The four catholic churches within the Forest of Dean area are all served by Fr. Barnabas Page, our Parish Priest.  Fr. Barnabas also serves the parish of Our Lady of Lourdes in Newent with St. Michael in Blaisdon. Our parishes lie within the Clifton Diocese, which is part of the Catholic Church in England & Wales.

Our Churches:

Our Lady of Victories

Our Lady of Victories, 70 Abbey Street, Cinderford, GL14 2NP. [ Map » ]

Pastoral Council Members: Teresa Hare (Secretary), Greg Moger

St. Margaret Mary's

St. Margaret Mary's, 4 High Nash, Coleford, Glos, GL16 8HN. [ Map » ]

Pastoral Council Members: Peter Chisholm, Sarah Perkins.

St. Joseph's

St. Joseph's, Tutshill, Lydney, Glos, GL15 5PA. [ Map » ]

Pastoral Council Members: Pip Deave (Chairperson), Dorota Dufort

Sacred Heart Chapel

Sacred Heart Chapel, Grahamstown Road, Sedbury, NP16 7AD. [ Map » ]

Pastoral Council Members: Helen Molyneux

Parish Office

A number of our parishioners are shielding and unable to attend Mass during this pandemic, so we will try and help and keep everyone in contact.

Our aim is trying to reach as many people as possible through this website, by phoning those who do not have computers, and by videoing the Mass for those that do have computers. You can be part of this effort by phoning those who are isolating. 

Saturday Vigil Masses alternate each Saturday at 6pm between St. Margaret Mary’s, Coleford, and St. Joseph's, Lydney. There are two Sunday Masses at Our Lady of Victories, Cinderford, and Our Lady of Lourdes,Newent. Mid-week Masses are normally on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. For those parishioners that are 'shielding' we have recorded on-line Mid-week Mass on Wednesday as well as Mass on Sunday. The Friday Talk will continue on-line. You can watch these Services by clicking on the appropriate Vimeo link.

From July 19th we will continue to provide our attended Masses without change: booking-in, wearing of face coverings and hand sanitising are all required.  We will continue to adhere to social distancing rules with regards to seating and entry/exit.

We pray for all who are sick or who have died and for our front line staff. If you give me the names, they will be included in the Mass. But as well as this, as a church we are listening to what God may be saying through this crisis.
God Bless and protect you.
Fr.Barnabas
Personal Assistant: Samantha Buchanan  forestrcchurches@cliftondiocese.com


There are lots of resources for anyone who needs to contact someone in a safeguarding capacity on our diocesan website – Clifton Diocese Safeguarding

Child Line – a helpline for children 0800 111 www.childline.org.uk
Our safe guarding representatives are also available to help you with your needs at this time please contact Jenny Heseltine Tel: 01989 750665 or email Jenny for Newent and Fiona Mills 0758 717 2279 or 01594 516175 for the Forest of Dean.

: 01594 833173

: 4 High Nash, Coleford, Gloucestershire. GL16 8HN.

:

Forest of Dean RC Churches

Mass Times

 

Masses for the coming week

Bad Weather or COVID Alerts

If there is a likelihood of closing our churches due to bad weather or because of a COVID-19 incident, the information will be posted on this Church Website, on the Church FaceBook Page https://www.facebook.com/forestrcchurches and also by email to all those that have opted to receive the Newsletter by email. So please check the Church Website or FaceBook Page before travelling to church for Mass, Service or Private Prayer particularly if the weather is bad.  We don’t want you to arrive at a closed church!

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year B

Saturday 31st July: Vigil Mass at Coleford 6pm - phone Beverley 01594 861345

Sunday 1st August: Mass at Cinderford 9am - phone Fiona  01594 516175
Sunday 1st August: Mass at Newent 11am - phone Mary 01531 822156

Mid-week Masses

Tuesday 3rd Aug: Mass at Coleford 10am - phone Beverley 01594 861345

Wed 4th Aug: Communion Service at Newent 12noon - phone Mary 01531 822156

Thur 5th Aug: Communion Service at Lydney 10am - phone Dot&Brian 01594 560054

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year B
Saturday 7th August: Vigil Mass at Lydney 6pm - phone Dot&Brian 01594 560054
Sunday 8th August: Mass at Cinderford 9am - phone Fiona  01594 516175
Sunday 8th August: Mass at Newent 11am - phone Mary 01531 822156

 

 

 

 

 

Latest Recorded Masses & Services

Friday Talk 30th July can be found here
Midweek Mass 27th July can be found here

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time can be found here

Masses & Services from Clifton Cathedral can be found here
For those of us who are unable to attend our own parish they can access all of our Parish services at Forest RC Church Vimeo

Phone contacts

To help those without internet, Mass by phone 01642 130120 (calls charged at local rate and free if included in your minutes)

Hospital; Gloucester and Cheltenham Chaplaincy Team will visit and Pray with patients on our behalf 0300 422 6200/4286

News

 

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.

Church News

Printer Friendly Version of Church News

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year B

1st August 2021

On-line Vimeo Masses & Services:

Sunday Mass available from 9am

Wednesday Mass available from 9am

Friday Talk available from 9am

Letting go
A lady from a previous Parish was telling me how hard it was when she had to stop driving.  It wasn’t just the loss of independence or the convenience of being able to go where she wanted, it was also a loss of status.  She was now beholden to others.  And that she said was the hardest part.  Having to ask for favours.  Working out when and when not to ask.  She said she surprised herself by gradually accepting her new situation.  Learning to let go.  We’ve all seen that little baby that will not give in.  The child is tired and needs to go to sleep but continues to fight.  The poor mother has to wait until eventually the child can fight no more.  Life can be learning the same lesson in many different ways.  Part of our Faith journey is ‘letting go and letting God!’.  And that can be the hardest battle. 

This is why we are taught that pride is the greatest sin.  Mind you, as a child that didn’t make much sense.  Surely adults could think of a more interesting sin than pride? What about thumping my brother, eating too much chocolate or pinching biscuits from the biscuit tin!  The lady who had to give up her car passed it on to her daughter.  She was still able to see her car and gave it a little tap on the bonnet for old times’ sake. But she said she has kept one of the car keys in her bedside cabinet as a reminder. 
Bless you all,
Barnabas

Inspired! Invitation - Pip Deave, chair of the PPC, has prepared a invitation to all Forest of Dean Catholics to join in our Inspired! dialogue. Please follow this link to download it Inspired! Invitation. We're talking about creating a sustainable, stronger future for our Church in the Forest.  You can view her video here Inspired! Video.  We're looking forward to receiving more responses to the Inspired! leaflet questions - so please don't forget to fill in your answers now and send them back as soon as you can! Thank you very much!

A Mass to Celebrate Marriage at Clifton Cathedral - Join Bishop Declan for Mass in the Cathedral as we celebrate the gift that is Marriage on Saturday 2nd October at 12noon.  All are welcome. If you are celebrating a significant anniversary this year, newly married, or looking forward to marriage in 2021, 
then please inform Samantha (Fr Barnabas’ Personal Assistant) by email at Forest of Dean Office or Newent Office or phone 01594 833173 to enable her to inform the Diocese.

Second Collections: 

Thank you to everyone who contributed to recent Second Collections.

‘Day for Life’ - the total amount raised in all parishes was £160.

'Peter’s Pence' - the amount raised from all parishes was £94.70.

'Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea)' - the amount raised from all parishes was £213.30.

Children’s Liturgy – Here is a link to the Sunday Gospel and reflection for children Children's Liturgy Playlist, although aimed at children, it can be enjoyed by all the family. Each new Sunday Gospel is posted on Saturday afternoons. This Sunday is the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.  This week we are looking at number 36 in the series.

Summer Fete - At present we still plan to hold our annual Fete on Saturday the 11th of September at St Joseph’s Lydney.  We will have all the regular stalls including bric a brac, toys, books and DVDs, fresh produce, cakes, tombola, wine and water, etc.  Donations of good items to sell will be welcome nearer the time.  Help will be needed to set up and run the stalls, (for example Margaret Yeates would like help on the cake stall).  More details to follow.  Because of the current situation we are not planning to sell raffle tickets in advance.

The Faith Group - The next Faith Group meeting is on Wednesday 4th August at 7.30 pm in the Forest of Dean Church Hall in Coleford.  This is next to St Margaret Mary’s Church.  Parking is available and everyone is welcome.  We gather in faith and love as we try to understand and learn more about our faith. Our next few topics will be based on comments from Father Barnabas’ Talk which can be seen here What do Catholics believe and Why?  Next session: This week - Why is it necessary that Catholics go to confession?

Inspired! 
We have launched our Forest Churches' project to create a more sustainable, stronger and more active Catholic community across the Forest of Dean. 
Be inspired!  Join in, have your say and help to build a positive new future for our community and for generations to come. Download our introductory leaflet Be Inspired!  Please it would be helpful if as many as possible were to fill in the Inspired! form. The church has made the mistake before of double guessing what people think!  Thank you!

From the Inspired! Team
An opportunity has opened up for everyone to express their thoughts, feelings and hopes on how we can come together as Catholics in the Forest.  How exciting it was to receive back your leaflets full of your wishes, opinions and observations.  In order to move forward positively so that each of us will benefit, we would like to invite those of you who for various reasons, have not yet been able to return your leaflet to do so as soon as you are able.  It can be a challenge to express your thoughts in writing, and for this reason we would like to offer any support to complete and return the leaflet.
Please contact Helen on 07767 022823 for any support you may need.

Trussell Tea Party - Thanks to everyone who helped and supported the Trussell Tea.  We made £282.10, a wonderful effort, an enjoyable afternoon and no rain!

 

Church Hall

Our Church Hall is located next to St. Margaret Mary Church in Coleford is currently not available for hire because of the Covid-19 situation.

Address: St. Margaret Mary's, 4 High Nash, Coleford, Gloucestershire. GL16 8HN. Get Directions »

When the Covid-19 situation allows, our Church Hall is used for various groups. Below are some of the regular activities. To find out more about any of these activities, please contact our Office.

  • Hard of Hearing - Fourth Monday of the month - 10 - 12.
  • FoodBank - Every Monday 2 - 4pm & Every Thursday 9am - 11am.
  • Pilates - Tuesdays 1 - 2pm. Please contact the office for dates.
  • Tai Chi - Tuesday 2 - 3pm. Please contact the office for dates.
  • Busy Bees Parent & Toddler Group - Tuesdays during term time 9.30 - 11am. Snacks provided. Activities for the Children.
  • West Dean Wind Band - 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month from 7.00 - 9.00pm. www.westdeanwindband.uk
  • Faith Group - 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 7.30 - 8.30pm with tea & coffee from 7pm.
  • Young @ Heart Group - Thursdays 2 - 4pm.
  • Yoga - Thursday 7 - 8.30pm.
  • Gloucestershire Wildlife Group - Once a month on a Friday from 7-10pm. Contact the Parish Office for dates.
  • Lunch Club - Held every last Friday of the Month. 3 Course meal followed by tea/coffee.
  • Coffee Morning - Third Saturday of the month 10 - 12 noon. No Coffee Morning in Dec, Jan or Feb.

To download the hall booking form click here

To view regular bookings please click here

Links

Below are several links that we think might be of interest to you. Clicking on the logos will open the link in a new browser tab.

The Catholic Diocese covering the Counties of Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire, North Somerset and Bath, the City and County of Bristol and North East Somerset.

The Catholic Church is the largest Christian denomination in the world. It has more than one billion members worldwide and around five million of these live in England. There are 22 dioceses in England and Wales seeking ways to help all the people of God grow closer to Christ.

The school's mission is to provide a rigorous and broad education within the context of a Christian environment. An understanding of the Roman Catholic faith, in line with the Gospel message, underpins the whole work of the school.

CAFOD is the official Catholic aid agency for England and Wales. In more than 40 countries across the world, we bring hope, compassion and solidarity to poor communities, standing side by side with them to end poverty and injustice.

Celebrating Family: Blessed, Broken, Living Love, is the overarching theme of a range of pastoral initiatives developed by the Bishops following the Listening 2004 conversations.

The UK's premier campaigning and charitable organisation affirming and defending human dignity, and the right to life of every member of the human family, from conception to natural death.

SPUC represents a voice for the unborn. SPUC promotes awareness of the humanity of the unborn child to encourage more widespread recognition of the obligation to defend those with no means to defend themselves.

Marriage Care helps couples and individuals to build and sustain strong, fulfilling healthy relationships, as well as providing counselling support in times of relationship difficulty. Our vision is a society in which all adults can build and sustain strong, fulfilling, healthy relationships.

We exist to save lives and transform the futures of some of the most disadvantaged children and young people in the UK by supporting vulnerable pregnant mothers and young families through difficult times, offering them the help they need to turn their lives around.

We are a Christian organisation that seeks to put the hope of Christ at the heart of our nation. We aim to empower Christians to speak out with a strong voice in the media, in law and in government.

Gloucester Cathedral sits in the heart of the city of Gloucester, acting as the centre for the areas' Anglicans and the seat of the Anglican Bishop of Gloucester.

Mid-Wyedean Churches: the Church of England serving Coleford, Broadwell, Staunton, Clearwell, Newland, and Redbrook and surrounding areas.

All Site Content: © 2011 - - RCC in the Forest of Dean | Designed by Skyfire Designs

CLIFTON DIOCESE (a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England and Wales under number 10462076. A registered charity number 1170168. Registered Office: St Ambrose North Road Leigh Woods Bristol BS8 3PW)