Live online – from St Aloysius Church, Garnethill, Glasgow – 7pm, on Sunday 7th November.
Bishop announces the start of Synod
Pope Francis has called the Church to ‘encounter, listen and discern’ as its clerics and lay people walk the ‘common road’ in the coming Synod. At today’s 11am Mass, Sunday 17th October, Bishop Stephen explained what this means in our diocese. In his homily Bishop Stephen said: “James, and John the brothers, sons of Zebedee were chosen according to St …
Mass of Chrism
On 14 September, Bishop Stephen celebrated the postponed Chrism Mass, at St Andrew’s Cathedral, Dundee. It was a celebration of the priesthood in unusual times. The Chrism Mass is the occasion on which the bishop blesses the holy oils, and when the priests renew their promises of ordination to serve God and his people. There are three oils that are …
Church voices opposition to arms trade
Catholic Bishops and organisations have voiced their opposition to the arms trade, as the UK prepares to host one of the world’s largest arms fairs next week. The Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) arms fair takes place in London 14-17 September, bringing together governments and military delegations from across the world with more than 1,500 companies selling guns, bombs, and other weaponry. A statement signed by Catholic Bishops …
Scottish Bishops respond to Pope’s initiative for a Synodial Church
Scotland’s Catholic Bishops have welcomed a call from Pope Francis for a Synod on the theme of Synodality, to be held in 2023. Commenting on the announcement, Bishop Hugh Gilbert, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland said; “Last Sunday the Church celebrated the Feast of Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles and our Lady at the …
St Andrew’s Children’s Society – Foster Care Fortnight
10th-23rd May 2021 There are many children across Scotland who need stable, loving families to care for them because their birth families are not able to provide the nurturing or safe environment that would allow them to flourish and become confident and well balanced adults. Could you provide the stability and love these children deserve? Would you like to hear …
Lawside to close as strategic review looks to future of the Diocese
Addressing the clergy this week, Bishop Stephen revealed the perilous state of diocesan finances and the steps that are already being taken to address the growing problem. As the impact of the pandemic becomes clearer, there are still many questions in the Church about the ‘new normal’ and, in particular, the Church’s future after lockdown with attendances at Mass still …
Day of Prayer for Eastern Christians on Sunday, 9th May 2021
Cardinal Michael Fitzgerald, former papal nuncio to Egypt and delegate to the Arab league, has encouraged Catholics to take part in the Day of Prayer for Eastern Christians on Sunday, 9th May 2021. In an open letter to Catholics across the UK, Cardinal Fitzgerald urged the faithful to join him in praying for ‘the first evangelisers without whom Christianity would never …
Scottish Bishops comment on Irish worship ban
Commenting on the recent decision by the Irish Government to enact restrictions which do not allow public worship, the President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, Bishop Hugh Gilbert has issued the following statement: “As the Catholic Church in Scotland this year celebrates the 1500th Anniversary of the birth of St Columba who brought the faith from Ireland to Scotland in the …