The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

Bishop Toal Sunday Reflection: 24 May 2026

Gospel
John 20:19-23
‘As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you. Receive the Holy Spirit.’

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.’

Pentecost Vigil from St Margaret's Cathedral, Ayr

As well as saving energy in our own homes, we also have a duty to save energy in our church buildings. Places of worship use energy primarily for heating and lighting, so even small changes can make a significant difference to both costs and our care for creation. Many simple, low-cost measures can help reduce heat loss, improve efficiency, and make our churches more sustainable without major disruption or expense.

This resource offers Ten Top Tips for Saving Energy in Your Church, including practical advice on reducing draughts, using heating more efficiently, switching to LED lighting, improving insulation, preventing damp, and encouraging everyone who uses our parish buildings to play their part.

The Office for the Care of Creation was established by the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland in 2021. Inspired by Pope Francis’ documents Laudato si' and Laudate Deum, the office provides advice, support, and guidance to dioceses and parishes as they assess their carbon footprint and discern practical ways to work towards carbon neutrality.

The office also works closely with organisations including Eco-Congregation Scotland, SCIAF, and Justice & Peace Scotland on issues affecting both local communities and the wider global family. Through collaboration, education, advocacy, and practical initiatives, the office seeks to help Catholics across Scotland respond to the call to care for our common home with faith, responsibility, and hope.

Find out more about the work of the Care of Creation Office here:


The Office for the Care of Creation was established by the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland in 2021. Inspired by Pope Francis’ documents Laudato si and Laudate Deum , it provides advice and guidance to dioceses and parishes to assess their carbon footprint and discern how to work towards carbon n...