Blog Archives - Saint John the Evangelist

31/8/2025

Twenty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time.

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Updated bulletin.

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

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
31st August 2025

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

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

LAST WEEK’S COLLECTIONS
First Collection GA: £267.00 NGA: £775.89
Building Fund GA: £70
Church Restoration Donations: £1000 and £100
Second Collection (Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary): £2,304.24

Response to Psalm:
“In your goodness, O God, you provided a home for the poor.”

Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary: Thank you very much for the generosity you showed to the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary last Sunday. The Parish raised £2,304.24 and the cheque was sent off to Sr Pennie on Tuesday, 26th August.

This Sunday, there will be a speaker to highlight the the Diocesan Fundraising Appeal, coordinated by Canon Eddie Cameron. These funds are used to support the work of the Diocese outwith parish work, in areas such as education, priestly formation and marriage preparation, and the national marriage tribunal. A booklet explaining the works of the Diocesan Fundraising appeal will be handed out next week.

Children’s Rosary: The Children’s Rosary returns on Friday 12th September at 6pm. Children of all ages, including babies, are invited along. Please bring your children and grandchildren to take part in this wonderful opportunity for prayer.

Church Hall Coffee Mornings: A reminder that the Coffee Bar on a Tuesday restarted from the 19th of August. Teas and coffees in the hall after 10am Mass also recommended on Sunday the 24th of August.

Church Hall Quiz Night: We resume our monthly quiz nights with the next one on Friday 12th September at 7pm.
It is always a great night, so please bring a friend and help with the parish fundraising. BYOB.

We pray for those who have died recently:
Christine McGuire and Jim Igoe.

We pray for the anniversaries of: John De Souza, Lauren Husk, Frank McAloon, Rosemary McGinty, Betty Mooney, Rachel Walsh and Fr. Terence Donnelly.

Funeral Notice: The funeral Mass of Christine McGuire will be celebrated at 10:00 on Wednesday 3rd September with the Vigil at 6pm on Tuesday 2nd September.

RCIA for St John’s Parish: If you know of anyone who wishes to enrol for the RCIA to become a Catholic, please let one of the priests know. We hope to start on Wednesday 24th September at 7pm in the Church House.
We hope to start the courses in late September, most likely on a Wednesday evening at 7pm, if this suits everyone. Please contact Fr John or Fr Joe if you have an interest in joining the RCIA for the autumn.

Story of a North Korean Christian: Hear the powerful testimony of a Christian who escaped the brutal regime in North Korea.
Reserve your ticket at https://www.trybooking.com/uk/FDYV. For more information, please contact the ACN Scotland office at [email protected] or call 01698 337 470.
The event takes place on Wednesday 10th September, St Joseph’s Church Hall, Clarkston, 7pm – 9pm.

March for Life UK 2025: In partnership with SPUC you are invited to join Bishop John Keenan on his coach to London for March for Life UK 2025, on Saturday 6 September 2025. Departing midnight from Paisley St Mirin’s Cathedral with pickup at Glasgow St Andrew’s Cathedral. Arriving in London approx. 7.30/8am. Departing on same day at 6pm, dropping off at Glasgow and Paisley. £30pp. To book your seat(s), please visit the following: https://rcdop.org.uk/events/march-for-life-uk-2025

Season of Creation Conference: The Bishops’ Office for Care of Creation invites you to their National Season of Creation Conference on Saturday 6th September 2025 in St. Margaret’s, Raploch, 10am – 3pm. Come and join Archbishop Nolan and our special guest Lorna Gold, the Executive Director of the global Laudato Si Movement. Book a place on www.bcos.org.uk/scc25 .

Diocesan Vocations Mass: We are pleased to invite you to the Diocesan Vocations Mass on Thursday, September 11th, at 7:00pm, held at St. Mirin’s Cathedral in Paisley. Bishop John warmly encourages your attendance as we come together to pray for an increase in vocations to the Priesthood, Diaconate, and Consecrated Life.

St Luke’s High School First Friday Prayer Group:
Dear Parishioners,
We are restarting our First Friday Prayer Group, beginning on Friday 5th September.
As scripture states, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”. We are therefore delighted to offer this opportunity for all of our young people and staff to come together, to value and understand the power of prayer and its place in their relationship with God.
The First Friday Prayer Group will be on the first Friday of every month in our school oratory.
We will be asking our young people to add their intentions to the prayer book.
Examples of intentions might include:
Sick friends or relatives Difficult situations in school Resolution of difficult relationships between friends For issues of peace and justice in the world
We are asking that if you have any special intentions of people you would like the prayer group to pray for, please complete the form below. We will then add these intentions to our Prayer Book.
https://forms.office.com/e/LZiW6ZAtiU
We are delighted that our Caritas pupils will be leading the Prayer Group.

Thank you in anticipation of your support with this,
Mrs Hunter
Depute Head Teacher

Faith Formation at St Joseph & St Patrick's Church, Wemyss Bay: Following the success of the Lenten Talks, the parish of St Joseph & St Patrick's, Wemyss Bay have two talks scheduled for the month of September and we would like to extend an invitation to all parishes across the diocese.
On Thursday, 4th September, our very own, Fr. Joe McGill will speak on the theme of what it means to be Catholic in the 21st century.
On Wednesday, 24th September, Fr. Matthew Carlin will deliver his talk on the theme of Lay ministries in the Church.
Each talk will take place at 7pm in the Church with refreshments available afterwards in the Church Hall. We look forward to seeing you then.

Acutis Relic Tour: Days after his canonisation, a relic of then-Saint Carlo Acutis will visit the Diocese of Paisley, from 9-13 September. These days will doubtless bring many blessings for our diocesan family. Bishop Keenan invites you to a Holy Hour from 6.30-7.30pm in St Mirin’s Cathedral on Tuesday 9thSeptember to welcome the relic and the delegation from Assisi. The relic will be available for veneration in the cathedral on Wednesday 10th September (11.30am – 3pm), Friday 12th September (10.30am – 4pm) and Saturday 13th September (9am – 11am); and in St Mary’s, Greenock on Thursday 11th September (12.30pm – 5pm). All are invited to a Mass of Thanksgiving in the cathedral on Saturday 13th September at 11am, after which the relic will leave the diocese.

Acutis Evening (S4-S6): The first Acutis Evening of the new term will take place on Friday 12th September in St James’s church, Paisley, 6-8pm. The relic of then-Saint Carlo will be present. These evenings provide catechesis, dinner and prayer for young people in S4-S6. 6-8pm. Please note that (one-time) online registration for these events in necessary. Parents/guardians should visit www.tinyurl.com/dpy-acutis-evenings. Email Fr Ryan Black for more info at [email protected].

Marriage Preparation Courses 2025 (Diocese of Paisley): We invite engaged couples to register for the last Marriage Preparation course of 2025. The course consists of two evening in-person sessions, and one Saturday morning workshop, which will be held in St. Mirin’s Cathedral Hall, Paisley. For any additional details or queries, please contact Rebecca Harrison at [email protected]

Beginning Experience:The Beginning Experience are holding a weekend for those who find themselves suffering bereavement through divorce, separation or widowhood. The weekend will take place from the 26th – 28th of September 2025 at Conforti Centre, Coatbridge. For details, contact Maggie on: 01389 751677 or email: [email protected]. Applications must be completed and returned by the 12th of September 2025.

Nominations and Appointments for the Parish Fundraising Council: Annamarie Johnstone has been asked by the PPC to form a Social Committee which will co-ordinate social and fundraising events to take place in the hall. There will be a Chair, Secretary and Treasurer appointed for this committee and the first meeting will in the parish tea room on Saturday 6th September at 11am. The Social Committee will be a sub-committee of the PPC and will report to it at every PPC meeting. We also hope to have a clean out of the Hall on Saturday 20th September at 11am, in preparation for moving into the hall for Masses, which will start around the middle of October. If you would like to be part of our Social Committee, please come along to our meeting on Saturday.

23/8/2025

Twenty First Sunday in Ordinary Time.

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

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
24th August 2025

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

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

LAST WEEK’S COLLECTIONS
First Collection GA: £279.00 NGA: £1,263.37
Building Fund GA: £10.00

Response to Psalm:
“Go into all the world and proclaim the good news.”

Second Collections: Our Annual deanery appeal is for the work of the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and is the Second Collection this week. We welcome Sr Pennie SHUM.
There is a Second Collection next Sunday (31st August) for the works of Canon Eddie Cameron as part of the Diocesan Fundraising Appeal. These funds are used to support the work of the Diocese in areas such as education, priestly formation and marriage preparation.

Parish Pastoral Council: The next meeting will be this Tuesday 26th August at 7pm in the Tea Meeting Room.

Church Hall Coffee Mornings: The Coffee Bar on a Tuesday restarts from the 19th of August. From Sunday the 24th of August, teas and coffees in the hall recommence after the 10 am Mass.

Dial-a-Mass: To listen to Holy Mass by phone call 0141-473 4869.

RCIA for St John’s Parish: If you know of anyone who wishes to enrol for the RCIA to become a Catholic, please let one of the priests know.
We hope to start the courses in late September, most likely on a Wednesday evening at 7pm, if this suits everyone. Fr John will contact those who have already expressed an interest in joining the RCIA for the autumn.
We pray for those who have died recently:
Anne Beck, Fr. Robert Farrell, Thomas C. Boyle, Tony Capaldi, Sammy Johnston and Kenny Macauley.

We pray for the anniversaries of:
Elizabeth Carberry, James Carberry, Sacramenta Coelho, Patrick Conafray, Jane Devenny, Bernadette Docherty, John Francis Docherty, Greta Doyle, Helen Dunne, Jean Fenn, Agnes Ferry, Agnes Geddes, Peter Herbert, Maisie McCafferty, Tony McCann, Mrs. Chrissy McGuire, Duncan McIntyre.

Funeral Notice:
The funeral Mass of Thomas C. Boyle will be celebrated at 10:00 on Thursday 28th August.

Safeguarding Induction Training: Safeguarding Induction training has been organised into one course only. 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]
Thursday 28th August, 2025 at 7pm in the Diocesan Centre, Paisley, PA1 1HR.
Tuesday 18th November at 7pm in the Diocesan Centre, Paisley, PA1 1HR.

March for Life UK 2025: In partnership with SPUC you are invited to join Bishop John Keenan on his coach to London for March for Life UK 2025, on Saturday 6 September 2025. Departing midnight from Paisley St Mirin’s Cathedral with pickup at Glasgow St Andrew’s Cathedral. Arriving in London approx. 7.30/8am. Departing on same day at 6pm, dropping off at Glasgow and Paisley. £30pp. To book your seat(s), please visit the following: https://rcdop.org.uk/events/march-for-life-uk-2025
Season of Creation Conference: The Bishops’ Office for Care of Creation invites you to their National Season of Creation Conference on Saturday 6th September 2025 in St. Margaret’s, Raploch, 10am – 3pm. Come and join Archbishop Nolan and our special guest Lorna Gold, the Executive Director of the global Laudato Si Movement. Book a place on www.bcos.org.uk/scc25 .
Season of Creation Events: During this year's Season of Creation, a series of zoom sessions are available to explore different dimensions of Peace with Creation.
The sessions are from 7.00-9.00pm and people can register for any that interest them. The format includes prayer, a presentation and an opportunity to have a dialogue with our companion for the session.
St John’s, Barrhead - Update on Accounts:
The profit and loss account for 6 months ended 30 June 2025 shows a profit of £81,745.

Income:            £158,784
Expenses:         £77,040
Profit:                £81,745
This represents a 51% profit.

The balance as of 1st August 2025 on the parish loan to the Diocese was £100,348 (our second collection contributions to
the Diocesan Building Fund).
The balance as of 1 August 2025 on Investments with the Diocese was £567,648 (which comes mainly from profit built up in our parish current account each year; e.g. gift aid income, and includes the £25,000 Benefact Trust grant awarded this year). This realises a total of £667,996 which will all go to pay for the forthcoming Church Restoration Project.

This means we still need to borrow £240,000 from the Diocese to meet our church renovation costs of £910,000 and this loan will be paid back at £60,000 per year, for four years, meaning we will then be debt free. The final reports are now being prepared for the project to go out to five tenders this month. We will inform you when the selection has been made.

Parish Fundraising Income (1st Jan – 30th June 2025):

Grants for Restoration Project: £25,000
Parish Fundraising: £14,748.61
Subtotal: £39,748.61

Expenditure on raising funds:
Costs of fundraising trading: £1,724.96 (includes payments out from the 100 club for winnings, and Fete costs).
Net Profit: £38,023.65 (from a total 6-month profit of £81,745).

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support of the Parish and would ask parishioners wishing to set up new standing orders to complete a standing order form and gift aid declaration, if applicable, and return them. These forms can be obtained from the parish website, or at the back of the church. Alternatively, you can set up a direct debit with the Parish via your online banking system. Parish bank details as follows:
St Johns Church     Sort Code 80-05-54        Account No 00761597
If you are a visitor, please consider making a donation for our restoration fund by scanning the QR code below, to give via our online giving page:

Diocesan Vocations Mass: We are pleased to invite you to the Diocesan Vocations Mass on Thursday, September 11th, at 7:00 PM, held at St. Mirin’s Cathedral in Paisley. Bishop John warmly encourages your attendance as we come together to pray for an increase in vocations to the Priesthood, Diaconate, and Consecrated Life.
Additionally, we will have a relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis present that evening, just days after his canonisation on September 7th.

Beginning Experience: The Beginning Experience are holding a weekend for those who find themselves suffering bereavement through divorce, separation or widowhood. The weekend will take place from the 26th – 28th of September 2025 at Conforti Centre, Coatbridge. For details, contact Maggie on: 01389 751677 or email: [email protected]. Applications must be completed and returned by the 12th of September 2025.

Pilgrimage Walk of Hope for Mary’s Meals: Mary’s Meals warmly invites you to join their Pilgrimage Walk of Hope on Saturday 30 August, from 10.30am to 3.45pm at Craig Lodge House of Prayer, Dalmally, Argyll.
In this Jubilee Year, as we are called to be Pilgrims of Hope, walk alongside members of the Mary’s Meals team and supporters from across the country. The day will include times of reflection, inspiring stories of hope, Holy Mass, and a visit to The Shed where Mary’s Meals began. Find out more and book your place at:
https://MMWalkOfHope.eventbrite.co.uk

Marriage Preparation Courses 2025 (Diocese of Paisley): We invite engaged couples to register for the last Marriage Preparation course of 2025. The course consists of two evening in-person sessions, and one Saturday morning workshop, which will be held in St. Mirin’s Cathedral Hall, Paisley. For any additional details or queries, please contact Rebecca Harrison at [email protected]
The cost for the course per couple is £70 which includes a package with additional reading materials, couple exercises, books and light refreshments during the workshop. Once couples have registered, we will contact them directly regarding attendance at the course and a certificate will be issued upon completion. This course fulfils Church requirements regarding preparation before marriage and is a wonderful opportunity to meet other couples and share in fellowship. You can follow the link to access further information at: https://www.rcdop.org.uk/marriage-preparation. We look forward to seeing you!

16/8/2025

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time
17th August 2025

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

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

LAST WEEK’S COLLECTIONS
First Collection GA: £393.40 NGA: £913.06
Building Fund GA: £50.00

Response to Psalm:
“Lord, make haste to help me!”

Second Collection: Our Annual deanery appeal is for the work of the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. This will be the second collection next week (Sunday 24th August).

Church Hall Coffee Mornings: The Coffee Bar on a Tuesday restarts from the 19th of August. From Sunday the 24th of August, teas and coffees in the hall recommence after the 10 am Mass.

Piety Stall:
The stall will be open again this weekend. The Missals that have been ordered over the summer can be paid for and are ready for collection.

Safeguarding Induction Training: Safeguarding Induction training has been organised into one course only. 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]
Thursday 28th August, 2025 at 7pm in the Diocesan Centre, Paisley, PA1 1HR.
Tuesday 18th November at 7pm in the Diocesan Centre, Paisley, PA1 1HR.

Think Vocation: In this weekend’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us of the importance of our calling and the unique roles we play in God’s plan. If you feel a stirring in your heart for a more profound commitment to the Church, consider a vocation to the priesthood. It is a path of service, love, and profound joy. For more information, contact Fr John Morrison, our Diocesan Vocations Director – phone 01418892602 or email: [email protected].
We pray for those who have died recently:
Anne Beck, Thomas C. Boyle, Kerry Anne Ferguson and Morag McGuire.

We pray for the anniversaries of:
Edward Gbemundu, Margaret Hester, Laurence McGowan, Patrick McGowan, John Montgomery, Catherine Wood, Helen Dunne and for the six month’s mind of Robert Higgins.

Funerals this Week:
The Funeral Mass of Morag McGuire will be celebrated on Tuesday the 19th of August at 10:00am.

Parish Pastoral Council:
The next meeting will be on Tuesday 29th August in the Tea Meeting Room and the agenda will be sent out next week.

Dial-a-Mass: To listen to Holy Mass by phone call 0141-473 4869.

SCIAF Football Tournament: Parishes are invited to enter a team in SCIAF’s 5-a-side football tournament, 'The SCIAF Shield' on Saturday 30 August at Goals, Shawlands. It’s a fun, faith-filled way to support SCIAF’s work. Teams of up to 8 players (aged 16+) welcome.
For more details or to sign up visit: sciaf.org.uk/events
SCIAF Emergency Appeal: SCIAF has launched an emergency appeal for the crisis across the Holy Land. Through the global Caritas network, we are working with local organisations to reach those caught up in this devasting humanitarian crisis. Your donation today will help provide emergency support to those most in need. Please give what you can to: SCIAF - Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund | SCIAF

RCIA for St John’s Parish: If you know of anyone who wishes to enrol for the RCIA to become a Catholic, please let one of the priests know.
We hope to start the courses in late September, most likely on a Wednesday evening at 7pm, if this suits everyone. Fr John will contact those who have already expressed an interest in joining the RCIA for the autumn.

March for Life UK 2025: In partnership with SPUC you are invited to join Bishop John Keenan on his coach to London for March for Life UK 2025, on Saturday 6 September 2025. Departing midnight from Paisley St Mirin’s Cathedral with pickup at Glasgow St Andrew’s Cathedral. Arriving in London approx. 7.30/8am. Departing on same day at 6pm, dropping off at Glasgow and Paisley. £30pp. To book your seat(s), please visit the following: https://rcdop.org.uk/events/march-for-life-uk-2025
St John’s, Barrhead - Update on Accounts:
The profit and loss account for 6 months ended 30 June 2025 shows a profit of £81,745.

Income:            £158,784
Expenses:         £77,040
Profit:               £81,745
This represents a 51% profit.

The balance as of 1st August 2025 on the parish loan to the Diocese was £100,348 (our second collection contributions to the Diocesan Building Fund).
The balance as of 1 August 2025 on Investments with the Diocese was £567,648 (which comes mainly from profit built up in our parish current account each year; e.g. gift aid income, and includes the £25,000 Benefact Trust grant awarded this year). This realises a total of £667,996 which will all go to pay for the forthcoming Church Restoration Project.

This means we still need to borrow £240,000 from the Diocese to meet our church renovation costs of £910,000 and this loan will be paid back at £60,000 per year, for four years, meaning we will then be debt free. The final reports are now being prepared for the project to go out to five tenders this month. We will inform you when the selection has been made.

Parish Fundraising Income (1st Jan – 30th June 2025):

Grants for Restoration Project: £25,000
Parish Fundraising: £14,748.61
Subtotal: £39,748.61

Expenditure on raising funds:
Costs of fundraising trading: £1,724.96 (includes payments out from the 100 club for winnings, and Fete costs).
Net Profit: £38,023.65 (from a total 6-month profit of £81,745).

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support of the Parish and would ask parishioners wishing to set up new standing orders to complete a standing order form and gift aid declaration, if applicable, and return them. These forms can be obtained from the parish website, or at the back of the church. Alternatively, you can set up a direct debit with the Parish via your online banking system. Parish bank details as follows:
St Johns Church    Sort Code 80-05-54       Account No 00761597
If you are a visitor, please consider making a donation for our restoration fund by scanning the QR code below, to give via our online giving page:

Additional Teaching Qualification in Religious Education:
The University of Glasgow is delighted to offer teachers the opportunity to gain an additional qualification in Religious Education. The ATQRE course fulfils the requirements for professional registration as a specialist RE teacher in Catholic Secondary schools. The course begins on Saturday 23rd of August 2025. For all details including teaching dates and costs - https://www.gla.ac.uk/study/cpd/atqreforcatholicschools/
The Diocese of Paisley supports those undertaking the ATQRE and will pay one third of the fees for any applicant who lives in the Diocese and attend Bishop John’s support sessions. For details -https://www.rcdop.org.uk/atqre

Diocesan Vocations Mass: We are pleased to invite you to the Diocesan Vocations Mass on Thursday, September 11th, at 7:00 PM, held at St. Mirin’s Cathedral in Paisley. Bishop John warmly encourages your attendance as we come together to pray for an increase in vocations to the Priesthood, Diaconate, and Consecrated Life.
Additionally, we will have a relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis present that evening, just days after his canonisation on September 7th.
Beginning Experience: The Beginning Experience are holding a weekend for those who find themselves suffering bereavement through divorce, separation or widowhood. The weekend will take place from the 26th – 28th of September 2025 at Conforti Centre, Coatbridge. For details, contact Maggie on: 01389 751677 or email: [email protected]. Applications must be completed and returned by the 12th of September 2025.
Pilgrimage Walk of Hope for Mary’s Meals: Mary’s Meals warmly invites you to join their Pilgrimage Walk of Hope on Saturday 30 August, from 10.30am to 3.45pm at Craig Lodge House of Prayer, Dalmally, Argyll.
In this Jubilee Year, as we are called to be Pilgrims of Hope, walk alongside members of the Mary’s Meals team and supporters from across the country. The day will include times of reflection, inspiring stories of hope, Holy Mass, and a visit to The Shed where Mary’s Meals began. Find out more and book your place at:
https://MMWalkOfHope.eventbrite.co.uk
Marriage Preparation Courses 2025 (Diocese of Paisley): We invite engaged couples to register for the last Marriage Preparation course of 2025. The course consists of two evening in-person sessions, and one Saturday morning workshop, which will be held in St. Mirin’s Cathedral Hall, Paisley. For any additional details or queries, please contact Rebecca Harrison at [email protected]
The cost for the course per couple is £70 which includes a package with additional reading materials, couple exercises, books and light refreshments during the workshop. Once couples have registered, we will contact them directly regarding attendance at the course and a certificate will be issued upon completion. This course fulfils Church requirements regarding preparation before marriage and is a wonderful opportunity to meet other couples and share in fellowship. You can follow the link to access further information at: https://www.rcdop.org.uk/marriage-preparation. We look forward to seeing you!

10/8/2025

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary time.

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

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
10th August 2025

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

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

LAST WEEK’S COLLECTIONS
First Collection GA: £297.00 NGA: 764.23
Building Fund GA: £747.50 NGA: 483.88
Apostleship of the Sea GA: £20.00

Summer Mass Schedule

Weekdays:
Monday to Saturday 10am

Adoration:
Between 10:30am – 1pm Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 21st July and 15th August.

Sunday Masses:
Saturday Vigil 4pm
Sunday 11am
Sunday 5pm

Normal Sunday morning Mass times will resume on Sunday the 17th of August (next Sunday) when schools return.

Response to Psalm:
“Blessed the people the Lord has chosen as his heritage.”

Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary:
This Friday (the 15th of August) is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and is a Holy Day of Obligation.
Mass times for the Assumption, here at St John’s, are as follows:

Thursday 14th August (Vigil): 7pm.
Friday 15th August: 8am, 10am.

100 club winners for July 2025 (Still to collect):
£30. no 67 Margaret Hubner

You can easily join the 100 Club membership: £5 per month, with entry for 5 draws per month. Please see Fr. John.

We pray for those who have died recently:
Patricia Gardener, Anne McGrath and Morag McGuire.

We pray for the anniversaries of:
Brian Conafray, Hugh Lynch, Jenny Lynch, Margaret McIntyre McGoldrick, John McShane, Jacqueline Smith, Catherine Wood, Simon Carr and for the three month’s mind of Eddie Hannigan.

Funerals this Week:
The Funeral Mass of Patricia Gardener will be celebrated on Wednesday the 13th of August at 10:00am.

Deanery Appeal by Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary: Our Annual deanery appeal is for the work of the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. This will be the second collection on 17th August, next week.
Solemnity of the Assumption, St Mary’s, Greenock: Bishop John will be celebrating Mass in St. Mary’s, Greenock on the Solemnity of the Assumption, 15th August, 7pm. At this Mass, Bishop John will bless and inaugurate the new stained-glass image of the Assumption. This will enhance the church of St. Mary’s and is a fitting way to mark the Holy Year of 2025 and the 75th anniversary of the Dogmatic Definition of the Assumption Munificentissimus Deus by Venerable Pius XII on 1st November 1950.
Barrhead Boxing. Friday 15th August: Join us for an uplifting evening of music, laughter, and community – all in support of the young athletes at Barrhead ABC Boxing Club, in St John’s Parish Hall, Aurs Rd Barrhead.
🎶 Live music from local favourites – ScoobySnax!
🎟️ Tickets: £10 – Bring your own drinks and snacks. Tickets are available now – call Yvonne on 07733 354914
Gather your friends and family and help make this a memorable night while supporting a great cause.
To reserve your tickets, phone or message Yvonne today!

SCIAF Football Tournament: Parishes are invited to enter a team in SCIAF’s 5-a-side football tournament, 'The SCIAF Shield' on Saturday 30 August at Goals, Shawlands. It’s a fun, faith-filled way to support SCIAF’s work. Teams of up to 8 players (aged 16+) welcome.
For more details or to sign up visit: sciaf.org.uk/events
SCIAF Emergency Appeal: SCIAF has launched an emergency appeal for the crisis across the Holy Land. Through the global Caritas network, we are working with local organisations to reach those caught up in this devasting humanitarian crisis. Your donation today will help provide emergency support to those most in need. Please give what you can to: SCIAF - Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund | SCIAF

Dial-a-Mass: Dial-a-Mass returns this weekend. To listen to Holy Mass by phone call 0141-473 4869.

Additional Teaching Qualification in Religious Education:
The University of Glasgow is delighted to offer teachers the opportunity to gain an additional qualification in Religious Education. The ATQRE course fulfils the requirements for professional registration as a specialist RE teacher in Catholic Secondary schools. The course begins on Saturday 23rd of August 2025. For all details including teaching dates and costs - https://www.gla.ac.uk/study/cpd/atqreforcatholicschools/
The Diocese of Paisley support ATQRE and will pay one third of the fees for any applicant who lives in the Diocese and attend Bishop John’s support sessions. For details -https://www.rcdop.org.uk/atqre

St John’s, Barrhead - Update on Accounts:
The profit and loss account for 6 months ended 30 June 2025 shows a profit of £81,745.

Income:            £158,784
Expenses:           £77,040
Profit:                  £81,745
This represents a 51% profit.

The balance as of 1 August 2025 on the parish loan to the Diocese was £100,348 (our second collection parish contributions to the Diocesan Building Fund).
The balance as of 1 August 2025 on Investments with the Diocese was £567,648 (which comes mainly from profit built up in our parish current account each year , e.g. gift aid income, and includes the £25k Benefact Trust grant awarded this year). This realises a total of £667,996 which will all go to pay for the forthcoming church restoration project.

This means we still need to borrow £240,000 from the Diocese to meet our church renovation costs of £910,000 and this loan will be paid back at £60,000 per year for four years, when we will become debt free. The final reports are now being prepared for the project to go out to five tenders this month. We will inform you when the selection has been made.

Parish Fundraising Income accounts to date:

Jan 01- June 30 2025
Grants for Restoration Project: £25,000
Parish Fundraising: £14,748.61
Subtotal: £39,748.61
Expenditure on raising funds:
Costs of fundraising trading: £1,724.96 (includes payments out from the 100 club for winnings, and Fete costs)
Net Profit: 38,023.65 (of the total 6-month profit of £81,745).

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

If you are a visitor, please consider making a donation for our church by using the scan the QR code below, to give via our online giving page:

Beginning Experience: The Beginning Experience are holding a weekend for those who find themselves suffering bereavement through divorce, separation or widowhood. The weekend will take place from the 26th – 28th of September 2025 at Conforti Centre, Coatbridge. For details, contact Maggie on: 01389 751677 or email: [email protected]. Applications must be completed and returned by the 12th of September 2025.
Pilgrimage Walk of Hope for Mary’s Meals: Mary’s Meals warmly invites you to join their Pilgrimage Walk of Hope on Saturday 30 August, from 10.30am to 3.45pm at Craig Lodge House of Prayer, Dalmally, Argyll.
In this Jubilee Year, as we are called to be Pilgrims of Hope, walk alongside members of the Mary’s Meals team and supporters from across the country. The day will include times of reflection, inspiring stories of hope, Holy Mass, and a visit to The Shed where Mary’s Meals began. Find out more and book your place at:
https://MMWalkOfHope.eventbrite.co.uk
Diocesan LOUDfence Event: 10th to 12th August 2025: Between Sunday 10th August and Tuesday 12th August, the Diocese of Paisley will be hosting a LOUDfence event to demonstrate our collective support and solidarity with those affected by all forms of abuse, both locally and throughout the world.
Loudfence is an event that shows visible solidarity with those affected by all forms of abuse.
It empowers and invites our church community to express their support for survivors and accompany them in their journey towards recovery. It demonstrates our ongoing commitment to learn, improve and help better protect our church communities. Find out more on the diocesan website at https://rcdop.org.uk/loudfence
Marriage Preparation Courses 2025 (Diocese of Paisley): We invite engaged couples to register for the last Marriage Preparation course of 2025. The course consists of two evening in-person sessions, and one Saturday morning workshop, which will be held in St. Mirin’s Cathedral Hall, Paisley. For any additional details or queries, please contact Rebecca Harrison at [email protected]
The cost for the course per couple is £70 which includes a package with additional reading materials, couple exercises, books and light refreshments during the workshop. Once couples have registered, we will contact them directly regarding attendance at the course and a certificate will be issued upon completion. This course fulfils Church requirements regarding preparation before marriage and is a wonderful opportunity to meet other couples and share in fellowship. You can follow the link to access further information at: https://www.rcdop.org.uk/marriage-preparation. We look forward to seeing you!
Smart Loving provide a comprehensive range of materials for Catholic marriage formation. To celebrate the Jubilee year, they are generously offering three months free access to their fertility course online. Please follow the link to find out more Fertility Jubilee Offer - SmartLoving

2/8/2025

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Read Now

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

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time
3rd August 2025

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

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

LAST WEEK’S COLLECTIONS
First Collection GA: £325.00 NGA: 734.28
Building Fund GA: £27.00
Church Restoration Donation: £50

Summer Mass Schedule

Weekdays:
Monday to Saturday 10am

Adoration:
Between 10:30am – 1pm Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 21st July and 15th August.

Sunday Masses:
Saturday Vigil 4pm
Sunday 11am
Sunday 5pm

Normal Sunday morning Mass times will resume on Sunday the 17th of August when schools return.

Response to Psalm:
“O Lord, you have been our refuge, from generation to generation.”

100 club winners for July 2025:
1st £100 no 45. Maureen McCready 2nd £50. no 149 W&J Sinclair 3rd £30. no 67 Margaret Hubner
4th £20.   no 50 Margaret Davidson
5th £20   no 1     Maureen McGuire

If you would like to join the 100 Club membership is £5 per month, with entry into the monthly draw as above. Please see Fr. John.

Dial-a-Mass:
Due to the summer holidays there will be no Dial-a-Mass until Sunday, 10th August. Mass will be available to listen to again from then on 0141-473 4869.
We pray for those who have died recently:
Margaret Gallacher.

We pray for the anniversaries of:
Chrissie Beck, John Byrne, Thomas Donegan, James (Jimmy) Goldie Snr., Nancy Goldie, George Howell, Alex Lafferty, James McGuire, Robert McHale, Catherine McLaughlin, May McMaster, Margaret Mooney, Malcolm Ross, Molly Ross, John Wilson.

Funerals:
Wed 6 August 10am Margaret Gallacher (with Vigil Reception 5th August, 6pm).

Deanery Appeal by Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary: Our Annual deanery appeal is for the work of the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. This will be the second collection on 17th August next month.
Solemnity of the Assumption, St Mary’s, Greenock: Bishop John will be celebrating Mass in St. Mary’s, Greenock on the Solemnity of the Assumption, 15th August, 7pm. At this Mass, Bishop John will bless and inaugurate the new stained-glass image of the Assumption. This will enhance the church of St. Mary’s and is a fitting way to mark the Holy Year of 2025 and the 75th anniversary of the Dogmatic Definition of the Assumption Munificentissimus Deus by Venerable Pius XII on 1st November 1950.
SCIAF Football Tournament: Parishes are invited to enter a team in SCIAF’s 5-a-side football tournament, 'The SCIAF Shield' on Saturday 30 August at Goals, Shawlands. It’s a fun, faith-filled way to support SCIAF’s work. Teams of up to 8 players (aged 16+) welcome.
For more details or to sign up visit: sciaf.org.uk/events
SCIAF Emergency Appeal: SCIAF has launched an emergency appeal for the crisis across the Holy Land. Through the global Caritas network, we are working with local organisations to reach those caught up in this devasting humanitarian crisis. Your donation today will help provide emergency support to those most in need. Please give what you can to: SCIAF - Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund | SCIAF

Additional Teaching Qualification in Religious Education: The University of Glasgow is delighted to offer teachers the opportunity to gain an additional qualification in Religious Education. The ATQRE course fulfils the requirements for professional registration as a specialist RE teacher in Catholic Secondary schools. The course begins on Saturday 23rd of August 2025. For all details including teaching dates and costs - https://www.gla.ac.uk/study/cpd/atqreforcatholicschools/
The Diocese of Paisley support ATQRE and will pay one third of the fees for any applicant who lives in the Diocese and attend Bishop John’s support sessions. For details -https://www.rcdop.org.uk/atqre

St John’s, Barrhead - Update on Accounts:
The profit and loss account for 6 months ended 30 June 2025 shows a profit of £81,745.

Income:            £158,784
Expenses:           £77,040
Profit:                  £81,745
This represents a 51% profit.

The balance as of 1 August 2025 on the parish loan to the Diocese was £100,348 (our second collection parish contributions to the Diocesan Building Fund).
The balance as of 1 August 2025 on Investments with the Diocese was £567,648 (which comes mainly from profit built up in our parish current account each year , e.g. gift aid income, and includes the £25k Benefact Trust grant awarded this year). This realises a total of £667,996 which will all go to pay for the forthcoming church restoration project.

This means we still need to borrow £240,000 from the Diocese to meet our church renovation costs of £910,000 and this loan will be paid back at £60,000 per year for four years, when we will become debt free. The final reports are now being prepared for the project to go out to five tenders this month. We will inform you when the selection has been made.

In this year’s budget in our parish accounts we are allowed up to £30,000 for any ongoing maintenance and repairs (out with the Church Restoration Project). Some work electrical work is being carried out in the hall, and projected repairs are being prepared for the hall roof which suffered some storm damage; there are blocked drains needing attention around the church, affecting toilets, and some work to be done to some of the parish house windows which have condensation or loose closing windows. All expenditure is being carefully monitored by the Diocesan Finance Director and Property Manager, so that we have the assurance that our parish money being carefully administered.

Parish Fundraising Income accounts to date:

Jan 01- June 30 2025
Grants for Restoration Project: £25,000
Parish Fundraising: £14,748.61
Subtotal: £39,748.61
Expenditure on raising funds:
Costs of fundraising trading: £1,724.96 (includes payments out from the 100 club for winnings, and Fete costs)
Net Profit: 38,023.65 (of the total 6-month profit of £81,745).

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

If you are a visitor, please consider making a donation for our church by using the scan the QR code below, to give via our online giving page:

March for Life UK 2025:
In partnership with SPUC, you are invited to join Bishop John Keenan on his coach to London for March for Life UK 2025, on Saturday 6 September 2025. Departing midnight from Paisley St Mirin’s Cathedral with pickup at Glasgow St Andrew’s Cathedral. Arriving in London approx. 7.30/8am. Departing on same day at 6pm, dropping off at Glasgow and Paisley. £30pp. To book your seat(s), please visit the following: https://rcdop.org.uk/events/march-for-life-uk-2025
Pilgrimage Walk of Hope for Mary’s Meals: Mary’s Meals warmly invites you to join their Pilgrimage Walk of Hope on Saturday 30 August, from 10.30am to 3.45pm at Craig Lodge House of Prayer, Dalmally, Argyll.
In this Jubilee Year, as we are called to be Pilgrims of Hope, walk alongside members of the Mary’s Meals team and supporters from across the country. The day will include times of reflection, inspiring stories of hope, Holy Mass, and a visit to The Shed where Mary’s Meals began. Find out more and book your place at:
https://MMWalkOfHope.eventbrite.co.uk
Diocesan LOUDfence Event: 10th to 12th August 2025:
Between Sunday 10th August and Tuesday 12th August, the Diocese of Paisley will be hosting a LOUDfence event to demonstrate our collective support and solidarity with those affected by all forms of abuse, both locally and throughout the world.
Loudfence is an event that shows visible solidarity with those affected by all forms of abuse.
It empowers and invites our church community to express their support for survivors and accompany them in their journey towards recovery. It demonstrates our ongoing commitment to learn, improve and help better protect our church communities. Find out more on the diocesan website at https://rcdop.org.uk/loudfence
Marriage Preparation Courses 2025 (Diocese of Paisley):
We invite engaged couples to register for the last Marriage Preparation course of 2025. The course consists of two evening in-person sessions, and one Saturday morning workshop, which will be held in St. Mirin’s Cathedral Hall, Paisley. For any additional details or queries, please contact Rebecca Harrison at [email protected]
The cost for the course per couple is £70 which includes a package with additional reading materials, couple exercises, books and light refreshments during the workshop. Once couples have registered, we will contact them directly regarding attendance at the course and a certificate will be issued upon completion. This course fulfils Church requirements regarding preparation before marriage and is a wonderful opportunity to meet other couples and share in fellowship. You can follow the link to access further information at: https://www.rcdop.org.uk/marriage-preparation. We look forward to