St Bernard’s Parish is situated in what was originally the housing scheme of South
Nitshill, on the South West of Glasgow, just before you head into Barrhead and the
Paisley Diocese. Opened in 1960, with the current Church building opened in 1963,
the Parish serves Parkhouse, South Nitshill and Nitshill. Our associated schools
are St Bernard’s and St Angela’s Primaries, and St Paul’s and St Ninian’s High Schools.
The Parish has seen many changes over the years, and the area served by St Bernard’s
has radically changed during the lifetime of the Parish. Despite this however, St
Bernard's has always been a strong parish community, and many who have left the parish
for one reason or another over the years still return for the Sunday Eucharist and
have a deep bond of love and affection for the parish and the Church.The very committed
and highly enthusiastic band of parishioners who participate in the life of the parish
help to keep Christ alive in the area.
Since Fr Gerry Dunn arrived in St Bernard’s in 1960, a total of 8 Parish Priests
have served in St Bernard’s. The current Parish Priest is Fr Neil McGarrity, who
is also Parish Priest of neighbouring St Robert’s, and chaplain to St Paul’s High.
He is assisted by Mgr Matt Coakley, former Parish Priest of St James’ Parish in Crookston.
Since October 2009, we have celebrated Mass each Sunday at 10am in Polish. Our Polish
brothers and sisters now form a close part of our Parish Community.
St Bernard’s building has a very commanding and uplifting presence and is a very
powerful sign that Christ is alive and reigning in this area. By keeping the flame
of faith alive here, we are allowing the life of Jesus to shine through us and to
touch the community with his healing grace. As we celebrate out 50th Anniversary
year in 2010, we thank God for the many graces he has bestowed on our Parish over
the last half century, and pray for His continued blessings as we embark on our next
50 years.
Click on any of the thumbnails below to see images of our parish, from today and
years gone by.
