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

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]

20th October 2026

20 October 2026

Scottish Theologian Appointed to Vatican’s International Theological Commission

Dr Sara Parvis of the University of Edinburgh has been appointed by Pope Leo XIV to the International Theological Commission for its new five-year term (2026–2031).

The Commission brings together theologians from around the world to advise the Holy See on important questions of Catholic theology and doctrine.

Born in Aberdeen and raised in Edinburgh, Dr Parvis is an Associate Professor at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Divinity, specialising in early Christianity, Church history and patristic theology.

Welcoming the appointment, Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said:

“On behalf of the Catholic Bishops of Scotland, I warmly congratulate Sara on her appointment by Pope Leo to this important Commission.

“This appointment is a recognition of her distinguished theological scholarship and of the contribution Scottish scholars continue to make to the life of the universal Church.

“We wish Sara every blessing as she takes up this important responsibility and assure her of our prayers.”

Commenting on her appointment, Dr Parvis said:

“It’s a great honour to be appointed to the International Theological Commission, and I’m very pleased to be bringing a Scottish perspective to the conversations the group will be having over the next few years.”

...ENDS

Notes to Editor

Photo of Dr Sara Parvis: Photo of Dr Sara Parvis
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

October 2026

22Oct

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀’ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱

22 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

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.

22Oct

Holy Mass of the Memorial of Saint Pope John Paul II | 22 October 2026

22 Oct, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of the Memorial of Saint John Paul II, Pope | 22 October 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

22Oct

Gospel

22 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Luke 12:49-53
‘I have not come to give peace but division.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled! I have a baptism to be baptised with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on in one house there will be five divided: three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father; mother against daughter and daughter against mother; mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.’

21Oct

We give thanks to God for the welcome news that the Holy Father needs no further treatment

21 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

We give thanks to God for the welcome news that the Holy Father needs no further treatment. His medical team confirmed this evening’s update following the results of his tests.

We continue to keep him in our prayers. 🙏🏻

Pope Leo XIV’s doctors have confirmed that the tumor removed on October 13 was a lung adenocarcinoma and that the disease was localized.

Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora said on Wednesday evening that a subsequent oncological assessment has confirmed that “no further treatment is necessary.”

21Oct

The Mark 10 Mission are coming to Scotland to host free events to support schools, parishes and families who are working with yo...

21 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

The Mark 10 Mission are coming to Scotland to host free events to support schools, parishes and families who are working with young people in the area of Evangelisation.

Greg Finn is teaming up with Catholic Alpha to host events in Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen Catholic Cathedrals.

The event called 'Forming A Generation' is for anyone passionate about evangelising young people.

There will be music, talks and testimonies. Greg will share the best ways to help primary-aged children grow in love of Christ, and then Georgia Ferrer from Alpha will speak on how to inspire and accompany young people aged 12-18.

As mentioned, the events are completely free to attend, and Mark 10 Mission wants to invite teachers, headteachers, parents, grandparents, catechists, clergy... anyone with a heart for children and young people growing in faith.

The dates are Glasgow, 9th November, 6.30pm-8.30pm. Dundee 12th November, 6.30pm - 8.30pm and Aberdeen 14th November, 11am - 1pm.

We hope you will be able to attend one of the events.

Please forward this email to anyone in your diocese, school, or parish who may be interested in attending.

21Oct

#WorldMissionSunday might be over for another year, but as Xaverian Father, Fr Eugenio Montesi, explains our work is needed by p...

21 Oct, 2026 | Missio Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

#WorldMissionSunday might be over for another year, but as Xaverian Father, Fr Eugenio Montesi, explains our work is needed by people all over the world, 365 days a year. So, could you perhaps consider being a regular donor to Missio Scotland? Or could you maybe think about supporting our work via a will or a legacy?

For more information visit: https://www.missioscotland.com/donate

Thank you and God bless you all! 🙏✝💙

@followers

21Oct

Holy Mass of Wednesday of the Twenty Ninth Week of Ordinary Time | 21 October 2026

21 Oct, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Wednesday of the Twenty Ninth Week of Ordinary Time | 21 October 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

21Oct

Gospel

21 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Luke 12:39-48
‘Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, Know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.’
Peter said, ‘Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?’ And the Lord said, ‘Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. But if that servant says to himself, “My master is delayed in coming”, and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful. And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.’

20Oct

Marian Devotions | 20 October 2026

20 Oct, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Marian Devotions | 20 October 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

20Oct

𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗩𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻

20 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗩𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻

Dr Sara Parvis of the University of Edinburgh has been appointed by Pope Leo XIV to the International Theological Commission for its new five-year term (2026–2031).

The Commission brings together theologians from around the world to advise the Holy See on important questions of Catholic theology and doctrine.

Born in Aberdeen and raised in Edinburgh, Dr Parvis is an Associate Professor at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Divinity, specialising in early Christianity, Church history and patristic theology.

Welcoming the appointment, Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said:

“On behalf of the Catholic Bishops of Scotland, I warmly congratulate Sara on her appointment by Pope Leo to this important Commission.

“This appointment is a recognition of her distinguished theological scholarship and of the contribution Scottish scholars continue to make to the life of the universal Church.

“We wish Sara every blessing as she takes up this important responsibility and assure her of our prayers.”

Commenting on her appointment, Dr Parvis said:

“It’s a great honour to be appointed to the International Theological Commission, and I’m very pleased to be bringing a Scottish perspective to the conversations the group will be having over the next few years.”