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Dear Parishioners,

We are writing to you as Co-Chairs of the Parish Social and Events Committee to share why the committee was formed, what we have achieved together, and some of the challenges and hopes we now face as a parish community.

Why we started
The Social and Events Committee was formed after, through work on the Finance Committee, it became clear that there was a lack of regular fundraising for the parish that we felt needed to be addressed. Alongside this, we recognised a wider need to bring the parish community closer together, especially during a time of many changes.

We hoped that by organising enjoyable and welcoming events we could help build new friendships, strengthen existing relationships, and create opportunities for parishioners to connect beyond Sunday Mass. We also hoped these events might act as a gateway for families to become more involved in parish life.

At the heart of this was a shared belief that it is our collective responsibility to help keep the parish alive and active — not just for today, but for future generations. We want to be confident that, in 50 years’ time, this parish will still be here to serve the people of Ellesmere Port.

What we have achieved
Since starting in September 2023, the committee has organised a number of events, including quiz nights, bingo evenings, parish walks, and most notably the Christmas Celebration, which was our largest and most challenging event to date.

Through these efforts, we have raised just over £6,500 for the parish and parish-related charities. We also organised, for the first time, a parish walk last year, which was a real success — not only in fundraising, but also in bringing people together in a relaxed and friendly way.

None of this would have been possible without the generosity of those who attended, donated, and volunteered their time, and we are deeply grateful for that support.

The challenges we face
Despite these successes, the committee is currently facing some real difficulties. We have a shortage of active members, which has made organising events increasingly challenging. For example, at last month’s CAFOD quiz, only three people were available to help organise and run the event.

While the Christmas Celebration was very successful, it placed a significant strain on the small group of volunteers involved, with some people starting as early as 7am and finishing the weekend completely exhausted. This is not sustainable in the long term.

We have also found that some events aimed specifically at families have been poorly attended, which has been disappointing given our original hope of encouraging greater family involvement in parish life.

At times, parish life can naturally form around different groups and interests. We feel there is a real opportunity to build stronger links between these groups, encouraging greater collaboration and shared effort, so that we can move forward together as one parish community.

Because of these pressures, and for the first time since the committee was formed, we are having to consider the possibility of cancelling some events unless additional support becomes available. This is not a step we want to take, but it reflects the current reality we face.

Looking ahead – our plans for the year
Despite these challenges, we remain hopeful and committed to the parish. Our plans for the coming year include continuing the valued legacy left by the Justice and Peace Group by running the CAFOD quiz, organising another parish walk, and — while it may feel unrealistic at present — exploring the possibility of a parish picnic.

We also hope to look at new ways of encouraging families to stay and spend time together after Mass, and to organise events similar to the International Mass held last year, celebrating significant dates in the Church’s calendar and the richness of our parish community.

All of these plans, however, depend on the help and support of parishioners.

How you can help
We are particularly looking for new members who can bring fresh ideas and a new perspective. There is no expectation that members help at every event. Even the ability to offer an hour a month — to share ideas, plan ahead, or simply offer a different viewpoint — would be incredibly valuable.

If you feel able to help in any way, or would like to find out more about what is involved, please get in touch with us at events@ourladystar.co.uk

Thank you for your continued support of our parish and its community.


With every blessing,

Matthew Joyce & Ana Lyon
Co-Chairs, Parish Social & Events Committee