The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

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

6th November 2026

06 November 2026

Scottish Bishops Promote ‘Show Mercy’ Theme for Prisoners’ Week 2026

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland is encouraging parishes across the country to support Prisoners’ Week Scotland, taking place from 15 - 22 November, under the theme Show Mercy.

The annual initiative invites communities to reflect on the experiences of prisoners, their families, victims of crime and those working within Scotland’s prisons.

This year’s theme highlights the importance of recognising the dignity of every person, including those serving prison sentences.

Deacon Kenny McGeachie, lead Catholic chaplain for the Scottish Prison Service, said:

“This year’s Prisoners’ Week invites us to think more deeply about what it means to show mercy, particularly towards those who are already paying the price for their actions. I would encourage everyone to take part in Prisoners’ Week and reflect on how even a small act of kindness can affirm a person’s human dignity.”

One practical example is the Prisoners’ Week Dignity Fund, supported by the Society of St Vincent de Paul and other groups. The fund helps prisoners who lack financial resources or family support to obtain essential items, including suitable clothing for family funerals and basic necessities.

The Bishops’ Conference is encouraging parishes to make use of the Prisoners’ Week information packs distributed to parishes throughout Scotland, helping communities mark the week through prayer, reflection and practical support.

The public launch of Prisoners’ Week Scotland will take place on Sunday 15 November at Freedom City Church, Cumbernauld, with charity and support-service stalls from 3pm.

The event is open to everyone, and members of the public are warmly encouraged to attend.

Further information is available at www.prisonersweek.org.uk.

...ENDS

Notes to editor

Prisoners’ Week Scotland 2026 takes place from 15–22 November, with the theme Show Mercy. The public launch event will be held on Sunday 15 November at Freedom City Church, Cumbernauld, with charity and support-service stalls from 3pm. Everyone is welcome.
For further information, visit www.prisonersweek.org.uk
For further information, contact Fr Michael Kane, Director of the Communications and Evangelisation Office. Email: [email protected]

Contact:

Media Office

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

22nd October 2026

22 October 2026

Statement from the Bishops' Conference of Scotland

Bishop John Keenan, Bishop of Paisley and President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, has announced that he is stepping back from his daily duties until further notice, following medical advice.

Bishop Keenan has been undergoing medical investigations and will require further tests and examinations over the coming weeks.

During this time, Vicar General Monsignor Joe Burke will oversee the day-to-day running of the Diocese of Paisley.

Bishop Keenan hopes to provide a further update once these investigations are concluded and is grateful for your prayers at this time.

...ENDS

Notes for editors

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland (BCoS) is the assembly of the Catholic bishops of Scotland, working together on national pastoral, social and legislative matters on behalf of the Church. www.bcos.org.uk
For further information, contact Fr Michael Kane, Director of the Communications and Evangelisation Office. Email: [email protected]

Contact:

Media Office

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

News from the Commissions and Agencies

August 2026

04Aug

Today, we give thanks for all the young people across Scotland who received their exam results

04 Aug, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Today, we give thanks for all the young people across Scotland who received their exam results.

As they begin to look towards the next chapter of their lives, we pray that they may recognise the gifts God has placed within them and have the confidence to follow where He is calling them.

04Aug

Blessed Pauline Jaricot returns home

04 Aug, 2026 | Missio Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

A relic of Pauline Jaricot, the foundress of the Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith, has been gifted to her former residence

@followers

BLESSED Pauline Jaricot has returned home to the Maison de Lorette (House of Loreto) in Lyon, France after her family donated a very special relic to the site.

04Aug

Holy Mass of the Memorial of Saint John Mary Vianney | 04 August 2026

04 Aug, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of the Memorial of Saint John Mary Vianney | 04 August 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

04Aug

Today, the Church celebrates the feast of St John Vianney, the Curé of Ars and patron saint of parish priests

04 Aug, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Today, the Church celebrates the feast of St John Vianney, the Curé of Ars and patron saint of parish priests.

Born in France in 1786 during the turmoil of the French Revolution, John Vianney faced many obstacles on his journey to the priesthood. He struggled with his studies and was even considered unsuitable for seminary, yet his perseverance, humility and deep trust in God carried him through to ordination.

As a parish priest, he became renowned for his holiness, spending countless hours in the confessional, gently leading people back to God’s mercy. His compassion, prayer, sacrifice and unwavering dedication transformed not only his parish but the lives of pilgrims who travelled from across France to seek his counsel.

St John Vianney reminds us that true greatness is found in humble service, faithfulness to our vocation, and a heart always open to God’s mercy.

Today, we give thanks for the ministry of our priests and ask St John Vianney to pray for them, that they may continue to shepherd God’s people with wisdom, courage and love.

St John Vianney, patron saint of parish priests, pray for us.

04Aug

Gospel

04 Aug, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Matthew 15:1-2, 10-14
‘Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up.’

At that time: The Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, ‘Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat.’
And he called the people to him and said to them, ‘Hear and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.’ Then the disciples came and said to him, ‘Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?’ He answered, ‘Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up. Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.’

03Aug

Holy Mass of Monday of the Eighteenth Week of Ordinary Time | 03 August 2026

03 Aug, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Monday of the Eighteenth Week of Ordinary Time | 03 August 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

03Aug

Gospel

03 Aug, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Matthew 14:22-36
‘Command me to come to you on the water.’

After the crowd had eaten and were satisfied: Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, ‘It is a ghost!’ and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.’ And Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, ‘Lord, save me.’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’
And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognised him, they sent word around to all that region and brought to him all who were sick and implored him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.

02Aug

Humanae Vitae and the world it predicted

02 Aug, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

Marking the anniversary of Humanae Vitae, Michael J. Robinson, Executive Director of SPUC, reflects on the enduring relevance of Pope St Paul VI’s landmark encyclical.

In this thought-provoking article, he considers whether the challenges facing society today, from relationships and family life to demographic decline and our understanding of human dignity, echo the concerns raised by Pope Paul VI nearly six decades ago.

Read the full article below and join the conversation.

As the West confronts loneliness, falling birth rates and fractured relationships, ‘Humanae Vitae’ reads less like a relic than a diagnosis

02Aug

Gospel

02 Aug, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Matthew 14:13-21
‘They all ate and were satisfied.’

At that time: When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, ‘This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.’ But Jesus said, ‘They need not go away; you give them something to eat.’ They said to him, ‘We have only five loaves here and two fish.’ And he said, ‘Bring them here to me.’ Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

01Aug

Holy Mass of the Feast of Saint Alphonsus Mary de' Liguori | 01 August 2026

01 Aug, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of the Feast of Saint Alphonsus Mary de' Liguori | 01 August 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356