Parish of Our Lady of Lourdes, Chopwell
History
The parish dates from 1914 and until 2000 consisted of two "tin" churches that were common in the diocese - one at Chopwell and the other at Low Westwood on the floor of the Derwent Valley.
Following reorganisation in 1998, Sacred Heart in Low Westwood closed and Our Lady of Lourdes and St Joseph's Highfield were ministered by one priest who was resident at Highfield. In 2001, the present church opened in place of the original tin church and now serves the needs of the people of Chopwell, Blackhall Mill, Hamsterley Colliery, the Westwoods, Ebchester, Medomsley and East Law. It is a simple, modern building with a kitchen and meeting space in the narthex.
In 2012, further re-organisation saw Our Lady of Lourdes served by Fr James, resident at Crawcrook: following Fr James's retirement in July 2024, Fr Tuckwell, resident at Winlaton, became our Parish Priest.
FIND US
Our Lady of Lourdes, Hall Rd., Chopwell, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE17 7AD
Facilities: easy access, WC and loop system.
Welcome
Many people who come to our church comment on the welcome they receive and the strong sense of community. Our church is warm and comfortable and easily accessible.
As well as the 11:00am Sunday Mass, Mass is usually celebrated on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:00am. Please check the bulletin each week.
Every Tuesday morning we have exposition for half an hour before mass (9:30 – 10:00am). It is a time for prayer and silence in the presence of the Lord - an opportunity to be still in our very busy lives.
Parish Activities
Our Summer Fayre is held each year in June in the beautiful Church Grounds. Our annual Christmas Fayre is held each Year at the end of November in our local Chopwell Community Centre. As well as boosting Parish Funds, these events are an opportunity of meeting with other church and Social groups, who we work with throughout the year to support each other.
Other charities we support during the year include Cystic fibrosis, Cancer Research, Mental Health groups.
Our support for The People's Kitchen
On the first Sunday of each month, join us for our Coffee Morning immediately after Mass, in aid of the Peoples Kitchen. Then during September/ October we have a food Collection.
