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.