The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

In the coming weeks, dioceses across Scotland will gather for the Chrism Mass.

This is a powerful moment in the life of the Church, where priests renew their promises and the oils used in the sacraments are blessed.

We invite you to take part if you can.

📍 Full list of Mass times across Scotland

Gospel
John 7:40-52
‘Is the Christ to come from Galilee?’

At that time: When the crowd heard these words of Jesus some of the people said, ‘This really is the Prophet.’ Others said, ‘This is the Christ.’ But some said, ‘Is the Christ to come from Galilee? Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the offspring of David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was?’ So there was a division among the people over him. Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.
The officers then came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, ‘Why did you not bring him?’ The officers answered, ‘No one ever spoke like this man!’ The Pharisees answered them, ‘Have you also been deceived? Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him? But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed.’ Nicodemus, who had gone to him before, and who was one of them, said to them, ‘Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?’ They replied, ‘Are you from Galilee too? Search and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.’

𝗕𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀’ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland has published an Election Briefing Pack ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament election. This comprehensive resource aims to guide Catholics in Scotland to engage thoughtfully and prayerfully in the democratic process, reflecting on their responsibilities as citizens and disciples of Jesus Christ. ​

The briefing highlights key principles of Catholic Social Teaching, including human dignity, the common good, solidarity, and subsidiarity, and addresses critical moral issues such as the protection of life, care for the poor, accessible healthcare, environmental stewardship, and the defence of religious freedom. It also provides suggested questions for candidates, encouraging voters to engage with political representatives on topics such as poverty, family, education, and peacebuilding. ​

The pack includes a pastoral letter from Scotland’s Catholic bishops, urging voters to approach the election with faith-formed consciences and a commitment to justice, compassion, and unity. ​The bishops emphasise the importance of electing a Parliament with integrity and which prioritises the dignity of the most vulnerable in society. ​

Additionally, the pack offers practical resources, including a guide to hosting hustings and a link to find local candidates. A special prayer for the election is included, inviting Catholics to seek God’s guidance in their voting decisions. ​

For more information and resources, visit https://rcpolitics.org/scottish-parliament-election-2026/

The Barra Teens have done it ✅

Raising more than £3,000, five cousins cycled 50km, swam 5.5km and ran 12.5km across Barra and Benbecula in an incredible fundraising challenge in support of the Wee Box appeal for SCIAF Sunday.

Saint Joseph was a simple manual worker, descended from the royal house of David, yet chosen by God to be the spouse of the Mother of God. Scripture says little about him, but it gives him a powerful title. He was a just man. This tells us he faithfully protected and guarded the greatest treasures on earth, Jesus and Mary.

One of the most painful moments of his life was discovering that Mary was with child. Yet in that trial his greatness was revealed. Trusting God completely, he became the quiet and trustworthy witness to the mystery of Christ’s birth. After this, he steps gently into the background of the Gospel story.

Tradition holds that he died before Jesus began his public ministry. His death is often described as the most beautiful, in the presence of Jesus and Mary. For centuries he remained hidden and little spoken of, but devotion to him grew especially from the fifteenth century onwards.

Today the Church honours him on 19 March and again on 1 May as patron of workers. He is also the patron of fathers, carpenters, social justice and of the dying.

In Joseph we see holiness lived in quiet faithfulness, humility and trust.