ABOUT US
St John the Baptist Parish - First 50 years
As you can see, the Catholic Community here in the Normanton, Altofts and surrounding area has a long history. The Parish can be traced back to before the 'Reformation'. The Church is built on the Newland Site which originally was part of the land of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem. Newland Hall was built over that site on which there was was originally a chapel and house for the Knights.
After the Restoration of the Faith to our country and Catholics were once again able to build churches and worship free from persecution the area was part of the Jesuit Mission at Pontefract.
After some years in the care of the Jesuits the parish was established in its own right and welcomed its first parish priest in July 1885.
We have outlined opposite some of the key milestones within the history of the parish. The deep faith, and continued blessings received from our Lord have sustained us through some very difficult times.