Thank you once again to all the newsletter subscribers.

Blog - Revitalisation of The Parish Foodbank Operation

Supporting our Local Foodbank - 02/08/2020

Today between 2.00 – 3.00pm our representative for Foodbank will be in the church carpark gathering supplies for those in need.

July

Blog - Our Lady and St Werburgh

This Week - 25/07/2020

Adam here, I hope you are keeping well. Our 24th live streamed Mass is today. This weeks updates include opening times for prayer at our Church, the newsletter, and Fr. Anton's column.

Also, The Birmingham Diocesan Trust (BDT) is looking to appoint an experienced and qualified social worker. Full details here.

Thank you all the newsletter subscribers because the list keeps on growing. The number of subscribers is now 109.

Video feeds for Mass continue to be posted on the St. Werburgh School Facebook Page and our website homepage.

Blog - Revitalisation of The Parish Foodbank Operation

Supporting our Local Foodbank - 25/07/2020

We are looking to help our Local Foodbank. There will be a collection of items next Sunday August 2nd between 2.00 – 3.00 pm. We have had a great response for the last two collections and look forward to your continued generosity.

Blog - Our Lady and St Werburgh

This Week - 19/07/2020

Adam here, I hope you are keeping well. Our 22nd live streamed Mass is today. This weeks updates include the newsletter, and Fr. Anton's column.

Also, we hereby give notice that Frazer Bloor and Rachel Husband are due to be married at All Saints Church, Kings Bromley, Lichfield on September 5th 2020.

Another big thank all the newsletter subscribers. Now at 106!

Video feeds for Mass continue to be posted on the St. Werburgh School Facebook Page and our website homepage.

Blog - Our Lady and St Werburgh

This Week - 11/07/2020

Adam here, I hope you are keeping well. Our 20th live streamed Mass is today. Last one was on Tuesday. This weeks updates include the newsletter, and Fr. Anton's column. New pictures of the small chapel have been added to the St Werburgh picture gallery.

A big thank all the newsletter subscribers. Almost 100! Now 106!

Kenelm Youth Trust is offering Adventure Holidays at Alton Castle. More details

Video feeds for Mass continue to be posted on the St. Werburgh School Facebook Page and our website homepage.

Blog - Our Lady and St Werburgh

This Week - 05/07/2020

Adam here, I hope you are keeping well. Our 18th live streamed Mass is today. This weeks updates include the newsletter, and Fr. Anton's column.

Kenelm Youth Trust is offering Adventure Holidays at Alton Castle. More details

Video feeds for Mass continue to be posted on the St. Werburgh School Facebook Page and our website homepage.

A big thank all 96 of the newsletter subscribers.

June

Blog - Our Lady and St Werburgh

This Week - 28/06/2020

Adam here, I hope you are all well. Our 16th live streamed Mass was today. This weeks updates include the newsletter, and Fr. Anton's column aswell as new pictures of Father Anton.

Video feeds for Mass continue to be posted on the St. Werburgh School Facebook Page and our website homepage.

A big thank all 96 of the newsletter subscribers.

Blog - Our Lady and St Werburgh

This Week - 21/06/2020

Adam here, I hope you are all well. Our 14th live streamed Mass was today. This weeks updates include the newsletter, Fr. Anton's column and news updates.

New website home page update; A more recent picture of the front of our school. Photo credit to James O' Hara.

Video feeds for Mass continue to be posted on the St. Werburgh School Facebook Page and our website homepage.

Please note that on Tuesday 23rd June Fr. Anton will be celebrating 45 years in the priesthood. We in the parish encourage all parishioners to say the rosary on this day as a spiritual bouquet for Fr. Anton.

A big thank you to all of the newsletter subscribers. Almost 100 subscribers to date.

Blog - Our Lady and St Werburgh

This Week - 14/06/2020

Adam here, I hope you are all keeping well. The sun is out here in Kent so you are all getting some too where you are. Today was our 13th live streamed Mass to date. This weeks updates include the newsletter with Fr. Anton's column.

New website home page update; The single picture of our church altar shows 1 of 3 different pictures whenever the home page is shown. Photo credit to James O' Hara.

Video feeds for Mass continue to be posted on the St. Werburgh School Facebook Page and our website homepage.

Please note that as well as the Streamed Masses Fr. Anton's Congregation of Priests and Brother (The Sacred Heart) is streaming a Novena. This takes place until the Feast of the Sacred Heart on Friday 19th June.  Each night at 7 pm prayers will be said from the various parishes and communities that we serve in.  Fr. Anton's turn is on Tuesday 16th June at 7 p.m.

Fr. Antons birthday was yesterday and the children sang Happy Birthday on the carpark.

Another big thank you to all of the newsletter subscribers. Almost 90 subscribers to date.

Blog - Our Lady and St Werburgh

This Week - 07/06/2020

Adam here, I hope you are all keeping well. Today was our 10th live streamed Mass. This weeks updates include the newsletter with Fr. Anton's column.

If you missed The Virtual Lourdes Pilgrimage it is still available at www.birminghamdiocese.org.uk/lourdes-pilgrimage.

Video feeds for Mass continue to be posted on the St. Werburgh School Facebook Page and our website homepage.

Another big thank you to all of the newsletter subscribers.

May

Blog - Revitalisation of The Parish Foodbank Operation

Revitalisation of The Parish Foodbank Operation - 31/05/2020

Fr. Anton wished to draw your attention to the revitalisation of the parish Foodbank Operation! On Sunday June 7th from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. a collector will be present on the Parish Car Park. He will have his car boot open for people to place donations, all social distancing being observed. The need is very real for many of our citizens. Thank you in advance!

Blog - Our Lady and St Werburgh

This Week - 31/05/2020

Adam here, I hope you are all well and enjoying the nice weather. Today is our 9th live streamed Mass. This weeks updates include the newsletter with Fr. Anton's column.

The Virtual Lourdes Pilgrimage is being streamed live from St. Chad's Cathedral. The week features daily Mass, liturgy and Rosary ‘processions’. Full details here

Video feeds for Mass continue to be posted on the St. Werburgh School Facebook Page and our website homepage.

Another big thank you to all of the newsletter subscribers. As of writing, the count is 88 people!

Blog - Our Lady and St Werburgh

This Week - 24/05/2020

Adam here, I hope you are all well. Today is our 7th live streamed Mass. This weeks updates include the newsletter with Fr. Anton's column.

From 24th May there is a Virtual Lourdes Pilgrimage being streamed live from St. Chad's Cathedral. The week features daily Mass, liturgy and Rosary ‘processions’. Full details here

Video feeds for Mass continue to be posted on the St. Werburgh School Facebook Page and our website homepage.

Another big thank you to all of the newsletter subscribers.

Two Ways To Watch The Live Mass

  1. You can visit our website home page, the Mass will be shown there
  2. You can visit our school's facebook page at www.facebook.com/olswcatholicprimary/live/

Blog - Our Lady and St Werburgh

This Week - 16/05/2020

Adam here, I hope you are all well. Today is our 6th live streamed Mass. This weeks updates include the newsletter with Fr. Anton's column.

Video feeds for Mass and Children's Liturgy continue to be posted on the St. Werburgh School Facebook Page and our website homepage.

Another big thank you to all of you. As of today I am reaching out to 81 of you. Thank you again.

Two Ways To Watch The Live Mass

  1. You can visit our website home page, the Mass will be shown there
  2. You can visit our school's facebook page at www.facebook.com/olswcatholicprimary/live/

Blog - Our Lady and St Werburgh

This Week - 10/05/2020

Adam here, I hope you are all well as can be. Today is our third live streamed Mass. This weeks updates include the newsletter with Fr. Anton's column. Video feeds will be in place on the St. Werburgh School Facebook Page and our website homepage shortly before Masses start.

Also, a big thank you to you all for subscribing to the email version of the newsletter which i send out once a week. As of today I am reaching out to 77 of you. Thank you.

Live Mass Times

  • Thursday May 14th - Live At Mass 7.00pm
  • Saturday May 16th - Live at Mass 6.00pm - for Ashley Parish

Two Ways To Watch The Live Mass

  1. You can visit our website home page, the Mass will be shown there
  2. You can visit our school's facebook page at www.facebook.com/olswcatholicprimary/live/

Blog - Our Lady and St Werburgh

This Week - 03/05/2020

Adam here, I hope you all enjoyed the first live streamed Mass this morning. Just to confirm, the next Live Mass Times are:

  • Tuesday 5th May Live Mass at 6.00pm
  • Sunday 10th May Live Mass at 10.00am

Two Ways To Watch The Live Mass

  1. You can visit our website home page, the Mass will be shown there
  2. You can visit our school's facebook page at www.facebook.com/olswcatholicprimary/live/

Blog - Our Lady and St Werburgh

This Week - 02/05/2020

Adam here, keeping up updated with communications by email. I hope that you are well. Sunday tomorrow, Mass will be lived streamed from our Church.

How To Watch The Live Mass

  1. Visit our website home page
  2. Visit www.facebook.com/olswcatholicprimary/live/

I have also added the Archbishop Bernard longley's pastoral letter and the Letter for the faithfull from his Holiness Pope Francis.

Masses will continue to be streamed live at Sacred Heart Hanley, St Teresa’s Trent vale and St Chad’s Cathedral

Archbishop Bernard has recorded a Holy Week message

Pope Francis letter for the month of May - 02/05/2020

His Holiness Pope Francis has written and letter for all the faithful for the month of May.

Read Full Letter

April

Blog - Our Lady and St Werburgh

This Week - 26/04/2020

Adam here, keeping up updated with communications by email. I hope that you are well. The newsletter for this week features Fr. Anton's column, a short story of a reluctant dinosaur, and a poem by Fr, Anton. Also included is a Novena Prayer for the Safe Re-opening of the Churches.

I have this prayer and a prayer for Marriage and Family Life - Family Examen to to the prayers section.

Live from Our Lady and St Werburgh! It's your parish priest!

Next Sunday May 3rd there will be a live streamed Mass from Our Lady and St Werburgh. This will start at 10 a.m.

Masses continue to be streamed live at Sacred Heart Hanley, St Teresa’s Trent vale and St Chad’s Cathedral

Blog - Our Lady and St Werburgh

This Week - 19/04/2020

Adam here, keeping up updated with communications by email. I hope that you are all keeping fit and well. The newsletter for this week features Fr. Anton's column and a snap shot into a typical day.

I made new slide show for our website having being inspired by the beautiful pictures of St Chad's Catherdral.

I hope that you like it.

Masses continue to be streamed live at Sacred Heart Hanley, St Teresa’s Trent vale and St Chad’s Cathedral

Blog - Our Lady and St Werburgh

This Week - Maun Day Thursday to Easter Sunday - 09/04/2020

Adam here, keeping up updated with communications by email. I hope that you are well. The newsletter for this week featuring Fr. Anton's column is online. Please read the additional prayer included.

I encourage you all to listen to Archbishop Bernard's message.

See also Live masses times from St Chad’s Cathedral.

Masses continue to be streamed live at Sacred Heart Hanley and St Teresa’s Trent vale.

Live Masses at St. Chads

Live Masses Online - 07/04/2020

Holy Week Masses, celebrated by Archbishop Bernard will be live streamed from St Chad's Cathedral at the following times:

  • Daily Mass (Mon 6, Tues 7 and Wed 8 April) – 12.15pm
  • Mass of the Last Supper (Thurs 9 April) – 7.30pm
  • Solemn Liturgy, Good Friday (Fri 10 April) – 3pm
  • Easter Vigil Mass (Sat 11 April) – 8pm
  • Easter Sunday Mass (Sun 12 April) – 11am
  • Easter Monday Mass (Mon 13 April) - 10am

Masses from St Chad’s Cathedral

Archbishop Bernard has recorded a Holy Week message

Archbishop Bernard Longley's Holy Week Message - 06/04/2020

Archbishop Bernard has recorded a Holy Week message, focusing on solidarity in our current situation.

Listen to Archbishop Bernard's Message

Palm Sunday 2020

This Week - Palm Sunday - 05/04/2020

Adam here, keeping up updated with communications by email. I hope that you are well. The newsletter featuring Fr. Anton's column is online. Fr. Aton continues to say Mass everyday for us. The at Sacred Heart Hanley and St Teresa’s Trentvale continue to be streamed live.

It has been suggested that if we can procure a branch of greenery that we place it in the entrance to our homes as a sign of welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem.

Fr. Anton suggests setting up a little table for Maundy Thursday placing some bread and wine and a holy book and praying around it. On Good Friday add the crucifix after passing it around the family. And on Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday add the candle, the sign of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.

March

Pope Francis meditated on the calming of the storm from the Gospel of Mark - 29/03/2020

Something else to worth reading is the meditation on the calming of the storm from the Gospel of Mark by Pope Francis during the prayer service over which he presided on the steps of St Peter's Basilica. See Pope Francis during the Urbi et Orbi

The Re-dedication of England as the Dowry of Mary - 29/03/2020

This great event is today! Let us continue to say the Angelus each day and/or the Rosary and once again place our faith and trust in the Mother of the Church, the patroness of England.

This week - Fifth Sunday of Lent - 29/03/2020

Adam here, keeping up updated with communications by email. I hope that you are well. The newsletter featuring Fr. Anton's column is online. Masses at Sacred Heart Hanley and St Teresa’s Trentvale continue to be streamed live.

Please remember those who are sick, on the front line: in shops, intensive care in hospitals and all our health care specialists.

UK Catholic Diocesan Newspapers Available Online - 23/03/2020

Adam here with more updates. CathCom Group have made available all UK Catholic Diocesan newspapers on one website, www.churchpaper.co.uk, so parishioners can stay in contact with their Church and their community.

News Papers include

  • A&B News
  • Cardiff People
  • Catholic East Anglia (East Anglia Diocese)
  • Catholic South West
  • Catholic Pic (Archdiocese of Liverpool)
  • Hallam News
  • Lancaster Voice
  • Middlesbrough Voice
  • Nottingham Catholic News
  • The Pilgrim (Archdiocese of Southwark)
  • The Vine (Northampton Diocese)
  • UCM News (Union of Catholic Mothers)
  • Reach - Catholic Schools Paper

More papers expected to follow in during next few weeks

This week - Fourth Sunday of Lent - 22/03/2020

Adam here, keeping up updated with communications by email. I hope that you are coping as best you can in this difficult situation.

The newsletter includes just Fr. Anton's weekly column. More updates on what is happening at our church as i get them.

Updates can also be found on the Deanery website

Live streaming of Masses and Catholic Worship

The following website gives a number of live stream Masses and other acts of Catholic worship throughout the day and from Catholic churches across the UK and Ireland that people may want to watch and join in: https://www.churchservices.tv/

Live streaming of Masses and Catholic Worship - 18/03/2020

The following website gives a number of live stream Masses and other acts of Catholic worship throughout the day and from Catholic churches across the UK and Ireland that people may want to watch and join in: https://www.churchservices.tv/

Updates on Deanery website www.northstaffsdeanery.org.uk

Live streaming of Masses and Catholic Worship - 18/03/2020

The following website gives a number of live stream Masses and other acts of Catholic worship throughout the day and from Catholic churches across the UK and Ireland that people may want to watch and join in: https://www.churchservices.tv/

Updates on Deanery website www.northstaffsdeanery.org.uk

Public acts of worship in Catholic Churches in England and Wales - 18/03/2020

"In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, so many aspects of our lives must change. This includes the ways in which we publicly express our faith. It is very clear that, following official advice and in order to keep each other safe, save lives and support the NHS, at this time we must not gather for public acts of worship in our churches. This will begin from Friday evening, 20th March 2020, until further notice."

Read Full Letter

This week - Third Sunday of Lent - 15/03/2020

Adam here, safe in my bunker! Today's updates include the parish newsletter, Father Anton's column and diary dates. We remember Bishop David McGough this weekend as he has celebrated his Golden Jubilee, giving thanks to him for his service; the retiring collection will be towards a small token of our appreciation.

Events during Lent: Find out more>>

Lent Appeal – WaterAid Jars of Change: We will be supporting the charity WaterAid. Please collect your loose change throughout Lent and fill an empty jar.

Church Volunteers for Church Cleaning Teams and Tea and Coffee Makers, please contact the parish office.

This week - Second Sunday of Lent - 08/03/2020

Adam here, Today's updates include the parish newsletter, Father Anton's column and diary dates.

Coming up this week: Bishop David McGough celebrates his Golden Jubilee next weekend.

Events during Lent: Find out more>>

Lent Appeal – WaterAid Jars of Change: We will be supporting the charity WaterAid. Please collect your loose change throughout Lent and fill an empty jar.

Church Volunteers for Church Cleaning Teams and Tea and Coffee Makers, please contact the parish office.

This week - First Sunday of Lent - 01/03/2020

Adam here. Today's updates include the parish newsletter, Father Anton's column and diary dates.

Coming up

On 14th March our area bishop, Bishop David will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of his ordination.

Events during Lent: There are several events taking place during Lent. Find out more

Lent Appeal – WaterAid Jars of Change: This year we will be supporting the charity WaterAid. Please collect your loose change throughout Lent and fill an empty jar.

Church Cleaning. We would like two volunteers to clean the Upper Room and ONE person to offer to join Group 2 rota to vacuum the church carpet only!  This would be on a Thursday or Friday morning every 6 weeks. Please contact the parish office.

Tea and Coffee Makers. More volunteers are needed to join the teams who are now down to 2 people. Please contact the parish office.

February

This week - 23/02/2020

Adam here. Today's updates include the parish newsletter, Father Anton's column and diary dates.

Coming up

On 14th March our area bishop, Bishop David will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of his ordination.

Events during Lent: There are several events taking place during Lent. Find out more

Lent Appeal – WaterAid Jars of Change: This year we will be supporting the charity WaterAid. Please collect your loose change throughout Lent and fill an empty jar.

Church Cleaning. We would like two volunteers to clean the Upper Room and ONE person to offer to join Group 2 rota to vacuum the church carpet only!  This would be on a Thursday or Friday morning every 6 weeks. Please contact the parish office.

Tea and Coffee Makers. More volunteers are needed to join the teams who are now down to 2 people. Please contact the parish office.

This week - 16/02/2020

Adam here. Today's updates include the parish newsletter, Father Anton's column and diary dates and many new events in March.

Coming up

There is a Christians against Poverty Special Service at Ashely Methodist Church on 23rd February.

On 14th March our area bishop, Bishop David will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of his ordination.

Events during Lent

There are several events taking place during Lent. Find out more

Lent Appeal – WaterAid Jars of Change: This year we will be supporting the charity WaterAid. Please collect your loose change throughout Lent and fill an empty jar.

Church Cleaning. We would like two volunteers to clean the Upper Room and ONE person to offer to join Group 2 rota to vacuum the church carpet only!  This would be on a Thursday or Friday morning every 6 weeks. Please contact the parish office.

Tea and Coffee Makers. More volunteers are needed to join the teams who are now down to 2 people. Please contact the parish office.

This week - 09/02/2020

Adam here. Today's updates include the parish newsletter and Father Anton's column and diary dates.

Coming up, there is a Christians against Poverty Special Service at Ashely Methodist Church on 23rd February. Our area bishop, Bishop David will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood at a special service at The Sacred Heart, Tunstall on 14th March

Church Cleaning. We would like two volunteers to clean the Upper Room and ONE person to offer to join Group 2 rota to vacuum the church carpet only!  This would be on a Thursday or Friday morning every 6 weeks. Please contact the parish office.

Tea and Coffee Makers. More volunteers are needed to join the teams who are now down to 2 people. Please contact the parish office.

This week - 02/02/2020

Adam here. Today's updates include the parish newsletter and Father Anton's column and diary dates.

Church Cleaning. We would like two volunteers to clean the Upper Room and ONE person to offer to join Group 2 rota to vacuum the church carpet only!  This would be on a Thursday or Friday morning every 6 weeks. Please contact the parish office.

Tea and Coffee Makers. More volunteers are needed to join the teams who are now down to 2 people. Please contact the parish office.

January

This week - 19/01/2020

Adam here. Today's updates include the parish newsletter and Father Anton's column and diary dates. We still would like more volunteers are needed to join the teams helping the Church. Please contact the parish office.

Please help Our Lady & St Werburgh’s school win £20,000! and get free books. See newsletter for details.

A date for your diary's is the Annual Parish AGM on 26th April.