The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

The World Cup is down to the last 16, and football fever is still gripping the nation.

Scotland may be out, but there’s still another trophy to play for this summer, the SCIAF Shield.

As SCIAF, we’re present in the world’s most difficult places. We work with people in the hardest circumstances, so they can overcome their daily struggles and the structures of injustice that make and keep them poor.

Ben Wilson, SCIAF’s Director of Public Engagement, said, “Last year was our first ever SCIAF Shield, so we’re hoping to build on last year and make 2026 bigger and even better. As before, it’s a football tournament to raise money for the world’s poorest people, so get ready for a day of fun, football, and fundraising!”

The SCIAF Shield is a tournament for 5-a-side football teams promising an exciting afternoon of community and sport – all in support of SCIAF's life-changing work overseas.

With four groups of four teams, the tournament will kick off with a group stage, followed by a thrilling knockout round to crown the champions of the SCIAF Shield.

Last year a team made up of parishioners from The Sacred Heart in Salsburgh and St Aloysius in Chapelhall won and was led by parish priest Father Mark O’Donnell.

It will be held on Saturday, 1 August at Goals on Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow at noon. It’s £125 to enter a team, which includes entry, a minimum of one hour of football, lunch and a welcome pack for every player. There will also be music, a bouncy castle, face-painting and more!

Ben said: “Everyone is welcome, and it promises to be a great day, so why not join us in entering a team of up to eight players? All abilities are welcome!”

https://www.sciaf.org.uk/get-involved/events/799-the-sciaf-shield

Gospel
Matthew 9:32-38
‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few.’

At that time: Behold, a demon-oppressed man who was mute was brought to Jesus. And when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds marvelled, saying, ‘Never was anything like this seen in Israel.’ But the Pharisees said, ‘He casts out demons by the prince of demons.’
And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every infirmity. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.’

Gospel
Matthew 9:18-26
‘My daughter has just died, but come, and she will live.’

At that time: While Jesus was saying these things, behold, a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, ‘My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.’ And Jesus rose and followed him, with his disciples. And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, for she said to herself, ‘If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.’ Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, ‘Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.’ And instantly the woman was made well. And when Jesus came to the ruler’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, he said, ‘Go away, for the girl is not dead but sleeping.’ And they laughed at him. But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. And the report of this went through all that district.

Sunday Reflection with Bishop Toal: 5 July 2026

Gospel
Matthew 11:25-30
‘I am gentle and lowly in heart.’

At that time Jesus declared, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’