Saint Joseph

Introduction

The narthex contains a shrine to the parish patron with a cycle of mosaics dedicated to the life of Saint Joseph and the Holy Family.

History

The original church structure was destroyed in a storm in 1949, and rebuilding was delayed until two years later. In its first fifty years, the parish had 4,364 baptisms, 4,022 confirmations, 1,644 marriages and 7 ordinations to the priesthood. In 2024 the Church Hall had to be demolished due to a structural failure.

Architecture and furnishings

The church is built of red brick with a double row of square windows on each side and woodwork of fine Japanese figured oak. The church is built in a 'low basilical' style common among early Roman churches.

The church has been redesigned to incorporate a hall to the rear with new kitchen and toilets, and the church seats up to 450 people. The church bell was the first such bell in Greenock since the Reformation. The church is adorned with several mosaics mainly by artist Francis Tritschler of Glasgow. The high altar and altar rails are made from a mixture of terrazzo and cast cement instead of traditional marble.

On the sanctuary, on either side of the altar, there are mosaics of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. At the front of the Ambo are the four creatures of the Apocalypse symbolising the four Evangelists. The Pietà taken from the original altar frontal has been set into the rear wall of the main church.

Parish life

A parish sewing group makes purificators, altar and sanctuary hangings, and commemorative baptismal bibs for the church. A social committee organises parish events including bingo, quiz nights and dances. The parish's own Saint Vincent de Paul Conference provides material assistance to people in need in the community. The Saint Vincent de Paul Conference works with neighbouring parish groups to offer home visits and furniture provision.

The Ministry of Music performs at weekend masses, holy days, weddings, funerals and Reconciliation services. Passkeepers welcome parishioners into the church during masses and assist those who need extra help.

Saint Joseph's Primary School and the church jointly prepare primary four pupils for First Holy Communion. The parish has strong links with its associated primary school, Saint Joseph's. The church grounds have new landscaping and cabins replacing the old hall.

Sacraments and pastoral care

First confession for primary four pupils is organised by Saint Joseph's Primary School in partnership with the church, with preparation done during class time. Confirmation is traditionally given to those in primary seven of Saint Joseph's Primary School, with the school preparing pupils in partnership with the church.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are appointed to aid in the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass and to the sick and homebound when ordinary ministers are unavailable. The parish celebrates an annual Novena in honour of Saint Peregrine, concluding with a Mass for the Anointing of the Sick, which draws large numbers from beyond the parish. Readers are responsible for speaking the Word of God to the congregation during mass times.