The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

What does it mean to “Be a Public Catholic”?

It means living our faith not only within the walls of our churches but also in the everyday moments of life: in our conversations, online presence, friendships, workplaces, and communities.

Communications Sunday, celebrated on 17th May, reminds us that every Catholic is called to witness to the Gospel in the world around them, including in the digital space. A simple post, message of encouragement, prayer, or act of kindness online can help someone encounter Christ in a new way.

Thank you for your prayers and support.

Christ’s Ascension marks the fulfilment of His victory over death. Forty days after Easter, the risen Lord returns to the Father, taking with Him the human nature He assumed for our salvation. Seated now at the right hand of the Father, Christ reigns over heaven and earth, opening the way for humanity to share in His glory.

During the forty days after the Resurrection, the disciples’ faith was strengthened. Having witnessed Christ’s suffering, death, and burial, they struggled at first with fear and doubt. Yet through His appearances to them, the Lord transformed their uncertainty into unshakable faith. By the time of the Ascension, the apostles were no longer sorrowful but filled with joy and hope.

The Ascension is not simply Christ departing from the earth; it is the exaltation of human nature itself. In Christ, humanity has been raised above the heavens and brought close to the throne of God. As St Leo the Great teaches, where the Head has gone, the Body is called to follow. Christ ascends not for Himself alone but for the whole Church.

Through baptism, we are united to Christ and become members of His Body. His triumph becomes our triumph, His inheritance our inheritance. The Ascension reminds us that our true home is with God and that, even now, we are called to live with our hearts fixed on heaven.

Christ Himself assures us: “I go to prepare a place for you.” Our task, then, is to remain united to Him through faith, prayer, the sacraments, and life within His Church. The more deeply we remain in Christ, the more confidently we can hope to share one day in the glory of His Ascension.

From May 17 to 24, 2026, the global Church will come together once again to celebrate Laudato Si’ Week: a time of prayer, reflection, and concrete action for our Common Home.

We’ll be sharing very soon how you can participate and join this global movement that turns hope into action for the planet and for future generations.

💚 Get ready to be part of this global moment.

#LaudatoSiWeek

𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲? 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗙’𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲

It's fair to say we live in turbulent times. With wars and conflicts all around us, it’s easy to lose hope.

But SCIAF – the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund – believes that a better world is possible and is urging others to join them on a pilgrimage of peace.

Michael Hamilton from SCIAF’s community engagement team said: “We are urging people to join in solidarity with us and the many innocent victims of war around the world and walk and pray for a peaceful future.”

The walk for peace will take place from 9.15am on Saturday, 13 June and will follow a 5.6-mile route from St Joseph’s Church in Blantyre to Motherwell Cathedral.

Michael said: “Many people feel hopeless right now. Every time we turn on the television, there is news of yet more bombing, yet more death. Wars are decided by politicians, but in the end it’s innocent people who suffer. We do, however, believe in the power of prayer, and it is right that we lift those who suffer injustice to God with the hope of a better world.

“We hope as many people as possible will be able to join us. Although it’s over five miles, we will be going at a gentle pace and hoping to reach the Cathedral in about two and a half hours. We will be warmly welcomed at the Cathedral with drinks and food to look forward to.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7


Join us on a short pilgrimage walk from St Joseph’s Blantyre to Our Lady of Good Aid Cathedral, Motherwell.