Our Church
www.romanmissalscotland.org.uk
http://www.romanmissalscotland.org.uk
St Joseph’s, Tollcross 1893-present
During the mid 1800’s, Tollcross was a very rural area, and its Catholic people was a very small population. The people were initially served by St Mary’s from 1842, before St Paul’s took over in 1857. Very Rev Canon Mc Brearty established a school here in 1874, but it was not until 1893 that Tollcross was established as a separate mission, and the opening of a chapel-school in the London Road, Old Monkland took place in 1865, by Bishop Maguire, Auxiliary Bishop of Glasgow. Unfortunately, this only lasted for 9 years, before being destroyed by fire. The congregation, however, piously gathered around an open air altar erected by Fr Kirk, before a wooden hut was made ready. This served as the parish and a school for 2 more years.
In 1906, a more permanent chapel-school was opened by Archbishop Maguire, and in 1911, the Daughters of Charity came to Tollcross. They opened the St Vincent school for the Blind and Deaf, and were involved with teaching at St Joseph’s School, until the opening of a brand new primary school in the district, St Paul’s, in 1963.
The present St Joseph’s church was opened in 1976, and the centre piece of the altar was the magnificent old parish crucifix. A new parish hall was finally added in Dec. 2003, and wall and altar cloth large embroideries were completed in 2007.
Exterior of St Joseph's
Altar showing the old parish crucifix
This altar cloth was embroidered with the last lines based on the prayer of St Columba and St Patrick’s breastplate. The first 2 verses are hung on the walls
I ask my God to bless and protect
The sun with its brightness
And the snow with its whiteness
And fire with the strength it has
And lightning with its rapid wrath
And the winds with their swiftness along their path
And the rocks with their steepness
And the Earth with its starkness
And the family and friends that I love.
Enfold us in love
Surround us with peace
be our strength and our light
And our love
The present parish of 3,000 has over 200 volunteers to aid the congregation in celebrating their Catholic heritage today. From 3 various music groups to adult catechesis, from Eucharistic ministers to hanging the Christmas decorations, these different groups are all open to new members and most welcome visitors who would like to experience the group.
Adult Formation Altar Servers Bereavement Group
Bingo Catechesis(Children) Children’s Liturgy
Choir(11.30) Church Cleaning Coffee Morning(Tues)
Door wardens Eucharistic Ministers Finance
Hall Functions Ladies Night Legion of Mary
Liturgy Group Music Group (Vigil) Music Group (9.30)
Parish Pastoral Council Prayers around the Cross Readers
Rite of Catholic Initiation for Adults Rosary Group Sacristans
Social Group(Hall) St Vincent de Paul Tea Dance(Wed)
Union of Catholic Mothers 500 Club
