Congratulations to parishioner John Murphy who has been awarded the Benemerenti Medal.

John is a local businessman who has made a positive contribution to St Barbara’s Parish (Whitburn & Armadale) and wider community for over 50 years.

The Benemerenti Medal is awarded by the Holy Father for outstanding service to the Catholic Church.

He was a founder member of the Parent Teacher Association in St Joseph’s Primary school, which raised much needed resources for the school.

He has been involved withthe West Lothian Bank, a charity which provides school uniforms for children across West Lothian.

As chairman of St Joseph’s Parish Men’s club he organised fundraising for a new church building, which was opened in 1979.

He then project managed the building of the Parish Centre, which opened in 2005. 

This has been a great success in bringing the parish community together and is widely used by many in the community for functions. 

John, and wife Mary, manage the Centre with a team of volunteers, running fundraisers, wedding and funeral celebrations, for community and parish groups. 

Through the work of the Parish Centre committee and the volunteers the Centre was completely paid within 10 years.  It is now self funding and also earns an income for the Church.All maintenance in the Church, Parish Centre, Chapel house and grounds, has been arranged by John over the past 30 years.

During the Covid pandemic, when attendance at mass  was restricted by numbers John arranged streaming of all masses for those unable to participate in person.

John’s involvement with youth and the wider community has been a prevailing theme throughout his life.

His service to the community was recognised in 2017 when he was presented with the Whitburn Citizen Achievement award, the first Catholic to receive this. Through youth/localfootball and fundraising he has been an ambassador for the church in the community.

He continues his mission in St Barbara’s parish as a reader, Chair of the PPC, member of the fabric committee, president of St Joseph’s parish centre and programme coordinator of St Barbara’s. 

Congratulations John!