Saint John's Church, Barrhead

Introduction

Saint John's Church in Barrhead traces its origins to the first Saint John the Evangelist Church, built in 1841 in Prior Park.

History

John Bremner, parish priest of Saint Mirin's, established Saint John's Barrhead as a mission centre in 1841. James Purcell opened the first school in Water Road, opened the old cemetery at Saint John the Evangelist in 1842, and built the presbytery. The old Gothic Saint John the Evangelist Church was destroyed by fire in 1941 due to an electrical fault.

Music and liturgy

The parish provides ICEL chants, some in Latin and some in English, compatible with the 2011 new translation of the Roman Missal, sung by the Monks of Pluscarden Abbey. Hymns in their 19th-century format, no longer printed in hymn books or sung elsewhere, remain popular in the parish. The parish sponsors Perpetual Adoration in the Oratory and a daily morning Rosary.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Parishioners can have names added to the Parish Sick List for prayer during Mass, and to the home sick visit list by contacting the priests. The parish holds Forty Hours Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament once each year in a cycle with other parishes throughout the Diocese of Paisley.

Visiting

Children from Saint John's and Saint Mark's Primary Schools receive First Holy Communion preparation in Primary 4. Live streaming is disabled due to renovation work.

An electronic copy of the bulletin can be requested. The parish is exploring accessing funds from council, Churches Trust, and People's Lottery.

The Youth Team regularly organise fundraising activities to help offset costs. Children's liturgy is offered for ages four up to seven. The Brownie Guides (age 7-10) meet on Thursday evenings in the Church Hall.

The parish office is situated in the room off the foyer of the hall, where mass cards, forms, and certificates can be collected after Mass. The parish office is also used for Confessions before weekday Mass and at weekends, with green seats outside for those waiting. The church has a car park with disabled parking, ramp access, accessible toilet, and hearing induction loop.