The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

20th March 2026

20 March 2026

Statement from the Bishops' Conference of Scotland

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Following a request from the Holy See, the Bishops of Scotland have been invited to reflect on how the structures of the Church in our country can best serve her mission in the years ahead, specifically whether the present situation of eight dioceses is suitable.

We are all aware of the challenges before us — fewer clergy, changing patterns of practice, and increasing pressures on our diocesan resources, among other things. Yet our mission remains unchanged: to proclaim the Gospel and to lead our people to Christ.

Two possible pathways are being proposed for careful discernment: developing deeper cooperation and the sharing of resources across dioceses within our present structures, or the merging of some dioceses.

In order to best inform ourselves and the Holy See, each bishop will engage with his diocese over the coming months for the first part of this process. Everyone will be given the opportunity to pray, reflect, and contribute.

Following-on from the presentation of a discussion paper, responses from each diocese will contribute to the initial findings which will be given to the Holy See in the Autumn.

This is not simply an administrative exercise. It is a pastoral and missionary response to our changing landscape. This process will ensure our Church in Scotland will continue to grow ever more missionary, more Christ-centred, and more collaborative in the service of God’s people.

Entrusting this work to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and to the intercession of Our Lady, we move forward together with confidence and renewed hope.

Contact:

Media Office

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

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

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News from the Commissions and Agencies

February 2026

01Feb

Pope Leo's prayer intention for February 2026

01 Feb, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Pope Leo's prayer intention for February 2026

For children with incurable diseases
Let us pray that children suffering from incurable diseases and their families receive the necessary medical care and support, never losing strength and hope.

01Feb

Pope Leo's prayer intention for February 2026

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

01Feb

Gospel of the day (Matthew 5:1-12a)

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

Gospel of the day (Matthew 5:1-12a)

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.’

January 2026

31Jan

Holy Mass of the Memorial of Saint John Bosco | 31 January 2026

31 Jan, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of the Memorial of Saint John Bosco | 31 January 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

31Jan

Saint John Bosco, often known as Don Bosco, devoted his life to the care and education of young people, especially those who wer...

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

Saint John Bosco, often known as Don Bosco, devoted his life to the care and education of young people, especially those who were poor, abandoned or at risk. His approach to education was rooted in kindness rather than punishment, creating environments that encouraged growth, responsibility and faith.

Ordained a priest in 1841, Don Bosco began his work in Turin after meeting a young orphan and preparing him for Holy Communion. From this simple beginning grew a wider mission to young apprentices, whom he gathered for catechesis, prayer and practical support.

He later founded the Oratory of Saint Francis de Sales, which became a place of formation, friendship and faith for boys. With the help of benefactors, Don Bosco established workshops in trades such as shoemaking and tailoring, helping young people gain skills for life as well as spiritual grounding.

As the work expanded, Don Bosco trained his own helpers and encouraged a shared vision inspired by the gentleness of Saint Francis de Sales. In 1859, with the support of Pope Pius IX, he founded the Salesians, dedicated to education and missionary work.

Saint John Bosco’s legacy lives on through his educational vision, which sought to unite faith, learning and daily life in a spirit of joy and trust in God.

Saint John Bosco, pray for us.

31Jan

Gospel of the day (Mark 4:35-41)

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

Gospel of the day (Mark 4:35-41)

On that day, when evening had come, Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Let us go across to the other side.’ And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’ And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, ‘Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?’ And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?’

30Jan

Gospel of the day (Mark 4:26-34)

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

Gospel of the day (Mark 4:26-34)

At that time: Jesus said to the crowd: ‘The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.’
And he said, ‘With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.’
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30Jan

Holy Mass of Friday of the Third Week of Ordinary Time | 30 January 2026

30 Jan, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Friday of the Third Week of Ordinary Time | 30 January 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

29Jan

Gospel of the day (Mark 4:21-25)

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

Gospel of the day (Mark 4:21-25)

At that time: Jesus said to the crowd, ‘Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand? For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.’ And he said to them, ‘Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you. For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.’

28Jan

Human Fraternity in Practice: Responding to Migrants and Refugees Today

28 Jan, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

Human Fraternity in Practice: Responding to Migrants and Refugees Today
Join us in person to explore how we can support migrants and refugees through real-life acts of human fraternity from across the community!

This inspiring in-person event we'll dive into how human fraternity can shape our response to migrants and refugees. It's all about practical steps and real stories that highlight compassion and action. Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn and help us all make a difference together.

We will have keynote speeches from the Christian and Muslim faiths as well as presentations from Holyrood and St Rochs Secondary school. The event culminates with a panel of experts who work within professional refugee support networks. i.e. Maryhill Integration Network, Govan Community project and West of Scotland Regional Equality Council.

Register: https://shorturl.at/Y5DPq