The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

Gospel
John 17:1-11a
‘Father, glorify your Son.’

At that time: Jesus lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.
‘I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you.’

The Kirking of the newly elected Scottish Parliament took place this week at St Giles’ Cathedral. The ancient Christian tradition of blessing Members of the Scottish Parliament has, in recent years, been broadened to include representatives from other faith communities.

The Act of Commendation, entrusting the Parliament to God, was led by the retiring Moderator of the Church of Scotland, Rt Rev Rosie Frew, alongside Archbishop Leo Cushley and Most Rev Mark Strange.

In her sermon, Rt Rev Frew reflected on the words inscribed on the Parliament’s ceremonial mace; wisdom, justice, compassion and integrity, highlighting these as qualities MSPs should seek to embody in their work and shared commitment to public service.

The service was attended by leaders of political parties at Holyrood, together with newly elected MSPs.

Holy Mass of Saturday of the Sixth Week of Easter | 16 May 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

This weekend, the second collection in parishes across Scotland will support Communications Sunday and the work of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland Office for Communications and Evangelisation.

Through digital media, livestreaming, social media and the press, the Church continues to share the Gospel with people across Scotland, including the sick, the housebound and those looking to deepen their faith.

Thank you for your continued support of this important work.

You can also donate online at: http://bit.ly/CommsSunday

The Church is not a club turned in on itself. It is called to go out into the world and proclaim the Good News.

In this powerful reflection for Communications Sunday, Bishop Frank reminds us that every Christian is called to be an evangeliser through our words, our witness, and the way we live our faith each day.

From stained glass windows to television and the digital world, the Church has always used every means possible to share the Gospel with those who need to hear it.

This weekend, there will be a special collection at Masses across Scotland for Communications Sunday, supporting the work of the Office for Communications and Evangelisation.

Please keep this mission in your prayers and, if you are able, support the collection at Mass or donate online via the link below.

Donate here: https://bit.ly/CommsSunday