St John the Evangelist

Introduction

St John the Evangelist in New Ferry was founded on September 28th 1902 when two masses were said at the former assembly hall in New Ferry. The current church's foundation stone was laid by Rt Rev Ambrose Moriaty on March 10th 1934, and the church was solemnly opened by him on November 4th 1934.

History

The foundation stone to the first school and chapel was laid on October 18th 1903, and the chapel was opened on March 6th 1904. The new parish hall was opened by De Donnelly on 27th December 1936. In 1950 the church was redecorated completely. In 1953 work began on building St John’s secondary school.

The sanctuary was re-designed; the altar was moved forward and its size reduced, and a new lighting and sound system was fitted. Father (later Canon) William Baine was the first Parish Priest. The church was decorated and the baptismal font was relocated to the back of the church.

Parish life

The parish has an organist and a guitarist who provide live music for funeral services. The Society of St Vincent de Paul is made up of volunteers who identify people in the parish community in need of help and visit them to offer support. The parish has a Children's Liturgy group that brings the Word of God to children during Mass in a separate area of the church. The parish has a music group led by organist Maria Coulson, supported by a small group of singers each Sunday.

The parish has a group of men or women who meet regularly to pray together and support each other as they explore their faith. The Rosary is also recited in the months of May and October. The parish has a close and positive contact with its local junior school.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The parish provides Holy Communion to housebound, care home and hospital residents on request. The Sacrament of the Sick can be requested through the church contact details. The parish conducts funeral ceremonies, either a Requiem Mass by the priest or a service of the Word and Holy Communion by the deacon.

Visiting

A stall of handmade, ethical and fair trade gifts is set up at St John’s on a regular basis by committed volunteers. The parish offers Sunday morning tea and biscuits with friends, a coffee morning for special occasions, and refreshments at certain events.