St John the Evangelist

Introduction

The church was completed in September 1978. The current church is a small, octagonal red-brick structure built in the late 1970s with exposed laminated timber trusses and tall rectangular UPVC windows.

History

The first regular Mass centre was established in 1923 in a hut on Liverpool Road, provided by the Soldiers' and Sailors' Association, and served from Holy Trinity by a dedicated curate. In 1926, a hall on Castle Street was acquired and converted into a chapel dedicated to Saint John the Evangelist, marking the formal beginning of parish life in Chesterton. In 1948, Fr Vincent Charles Lucas was appointed as the first resident priest. In 1977, construction began on a new church building adjoining the parish centre. Since the early 2000s, Saint John's has been served as part of the Saint Wulstan's parish with shared pastoral leadership and ministry support.

Architecture and furnishings

The design closely resembles the work of Messrs Lanner of Wakefield, though the original architect remains unconfirmed. Built between 1977 and 1978, the church is a polygonal red-brick structure with tall windows and a pyramid-style fibreglass spire, connecting directly to the presbytery. Once a month, the Parish Hall hosts a friendly fundraiser offering home-made crafts, jams, and scones.

Music and liturgy

Musicians and the choir lead the congregation in hymns, psalms, and responses during liturgical celebrations. The parish offers Children's Liturgy of the Word during part of the Mass, providing an age-appropriate experience of the Sunday Gospel. Liturgical ministers include lectors, welcomers/greeters, and offertory collectors and presenters. Sacristans prepare the sacred vessels, vestments, altar linens, and books needed for each liturgy.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Preparation is provided for parents and families seeking Baptism for their children. Children typically prepare for First Holy Communion around the age of seven or eight.

Children are prepared for First Holy Communion and Reconciliation through parish catechesis in partnership with Catholic schools. Instruction and preparation are provided for those seeking Confirmation.

Confirmation preparation invites candidates, usually teenagers, to explore their faith more deeply. The parish offers RCIA for adults entering the Church.

Couples are supported through marriage preparation to help them build a faithful and enduring Christian marriage. Couples should contact the parish office at least six months in advance for marriage.

Engaged couples are invited to meet with the parish priest and take part in a marriage preparation course. The Anointing of the Sick may be received at home, in hospital, or in the church by arrangement.

Parishioners may request the Anointing of the Sick at home, in hospital, or during parish healing Masses. Eucharistic Ministers bring Holy Communion to the sick, elderly, and housebound members of the parish.

The SVP is a compassionate outreach group committed to the service of the poor, sick, housebound, and lonely, making regular home visits and offering practical and financial help. Altar Servers ministry is open to children who have made their First Holy Communion. Sunday Mass is followed by refreshments in the adjoining Parish Hall, providing an opportunity for parishioners to meet and strengthen community bonds.