Saint Joseph's Church, Clarkston

Introduction

Saint Joseph's Church in Clarkston, within the Diocese of Paisley, was founded as a parish in 1880.

Music and liturgy

Children's Liturgy offers a child-friendly Liturgy of the Word during Sunday Mass for primary school age children. The parish team assists with funeral arrangements, including music selections and scripture readings.

Parish life

The parish has formed a Care of Creation deanery group with Saint Bridget's and Saint Cadoc's and is a recipient of the bronze eco-congregation award. The parish works hand-in-hand with local Catholic schools to support the holistic education and spiritual development of children and young people. Preparation for the Sacraments is a family-centred journey facilitated by the parish and school communities.

Parents and godparents participate in a preparation session for baptism. Couples must contact the parish office at least 6 months before their desired marriage date. For those unable to attend Mass due to illness or age, the parish offers regular visits for Holy Communion, prayer, and companionship. Following a funeral, the parish offers support through its bereavement ministry.

The parish community engaged deeply with the synodal process in response to the papal call. All parishioners are welcome to observe council meetings.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Children preparing for First Holy Communion also receive preparation for their First Reconciliation. SPRED provides Special Religious Education for people with learning disabilities using creative, multi-sensory approaches.

Visiting

The piety stall at the back of the church offers religious items, books, and devotional materials. The piety stall opens on Sundays after Mass at the rear of the church.

The church has a small car park in front, accessed from Cecil Street, with limited spaces. Two designated disabled parking spaces are available at the church entrance. Free street parking is available on surrounding residential streets. A bus stop approximately 50 metres from the church on Busby Road is served by routes 4, 4A, 6, and 374. Clarkston railway station is a 7-minute walk from the church.