New Look in Newent

The parishioners of Our Lady Lourdes in Newent, Gloucestershire, have returned to their own parish church after an eight month 'holiday'. From the beginning of August 2006 until the end of March 2007, they have been celebrating weekend Masses as guests of the nearby United Reformed Church.

Fr Aidan Murray SDB, the Salesian Parish Priest, described the extensive work which was going on. The old tower (which was becoming unsafe) was removed and the front extended by about three metres to give a larger porch and two disabled toilets. The new facade, as pictured below, is largely of glass.

Over the porch there is a mezzanine floor extending into the church to give seating for over 30 people. The confessional was fitted with two windowed doors and the partition between priest and penitent is made up of two large sheets of glass separated by a small gap for communication. The church was completely re-wired with new lighting, new heating, and a new sound system. The pews were removed and replaced with comfortable chairs.

A large bay window was put into the sacristy, effectively extending it by over a metre. Attached to the sacristy is a small but adequate kitchen with two cookers, washing machine, etc. There is no parish hall, and no space to build one, so the church will double up as the parish social centre.

Fr Aidan has been caring for the parishioners in Newent and Blaisdon since January 1995. Before that he taught in the Salesian School for twenty four years.

Charles Springett, our President, sent me the following interesting pages from a History of Newent

I remember well the times on most Sundays, whilst I was at Blaisdon, when I packed a suitcase with Altar Stone, Altar Cloth, Vestments, candles and all that was necessary to enable Father Coppo to celebrate the Sunday Mass in the Market House on Stilts, at the centre of Newent.

I remember especially Father Coppo's driving which had to be experienced to believe it. In the winter time, particularly in that winter of 1947 when the lanes we used were covered in snow and ice, I often wondered if we would make it to Newent. The car was sliding all over the place, but it didin't seem to bother Father Coppo, perhaps he was musing over his sermon. on the way. Anyway we always got there and virtually unscathed. After Mass Father and I were always invited to a Parishioner's home for breakfast before returning to Blaisdon Hall. I cannot remember the name of the family, but feel sure it was Mr. and Mrs. Robinson. It was always a delicious meal and a great treat for me.

Below are some extracts of the article including pictures of the Market House on stilts (temporary Catholic Church at weekends) and the Current free standing Catholic Church, still a Salesian Parish, after all these years. As you will see from the text the Salesians and the Pupils, past and present, were involved in the building of the new Catholic Church.