博客存档 - Saint John the Evangelist

28/3/2026

Palm Sunday

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

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord
29th 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.

Stations of the Cross:
Every Friday during Lent at 7pm.

Holy Week Services:
(Holy Week Begins on Palm Sunday)

Palm Sunday: Masses as normal with distribution of palms.

Monday – Wednesday: Morning Masses and Confessions as normal.

Chrism Mass Wednesday Evening: 7:00pm St Mirin’s Cathedral with blessing of the oils for the sacraments and renewal of the priests’ vows.

Easter Triduum (Holy Thursday – Holy Saturday):
Morning Prayer 10:00am from Thursday – Saturday.

Holy Thursday Evening: Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7:00pm
Night Prayer: 10:00pm.

Good Friday: Commemoration of the Passion 3:00pm and Stations of the Cross 7:00pm (With ecumenical presence of Barrhead churches).

Easter Vigil: 8:00pm (With the Baptism of five Catechumens).
Easter Sunday: 10:00am and 11:30am
No evening Mass on Easter Sunday.

Last Week’s Collections:
First Collection GA: £357.00 NGA: £1,160.29
SCIAF GA: £45.00 NGA: £52.00
Restoration Fund: £360.00

We pray for those who have died recently:
Patricia Harrison, Evelyn Letournou, Hannah (Monaghan) Miller and Lina Waclawski.

We pray for the anniversaries of:
Bishop James Black, Canon Denis Sheahan, Gavin Conafray, James Creamer, William Patrick Docherty, Betty and Joe Gallacher, Charles Henry, Michael McGuire, Bob O’Neil, William Sandford and Grace Walsh.

Support for those affected by recent events:
We continue to pray for the victim and his family who have suffered as a result of the crime committed against him. The events relating to Canon Baillie’s recent court appearance has also prompted a range of emotional responses and may have caused distress for some parishioners across the diocese. In partnership with Epione Consultants, a specialist trauma support organisation, the diocese has produced a resource leaflet to help people understand and process their feelings. Anyone who may benefit from support is encouraged to access this resource, which includes information and contact details for additional support services. The leaflet is available on the diocesan website here: https://tinyurl.com/yck859s7.

Gift Aid Boxes:
Gift Aid boxes are now available at the back of the church for the start of the new tax year. If you donate by standing order there are boxes for the Special Collection only. Many people who donate by standing order have asked for these for the second collections only.
If you donate through gift aid and do not have a standing order, please pick up a full set of envelopes at the back of the church.
There are lists with names and the envelope number.

Full Boxed Envelopes run from 1 to 90. These are found on the table on the right. Special Collection Boxed Envelopes numbered from 91 to 220. are on the table by the choir stairs. We ran out of some Special Collection Boxed Envelopes – those after 180 on the list have now arrived and ready for uplifting.
Thank you to all our parishioners who donate regularly, whether with Gift Aid or not. Our Annual Collections increased by 7% last year, and our Special Collections (including the Building Fund collection) increased by 24%. Thank you to everyone for your generosity. May God reward you.

If you wish to set up standing order instead of using church envelopes or the plate collection, you can fill out a standing order form at the back of the church and return it to Fr John. If you pay tax on your income please consider signing a Gif Aid Form. ( you do not lose any money but the church benefits (this year Gift Aid income realised over £25,000) . Alternatively you can set up your donation online. Parish bank details as follows:
St Johns Church

Sort Code 80-05-54
Account No 00761597
Alternatively, please scan the QR code below to give
via our online giving page:

Thank you so much, St Joseph. And thank you to all of you for your donations and fundraising. The Diocesan Finance and Property Committee were very impressed by the magnificent sums raised by your fundraising efforts.

This restoration work will take at least 26 weeks, or longer if the walls need longer to dry out; then the newly plastered walls will be painted.

Once work permits and initial site works are in place we expect the work to commence after the Easter holiday, around 17 April. This now means we will have Holy Week and Easter in the church. There will be a public meeting with the Project Management Team before Easter to let the whole parish know what works are being done and to give you a more in-depth explanation of all the work that will be done.
It is finally happening, my dear parishioners. Deo Gratias.

Invitation to Join Eucharistic Adoration in the Parish Oratory:
We would like to invite more people to join in Eucharistic Adoration. It would be particularly helpful between 2:00pm-3:00pm and 3:00-4:00pm on Mondays and 4:00-5:00pm on Wednesdays. But you are always welcome to visting the Parish Oratory for Adoration any Monday, Wednesday or Friday.

40 Days of Life for Glasgow:
This is an anti-abortion campaign conducting 12-hour daily prayer vigils (8:00am – 8:00pm) on Hardgate Road, near the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital running from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. The group aims to end abortion through prayer, fasting and community outreach, to advocate a culture of life and offer alternatives to abortion to those visiting the facility. There is an open invitation to join them at any day during this vigil. Please keep them in your prayers.

Diocese of Paisley Podcast:
In the latest episode of the Diocese of Paisley Podcast, our very own Fr John reminisces on his vocation of 45 years in the priesthood and his hopes for the future of the Church.

ABC Holy Week Services:
The ABC (Action for Barrhead Churches) has compiled a list of ecumenical services and events being held in several local churches during Holy Week, to which everyone is warmly invited. Posters are on display at the side entrance and in the porch, where leaflets are also available.
St. John’s is hosting two services on Good Friday:
— the Walk of Witness, starting from the church at 10:30
— Stations of the Cross, in the church at 7:00pm.

Kids’ May Day Party (Friday 1st May):
Friday 1st May, 6:30pm – 8:00pm in the Hall. Come along for a fun-filled evening of arts, crafts, games, and snacks as we celebrate May Day together! Entry is £2 per child. Parents go free. During the party, we will elect our May Queen and May King, who will then lead the Children’s Liturgy Flower Offertory Procession at 10am Mass on Sunday 3rd May to honour Our Lady in this special month. Important: All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult for the entire event, tea and coffee will be available. Tickets: Contact Anna Marie Johnston on 07897 405000 to book your place. Numbers are limited, so don’t delay! We look forward to a lovely evening of fun and celebration!

St. John's Golf Cup (Friday 5th June):
St. John's Cup, Friday, 5th June, 10am -12 non, Fereneze Golf Club. Please see the poster at the back of the church for details.
There is a sign-up sheet at the back of the church or contact, Mark Carlton on 078857535.

Parish Hall Safeguarding Notice:
Please be aware that no-one can enter the parish hall during parish group lets Monday – Thursday. There are always children and vulnerable adults whose carers are responsible for them while they are in the hall. This is normal safeguarding protocol for the Diocese of Paisley. Thank you.

Guiding in Barrhead:
We are hoping to gain more volunteers for the rainbows in the hall and have shared a similar message on our social media:
“Do you know someone who would make a great volunteer? We are looking for volunteers who can help out on a Tuesday evening with Rainbows in Barrhead. We'd love for you to join and help more girls to thrive in Girlguiding. Create magical moments together and make a difference when it works for you.

Prayers for Fr Joe McGill’s dad, Stephen:
Fr Joe’s dad was taken into hospital on Monday the 2nd of March after sustaining a head injury as a result of a fall. Stephen is making small steps in recovery. Please continue to keep Stephen, Fr Joe and his family in your prayers. They are very grateful for all your kind wishes and prayers.

21/3/2026

Fifth Sunday of Lent

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

5th Sunday of Lent
22nd 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.

Stations of the Cross:
Every Friday during Lent at 7pm.

Last Week’s Collections:
First Collection GA: £333.00 NGA: £1,010.25
SCIAF GA: £833.50 NGA: £1,144.45

Response to Psalm:
‘With the Lord there is mercy, in him is plentiful redemption.’

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.

Invitation to Join Eucharistic Adoration in the Parish Oratory:
We would like to invite more people to join in Eucharistic Adoration. It would be particularly helpful between 2:00pm-3:00pm and 3:00-4:00pm on Mondays and 4:00-5:00pm on Wednesdays. But you are always welcome to visting the Parish Oratory for Adoration any Monday, Wednesday or Friday.

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:
David Cassidy, John M. De Souza, Josephine Hannan and John Welsh.

We pray for the anniversaries of:
Shaun Carlin, John Coelho, Lizzie Crossan, Louisa De Souza, Winnie Devlin, John Graham, Charles Henry, Margaret Miller, Margaret Wallis and the three month’s mind of Joseph Gribbon and Jim McGauley and the six month’s mind of Marlyn McEwan

Legion of Mary Acies Ceremony (St Mirin's Cathedral, Saturday 28th March 12:30pm):
All active and auxiliary members of the Legion of Mary are invited to attend and renew their individual and collective consecration to Our Lady, Queen of the Legion, and from Her to receive strength and blessing for the coming year. Refreshments will be served in the cathedral hall afterwards. A coach will leave St John’s carpark at 12:00 noon, returning to St John’s at approximately 3:00pm. Members of the Legion (Active and Auxiliary) who would like to travel by coach, please add your name to the list in the porch.

Gift Aid Boxes:
Gift Aid boxes are now available at the back of the church for the start of the new tax year. If you donate by standing order there are boxes for the Special Collection only. Many people who donate by standing order have asked for these for the second collections only.
If you donate through gift aid and do not have a standing order, please pick up a full set of envelopes at the back of the church.
There are lists with names and the envelope number.

Full Boxed Envelopes run from 1 to 90. Special Collection Boxed Envelopes Only, are numbered from 91 to 220. We ran out of Special Collection Boxed Envelopes – those after 180 on the list may have to wait a week longer for the newly ordered ones to arrive.
Thank you to all our parishioners who donate regularly, whether with Gift Aid or not. Our Annual Collections increased by 7% last year, and our Special Collections (including the Building Fund collection) increased by 24%. Thank you to everyone for your generosity. May God reward you.

If you wish to set up standing order instead of using church envelopes or the plate collection, you can fill out a standing order form at the back of the church and return it to Fr John. If you pay tax on your income please consider signing a Gif Aid Form. ( you do not lose any money but the church benefits (this year Gift Aid income realised over £25,000) . 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
Alternatively, please scan the QR code below to give via our online giving page:

Thank you so much, St Joseph. And thank you to all of you for your donations and fundraising. The Diocesan Finance and Property Committee were very impressed by the magnificent sums raised by your fundraising efforts.

This restoration work will take at least 26 weeks, or longer if the walls need longer to dry out; then the newly plastered walls will be painted.

Once work permits and initial site works are in place we expect the work to commence after the Easter holiday, around 17 April. This now means we will have Holy Week and Easter in the church. There will be a public meeting with the Project Management Team before Easter to let the whole parish know what works are being done and to give you a more in-depth explanation of all the work that will be done.
It is finally happening, my dear parishioners. Deo Gratias.

A Message from Bishop Keenan:
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I am sure by now that most of you are aware of the difficult news that has come from the High Court and Sheriff Court this week, concerning former priest of our diocese Vincent Cassidy and Canon Stephen Baillie. This news will be distressing for many in our diocesan family—laity, religious and clergy—and I ask you to remember in your prayers the people who reported these offences, recognising the courage involved in coming forward. As a diocese, we renew our commitment to fostering a culture of care and we will continue to learn, through a shared commitment, how we can better create safe church environments. We also renew our commitment to offer shelter, support and compassion to anyone hurt by the Church and help them to healing. Bishop Keenan’s statement concerning Vincent Cassidy can be found at https://tinyurl.com/dop-v-cassidy. His statement concerning Canon Stephen Baillie can be found at https://tinyurl.com/dop-s-baillie.

Mission at St Peter’s Church, Paisley:
You are invited to a 3-day Mission in St Peter’s Church, Paisley which includes the celebration of Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and talks. Dates: March 24th, 25th, and 26th. Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm. Theme: Evangelisation.

40 Days of Life for Glasgow:
This is an anti-abortion campaign conducting 12-hour daily prayer vigils (8:00am – 8:00pm) on Hardgate Road, near the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital running from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. The group aims to end abortion through prayer, fasting and community outreach, to advocate a culture of life and offer alternatives to abortion to those visiting the facility. There is an open invitation to join them at any day during this vigil. Please keep them in your prayers.

Holy Week Services:
(Holy Week Begins on Palm Sunday)
Palm Sunday: Masses as normal with distribution of palms.

Monday – Wednesday: Morning Masses and Confessions as normal.

Chrism Mass Wednesday Evening: 7:00pm St Mirin’s Cathedral with blessing of the oils for the sacraments and renewal of priestly vows.

Easter Triduum (Holy Thursday – Holy Saturday):
Morning Prayer 10:00am Thursday – Saturday.

Holy Thursday Evening: Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7:00pm
Night Prayer: 10:00pm.

Good Friday: Commemoration of the Passion 3:00pm and Stations of the Cross 7:00pm (With ecumenical presence of Barrhead churches).

Easter Vigil: 8:00pm (With the Baptism of five Catechumens).
Easter Sunday: 10:00am and 11:30am
No evening Mass on Easter Sunday.

ABC Holy Week Services:
The ABC (Action for Barrhead Churches) has compiled a list of services being held in several local churches during Holy Week, to which everyone is warmly invited. Posters are on display at the side entrance and in the porch, where leaflets are also available to take away.
St. John’s is hosting two services on Good Friday:
— the Walk of Witness, starting from the church at 10.30am
— Stations of the Cross, in the church at 7pm.

Prayers for Fr Joe McGill’s dad, Stephen:
Fr Joe’s dad was taken into hospital on Monday the 2nd of March after sustaining a head injury as a result of a fall. Stephen is making small steps in recovery. Please continue to keep Stephen, Fr Joe and his family in your prayers

14/3/2026

Fourth Sunday in Lent. Laetare Sunday

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

4th Sunday of Lent
(Laetare Sunday)
15th 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.

Stations of the Cross:
Every Friday during Lent at 7pm.

Last Week’s Collections:
First Collection GA: £252.40 NGA: £1,165.94

The Second Collection this week is in aid of the Papal and Episcopal Charities, which includes SCIAF.

Response to Psalm:
‘The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.’

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.

Happy Mother’s Day:
Happy Mother’s Day to all our families. We thank God for all that mums do for their family. May God bless you every day.

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:
John M. De Souza.

We pray for the anniversaries of:
John Brady, Morag Cassells, Mark and Irene Clougherty, Rose Anne Greville, Stephen Hickey, Teresa Leckie, Josephine Martin, Tommy McAllister, Eddie McCormick, Neil McDade, Edward McGorrian, John and Mary McMullen, Eddie Monaghan, Frank Monaghan, Jack Morton, Margaret Mullins, Jim Ross, Patricia Stewart, Frank Ward and for the month’s mind of Gerry Connelly and the 12 month’s mind of John Cahill.

St John’s Safeguarding Notice:
Please be aware that no-one can enter the parish hall during parish group lets Monday – Thursday. There are always children and vulnerable adults whose carers are responsible for them while they are in the hall. This is normal safeguarding protocol for the Diocese of Paisley. Thank you.

Gift Aid Boxes:
Gift Aid boxes are now available at the back of the church for the start of the new tax year. If you donate by standing order there are boxes for the Special Collection only. Many people who donate by standing order have asked for these for the second collections only.

If you donate through gift aid and do not have a standing order, please pick up a full set of envelopes at the back of the church.
There are lists with names and the envelope number.
Full Boxed Envelopes run from 1 to 90. Special Collection Boxed Envelopes Only, are numbered from 91 to 220. We ran out of Special Collection Boxed Envelopes – those after 180 on the list may have to wait a week longer for the newly ordered ones to arrive.

Thank you to all our parishioners who donate regularly, whether with Gift Aid or not. Our Annual Collections increased by 7% last year, and our Special Collections (including the Building Fund collection) increased by 24%. Thank you to everyone for your generosity. May God reward you.

I 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

Alternatively, please scan the QR code below to give via our online giving page:

Church Restoration Work:

This restoration work will take at least 26 weeks, or longer if the walls need longer to dry out; then the newly plastered walls will be painted. We do not have a budget to repaint the whole church yet; that will be a later phase. So, we will need to decide what colour will best fit in with the rest of the church’s colour scheme. Once we have paid off this work, we can move on to the next phase of making the church beautiful inside: repair of parquet floor and entrance doors, perhaps new carpets down the main and side aisles.

Once work permits and initial site works are in place we expect the work to commence after the Easter holiday, around 17 April. This now means we will have Holy Week and Easter in the church. There will be a public meeting with the Project Management Team before Easter to let the whole parish know what works are being done and to give you a more in-depth explanation of all the work that will be done.
It is finally happening, my dear parishioners. Deo Gratias.

Mission at St Peter’s Church, Paisley:
You are invited to a 3-day Mission in St Peter’s Church, Paisley which includes the celebration of Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and talks. Dates: March 24th, 25th, and 26th. Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm. Theme: Evangelisation.

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

40 Days of Life for Glasgow:
This is an anti-abortion campaign conducting 12-hour daily prayer vigils (8:00am – 8:00pm) on Hardgate Road, near the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital running from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. The group aims to end abortion through prayer, fasting and community outreach, to advocate a culture of life and offer alternatives to abortion to those visiting the facility. There is an open invitation to join them at any day during this vigil. Please keep them in your prayers.

Prayers for Fr Joe McGill’s dad, Stephen:
Fr Joe’s dad was taken into hospital on Monday the 2nd of March after sustaining a head injury as a result of a fall. Stephen was moved from ICU to HDU this week and is making small steps in recovery. Please keep Stephen, Fr Joe and his family in your prayers.

7/3/2026

Third Sunday in Lent.

Read Now

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

3rd Sunday of Lent
8th 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: £449.80 NGA: £1,150.19
Building Fund GA: £960.00 NGA: £694.15

The Second Collection next week is in aid of the Papal and Episcopal Charities, which includes SCIAF.

Response to Psalm:
‘O that today you would listen to his voice! Harden not your hearts.’

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.

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

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:
Kathleen Collins, James William Jackson and Ann Ruddy

We pray for the anniversaries of:
Anne Carlton, Carlo Fazzi, Mary Hughes and Theresa Moore.

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

World Day of Prayer.
St. John's hosted a very successful and uplifting afternoon for World Day of Prayer. St. John's, St Andrew's, Bourock Parish Church and the United Reform Church were all represented.
Prayers, hymns, stories and delicious tea and cake afterwards, made it a very successful afternoon, enjoyed by all. Thank you to those, who were involved in organising it, on a beautiful and sunny afternoon.
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.

Parish Quiz (Friday 13th March):
The Parish Quiz will take place on Friday 13th March at 7:00pm in the Parish Hall. All are 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

Individually Guided Retreat in daily life (Sunday 22nd - Sunday 29th March):
A chance to have a retreat experience without going away by meeting a guide each day at the Ignatian Spirituality Centre, Glasgow. For more information please contact [email protected]

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

Called to Love (Saturday 2nd – Sunday 3rd May):
A retreat for singles, dating and engaged couples who want to think more deeply about relationships and the call to marriage. A relaxed weekend with input, prayer, discussion and social, as well as the opportunity to meet like-minded others! This year's retreat will have as its theme masculinity and femininity. Runs from Saturday 2nd to Sunday 3rd May, with the option of staying Friday night.
https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/called-to-love/

Festival of Synodality (Saturday 6th June):
We invite YOU to the National Festival of Synodality at Glasgow Caledonian University, a day inspired by Pope Francis’ call to be “witnesses to synodality.” The Festival will focus on Conversation in the Spirit, a simple and powerful way of communal discernment rooted in listening, conversion and mission.
The day will celebrate the fruits already flourishing in the Church in Scotland and include input from Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ, Fr David McCallum SJ and Sandra Chaoul. Participants will also have the opportunity to experience Conversation in the Spirit firsthand. Lunch is included.
All are welcome, especially those involved in parish and diocesan life, pastoral councils, schools and faith organisations.
Tickets: £65. Parishes and dioceses are encouraged to support those wishing to attend. Tickets available: bit.ly/synodality26

40 Days of Life for Glasgow:
This is an anti-abortion campaign conducting 12-hour daily prayer vigils (8:00am – 8:00pm) on Hardgate Road, near the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital running from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. The group aims to end abortion through prayer, fasting and community outreach, to advocate a culture of life and offer alternatives to abortion to those visiting the facility. There is an open invitation to join them at any day during this vigil. Please keep them in your prayers.

Prayers for Fr Joe McGill’s dad, Stephen:
Fr Joe’s dad was taken into hospital on Monday and is in a critical condition after sustaining a head injury as a result of a fall. Please keep Stephen, Fr Joe and his family in your prayers.