Church voices opposition to arms trade

Press release

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 …

St Andrew’s Children’s Society – Foster Care Fortnight

Press release

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 Convent

Lawside to close as strategic review looks to future of the Diocese

Press release

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

Press release

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

Press release

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 …

Anniversary Mass for Mgr Hendry

Press release

On 30th April 2021, Holy Mass will be celebrated at 12noon in St Mary Magdalene’s to pray for the repose of the soul of Mgr Hendry on the first anniversary of his death.  Mgr Hendry’s death occurred at the start of the first lockdown and, with churches closed, no Requiem Mass was permitted under the COVID-19 restrictions. The parish priest …

A guide to the parliamentary elections – from the Catholic Parliamentary Officer

Press release

26TH April 2021 Information prepared by the CPO (catholic Parliamentary Office) for the Bishops Conference of Scotland about the stance of the various political parties in Scotland preparing for the May 6thScottish Elections on some of the crucial questions of importance to the Catholic Church in this election. This table contains a sample of issues of significance for the forthcoming Scottish …

Blairs Museum reopens with over 500 years of Catholic heritage

Press release

The Blairs Museum in Aberdeen will reopen on Friday 30th April 2021, after an extended period of closure arising from the COVID pandemic. Blairs Museum offers a unique insight into Scotland’s Catholic history and heritage with spectacular collections spanning more than 500 years it is located on South Deeside Road, Blairs, Aberdeen, housed in part of the former national junior seminary.  …