Blog Archives - Saint John the Evangelist

28/2/2026

Second Sunday of Lent

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St John the Evangelist Parish
Aurs Rd., Barrhead, G78 2RW.

2nd Sunday of Lent
1st March 2026

Rev Monsignor John Canon Tormey: Parish Priest
Rev Fr Joseph J McGill: Curate
Rev Denis Murphy: Deacon
Email: [email protected] Tel: 0141 881 0769
Website: www.stjohns-barrhead.org

Mary Hallan: Safeguarding Co-Ordinator: [email protected]

Times of Holy Mass:
Sunday: 4pm (Vigil), 10:00am, 11:30am and 5:00pm.
Weekday Mass: Monday-Saturday 10:00am.
Workers’ Mass: Wednesday 7:30am.
Holy Days of Obligation: Vigil 7:00pm, 8:00am and 10:00am.

Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession):
Saturday 10:30am-11:00am, 3:15pm-3:45pm.
Monday-Friday 9:30am-9:50am.

Last Week’s Collections:
First Collection GA: £342.00 NGA: £1,241.92
SPRED GA: £5.00
Donations to Restoration Fund: £,3080.00

Response to Psalm:
‘May your merciful love be upon us, as we hope in you, O Lord.’

St Vincent de Paul Society:
The SSVP provide spiritual, social and financial support to anyone in need. We visit parishioners of St John’s at their homes or in local care homes. If you know of anyone who might benefit from this offer from the members of the SVdP, please get in touch by calling: 075123 02877 or speak to one of our members after Mass who will be collecting for the Society in the porch.

Men’s Lenten Night (Monday 2nd March):
All men are warmly invited to the Men’s Lenten Night at St Joseph’s (Clarkston) on Monday at 8:00pm, for an evening of guided prayer, reflection and hymns. A meaningful opportunity to pause, pray and deepen your faith alongside other men. Teas and coffees will be available in the hall afterwards.

Prayer to St Michael:
St Michael the Archangel, defend us in the day of Battle;
Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, cast into Hell, Satan and all the other evil spirits, who prowl through the world, seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
We pray for those who have died recently:
Hugh Hendry, James William Jackson, Cathy McPhee and Grace Walsh.

We pray for the anniversaries of:
Margaret Carroll, Hugh Creamer Jr, Mary Creamer, Joseph Gallacher Sr, Grace Glenroy, Dominic Greenan, Ellen Hendry, Mary Hughes, William Kelly, Fay and Frank Lennon, David and Robert McCarthy, Steven McLaughlin, Betty and Billy McShane, James Mullen, Rex O’Neill and for the 12 month’s mind of Paul Gallagher.

Funerals Notices:
The Requiem Mass for James William Jackson will be celebrated on Wednesday 11th March at 10:00am.

St John’s, Barrhead Accounts Report from the Diocese of Paisley Finance Department:
The profit and loss account for 12 months ending 31st December 2025 shows a profit for the Parish of: £88,400.

The balance on 31st December 2025 on the parish loan to Diocese was: £104,199.
The balance on 31st December 2025 on Investment with Diocese was: £567,648.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support of the parish and would ask and encourage parishioners wishing to set up new standing orders to complete a standing order form and gift aid declaration, if applicable, and return them to the parish priest. These forms can be obtained from the parish website. Alternatively, you can set up regular faster payment to the parish via your online banking system. Parish bank details as follows:
St Johns Church
Sort Code 80-05-54
Account No 00761597

Thank you. Jackie Brett, Finance Director, Diocese of Paisley

St John’s Restoration Work:
As you will know, tenders were due back on Wednesday 4th February for the works here in our parish of St John’s, and we have now received tenders from five out of the six tendering contractors as outlined below (these figures do not include 20% VAT): Contractor A £668,354.30    Contractor B £901,367.30      Contractor C £947,995.51 Contractor D £1,047,831.22      Contractor E £1,049,173.62
The Diocesan Fabric and Property Department met on Friday 20th February to decide on what contractor will get the job which means that we should have a start date very soon. Our budget for the project was restricted at £907,000 (including VAT and Fees). However, two grants totalling £35,000 will now be added to this total, making it £942,000. The Diocese will consider if we have to reduce some of the works or if we require additional funding before the project can go ahead. Please keep the project in your prayers so that we may get a start date very soon.

Safeguarding Induction Training:
If you are a new volunteer, or one who completed Part 1 training more than two years ago, you are invited to sign up for one of the following training sessions. Please contact Sarah Jane Colhoun at the Safeguarding Office to register. Tel: 0141 847 6138 or [email protected]
Dates:
Saturday, 28th March, 10.30am, St Joseph’s Greenock
Tuesday, 21st April, 7pm, Diocesan Centre Paisley
Saturday, 16th May, 10.30am, St Mary’s Greenock
Tuesday 9th June, 7pm, Diocesan Centre Paisley

The Bishops' Conference of Scotland: Safeguarding:
The latest Safeguarding Manual, ‘In God’s Image V2’, can be viewed at: https://www.bcos.org.uk/Safeguarding#InGodsImage

Lent Mission at St Bernadette’s Parish, Erskine, PA8 7AE (Sunday 1st – Wednesday 4th March):
Sunday 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Mon- Wed: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Themes: God so loved the world.; I say to you, arise; Clothed with power. www.catholicerskine.website
All are welcome to join us for a prayerful experience

World Day of Prayer (Friday 6th March):
The ABC (Action of Barrhead Churches) is taking part in this annual event, and this year St. John’s is hosting the service, which will be held in the hall from 2–4pm. There will be readings and prayers, music, a collection, then tea and chat. Everyone is very welcome.

Coalition Against Assisted Dying Vote (Thursday 26th March):
The next few weeks are very important for our country and we must make every effort both practically and spiritually to defeat the assisted suicide bill which will be voted on, before our parliament goes into recess and before the election, on Thursday 26th March 2026.
We have prepared a letter for all parishioners to send to Mr Tom Arthur MSP detailing the key reasons he should vote against the bill and I would ask you to sign and address the letters which will be available at the back of the church. These letters should be sent to Mr Arthur to show our collective opposition, as a parish community, to the bill.

Please take time to sign a letter to lobby our MSPs not to vote for the Assisted Dying Bill. Letters at the back only need your signature. Many thanks. Fr John

Spring Fling – Thank You!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and supported this year’s Spring Fling. Your presence, enthusiasm, and generosity made it a wonderful day for the whole church community.
We are especially grateful to all the volunteers and helpers who worked tirelessly before, during, and after the event. From setting up tables to serving drinks, selling raffle tickets, clearing up, and everything in between - your efforts were deeply appreciated and truly made the day a success.
Thanks to the kindness and generosity of everyone who came along, we raised an impressive £2,920 for the Restoration Fund.

We would also like to extend a very special thank you to Pearl Wilson, who pledged to match every pound raised. In the end, Pearl generously donated £3,080, bringing our total to an astonishing £6,000!
This incredible amount will go a long way in supporting the restoration plans, and we are deeply thankful for the continued support of our congregation and friends.
Thank you all for making the Spring Fling such a joyful and successful event

21/2/2026

First Sunday of Lent

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St John the Evangelist Parish
Aurs Rd., Barrhead, G78 2RW.

1st Sunday of Lent
22nd February 2026

Rev Monsignor John Canon Tormey: Parish Priest
Rev Fr Joseph J McGill: Curate
Rev Denis Murphy: Deacon
Email: [email protected] Tel: 0141 881 0769
Website: www.stjohns-barrhead.org

Mary Hallan: Safeguarding Co-Ordinator: [email protected]

Times of Holy Mass:
Sunday: 4pm (Vigil), 10:00am, 11:30am and 5:00pm.
Weekday Mass: Monday-Saturday 10:00am.
Workers’ Mass: Wednesday 7:30am.
Holy Days of Obligation: Vigil 7:00pm, 8:00am and 10:00am.

Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession):
Saturday 10:30am-11:00am, 3:15pm-3:45pm.
Monday-Friday 9:30am-9:50am.

Last Week’s Collections:
First Collection GA: £290.50 NGA: £966.52
Restoration Fund GA: £20.00 SPRED GA: £42.00
Donation to Restoration Fund: £5,000

The Second Collection next week (1st Sunday of the Month) is for the Restoration Fund Collection.

Response to Psalm:
‘Have mercy on us, O Lord, for we have sinned.’

St Vincent de Paul Society:
The SSVP provide spiritual, social and financial support to anyone in need. We visit parishioners of St John’s at their homes or in local care homes. If you know of anyone who might benefit from this offer from the members of the SVdP, please get in touch by calling: 075123 02877 or speak to one of our members after Mass who will be collecting for the Society in the porch.

Parish Pastoral Council (Tuesday 24th February):
The Parish Pastoral Council will meet this Tuesday 24th February at 7pm in the Parish Tea Room. Agenda will be sent by email. If you cannot download it, there will be copies in the sacristy.

Prayer to St Michael:
St Michael the Archangel, defend us in the day of Battle;
Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, cast into Hell, Satan and all the other evil spirits, who prowl through the world, seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

We pray for those who have died recently:
Gerry Connelly, Don Guidi, Hugh Hendry, Nessie Redmond and Susan Watson.

We pray for the anniversaries of:
Fr Douglas MacMillan, Agnes and William Brennan, Jim Cook, Anne Docherty, William Donn, Frank Hill, Damien and Norah Lafferty, Robert Martin, Ian McArthur, Philip McKenna, Ramon McLean, Catherine and Patrick Smith, Chrissie and Jack Stuart, Frances Winning and for the 3 Month’s Mind of Jim Murphy, 6 Month’s Mind of Christine McGuire and 12 Month’s Mind of John Cahill and May Phillips.

Funerals Notices:
The Requiem Mass for Hugh Hendry will be celebrated at 10:00am on Friday 27th February.

St John’s, Barrhead Accounts Report from the Diocese of Paisley Finance Department:
The profit and loss account for 12 months ending 31st December 2025 shows a profit for the Parish of: £88,400.

The balance on 31st December 2025 on the parish loan to Diocese was: £104,199.
The balance on 31st December 2025 on Investment with Diocese was: £567,648.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support of the parish and would ask and encourage parishioners wishing to set up new standing orders to complete a standing order form and gift aid declaration, if applicable, and return them to the parish priest. These forms can be obtained from the parish website. Alternatively, you can set up regular faster payment to the parish via your online banking system. Parish bank details as follows:

St Johns Church
Sort Code 80-05-54
Account No 00761597

Thank you. Jackie Brett, Finance Director, Diocese of Paisley

St John’s Restoration Work:
As you will know, tenders were due back on Wednesday 4th February for the works here in our parish of St John’s, and we have now received tenders from five out of the six tendering contractors as outlined below (these figures do not include 20% VAT): Contractor A £668,354.30 Contractor B £901,367.30 Contractor C £947,995.51 Contractor D £1,047,831.22 Contractor E £1,049,173.62
The Diocesan Fabric and Property Department met on Friday 20th February to decide on what contractor will get the job which means that we should have a start date very soon. Our budget for the project was restricted at £907,000 (including VAT and Fees). However, two grants totalling £35,000 will now be added to this total, making it £942,000. The Diocese will consider if we have to reduce some of the works or if we require additional funding before the project can go ahead. Please keep the project in your prayers so that we may get a start date very soon.

Diocese of Paisley Young Adults (Wednesday 25th February):
The Young Adults series on the Doctors of the Church continues on Wednesday 25th February at 7:00pm in the Diocesan Office, with a talk on St Thomas Aquinas by Fr Matthew Carlin. All young Catholics 18-35 are welcome. For more information contact Fr. Joe McGill at [email protected] or Fr Paul Laverty [email protected]

P4-P7 Lenten Retreat Day (Sunday 1st March):
The Diocesan Youth Commission invites children in P4-P7 to a Retreat Day on Sunday 1st March from 1.45pm-5pm. In this special Jubilee Year of St Francis, the theme is "Our Friends, the Saints: The Franciscan Saints." The Retreat takes place in St Francis of Assisi church and halls on Auchenbothie Road in Port Glasgow (PA14 6JD). It will include Holy Mass. A light dinner will be provided. Registration is necessary: www.tinyurl.com/dpy-lent-2026. Email Fr Ryan for more info: [email protected].

Men’s Lenten Night (Monday 2nd March):
All men are warmly invited to the Men’s Lenten Night at St Joseph’s RC Church (Clarkston) on Monday 2nd March 2026 at 8:00pm, for an evening of guided prayer, reflection and hymns in preparation for Easter. A meaningful opportunity during Lent to pause, pray and deepen your faith alongside other men. Teas and coffees will be available in the hall afterwards. Hosted and organised by The Community of the Risen Christ (SCO004170)

SPRED MASS (Sunday 8th March):
The 11.30am on Sunday 8th March will celebrate SPRED. All Welcome.
World Day of Prayer (Friday 6th March):
The ABC (Action of Barrhead Churches) is taking part in this annual event, and this year St. John’s is hosting the service, which will be held in the hall from 2–4pm. There will be readings and prayers, music, à collection, then tea and chat. Everyone is very welcome.

Retreat Weekend for People thinking about what’s next in Life (Friday 13th – Sunday 15th March / Friday 8th – Sunday 10th May):
'Navigating the way forward' - Either 13-15 March (Conforti, Coabridge) or 8-10 May (Benedictine Monastery, Largs)
Take time out with God for reflection, input and community as we consider how to discern where we are and where we might be invited to next steps. For those facing choices in life, or wondering if there are changes which would lead to greater growth.

Coalition Against Assisted Dying Vote (Thursday 26th March):
The next few weeks are very important for our country and we must make every effort both practically and spiritually to defeat the assisted suicide bill which will be voted on, before our parliament goes into recess and before the election, on Thursday 26th March 2026.
We have prepared a letter for all parishioners to send to Mr Tom Arthur MSP detailing the key reasons he should vote against the bill and I would ask you to sign and address the letters which will be available at the back of the church. These letters should be sent to Mr Arthur to show our collective opposition, as a parish community, to the bill.

'Going Deeper’ - For People New to the Catholic Faith (RCIA) (Friday 1st – Sunday 3rd May):
Pluscarden Benedictine Monastery, Elgin
Take time to pause and reflect on your faith journey in the beautiful surroundings of Pluscarden Benedictine Monastery. Arrivals from 5pm on Friday 1st May and leaving after 12:00 noon lunch on Sunday 3 May.
This residential retreat is designed for those who have been through RCIA (a programme which prepares people to become Roman Catholic).
The weekend will include opportunities to try different ways of praying, exploring some of the Ignatian (Jesuit) and Benedictine traditions, and sharing with others on living a reflective life.

SPUC News:
SPUC has recently launched The Legacy of Life Fellowship, which has been established to encourage SPUC supporters to become invaluable partners in this mission. If you are interested in leaving a legacy and would like to find out more information about joining The Legacy of Life Fellowship, please email [email protected] or telephone 020 7820 3136.

Anwar is walking for St John's! (Sunday 16th August):
Anwar Rafiq has generously volunteered to take on the Dundee Kiltwalk this August in support of the Church’s Restoration Fund and is hoping to hit the goal of raising £1,000.
The amount raised so far is:£452
Let’s cheer Anwar on and help him make every step count!
All donations for Anwar’s Kilt Walk can be made at the Just Giving page:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/st-john-the-evangelist-barrhead-2?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=020

14/2/2026

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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St John the Evangelist Parish
Aurs Rd., Barrhead, G78 2RW.

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
15th February 2026

Rev Monsignor John Canon Tormey: Parish Priest
Rev Fr Joseph J McGill: Curate
Rev Denis Murphy: Deacon
Email: [email protected] Tel: 0141 881 0769
Website: www.stjohns-barrhead.org

Mary Hallan: Safeguarding Co-Ordinator: [email protected]

Times of Holy Mass:
Sunday: 4pm (Vigil), 10:00am, 11:30am and 5:00pm.
Weekday Mass: Monday-Saturday 10:00am.
Workers’ Mass: Wednesday 7:30am.
Holy Days of Obligation: Vigil 7:00pm, 8:00am and 10:00am.

Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession):
Saturday 10:30am-11:00am, 3:15pm-3:45pm.
Monday-Friday 9:30am-9:50am.

Last Week’s Collections:
First Collection GA: £350.00 NGA: £996.91
SPRED GA: £659.40 NGA: £676.81

Response to Psalm:
‘Blessed are those who walk in the law of the Lord!’

St Vincent de Paul Society:
The SSVP provide spiritual, social and financial support to anyone in need. We visit parishioners of St John’s at their homes or in local care homes. If you know of anyone who might benefit from this offer from the members of the SVdP, please get in touch by calling: 075123 02877 or speak to one of our members after Mass who will be collecting for the Society in the porch. (All information treated confidentially).

Prayer to St Michael:
St Michael the Archangel, defend us in the day of Battle;
Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, cast into Hell, Satan and all the other evil spirits, who prowl through the world, seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

We pray for those who have died recently:
Gerry Connelly, Hugh Hendry and Brian Lamb.

We pray for the anniversaries of:
James Carroll Sr, John and Mary Dickson, Ged Farrell, William Finnigan, Ged Farrell, Annie McDougall, Duncan McInnes, James McLaughlin George and Isabel McMillan, Austen Sproul and for the 12 months’ mind of Robert Higgins.

Funerals Notices:
The Requiem Mass for Gerry Connelly will be celebrated at 10:00am on Thursday 19th February and the Requiem Mass for Hugh Hendry will be celebrated at 10:00am on Friday 27th February.

Ash Wednesday Across St John’s and the Diocese (Wednesday 18th February):
Ash Wednesday schedules for the whole diocese can be found on the diocesan website at rcdop.org.uk/ash. You can search by parish, by time, by location, or download a spreadsheet will all the schedule information. Please check back regularly as we will add to the page as parishes confirm their schedules. (QR code graphic attached.)
The Ash Wednesday schedule here at St John’s is as follows: 7:30am, 10am, 7pm.

Sunday Coffee Bar (Sunday 15th February):
This Sunday, 15th February, will be the last coffee bar after 10:00am Mass until the hall reopens. There will be homemade scones and other home baking. All donations of baking would be gratefully accepted on the day. Proceeds will go to the Church Restoration Fund.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion in St John’s and the Diocese of Paisley:
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion will shortly receive a letter from Fr John. They are asked by the bishop to attend two Saturday meetings next month for an opportunity to deepen their understanding of what the Church teaches about the Mass and Holy Communion, and to be re-commissioned to give out Holy Communion at Mass. The dates for the remaining sessions available in the Diocese:
East Renfrewshire: 21st and 28th February in St. Joseph’s Hall, Clarkston.

Monthly Pro-Life Mass (Wednesday 18th February):
This month’s Pro-Life Mass falls on Ash Wednesday, 18th February. Mass will therefore be at the earlier time of 7:00pm at Holy Cross, 113 Dixon Ave, G42 8ER. There will be Adoration from 6:00pm. Please come along and start your Lenten journey praying for the cause of life.

Safeguarding Induction Training – 2026:
If you are a new volunteer, or one who completed Part 1 training more than two years ago, you are invited to sign up for one of the following training sessions. Please contact Sarah Jane Colhoun at the Safeguarding Office to register. Tel: 0141 847 6138 or [email protected]
Dates:
Saturday, 28th March, 10.30am, St Joseph’s Greenock
Tuesday, 21st April, 7pm, Diocesan Centre Paisley
Saturday, 16th May, 10.30am, St Mary’s Greenock
Tuesday 9th June, 7pm, Diocesan Centre Paisley

Diocese of Paisley Young Adults (Wednesday 25th February):
The Young Adults series on the Doctors of the Church continues on Wednesday 25th February at 7:00pm in the Diocesan Office, with a talk on St Thomas Aquinas by Fr Matthew Carlin. All young Catholics 18-35 are welcome. For more information contact Fr. Joe McGill at [email protected] or Fr Paul Laverty [email protected]

P4-P7 Lenten Retreat Day (Sunday 1st March):
The Diocesan Youth Commission invites children in P4-P7 to a Retreat Day on Sunday 1st March from 1.45pm-5pm. In this special Jubilee Year of St Francis, the theme is "Our Friends, the Saints: The Franciscan Saints." The Retreat takes place in St Francis of Assisi church and halls on Auchenbothie Road in Port Glasgow (PA14 6JD). It will include Holy Mass. A light dinner will be provided. Registration is necessary: www.tinyurl.com/dpy-lent-2026. Email Fr Ryan for more info: [email protected].

World Day of Prayer (Friday 6th March):
The ABC (Action of Barrhead Churches) is taking part in this annual event, and this year St. John’s is hosting the service, which will be held in the hall from 2–4pm. There will be readings and prayers, music, à collection, then tea and chat. Everyone is very welcome.

Retreat Weekend for People thinking about what’s next in Life (Friday 13th – Sunday 15th March / Friday 8th – Sunday 10th May):
'Navigating the way forward' - Either 13-15 March (Conforti, Coatbridge) or 8-10 May (Benedictine Monastery, Largs)
Take time out with God for reflection, input and community as we consider how to discern where we are and where we might be invited to next steps. For those facing choices in life, or wondering if there are changes which would lead to greater growth.

'Going Deeper’ - For People New to the Catholic Faith (RCIA) (Friday 1st – Sunday 3rd May):
Pluscarden Benedictine Monastery, Elgin
Take time to pause and reflect on your faith journey in the beautiful surroundings of Pluscarden Benedictine Monastery. Arrivals from 5pm on Friday 1st May and leaving after 12:00 noon lunch on Sunday 3 May.
This residential retreat is designed for those who have been through RCIA (a programme which prepares people to become Roman Catholic).
The weekend will include opportunities to try different ways of praying, exploring some of the Ignatian (Jesuit) and Benedictine traditions, and sharing with others on living a reflective life.

Applying for Seminary:
At this time of year, the Catholic Church in Scotland welcomes applications for Seminary for the year 2027. If you think God may be calling you to the joyful life of a Priest in the Diocese of Paisley, to serve His people, to celebrate the Sacraments and to Preach the Word, ‘do not be afraid – He is there.’ To find out more about the application process and Seminary itself, please contact the Diocesan Vocations Director, Fr Eoin Patten, by email [email protected]

Diocese of Paisley Vocations Website:
Our new Vocations web pages are up-and-running! You can check them out at rcdop.org.uk/dp-vocations.
Please join us in praying for more vocations to the Diocese of Paisley – “He is There!”.
You can also support us by liking, sharing and following our Vocations social media pages:
Instagram: @dioceseofpaisleyvocations
TikTok: @paisleyvocations
X: @DoPVocations
Thank you for helping to promote and pray for vocations in our Diocese!

Anwar is walking for St John's! (Sunday 16th August):
Anwar Rafiq has generously volunteered to take on the Dundee Kiltwalk this August in support of the Church’s Restoration Fund and is hoping to hit the goal of raising £1,000.
Let’s cheer Anwar on and help him make every step count!
All donations for Anwar’s Kilt Walk can be made at the Just Giving page:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/st-john-the-evangelist-barrhead-2?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=020

7/2/2026

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time February 8th 2026

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St John the Evangelist Parish
Aurs Rd., Barrhead, G78 2RW.

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
8th February 2026

Rev Monsignor John Canon Tormey: Parish Priest
Rev Fr Joseph J McGill: Curate
Rev Denis Murphy:  Deacon
Email: [email protected] Tel: 0141 881 0769
Website: www.stjohns-barrhead.org

Mary Hallan: Safeguarding Co-Ordinator: [email protected]

Times of Holy Mass:
Sunday: 4pm (Vigil), 10:00am, 11:30am and 5:00pm.
Weekday Mass: Monday-Saturday 10:00am.
Workers’ Mass: Wednesday 7:30am.
Holy Days of Obligation: Vigil 7:00pm, 8:00am and 10:00am.

Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession):
Saturday 10:30am-11:00am, 3:15pm-3:45pm.
Monday-Friday 9:30am-9:50am.

Last Week’s Collections:
First Collection GA: £367.75 NGA: £1,032.35
Building Fund GA: £768.50 NGA: £767.68

The Second Collection this week will help fund the great work that SPRED do for our parishioners with additional support needs, helping them understand and celebrate their faith.

Response to Psalm:
‘A light rises in the darkness for the upright.’

St Vincent de Paul Society:
The SSVP provide spiritual, social and financial support to anyone in need. We visit parishioners of St John’s at their homes or in local care homes. If you know of anyone who might benefit from this offer from the members of the SVdP, please get in touch by calling: 075123 02877 or speak to one of our members after Mass who will be collecting for the Society in the porch. (All information treated confidentially).

Prayer to St Michael:
St Michael the Archangel, defend us in the day of Battle;
Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, cast into Hell, Satan and all the other evil spirits, who prowl through the world, seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

We pray for those who have died recently:
Gerry Connelly, Rose Friel, Alan Ross, Angela Smith,
Charles Wright and Kayden Young.

We pray for the anniversaries of:
John Bennett, John Dickson, Betty Donegan, Charlotte Fitzpatrick, Tom and Jeanette Gallacher, James Garry, Paul Goodwin, Jenny Hughes, George Logue, Bridget McGowan, James and Noreen McGowan, Jean Pattison, David Reynolds, Patrick Reynolds, Robert Stewart, Patrick Walker and Cecilia Wright.

Funerals Notices:
The Requiem Mass for Alan Ross will be celebrated on Wednesday 11th February at 10:00am.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion in St John’s and the Diocese of Paisley:
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion will shortly receive a letter from Fr John. They are asked by the bishop to attend two Saturday meetings next month for an opportunity to deepen their understanding of what the Church teaches about the Mass and Holy Communion, and to be re-commissioned to give out Holy Communion at Mass. The dates for the remaining sessions available in the Diocese:
East Renfrewshire: 21st and 28th February in St. Joseph’s Hall, Clarkston.

Sacred Heart Prayer Group (Tuesday 10th February):
The Prayer Group will meet in St John’s Tearoom on Tuesday 10th February from 1:00pm to 2:00pm.

Quiz Night – First of 2026! (Friday 13th February):
Join us for our first quiz night of the year on Friday 13th February 2026 in the Church Hall at 7:00pm.
Everyone is welcome — bring friends, family, and anyone who enjoys a fun evening of questions, competition, and community spirit.
Entry: £2 per person
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, love is all around… and so are the quiz questions!
We look forward to seeing you there!

Ash Wednesday Across St John’s and the Diocese (Wednesday 18th February):
Ash Wednesday schedules for the whole diocese can be found on the diocesan website at rcdop.org.uk/ash. You can search by parish, by time, by location, or download a spreadsheet will all the schedule information. Please check back regularly as we will add to the page as parishes confirm their schedules. (QR code graphic attached.)
The Ash Wednesday schedule here in St John’s is as follows: 7:30am, 10am, 7pm.

Love & Beauty in St John’s Spiritual Canticle (Friday 20th – Sunday 22nd February 2026):
2026 marks the centenary of the declaration of St John of the Cross as a a Doctor of the Church. In honour of this anniversary, Fr Matthew Blake, OCD will offer a weekend reflecting on the themes of love and beauty in the most celebrated poetry of the great Spanish mystic.
https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/love-beauty-in-st-johns-spiritual-canticle/

Safeguarding Induction Training – 2026:
If you are a new volunteer, or one who completed Part 1 training more than two years ago, you are invited to sign up for one of the following training sessions. Please contact Sarah Jane Colhoun at the Safeguarding Office to register. Tel: 0141 847 6138 or [email protected]
Dates:
Tuesday, 10th February, 7pm, Diocesan Centre Paisley
Saturday, 28th March, 10.30am, St Joseph’s Greenock
Tuesday, 21st April, 7pm, Diocesan Centre Paisley
Saturday, 16th May, 10.30am, St Mary’s Greenock
Tuesday 9th June, 7pm, Diocesan Centre Paisley

Safeguarding Through for the Month of February:
We take time to respond to the Day of Prayer for Survivors of Abuse on Friday 20th February 2026.

Marriage Preparation residential weekend course (Friday 13th – Sunday 15th March 2026):
The CHC’s weekend marriage prep course is intended for couples who wish to engage more deeply with the Catholic vision for marriage. Structured around the elements of the marriage rite, couples will reflect deeply on foundational Scriptural texts to gain a deeper understanding of both the natural and Sacramental aspects of Matrimony. The weekend is framed by prayer, time for reflection personally and as a couple, group discussion and a social. https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/marriage-preparation

Retreat Weekend for People thinking about what’s next in Life (Friday 13th – Sunday 15th March / Friday 8th – Sunday 10th May):
'Navigating the way forward' - Either 13-15 March (Conforti, Coatbridge) or 8-10 May (Benedictine Monastery, Largs)
Take time out with God for reflection, input and community as we consider how to discern where we are and where we might be invited to next steps. For those facing choices in life, or wondering if there are changes which would lead to greater growth.

'Going Deeper’ - For People New to the Catholic Faith (RCIA) (Friday 1st – Sunday 3rd May):
Pluscarden Benedictine Monastery, Elgin
Take time to pause and reflect on your faith journey in the beautiful surroundings of Pluscarden Benedictine Monastery.
Arrivals from 5pm on Friday 1st May and leaving after 12:00 noon lunch on Sunday 3 May.
This residential retreat is designed for those who have been through RCIA (a programme which prepares people to become Roman Catholic).
The weekend will include opportunities to try different ways of praying, exploring some of the Ignatian (Jesuit) and Benedictine traditions, and sharing with others on living a reflective life.

Applying for Seminary:
At this time of year, the Catholic Church in Scotland welcomes applications for Seminary for the year 2027. If you think God may be calling you to the joyful life of a Priest in the Diocese of Paisley, to serve His people, to celebrate the Sacraments and to Preach the Word, ‘do not be afraid – He is there.’ To find out more about the application process and Seminary itself, please contact the Diocesan Vocations Director, Fr Eoin Patten, by email [email protected]
New Vocations Website!

Diocese of Paisley Vocations Website:
Our new Vocations web pages are up-and-running! You can check them out at rcdop.org.uk/dp-vocations.
Please join us in praying for more vocations to the Diocese of Paisley – “He is There!”.
You can also support us by liking, sharing and following our Vocations social media pages:
Instagram: @dioceseofpaisleyvocations
TikTok: @paisleyvocations
X: @DoPVocations
Thank you for helping to promote and pray for vocations in our Diocese!

World Day of Prayer on March 6th.
The ABC (Action of Barrhead Churches) is taking part in this annual event, and this year St. John’s is hosting the service, which will be held in the hall from 2–4pm. There will be readings and prayers, music, à collection, then tea and chat. Everyone is very welcome.

Children's Rosary.
The next children's Rosary will be on Friday, 13th February at 6pm