The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

𝟰𝟬 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝘁 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗵𝘆’𝘀

A Glasgow charity worker has returned to her former primary school to celebrate a fundraising milestone – just as she did as a pupil 40 years ago.

Elaine McGinlay from Greenfield posed alongside her headteacher and classmates at St Timothy’s Primary School in 1986 after the school raised money for SCIAF. Four decades later, she returned to the school representing the very charity she now works for.

Elaine is now a Development Education Officer with SCIAF, the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund, and her son Matthew, aged six, is currently a P1 pupil at St Timothy’s.

The school recently presented a cheque to SCIAF after raising £500 through its Lenten WEE BOX appeal.

Elaine said: “We are so proud of the school, and it’s so nice to be able to come back 40 years later and to receive the cheque for SCIAF.

“When I was here in P1 in 1986, we fundraised the huge amount of £450, and today in 2026, St Timothy’s have again raised an amazing amount for SCIAF of £500.”

The fundraising effort was praised by Deputy Head Teacher Katrina McDonnell, who highlighted the generosity shown by pupils and families throughout the school community.

She said: “We launched the campaign, just asking for extra pennies, and the classes were reminded how lucky we are here in Glasgow. Sometimes children don’t see how fortunate they are; we are in an area of high deprivation; there is poverty, but not to the same extent as in the countries where SCIAF works around the world. We have free education and free meals, and other communities just don’t have that.

“Yes, there is deprivation in the east end of Glasgow, but they still gave what they could. It’s all about giving what you can and I truly believe everyone in the school gave what they could.

“I think the people of Glasgow are renowned around the world for their generosity and for being very much aware of people less fortunate. The fact is that in the east end, with the cost of living as it is, it’s a really difficult thing, but our parents actively give to charity, no matter what their circumstances are.”

For Elaine, the visit marked a full-circle moment and a reminder of where her commitment to SCIAF first began.

She said: “My love for SCIAF started here in St Timothy’s Primary – I am so lucky to now work for SCIAF. We were always fundraising for SCIAF, learning about people around the world and how we could help others. I’m proud that the tradition is still going strong at St Timothy’s in Greenfield.”

The principal events of Pope Leo XIV’s Apostolic Journey to France have been announced.

Today, Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, President of the French Bishops’ Conference, confirmed the Masses and Services that will take place during the Holy Father’s visit from 25–28 September:

• 25 September – Solemn Vespers at Notre-Dame de Paris with priests, deacons, consecrated men and women, religious sisters and brothers, and seminarians from across France.

• 25 September (evening) – A large prayer vigil with young people from across France.

• 26 September – A solemn open-air Mass in Paris.

• 27 September – Mass in Lourdes on the meadow opposite the Grotto of Massabielle.

• 28 September – Mass at Saint-Étienne Cathedral in Metz.

Cardinal Aveline has invited Catholics across France to begin preparing spiritually for the Holy Father’s visit, asking the faithful to pray that this apostolic journey may bear abundant fruit for the Church and society.

Please keep Pope Leo XIV and the Church in France in your prayers as preparations continue for this historic visit.

Archbishop Cushley invites you to The St Margaret Pilgrimage, Dunfermline, this Sunday 14 June. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🙏

12:00pm Angelus at St Margaret's Cave.
1:00pm Prayer Service at St Margaret’s tomb at Dunfermline Abbey.
2:00pm Procession from Glen Gates to St Margaret’s Memorial Church, East Port.
3:00pm Mass at St Margaret's Memorial Church, celebrated by Archbishop Cushley.

Gathering in faith and thanksgiving to celebrate Scotland's patron saint.

Gospel
Mark 10:17-30
‘Sell all that you have, and follow me.’

At that time: As Jesus was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, ‘Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: “Do not murder; Do not commit adultery; Do not steal; Do not bear false witness; Do not defraud; Honour your father and mother.' And he said to him, ‘Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.’ And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, ‘You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.’ Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, ‘How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!’ And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, ‘Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.’ And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, ‘Then who can be saved?’ Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.’ Peter began to say to him, ‘See, we have left everything and followed you.’ Jesus said, ‘Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house, or brothers or sisters, or mother or father, or children, or lands for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brothers and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.’

A joyful day for the parish community of St Mary's Lanark, as eight parishioners were presented with the Benemerenti Medal by Bishop Joseph Toal in recognition of their dedicated service to the Church.

The church was filled for a beautiful celebration of Mass, during which Fr John Paul spoke about the contribution each recipient has made to parish life and the reasons for their award. It was a moving occasion for all present and a fitting tribute to those whose faith, commitment and generosity have helped shape the life of the parish over many years.

Congratulations to all the recipients on this well deserved recognition.