Since its opening in 1969, St Ninian’s parish has had 11 parish priests and 8 assistant priests.
Rev Father Michael Ngobili, our parish priest, was ordained in 2006. He began his pastoral ministry in the Diocese of Dunkeld in November 2024. His first role was serving as Parish Administrator at Our Lady of Sorrows in Fintry. There, he offered pastoral care, strengthened parish life, and guided the community in faith. He was appointed to our parish in August 2025.
In 2025, Bishop Andrew appointed him Vicar Episcopal for the Youth. He was given the vital mission of leading, inspiring, and accompanying young people across the Diocese. He also serves as Chaplain to St Paul’s Academy, St Ninian’s, and St Joseph’s Primary schools.
Fr. Michael also serves as the Parish Priest of St Joseph’s parish
Menzieshill as a community was only 2 years old when the parish of St Ninian was established. However, it was another 6 years before our beautiful church was built.
St Ninian’s Catholic Church is one of 35 parishes in the Diocese of Dunkeld . It is situated in Menzieshill, the highest part of the city of Dundee geographically, and the most westerly. From almost every vantage point, you can look out over the whole town. To the East, you can see as far as the Tay estuary. To the North, your view extends towards the Sidlaw Hills. To the West, you can see as far as the hills of Perthshire. Our most beautiful views are to the South. Looking out across the river Tay, we see the hills and fields of Fife. The view extends almost as far as the ancient town of St. Andrews. However, in the early 60’s, Menzieshill was little more than a building site. The first street, completed in 1961 was Forth Crescent, two years before the first priest Fr Ross, was appointed. One of our parishioners fondly remembers moving into her new home there …
Four years after the appointment of Fr Ross, Menzieshill’s Catholic population grew significantly. As a result, St Ninian’s Primary school was built on the grounds adjacent to the site planned for our church. There has always been a very close relationship between the school and the parish.
On the 8th February 1969, St Ninian’s church opened its doors for the very first time. The church offers a panoramic view of the silvery Tay. Since the Church opened, the area has seen many houses built. Shops, a library, schools, and a Community Centre have also been established. One of the most important developments in our area has been the NHS Hospital. It is one of the largest teaching hospitals in the country. It is also universally renowned for its world-class research work. The hospital was for many years served by the priests of St. Ninian’s parish. They visited the sick and celebrated Sunday Mass in the hospital chapel. They often provided Requiem Masses for the many who sadly died in hospital. These were often those whose families had lost touch with their own parishes.
Design and Architecture of the Church
The church was designed by Peter Whiston K.S.G. A.R.S.A., of Edinburgh and built by Walker Bros., of Kirkcaldy. Together they produced a church eminently suitable for the worship of God, according to the reformed liturgy of Vatican II.
Its striking exterior is impressive. The interior layout guarantees that every congregation member is close to the altar of Blaxter stone. The altar is the focal point of the building. It stands on a raised sanctuary, well above the level of the nave.
The statue of St Ninian is the work of Alistair Smith. The triptych of the Baptism of Christ beside the copper topped baptismal font is also his work. Since it was built, the interior has been altered. These changes have not detracted from the simplicity and beauty of the church.
St Ninian’s is not only a beautiful church and place of worship, it is a community. From the 1960’s, it has been an active parish in a wide variety of ways. We continue to have a dedicated group of volunteers. They are involved in many activities such as church cleaning and flower arranging. Others include altar servers, children’s liturgy, music, and the Faith group. They also participate in fund raising and provide teas and coffees after Sunday Mass. A weekly lunch is held in our refurbished church hall, now named CC’s. We’ve an enthusiastic Garden Gang. They have worked on a garden makeover. This includes creating a beautiful Mary Garden. They have also created a mini orchard and a vegetable and flower growing area.
To read about the previous 50 years, download the attached booklet. There may be some people you recognise from years gone by!