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

6th November 2026

06 November 2026

Scottish Bishops Promote ‘Show Mercy’ Theme for Prisoners’ Week 2026

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland is encouraging parishes across the country to support Prisoners’ Week Scotland, taking place from 15 - 22 November, under the theme Show Mercy.

The annual initiative invites communities to reflect on the experiences of prisoners, their families, victims of crime and those working within Scotland’s prisons.

This year’s theme highlights the importance of recognising the dignity of every person, including those serving prison sentences.

Deacon Kenny McGeachie, lead Catholic chaplain for the Scottish Prison Service, said:

“This year’s Prisoners’ Week invites us to think more deeply about what it means to show mercy, particularly towards those who are already paying the price for their actions. I would encourage everyone to take part in Prisoners’ Week and reflect on how even a small act of kindness can affirm a person’s human dignity.”

One practical example is the Prisoners’ Week Dignity Fund, supported by the Society of St Vincent de Paul and other groups. The fund helps prisoners who lack financial resources or family support to obtain essential items, including suitable clothing for family funerals and basic necessities.

The Bishops’ Conference is encouraging parishes to make use of the Prisoners’ Week information packs distributed to parishes throughout Scotland, helping communities mark the week through prayer, reflection and practical support.

The public launch of Prisoners’ Week Scotland will take place on Sunday 15 November at Freedom City Church, Cumbernauld, with charity and support-service stalls from 3pm.

The event is open to everyone, and members of the public are warmly encouraged to attend.

Further information is available at www.prisonersweek.org.uk.

...ENDS

Notes to editor

Prisoners’ Week Scotland 2026 takes place from 15–22 November, with the theme Show Mercy. The public launch event will be held on Sunday 15 November at Freedom City Church, Cumbernauld, with charity and support-service stalls from 3pm. Everyone is welcome.
For further information, visit www.prisonersweek.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]

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]

News from the Commissions and Agencies

November 2026

09Nov

Holy Mass of the Feast of the Dedication of Lateran Basilica | 09 November 2026

09 Nov, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of the Feast of the Dedication of Lateran Basilica | 09 November 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

09Nov

Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome, the cathedral church of the Pope as Bis...

09 Nov, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome, the cathedral church of the Pope as Bishop of Rome.

Although Saint Peter’s Basilica is perhaps more familiar, it is the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran which is the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome. For this reason, it holds a unique place in the Catholic Church and bears the title “Mother and Head of all the churches of the City and the World.”

The first basilica on the site was dedicated in the fourth century, following the end of the Roman persecution of Christians under the Emperor Constantine. For centuries, the Lateran was closely associated with the life of the popes, and several important councils of the Church were held there.

The basilica has endured fires, earthquakes, conflict and periods of neglect. The building we see today is largely the result of extensive rebuilding and restoration undertaken over the centuries, including major work commissioned by Pope Innocent X in the 17th century.

Its imposing façade is crowned by statues of Christ, Saint John the Baptist, Saint John the Evangelist and Doctors of the Church. The basilica is dedicated to Christ the Saviour and also honours Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist.

Today’s feast, however, is about more than a building in Rome. The dedication of a church reminds us of the living Church – the People of God, united in Christ.

Celebrated throughout the world, this feast is also a sign of the unity of the universal Church with the Bishop of Rome.

🙏 May we, as living stones of the Church, continue to build our lives upon Christ, our sure foundation.

09Nov

Gospel

09 Nov, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
John 2:13-22
‘He was speaking about the temple of his body.’

The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the Temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the Temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. And he told those who sold the pigeons, ‘Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.’ His disciples remembered that it was written, ‘Zeal for your house will consume me.’
So the Jews said to him, ‘What sign do you show us for doing these things?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.’ The Jews then said, ‘It has taken forty-six years to build this Temple, and will you raise it up in three days?’ But he was speaking about the temple of his body. When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.

08Nov

𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝘁

08 Nov, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝘁
𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗱𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵

The journey into a synodal way of being Church together, begun by Pope Francis and continued by Pope Leo is one where we will require a new passion for equipping, and using the gifts of, leaders. Responding to this call and to what people have asked for, the Bishops’ Conference are excited to offer Called and Sent, formation for Christian leaders.

This course will equip people with skills and tools that, while necessary in the Church today, will be even more so in the Church going into the future, where clergy, lay and religious are called to be co-responsible for the ‘the being and action of the Church’. (Pope Benedict). The course will be conducted in a spirit of prayerfulness and entail one full day’s formation and four follow up online formation sessions.

We are looking for people who are prayerful, faith-filled and already involved in the life of the Church in their parish, diocese or organisation. Please consider if you might be the right person for this course.

For more information, and to apply for Called and Sent, go to; https://www.iscglasgow.co.uk/called-and-sent

08Nov

Holy Mass of Remembrance | 08 November 2026

08 Nov, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Remembrance | 08 November 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

08Nov

Holy Mass of the Thirty Second Sunday of Ordinary Time | 08 November 2026

08 Nov, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of the Thirty Second Sunday of Ordinary Time | 08 November 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

08Nov

Gospel

08 Nov, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Matthew 25:1-13
‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’

At that time: Jesus told his disciples this parable, ‘The kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, “Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.” Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.” But the wise answered, saying, “Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.” And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterwards the other virgins came also, saying, “Lord, lord, open to us.” But he answered, “Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.” Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.’

07Nov

We’re pleased to share that Simita Kumar MSP, Minister for Equalities and International Development, will join us for the COP31 ...

07 Nov, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

We’re pleased to share that Simita Kumar MSP, Minister for Equalities and International Development, will join us for the COP31 Mass on Thursday 12 November at 1.00pm in St Andrew’s Cathedral, Glasgow.

Archbishop William Nolan will celebrate Mass. As delegates gather in Antalya for COP31 Türkiye 2026 UN Climate Change Conference, we’ll pray for all those taking part, for the success of the talks and for the care of our common home.

After Mass, join us in Eyre Hall at 2.00pm for refreshments and a live update from CAFOD, who will be reporting directly from COP31.

The Mass is hosted by the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland’s Care of Creation Office, with support from Justice & Peace Scotland, SCIAF and the Scottish Catholic Education Service.

All are welcome to join us in prayer.

07Nov

Votive Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary | 07 November 2026

07 Nov, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Votive Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary | 07 November 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

07Nov

Gospel

07 Nov, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Luke 16:9-15
‘If then you have not been faithful with the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings.
‘One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful with the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful with that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.’
The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him. And he said to them, ‘You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.’