Welcome to the Web Site of St Brigid's Roman Catholic Parish in the Diocese of Motherwell, Scotland.

St Brigid's is a thriving parish of some 1,600 souls, with a proud history in Newmains that stretches back to 1871. Indeed the chapel/school established here in 1871 is still standing - though it is now a Parish Centre serving the social needs of the whole community.

The parish of St Brigid's was established in 1896, and the church built in 1933. We celebrated our centenary in 1996. In this website you'll find lots of interesting information about the people and events of the first 100 years.

The days draw very near when once more we prepare to welcome the Pope to our country. It is a special blessing for our country to have the Pope with us for a second time in our lifetime. Pope Benedict arrives in Scotland at 10.30am on the morning of the Feast of St. Ninian of Galloway, 16th. September.

After being welcomed by the Queen and meeting the Civic Dignateries of our country, the first part of his visit is a Pageant based on the life and times of St. Ninian and his legacy. Over 100.000 people are expected in Edinburgh for this Pageant along Princes St. in the City. The Pope then leaves by car for Glasgow and the largest celebration of his whole visit in terms of the numbers who will greet him in Bellahouston Park for Mass at 5.15pm. Three hours later after a long day for Pope Benedict and all of us, but all too short in terms of our joy at his presence amongst us, he leaves Glasgow Airport for his visit to London and Birmingham.

The organisation has been long and difficult and sometimes confused but we look forward to another glorious moment in our lives and history.

This Wednesday morning at 9.30am Mass we will be remembering our late Headteacher, Miss Isobel Gault who died on the 8th. July. She retired just short of three years ago, already feeling the first signs of the illness that would claim her life after such a short retirement. She came to St. Brigid's in 1990 and quickly made a deep impression on her Staff, the children and Parents and the whole Parish community.

This week we mourn the deaths of Mrs Lily Gibbons of Eastwood Drive and Mrs. Teresa Renwick of Woodside Crescent. May they rest in peace.

Fr Hugh Kelly, Parish Priest