The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

The Roman Catholic Bishops in Scotland work together to undertake nationwide initiatives through their Commissions and Agencies.

The members of the Bishops' Conference are the Bishops of the eight Scottish Dioceses. Where appropriate the Bishops Emeriti (retired) provide a much welcomed contribution to the work of the conference. The Bishops' Conference of Scotland is a permanently constituted assembly which meets regularly throughout the year to address relevant business matters.

Members of The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

6th November 2026

06 November 2026

Scottish Bishops Promote ‘Show Mercy’ Theme for Prisoners’ Week 2026

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland is encouraging parishes across the country to support Prisoners’ Week Scotland, taking place from 15 - 22 November, under the theme Show Mercy.

The annual initiative invites communities to reflect on the experiences of prisoners, their families, victims of crime and those working within Scotland’s prisons.

This year’s theme highlights the importance of recognising the dignity of every person, including those serving prison sentences.

Deacon Kenny McGeachie, lead Catholic chaplain for the Scottish Prison Service, said:

“This year’s Prisoners’ Week invites us to think more deeply about what it means to show mercy, particularly towards those who are already paying the price for their actions. I would encourage everyone to take part in Prisoners’ Week and reflect on how even a small act of kindness can affirm a person’s human dignity.”

One practical example is the Prisoners’ Week Dignity Fund, supported by the Society of St Vincent de Paul and other groups. The fund helps prisoners who lack financial resources or family support to obtain essential items, including suitable clothing for family funerals and basic necessities.

The Bishops’ Conference is encouraging parishes to make use of the Prisoners’ Week information packs distributed to parishes throughout Scotland, helping communities mark the week through prayer, reflection and practical support.

The public launch of Prisoners’ Week Scotland will take place on Sunday 15 November at Freedom City Church, Cumbernauld, with charity and support-service stalls from 3pm.

The event is open to everyone, and members of the public are warmly encouraged to attend.

Further information is available at www.prisonersweek.org.uk.

...ENDS

Notes to editor

Prisoners’ Week Scotland 2026 takes place from 15–22 November, with the theme Show Mercy. The public launch event will be held on Sunday 15 November at Freedom City Church, Cumbernauld, with charity and support-service stalls from 3pm. Everyone is welcome.
For further information, visit www.prisonersweek.org.uk
For further information, contact Fr Michael Kane, Director of the Communications and Evangelisation Office. Email: [email protected]

Contact:

Media Office

Bishops’ Conference of Scotland
64 Aitken Street, ML6 6LT
Tel: 01236 764061
Email: [email protected]

22nd October 2026

22 October 2026

Statement from the Bishops' Conference of Scotland

Bishop John Keenan, Bishop of Paisley and President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, has announced that he is stepping back from his daily duties until further notice, following medical advice.

Bishop Keenan has been undergoing medical investigations and will require further tests and examinations over the coming weeks.

During this time, Vicar General Monsignor Joe Burke will oversee the day-to-day running of the Diocese of Paisley.

Bishop Keenan hopes to provide a further update once these investigations are concluded and is grateful for your prayers at this time.

...ENDS

Notes for editors

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland (BCoS) is the assembly of the Catholic bishops of Scotland, working together on national pastoral, social and legislative matters on behalf of the Church. www.bcos.org.uk
For further information, contact Fr Michael Kane, Director of the Communications and Evangelisation Office. Email: [email protected]

Contact:

Media Office

Bishops’ Conference of Scotland
64 Aitken Street, ML6 6LT
Tel: 01236 764061
Email: [email protected]

News from the Commissions and Agencies

Archive by category: BCoS FacebookReturn

November 2026

02Nov

COMING UP ACROSS SCOTLAND

02 Nov, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

COMING UP ACROSS SCOTLAND

▪ 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

Saturday 7 November 2026
Technology and Innovation Centre, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow

The Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency’s national conference will bring together clergy, religious, safeguarding personnel and members of parish communities to consider how everyone can help make the Church safer.

▪ 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗟𝗮𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗚𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴

Saturday 7 November 2026, 10.30am–4.00pm
Conforti Institute, Coatbridge

People from across Scotland are invited to celebrate the fruits of the network’s shared journey and discern what might come next.

▪ 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗮𝗹’𝘀 𝗖𝗲𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆

Sunday 8 November 2026, 2.00pm
St Conval’s Cemetery, Glasgow Road, Barrhead

More information: www.rcdop.org.uk/events/st-convals-cemetery-mass

▪ 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗢𝗣𝟯𝟭

Thursday 12 November 2026, 1.00pm
St Andrew’s Cathedral, Glasgow

Archbishop William Nolan will celebrate Mass as COP31 brings world leaders together to consider the urgent challenges facing our common home.

▪ 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Saturday 14 November 2026
St Mary’s Cathedral, Aberdeen

This free event is open to parents, teachers, catechists, clergy and everyone passionate about sharing the Catholic faith with children and young people.

More information: www.rcda.scot/forming-a-generation

▪ 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲: 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻

Saturday 14 November 2026, 10.00am–7.00pm
9 Upper Gray Street, Edinburgh

Young women considering a vocation to religious life are invited to a day of Holy Mass, prayer, reflection and discernment.

More information: www.archedinburgh.org/events

▪ 𝗦𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗙 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱

Saturday 14 November 2026, 12.30pm
Sacred Heart Church, Lauriston Street, Edinburgh

SCIAF supporters, volunteers and friends are invited to gather in prayer for deceased supporters and loved ones.

More information: www.sciaf.org.uk/get-involved/events

▪ 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

Sunday 15–Saturday 21 November 2026
Across Scotland

This year’s theme, Show Mercy, invites us to remember and pray for people in prison, their families, victims of crime, prison staff, chaplains and everyone affected by imprisonment.

▪ 𝗥𝗲𝗱 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘀

Wednesday 18 November 2026, 7.00pm
St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral, Edinburgh

Archbishop Leo Cushley will celebrate Mass as part of Aid to the Church in Need’s annual campaign highlighting the persecution of Christians and others because of their religious beliefs.

▪ 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

Monday 16–Monday 30 November 2026
Schools and parishes across Scotland

This year’s theme is Know God, Love God, Serve God. The fortnight provides an opportunity to celebrate the mission of Catholic education and the dedication of pupils, families, teachers, school staff and chaplains.

▪ 𝗗𝗶𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁

Friday 27–Sunday 29 November 2026
Gowanbank, near Darvel

Young people are invited to begin Advent together through prayer, reflection and friendship.

More information: youth.rcdg.org.uk/youth/advent-retreat

▪ 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲

Every Monday during Advent, beginning 30 November 2026, at 7.45pm
Online

Catholics from across Scotland are invited to pray the Rosary for unborn children, their mothers and all pro-life intentions.

▪ 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗱𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀

Monday 7 December 2026, 7.00pm–9.00pm
St Andrew’s Cathedral and Eyre Hall, Glasgow

Young adults aged 16–35 are invited to an evening of Eucharistic Adoration, Reconciliation and reflection, followed by festive refreshments.

More information: www.rcagyouth.co.uk/advent

▪ 𝗦𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗙 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

Thursday 10 December 2026, 7.00pm
St Andrew’s Cathedral, Glasgow

The concert will feature Gaelic singer Ruairidh Gray, St Andrew’s Cathedral Choir and local choirs in support of SCIAF’s Advent Appeal.

Book your place: www.sciaf.org.uk/get-involved/events/1012-sciaf-carol-concert-2026

▪ 𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲

Sunday 13 December 2026, 3.00pm
St Margaret’s Church, Davidson’s Mains, Edinburgh

Pilgrims, helpers, families and friends are invited to celebrate the joy and hope of Advent. Refreshments will follow in the parish hall.

02Nov

Gospel

02 Nov, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

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.’

01Nov

All Saints

01 Nov, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

All Saints

The celebration of All Saints has its roots in the early Church. The earliest confirmed observance dates to the fourth century, when Christians held a feast to honour all the martyrs who had given their lives for the faith.

In the early seventh century, following the plundering of the Roman catacombs, Pope Boniface IV gathered the remains of martyrs and reburied them beneath the Pantheon. This building, originally a temple dedicated to the Roman gods, was then consecrated as a Christian church. As Venerable Bede explained, a place once used for pagan worship would now honour the saints.

Both this dedication and the earlier celebration of all the martyrs took place in May. Many Eastern Churches continue to celebrate All Saints in the spring, during the Easter season or on the Sunday after Pentecost.

The origins of the November date in the Western Church remain uncertain. By the year 800, the theologian Alcuin and his friend Arno, Bishop of Salzburg, were observing the feast on 1 November. Rome adopted this date during the ninth century.

Today, the Solemnity of All Saints honours all the saints in heaven, including the countless holy men and women whose names and stories are known only to God.

01Nov

Gospel

01 Nov, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Matthew 5:1-12a
‘Blessed are the poor in spirit.’

At that time: Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.’

October 2026

31Oct

Pope Leo’s prayer intention for November 2026

31 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Pope Leo’s prayer intention for November 2026

For the proper use of wealth
Let us pray for the proper use of wealth, that not succumbing to the temptation of selfishness, it may always be put at the service the common good and solidarity of those who have less.

31Oct

Gospel

31 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Luke 14:1, 7-11
‘Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.’

One Sabbath, when Jesus went to dine at the house of a ruler of the Pharisees, they were watching him carefully.
Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honour, saying to them, ‘When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honour, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, and he who invited you both will come and say to you, “Give your place to this person”, and then you, with shame, will take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, “Friend, move up higher.” Then you will be honoured in the presence of all who sit at table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.’

30Oct

𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗳, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝘁

30 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗳, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝘁

Wednesday’s Budget offers welcome help with energy bills and a commitment to further social housing investment. These measures respond to some of the concerns raised in our pre-Budget statement. Short-term relief must, however, be matched by sustained action to tackle poverty and ensure that everyone can afford essential costs and a warm, secure home. This Budget risks tinkering at the edges rather than making the long-term, sustainable commitments needed to support those most in need.

The ultimate test of this Budget will be whether support reaches those in greatest need, including households with higher unavoidable heating costs, and whether devolved governments have the resources required to sustain vital services. Adequate welfare support, practical routes into employment, care for those who need it and predictable funding for community organisations must remain priorities.

We continue to urge the UK Government to reverse the planned reduction in international aid and work towards restoring the 0.7% commitment, provide adequately funded safe and legal routes for refugees, including resettlement and family reunion, and support the communities that welcome them. Predictable international climate finance is also essential, alongside protection for low-income households in the transition to cleaner energy. Human dignity and the common good must guide the Government’s choices: the lasting measure of this Budget will be the difference it makes to the lives of those facing the greatest hardship, at home and overseas.

𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗻𝘆 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗻, 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿
Catholic Parliamentary Office for Scotland

30Oct

Gospel

30 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Luke 14:1-6
‘Which of you, having a son or an ox that has fallen into a well on a Sabbath day, will not pull him out?’

One Sabbath, when Jesus went to dine at the house of a ruler of the Pharisees, they were watching him carefully. And behold, there was a man before him who had dropsy. And Jesus responded to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, ‘Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?’ But they remained silent. Then he took him and healed him and sent him away. And he said to them, ‘Which of you, having a son or an ox that has fallen into a well on a Sabbath day, will not immediately pull him out?’ And they could not reply to these things.

29Oct

Registration is now open for the Diploma in Catechetics 2027, offered by the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh

29 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Registration is now open for the Diploma in Catechetics 2027, offered by the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh.

The online course offers an opportunity to deepen your knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith, with 36 weekly sessions on Zoom, expert speakers, guided readings and ongoing support.

📅 Begins Thursday 28 January 2027
💻 Online via Zoom
💷 Cost: £220 (bursaries available)
📌 Places limited to 100

All welcome!

29Oct

Gospel

29 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Luke 13:31-35
‘It cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.’

On that day: Some Pharisees came and said to him, ‘Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.’ And he said to them, ‘Go and tell that fox, “Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course. Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.” O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” ’