English Catholic History Associaton
Visit to Holywell
Saturday 25th May 2024

Dear St Francis Church, Chester

I hope that this finds you well. My name is William King and I am the secretary of the English Catholic History Association. I was wondering if any of your parishioners would be interested in taking part in one of our forthcoming events?

We haven't organised an in-person visit for several years, so I was very keen to organise an event in 2024. We are going to Holywell on 25th May and I would be very happy if people from parishes in Chester would be able to join us. I am sure that many of your parishioners will have been already, but I still thought it worthwhile to ask. We have arranged for a tour at the Well, an optional lunch at the convent guest house and a tour and talk at St Winefride's Catholic Church.

It is only £8 for non-members, plus £15 in cash for the Bridgettine Sisters if they would like to take lunch with them. Payment by cheque or bank transfer (details for the latter available from myself). A link to the booking form is below. I do hope that some of your parishioners will be able to join us. Please return booking forms by 25th March 2024.

[Visit to Holywell - Booking Form]

Regards, William King, Secretary


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 Jinson. 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!


St Francis Retreat 'Lift Up Your Hearts'
Friday 3rd - Saturday 4th May 2024

You are invited to our Parish Retreat called 'Lift Up Your Hearts'. Our Church will be open for 24 hours of praise. Put the dates in your diary to be free for God's praise. The Eucharist will be exposed throughout. There's no cost. All are welcome and yes, it runs all through the night! You can come for as much or as little time as God wants you to be there.

Below is a copy of the flyer for our St Francis Parish Retreat in May 2024.

A PDF copy of the flyer which will allow you to download and print out your own copy is available by clicking on this link

[Lift Up Your Hearts]


Events in March 2024

Fridays In Lent 2024
Stations Of The Cross

The Stations of the Cross will be held every Friday at 10:30am in English throughout Lent.

The Stations of the Cross or the Way of the Cross, also known as the Way of Sorrows or the Via Crucis, refers to a series of images depicting Jesus Christ on the day of his crucifixion and accompanying prayers.

Further information and a beautiful gallery of images is available via the following link to Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stations_of_the_Cross


Easter 2024 Services at St Francis, Chester

Palm Sunday - 23rd/24th March

  • Saturday 23rd March 6:30pm -  Mass in English
  • Sunday 24th March 8:00am -  Mass in English
  • Sunday 24th March 9:45am -  Mass in English
  • Sunday 24th March 12 Noon -  Mass in Polish
  • Sunday 24th March 4:30pm -  Mass in Polish
  • Monday to Wednesday of Holy Week
    25th, 26th & 27th March

    • 12:00 Noon -  Mass in English
    • Holy (Maunday) Thursday - 28th March

      • 11:00am - 12:00 Noon -  Confessions
      • 7:00pm -  Mass of The Lord’s Supper (for all in English)
      • Followed by Holy Hour
      • Good Friday - 29th March

        • 10.30am - Stations of the Cross
        • 3:00pm -  Celebration of The Lord’s Passion (for all in English)
        • Holy Saturday - 30th March

          • 11:00am - 12:00 Noon -  Confessions
          • 8:00pm -  Easter Vigil (for all in English)
          • Easter Sunday - 31st March

            • 8:00am -  Mass in English
            • 9:45am -  Mass in English
            • 12:00pm -  Mass in Polish (no mass at 4.30pm today)
            • Easter Monday - 1st April

              • 12 Noon -  Mass in English
              • 4:30pm -  Mass in Polish
              • Divine Mercy Sunday - 6th/7th April

                • Saturday 6th April 6:30pm -  Mass in English
                • Sunday 7th April 8:00am -  Mass in English
                • Sunday 7th April 9:45am -  Mass in English
                • Sunday 7th April 12 Noon -  Mass in Polish
                • Sunday 7th April 2:30pm -  Special Holy Hour *
                • Sunday 7th April 4:30pm -  Mass in Polish
                • *  Sunday 7th April, is the Octave day of Easter, which is also the Feast of the Divine Mercy. We will have a Special Holy Hour here at St Francis, from 2:30pm to 3:30pm. All are welcome.


                  Tuesday 26th March
                  Highlight from the High

                  Highlight from the High: The students at the CHS are rehearsing for the 'Living Stations of the Cross' performance which will take place in the school hall on Tuesday 26th March at 10am.

                  Parishioners are invited to come and watch the play. Tickets free of charge. Limited places! To book your seat, please email shawk@christofidelis.org.uk


                  Future Events

                  St Francis Retreat 'Lift Up Your Hearts'
                  Friday 3rd - Saturday 4th May 2024

                  You are invited to our Parish Retreat called 'Lift Up Your Hearts'. Our Church will be open for 24 hours of praise. Put the dates in your diary to be free for God's praise. The Eucharist will be exposed throughout. There's no cost. All are welcome and yes, it runs all through the night! You can come for as much or as little time as God wants you to be there.

                  Below is a copy of the flyer for our St Francis Parish Retreat in May 2024.

                  A PDF copy of the flyer which will allow you to download and print out your own copy is available by clicking on this link

                  [Lift Up Your Hearts]


                  A Day for Catechists in the Diocese of Shrewsbury
                  Saturday, 18th May 2024

                  The Department of Catechesis and Promotion of the Vocation of Marriage is pleased to announce a Diocesan conference specifically aimed at catechists who are involved in preparing young people for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

                  The day is being run by the Dominican Sisters of St Joseph, a group of experienced and visionary catechists who have conducted a number of inspiring and highly enjoyable days for us already within the diocese. We are particularly blessed that Bishop Mark will be joining us for the day.

                  The conference is on Saturday 18th May 2024 from 10am till 4pm and is to be held in the Parish Centre of St Mary's RC Church, Crewe.

                  The event is free of charge.

                  For more details and to book your place, please follow the Eventbrite link below:: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-day-for-catechists-in-the-diocese-of-shrewsbury-tickets-851383700567


                  English Catholic History Associaton
                  Visit to Holywell
                  Saturday 25th May 2024

                  Dear St Francis Church, Chester

                  I hope that this finds you well. My name is William King and I am the secretary of the English Catholic History Association. I was wondering if any of your parishioners would be interested in taking part in one of our forthcoming events?

                  We haven't organised an in-person visit for several years, so I was very keen to organise an event in 2024. We are going to Holywell on 25th May and I would be very happy if people from parishes in Chester would be able to join us. I am sure that many of your parishioners will have been already, but I still thought it worthwhile to ask. We have arranged for a tour at the Well, an optional lunch at the convent guest house and a tour and talk at St Winefride's Catholic Church.

                  It is only £8 for non-members, plus £15 in cash for the Bridgettine Sisters if they would like to take lunch with them. Payment by cheque or bank transfer (details for the latter available from myself). A link to the booking form is below. I do hope that some of your parishioners will be able to join us. Please return booking forms by 25th March 2024.

                  [Visit to Holywell - Booking Form]

                  Regards, William King, Secretary


                  Lourdes Overland via Jumbulance
                  Thursday 30th May - Saturday 9th June 2024
                  Thursday 15th - Saturday 24th August 2024

                  Chester Across Group is off to Lourdes again from Thur 30th May - Sat 9th June 2024 and on Thur 15th - Sat 24th August 2024. Travel is overland by Jumbulance, literally a Jumbo-Ambulance, with seven beds on board.

                  There are vacancies for a nurse and helps and is a doctor available? Cost including a kitty and insurance is £1,095. Nurses and young people in full time education pay half price. Help may be available if people cannot afford the full amount. Travel insurance is available for just £65.

                  For further information, visit www.across.org.uk or contact Tony Murphy 07881 656974 or email tonymurphyefc2002@yahoo.co.uk


                  Sacrament of Confirmation
                  Friday 8th November 2024

                  The next Chester parishes Sacrament of Confirmation will be on Friday, 8th November, 2024. Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation will be led by St. Columba and St. Theresa's Confirmation team.

                  Any one who is currently at high school may be Confirmed in November, with no upper age limit. If you wish to be Confirmed please email stcolumbatheresaconfirmation@hotmail.co.uk to register and receive further information about the preparation program. Please say in your email if you are over 18, as adults will be prepared separately.


                  [Back to Top]