Saint Vincent de Paul

Introduction

Saint Vincent de Paul Church in Thornliebank, within the Archdiocese of Glasgow, was erected as a parish in 1942, having previously been an outlying district of Saint Mary's Parish, Pollokshaws.

History

In early 1932, Canon de Becker obtained the use of Thornliebank Hall for Sunday Mass. The Archdiocese purchased Thornliebank Hall in late 1935 or early 1936, making it a chapel of ease. In 1952, the districts of Eastwood and Mansewood were transferred from Saint Mary's to the parish. The building is a rectangular cube with low side chapels, using structural steel, brick facings and hard woods, semi-modern in design.

Architecture and furnishings

The interior features marble work on the high altar, side altars, pulpit, Communion rail, a large coloured window, and an oak Baldacchino backed by an onyx reredos. The church replaces an existing church on a prominent, difficult sloping site in Thornliebank, planned for 850 people. Internally, there is extensive use of rich marble and panelled plaster work; the oak and rich coloured glass provides an interior similar to those built between the two world wars. The church incorporates a spacious sanctuary, 2 side altars, 3 shrines, a baptistery, sacristy, a spacious narthex and a choir gallery.

The main entrance is approached by semi-monumental twin open staircases, with two side entrances also provided. The Abbey Stained Glass Studios, Dublin designed, manufactured and installed all the stained glass windows in 1959, Job No. 548 dated 23 June 1959. Frank Ryan negotiated the details for the design, manufacture and installation of all the church windows. The window to the right of the altar shows the life of St Vincent de Paul, including his capture by pirates, administering the Sacraments, visiting the sick, comforting the afflicted, and St Louise the Daughter of Charity. Windows on the right show Our Lady Lily of the Valley, the symbols of the Passion, the symbols of the 7 Sacraments, and the four Evangelists; John is missing due to damage.

Music and liturgy

Children leave the congregation and come into the new Church Hall immediately after the opening prayer. The older children assist with the Offertory procession.

The Abbey Stained Glass Studios in-house artist responsible was William Earley ANCA. The window in the choir loft, when first installed, was said to be the largest stained glass window in Britain, designed in the modern French manner. On 10th September 2018, the newly refurbished Stained Glass Windows have been completely renovated and are now installed in the Choir Loft.

Parish life

The Parish of St Louise, founded in 1973, merged with St Vincent de Paul Parish after its final Mass on 20 November 2016. The parish has a Readers' Rota for parishioners who proclaim the Scripture readings at Mass.

The parish runs a Piety Stall selling greeting cards for occasions including Christmas, Easter, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, and Mass cards. The Piety Stall is usually open before and after every Mass.

The parish publishes a weekly news bulletin to keep parishioners informed and connected with parish life. A deacon ordained in 2009 serves the parish community. A new Parish Priest took office on 19 September 2025, succeeding the previous priest. The parish presents the Stations of the Cross as a prayerful journey through the Passion of Jesus Christ.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Special preparation is provided for children receiving First Reconciliation. Family members are encouraged to inform the parish if someone is ill, housebound, or hospitalised so a priest may visit and offer prayer, Holy Communion, and the Sacrament of the Sick. Couples must speak to the Parish priest at least six months before their wedding to allow time for instruction and paperwork.

Visiting

The church stands at the top part of the sloping site between the former church and the boundary wall, with its long axis at right angles to the main road.