Vision
To become a community of faithful committed to inspiring others, while serving as a model of love and faithfulness. To draw strength and courage from the teachings of St. John the Baptist and by his examples of humility and devotion we strive to live out our own faith in Christ.
Mission
To be a community of the faithful which by its practice of Christian virtues strive to point to the Lord Like our Patron John the Baptist and to stand for the values of justice and truth.
St. John the Baptist Church, “The Church in the Trees”
Our History
The mission at Annitsford was founded in 1863. Previously, the area had been served from Cowpen & by the Dominican fathers from Newcastle in hired rooms in Seaton Delaval & Seghill. In 1863 Rev. John O’Dwyer was appointed resident priest, lodging at Cramlington & officiating at Seghill. In 1866 half an acre of land was purchased from John Clayton, town clerk of Newcastle & a school-chapel & presbytery was built from designs by Archibald Dunn. In 1878 a teachers’ house was added.
St. John the Baptist – Our Patron
Our Lady of Fatima Chapel – Dedication
On Friday, 20 February 2026, during the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at St. Paul’s RC Church, Cramlington, the Chapel of Our Lady of Fatima was solemnly blessed and dedicated. The Sacred Liturgy was presided over by Canon Stephen Watson; the relics of Saints Francisco and Jacinta Marto were reverently enshrined by Rev. Fr. Shaun O’Neil, and the chapel itself was blessed by Rev. Fr. Peter Stott, in the prayerful presence of clergy and faithful from across the parishes.
For me, this sacred space stands as more than stone and ornament; it is a testament of trust in the maternal intercession of Our Lady of Fatima. The enshrinement of the relics of Saints Francisco and Jacinta Marto is a profound grace, drawing us into the luminous simplicity of their faith, sacrifice, and steadfast hope. Born of a single, ardent desire—to perpetuate the message entrusted at Fátima in 1917—this chapel invites all who enter to embrace prayer, penance, and conversion of heart. The Miracle of the Sun remains a radiant sign that heaven is not distant, that God moves within history, and that in Him, hope is never extinguished.
Mass Timings
Sunday : 9.30 AM
Tuesday : 10.00 AM
Friday : 6.00 PM (for the Winter period)
Confession
Sunday : 9.00 – 9.30 AM
Tuesday : 9.15 -10.00 AM
Friday : 6.00 – 7.00 PM
Saturday: St. Paul’s, Cramlington – Sunday Vigil Mass at 6:00pm
Sunday: St. John’s, Annitsford – Mass at 9:30am
Tuesday: St. John’s, Annitsford – Mass at 10:00am
Wednesday: St. Paul’s, Cramlington – Mass at 10:00am
Thursday: St. Paul’s, Cramlington – School Mass in church at 10:00am
Friday: St. John’s, Annitsford Adoration at 5pm & Mass at 6pm (for Winter period)
Pastoral Letter
Bishop Stephen Wright
Bishop of Hexham & Newcastle
Adoration
Adoration 9.00 AM – 9.30 AM on Sunday
Holy Hour : 5.00 PM – 6:00 PM on Friday (during Winter period)
Mass Intentions
We offer the facility for Mass to be celebrated for your personal Intentions. The weekly Mass Intentions will be published in advance in our parish Bulletin.
If you wish to use this feature please fill in one of the envelopes at the back of Church or click the following “Mass Intention Request Form1 link.
HOLY WEEK / EASTER SERVICES 2026
During this holy season of Lent, we are given a special opportunity to turn back to the Lord with renewed hearts. This year, our parish will join together with the parishes of Blyth, Cowpen, and New Hartley for a Joint Lenten Reconciliation Service. The service will take place on Thursday, 26 March 2026, at 7:00 PM at the Church of Our Lady and St Wilfrid, Blyth. I warmly encourage everyone to make use of this grace-filled opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. As we prepare our hearts for the great celebration of Easter, this service offers us a beautiful moment to experience God’s mercy and renewal. Let us come together in prayer and repentance so that we may celebrate the Paschal mysteries with joy and peace.
PALM SUNDAY
Normal Mass times – Saturday 6:00pm @ St. Paul’s and Sunday 9:30am @ St. John’s
MAUNDY / HOLY THURSDAY
Mass of the Lord’s Last Supper – 7:00pm @ St. John’s
GOOD FRIDAY
Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ – 3:00pm @ St. Paul’s
EASTER SUNDAY
Vigil Masses – 6:00pm @ St. Paul’s & 8:30pm @ St. John’s
Normal Sunday Mass @ 9:30am in St. John’s
Welcome Note by the Parish Priest
Greetings and blessings to all who visit our virtual parish home. It brings me great joy, on behalf of the entire parish community, to extend a warm welcome to you. Whether you are a long-standing member of our parish family, a newcomer seeking spiritual guidance, or simply someone curious to learn more about our faith community, we are delighted to have you here.
Our parish website serves as a digital gateway to our vibrant and diverse community, where we come together to worship, learn, serve, and grow in our faith. Through this platform, we aim to extend the reach of our ministry beyond the physical walls of our church, welcoming individuals from near and far to join us on our journey of faith. Within these digital pages, you will find a wealth of resources designed to nourish your spiritual life and deepen your connection to God and one another. From information about our liturgical celebrations and
Sacramental life to opportunities for service and outreach, we hope you discover something that speaks to your heart and inspires you to become an active participant in our faith community.
At St. Johns, we are committed to fostering a spirit of hospitality, inclusivity, and compassion, reflecting the love and mercy of Jesus Christ. We strive to create a welcoming environment where all are valued, accepted, and supported on their individual paths of faith.
As you explore our website, may you encounter the presence of God and experience the warmth of our parish family. Whether you join us for Mass, participate in one of our ministries, or simply reach out to connect with us, we look forward to journeying with you and sharing in the grace and blessings of God’s love.
Thank you for visiting us online. Know that you are always welcome here, and we pray that your time spent with us enriches your life and draws you closer to the heart of God.
Peace and Blessings.
Fr. Manoj Joseph Punchakunnel SAC
Pope Leo XIV’s first Apostolic Exhortation, “Dilexi te”
Taking up Francis’ desire “that all Christians come to appreciate the close connection between Christ’s love and his summons to care for the poor”, Pope Leo XIV issues his first Apostolic Exhortation, “Dilexi te”, as a call to Christ’s disciples “to recognise him in the poor and the suffering”…. Read all using the following link:
Arnie Masterson RIP
Arnold George Masterson
It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the death of our dear friend and fellow parishioner, Arnie Masterson, who passed away peacefully on Friday.
Arnie was a much-loved member of our parish family. His quiet generosity, warm smile, and unwavering dedication to St. John’s were a blessing to us all. Many will remember him most fondly in the parish garden, where his care and devotion helped create a place of beauty and welcome for everyone. Through his faithful support and gentle presence, Arnie lived out his faith in simple, meaningful ways that touched so many lives.
We give thanks for the gift of Arnie’s life and for the years he shared with our community. He will be greatly missed.
Please keep Arnie and his family in your prayers at this difficult time, asking the Lord to grant him eternal rest and to comfort those who mourn.
His funeral service will take place on Wednesday March 18, 2026, at 12.30 pm at West Road Crem, West Chapel
May he rest in peace.
Feast Days
17th March
20th March
25th March
Sunday and Feast Day Reflections
1st March 2026 2026: THE SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT YEAR A
Daily Scripture Readings
May the Holy Spirit increase in all of us a deep hunger for the word of God, that we may be nourished and strengthened in it for our daily lives. When we read God’s word and listen attentively, it is the Lord himself who speaks to us personally and Who reveals to us his enduring love. Click here for Scripture reading
Diocesan News
Bishop Stephen issued a letter to be associated with the celebration. This can be viewed by clicking HERE
Special Notices
I have been a member of St. John the Baptist Parish for more than 15 years, having relocated to the Northeast with my husband, who was born and raised in the parish, with his family’s roots extending over 160 years. I feel deeply connected to the parish, valuing its openness to innovation while also honouring its traditions, such as the public recitation of the Rosary.
Address:
St. John the Baptist RC Church
Annitsford
Cramlington – NE23 7QR
Northumberland
United Kingdom
Email:
stjohn.annitsford@diocesehn.org.uk
pp.stjohn.annitsford@diocesehn.org.uk
Telephone:
0191 – 2500 200