Public Worship

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, 20 March 2020, until further notice.

We will update this website with details of how this will affect Masses and how you can watch a live stream from Clifton Cathedral.

You can download the letter from the President and Vice President of the Bishops’ Conference and a PDF offering Liturgical Advice:

Public Acts of Worship in Catholic Churches in England and Wales – COVID19 Download

Welcome to the Parish of Our Lady of Lourdes, Newent and St Michael’s Blaisdon

We are a family of God, a community of disciples, striving to continually deepen our relationship with Christ and with each other. We recognise and value each member of our community, encouraging everyone to share in our life and worship. Together we celebrate the joy of the gospel and witness in faith our hope of eternal life with our heavenly Father.

Lockdown Updates:

Parishes of the Forest and Newent

Parish Priest Barnabas Page 01594 833173

barnabas.page@cliftondiocese.com

Solemnity of Pentecost Sunday (Year A)
31st May 2020 Sunday Mass )
Wednesday Mass ) https://vimeo.com/forestrcchurch – available from 9am
Friday Stations of the Cross )

Social Distancing?

Is this the right term for what we are doing? We are to be at least 2m from others to stop the spread of the virus. But in fact aren’t we having almost more social contact with people apart from our families? Although the social contact is happening in new ways. I am phoning more people, Skyping my brothers, joining Zoom meetings. In some ways I am having more social interaction with people. Phone calls become important and hopefully I am listening more to what the other person is saying. Because the rules have been slightly relaxed, I have met priest friends for a walk. Meeting one person out of doors, social distancing. I’m sorry for those of you who don’t have that opportunity. But I wonder if this crisis isn’t going to make us value other people more. Perhaps our friendships will be deepened. However, I know that you are missing hugging your grandchildren. Even then, aren’t you holding your family before God perhaps in a way that you didn’t up till now?

Bless you all

Barnabas

Message from Bishop Declan Lang

As a Diocese we have had a request from Monsignor John Armitage, from the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, to participate in a May Rosary Mission on Pentecost Sunday (31st May). Each Diocese in England, Wales and Scotland has been allotted an hour in which the Rosary will be prayed either individually or in family groups. The hour allotted to Clifton is 1pm. At that time the Rosary will be live streamed from the Cathedral. Perhaps you could encourage your parishioners, through the newsletter or your website, to pray the Rosary on that particular Sunday.

With my best wishes

+Declan

Message from Fiona Mills

Further to Pope Francis’ request for us to say the Rosary for deliverance from Covid-19 and the above request, I would like to offer the opportunity to the parish of Forest of Dean and Newent to unite on Zoom on the 31st May to take part. Anyone who would like to join please send me: fionaammills@hotmail.co.uk their name and email address and I will send you an invitation to join.