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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
Holy Mass of Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week of Ordinary Time | 08 July 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

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Gospel
Matthew 10:1-7
‘Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’

At that time: Jesus called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. The names of the twelve Apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, ‘Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And proclaim as you go, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” ’

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The World Cup is down to the last 16, and football fever is still gripping the nation.

Scotland may be out, but there’s still another trophy to play for this summer, the SCIAF Shield.

As SCIAF, we’re present in the world’s most difficult places. We work with people in the hardest circumstances, so they can overcome their daily struggles and the structures of injustice that make and keep them poor.

Ben Wilson, SCIAF’s Director of Public Engagement, said, “Last year was our first ever SCIAF Shield, so we’re hoping to build on last year and make 2026 bigger and even better. As before, it’s a football tournament to raise money for the world’s poorest people, so get ready for a day of fun, football, and fundraising!”

The SCIAF Shield is a tournament for 5-a-side football teams promising an exciting afternoon of community and sport – all in support of SCIAF's life-changing work overseas.

With four groups of four teams, the tournament will kick off with a group stage, followed by a thrilling knockout round to crown the champions of the SCIAF Shield.

Last year a team made up of parishioners from The Sacred Heart in Salsburgh and St Aloysius in Chapelhall won and was led by parish priest Father Mark O’Donnell.

It will be held on Saturday, 1 August at Goals on Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow at noon. It’s £125 to enter a team, which includes entry, a minimum of one hour of football, lunch and a welcome pack for every player. There will also be music, a bouncy castle, face-painting and more!

Ben said: “Everyone is welcome, and it promises to be a great day, so why not join us in entering a team of up to eight players? All abilities are welcome!”

https://www.sciaf.org.uk/get-involved/events/799-the-sciaf-shield

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Holy Mass of Tuesday of the Fourteenth Week of Ordinary Time | 07 July 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

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Gospel
Matthew 9:32-38
‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few.’

At that time: Behold, a demon-oppressed man who was mute was brought to Jesus. And when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds marvelled, saying, ‘Never was anything like this seen in Israel.’ But the Pharisees said, ‘He casts out demons by the prince of demons.’
And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every infirmity. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.’

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Pax Christi Scotland invites you to join Stella Maris for an online event ahead of Sea Sunday.

More than 20,000 seafarers are currently stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. Stella Maris supports seafarers, fishers and their families around the world, offering practical help, pastoral care and peace of mind during times of uncertainty and crisis.

Join us to hear more about the vital work of Stella Maris and the difference it makes to those who keep global trade moving.

📅 Tuesday 7 July 2026
🕖 7.00pm
💻 Online via Zoom

A short presentation will be followed by an opportunity for questions and discussion.

Register here: https://shorturl.at/f0VGY

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Gospel
Matthew 9:18-26
‘My daughter has just died, but come, and she will live.’

At that time: While Jesus was saying these things, behold, a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, ‘My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.’ And Jesus rose and followed him, with his disciples. And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, for she said to herself, ‘If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.’ Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, ‘Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.’ And instantly the woman was made well. And when Jesus came to the ruler’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, he said, ‘Go away, for the girl is not dead but sleeping.’ And they laughed at him. But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. And the report of this went through all that district.

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Sunday Reflection with Bishop Toal: 5 July 2026

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Sunday Reflection with Bishop Toal: 5 July 2026

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Holy Mass of the Fourteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time | 05 July 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

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