Monthly & Weekly Events
All Saints’ Celebration
In England and Wales, the Solemnity of All Saints is transferred to Sunday, 2nd November. We’ll begin our celebration with the Vigil Mass on Saturday at 6:30 pm. There’s also been a lovely idea to wear white for the liturgy, as a sign of joy and communion with all the saints in heaven.
Vigil Mass – Saturday, 1st November, 6:30 pm St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Chester
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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 will begin on Saturday, 1 November, with a Vigil Mass at 6:30 pm, followed by teaching and adoration with our parish music team. The first reflection, led by the Minor Sisters of Saint Francis from Birmingham, will focus 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 this first evening of our Franciscan journey.
We are also looking for transport for the Sisters from Birmingham on Saturday morning (their return journey on Sunday is already arranged). If you are able to help, please contact us: [email protected]
Upcoming themes in the series: * 6 December 2025 – Call and Formation * 3 January 2026 – Prayer and Worship * 7 February 2026 – Holy Poverty and Dependence on God * 7 March 2026 – Work as Humble Service * 2 May 2026 – Fraternal Love and Correction * 6 June 2026 – Obedience and Servant Leadership * 4 July 2026 – Mission in the World * 1 August 2026 – Unity * 5 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 6:30 pm, 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]
November – Month of Prayer for the Faithful Departed St. Francis Church, Chester
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During the month of November, we remember and pray for all our departed loved ones.
The names of the deceased submitted through the online form below will be included in our daily prayers throughout November. Each day, the Holy Mass will be celebrated for their intention.
You can submit the names of your departed loved ones using this form: https://forms.gle/GQujiH1FPAM7enpR6.
You may also fill out a traditional remembrance envelope, available at the back of our church, and place it in the collection box.
The lists of names will be placed on the sanctuary throughout November, and a daily Holy Mass will be offered for all the faithful departed listed there.
If you wish, you can make an offering for the Holy Souls: • By placing it in the box at the church • By bank transfer to:
CAPUCHIN CHESTER FRIARY Account Number: 50154028 Sort Code: 60-70-03 (reference: HOLY SOULS)or through the card terminal in the church or online via (HOLY SOULS): https://donate.mydona.com/capuchin-friars-gb-chester.
Join Us for Alpha
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Starting Friday 12th September at 7:00 pm
We’re excited to invite you to Alpha - a series of relaxed, friendly evenings exploring life, faith, and meaning. The course will begin on Friday 12th September at 7:00 pm in our parish hall, and will run every Friday until December.
What is Alpha? - Alpha is for anyone who wants to explore the Christian faith in an open, welcoming environment. Each session includes: • A shared meal together • A short talk on a topic related to faith • Small group discussion, where you can share your thoughts or simply listen
There’s no pressure, no cost, and no follow-up - just an opportunity to ask questions, explore, and connect with others. Whether you’re new to faith, curious about Christianity, or looking to deepen your relationship with God, Alpha is for you!
Venue: St. Francis’ Parish Hall Every Friday from 12th September to December 7:00 pm Come and see - you might find it’s the start of something life-changing!
If you’ve decided to take part in Alpha, we kindly ask you to register online using this link:https://forms.gle/xkkE4LXuWpWiEJjc9 - this will help us prepare for the first evening.
Morning Masses at the Friary with the Capuchin Brothers
Starting in December, additional morning Masses will be celebrated at 8:00am in the Friary choir (the brothers' chapel) on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Access to the choir is through the church, as the chapel is located behind the sanctuary.
On these days, from 7:00am, the brothers pray Morning Prayer (Lauds) and adore the Blessed Sacrament. You are warmly invited to join us for this time of prayer and adoration.
Please note that on these days, there will be no Masses at the Benedictine Abbey on Curzon Park. Masses at the Benedictine Abbey will continue to be celebrated at 8:00 AM on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Weekday Masses at 12:00pm in the church remain unchanged. We warmly invite everyone to join us in prayer.
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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