Business Details
Welcome to St John RC Church Catholic Parish
St John RC Church is a Catholic parish community at the heart of Bath, dedicated to welcoming all who seek spiritual connection, worship, and service. Established to serve both local residents and visitors, our mission centres on proclaiming God's word, celebrating the Eucharist, and fostering a deeper relationship with Christ through liturgy, sacraments, and outreach. Led by Fr Christopher Whitehead, our parish combines decades of pastoral experience with a commitment to modern inclusivity, offering programmes for all ages including baptisms, weddings, funerals, and youth ministries.We prioritise community engagement through initiatives like Thursday Lunches with Genesis, supporting vulnerable individuals, and maintaining extended adoration hours for personal reflection. Our team of clergy, administrators, and lay volunteers ensures a warm, accessible environment where tradition meets contemporary needs, guided by Pope Francis' vision of a Church as a place of mercy and hope.
Services
Mass Services
Baptism Ceremonies
Confirmation Preparation
Confession Sessions
Adoration Hours
Wedding Services
Funeral Rites
Youth Ministry
University Outreach
Community Lunches
Highlights and features
- Experienced clergy with decades of combined pastoral service
- Comprehensive sacramental programmes for all life stages
- Active community outreach supporting vulnerable individuals
- Modern facilities with historic spiritual significance
- Flexible adoration hours for personal prayer and reflection
Associations and certifications
- Charity Commission
Services
Mass Services
Daily and Sunday Mass services following Catholic tradition, with homilies that connect scripture to modern life. Services include Eucharistic celebration, communal prayer, and opportunities for reflection. Our liturgical team ensures meaningful worship experiences for all attendees.
Baptism Ceremonies
Sacramental preparation and celebration of baptisms for infants, children, and adults. We provide guidance for families through the Rite of Christian Initiation, ensuring spiritual foundations align with Catholic teachings while respecting individual family traditions.
Adoration Hours
Extended Eucharistic adoration opportunities daily, including special night vigils. These periods allow personal connection with Christ through silent prayer, scripture reading, and meditation in our consecrated chapel space.
Community Lunches
Thursday lunch programme serving Bath's homeless and vulnerable populations. Volunteers prepare and serve meals while fostering dignity through conversation and connection, reflecting our commitment to Christ's preferential option for the poor.
Youth Ministry
Programmes for children, teenagers, and young adults including First Holy Communion preparation, confirmation classes, and university student support. Activities combine doctrinal teaching with social engagement to nurture lifelong faith journeys.
People
Fr Christopher Whitehead
Parish Priest
Ordained in 1994, Fr Whitehead has served Clifton Diocese for 30 years. He oversees parish operations, sacramental ministry, and university outreach while contributing to diocesan leadership as a Cathedral Chapter member.
Mrs Janet Flynn
Parish Administrator
Manages day-to-day parish administration since 2019, serving as primary contact for sacramental bookings and general inquiries. She coordinates office operations and supports financial management while maintaining community engagement.
Fr Michael English
Retired Priest
Ordained in 1958, Fr English contributes to parish life from retirement housing. With 64 years of diocesan service, he offers spiritual guidance and historical perspective, having previously served as St Alpheges' Parish Priest.
Fr Joseph Bredin
Retired Priest
After 59 years of priesthood including missionary work in Brazil, Fr Bredin continues pastoral support from retirement. He brings international experience to our community while maintaining active involvement in local parish activities.
Joe Barron-Snowdon
Parish Forum Member
Active lay leader in parish governance since 2023, representing community views through the Parish Forum. He contributes to strategic planning while ensuring grassroots perspectives inform our pastoral vision and mission implementation.
Questions
What are the current Mass times at St John's?
Sunday Masses at 9:30am, 11am, and 6:30pm. Weekday Masses Monday-Friday at 8:00am and 10:00am, with additional confession times available.
How can I register for First Holy Communion preparation?
Register online via our website for the 2026 programme. Contact Fr Christopher Whitehead for child details and preparation meetings starting November 6th.
Are there opportunities for personal prayer and adoration?
Yes, adoration available daily 10:30am-5:30pm, with extended hours Wednesday-Saturday. Night vigils occur weekly during specified times for deeper spiritual reflection.
Does the parish support vulnerable community members?
Our Thursday Lunches with Genesis programme serves Bath's homeless population from 12:00pm-1:30pm, providing meals and companionship through volunteer efforts.
