The Catholic Bishops of Scotland met at the Schoenstatt Shrine from 16–18 March for their Spring Plenary Meeting. The gathering included discussion, decision-making and updates on a wide range of matters affecting the life and mission of the Church in Scotland.
The bishops received reports and updates from the Scottish Catholic Parliamentary Office and the Scottish Catholic Education Service. They also considered papers relating to secondary education provision and the work of the Board of Religious Studies.
A number of items relating to liturgy and sacramental practice were discussed, including reports from the national Liturgy Commission, developments in liturgical texts currently being prepared by the International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL), and pastoral questions surrounding some specific rites.
The bishops also received reports and updates on prison chaplaincy, justice and peace work, ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue, Missio, and the Scottish Catholic Archives.
Safeguarding matters were discussed, alongside reports relating to ministry and formation, including the permanent diaconate and proposals concerning seminary formation and the preparation of candidates for priesthood.
The Church’s developing communications and evangelisation strategy was also a focus, alongside preparations for future synodal initiatives within the Church.
During the meeting, the bishops also celebrated Mass together each day and prayed the Liturgy of the Hours at the Shrine.