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

July 2026

17Jul

Holy Mass of Friday of the Fifteenth Week of Ordinary Time | 17 July 2026

17 Jul, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Friday of the Fifteenth Week of Ordinary Time | 17 July 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

17Jul

Gospel

17 Jul, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Matthew 12:1-8
‘The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.’

At that time Jesus went through the cornfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck ears of corn and to eat. But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, ‘Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath.’ He said to them, ‘Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, and those who were with him: how he entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him to eat nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? Or have you not read in the Law how on the Sabbath the priests in the Temple profane the Sabbath and are guiltless? I tell you, something greater than the Temple is here. And if you had known what this means, “I desire mercy, and not sacrifice”, you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.’

16Jul

If God is at the centre of your life, no words are necessary, your mere presence will touch hearts

16 Jul, 2026 | Missio Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

If God is at the centre of your life, no words are necessary, your mere presence will touch hearts

#MissiosWednesdayWisdom

@followers

16Jul

Holy Mass of Thursday of the Fifteenth Week of Ordinary Time | 16 July 2026

16 Jul, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Thursday of the Fifteenth Week of Ordinary Time | 16 July 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

16Jul

Gospel

16 Jul, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Matthew 11:28-30
‘Come to me, all who labour.’

At that time: Jesus declared, ‘Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’

15Jul

Holy Mass of the Memorial of Saint Bonaventure | 15 July 2026

15 Jul, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of the Memorial of Saint Bonaventure | 15 July 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

15Jul

Though not as widely known today as some of the great saints of the Church, Saint Bonaventure was one of the most influential th...

15 Jul, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Though not as widely known today as some of the great saints of the Church, Saint Bonaventure was one of the most influential theologians and spiritual leaders of the medieval period. A distinguished scholar at the University of Paris, he was admired not only for his intellectual brilliance but also for his deep Franciscan spirituality. Inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi, Bonaventure placed Christ at the centre of everything he did—his teaching, writing, leadership, and prayer. His profound wisdom and holiness earned him the title *“Seraphic Doctor”* of the Church.

Born in Bagnoregio, Italy, in 1221, he was baptised John. At the age of 22, he joined the Franciscan Order and took the name Bonaventure. His parents, Giovanni di Fidanza and Maria Ritella, provided him with a comfortable upbringing, and tradition holds that he was miraculously healed from a serious childhood illness through the intercession of Saint Francis.

A gifted spiritual writer, Bonaventure combined practical leadership with deep theological insight. Drawing on the example of Saint Francis, he developed a spirituality rooted in love of Christ, contemplation, and faithful service to the Church. His writings continue to be valued for their warmth, clarity, and ability to unite intellectual understanding with heartfelt devotion.

In 1273, Pope Gregory X appointed him Cardinal and Bishop of Albano. The following year, while taking part in the Second Council of Lyon, Saint Bonaventure died unexpectedly on 15 July 1274. Although some later theories suggested he may have been poisoned, no conclusive evidence exists. He is remembered as a great teacher, theologian, and saint whose life reflected both profound learning and deep holiness.

15Jul

Gospel

15 Jul, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Matthew 11:25-27
‘You have hidden these things from the wise and revealed them to little children.’

At that time Jesus declared, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.’

14Jul

Holy Mass of Tuesday of the Fifteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time | 14 July 2026

14 Jul, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Tuesday of the Fifteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time | 14 July 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

14Jul

Gospel

14 Jul, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Matthew 11:20-24
‘It will be more tolerable on the day of judgement for Tyre and Sidon and the land of Sodom than for you.’

At that time: Jesus began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. ‘Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgement for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgement for the land of Sodom than for you.’