The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

Gospel
John 10:1-10
‘I am the door of the sheep.’

At that time: Jesus said, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.’ This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
So Jesus again said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.’

Saint Mark is one of the four Evangelists, and much of what we know about him comes from the New Testament.

He is often identified as the Mark mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles. When Saint Peter escaped from prison, he went to the house of Mark’s mother. Mark later travelled with Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journey. Although there were difficulties along the way, their relationship was restored, and Paul would later ask for Mark’s support while in prison.

Mark is the author of the earliest and shortest of the four Gospels. Writing for a largely Gentile audience, his Gospel presents Jesus with clarity and urgency, revealing the mystery of a Messiah who suffers, is rejected, and yet brings salvation.

Though not one of the Twelve Apostles, Mark is closely associated with Saint Peter, who refers to him with great affection. His Gospel draws on the life of the early Church and the witness of those who knew Christ.

Tradition also connects Mark with Alexandria in Egypt, where he is believed to have served as bishop. He is honoured as the patron saint of Venice, and his symbol is the winged lion, reflecting the bold and powerful proclamation of the Gospel.

Saint Mark reminds us of the power of witness, the importance of perseverance, and the call to proclaim Christ to all nations.

Beginning on 1st May, the Most Holy Rosary will be prayed each evening at 8.00pm throughout the month of May at the Lourdes Grotto. This is a special opportunity to come together in prayer during Our Lady’s month, seeking her intercession and placing our intentions before the Lord. All are warmly invited to come along and take part.

DOUGLAS OSLER RIP

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland is saddened to learn of the death of Douglas Osler, a dedicated servant of education and a faithful supporter of Catholic schools across our nation.

Douglas served with distinction as Chief Inspector of Schools in Scotland, was the first Chair of the Caritas Award Board of Examiners, and was honoured with a Papal Knighthood of St Gregory in recognition of his commitment and service.

We give thanks for his life and the lasting contribution he made to Catholic education. We pray for the repose of his soul and to ask the Lord to grant comfort, peace, and strength to his family at this difficult time.

May he rest in peace.

📸 Scottish Catholic Education Service

On Saturday, the Diocese of Galloway’s Youth Office celebrated their Easter Youth Gathering. The day took place at St Teresa’s Church in Dumfries. They welcomed sixty-five young people in P5-S4 from across the Diocese who came together for a day of fun and games, faith, and prayer.

The day began with games and activities led by their S3 Junior Leaders, supported by their S4 Junior Leader Mentors – who gave up their day to support the event while also studying for their exams. The team led the young people in a variety of different games and activities, intended to help the young people have fun while also meeting one another and making friends.

Before lunch, the young people heard a talk from Monica, one of the Junior Leaders, reflecting on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and how she had experienced them in her own life. She introduced the various gifts and encouraged the young people to be open to the Spirit in their lives and respond to the promptings of the Spirit. During Mass, Fr Kevin, the Diocesan Youth Chaplain, continued reflecting on the theme of the importance of being open to the Holy Spirit – encouraging the young people to open their hearts to the Spirit and to have faith and trust in God so that they may be open to receiving the gifts he is offering them and to being his missionary disciples in a modern age.

After Mass, the group enjoyed lunch – pizza and BBQ – prepared by volunteers from the parish, as well as some fantastic homebaking which parishioners had donated. After lunch, the young people enjoyed more games and activities led by the Junior Leaders.

To end the day, the group gathered in the Church and two of the Junior Leader Mentors – Magda and Feranmi – spoke further on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. In their talk, they reflected on how they felt called to live out the Gifts of the Spirit in their lives, as well as giving practical examples from their own experience. Afterwards, the group spent some time in prayer and adoration before concluding with an invitation from the Youth Office team to join them at more of their upcoming events, including the monthly Youth Evenings, Summer Youth Gathering, Whithorn Youth Pilgrimage, Advent Youth Retreat, or Galloway’s Seoul in 2027.

Everyone had a fantastic day with many of the young people enjoying seeing friends from other regions. In addition, the event was one of the first open to P5 as they look towards the move to P6 in the summer. Not only the youth, but the entire Youth Office team had a fantastic day and enjoyed seeing the young people enjoying themselves, as well as seeing so many returning to events showing how much they enjoy being part of Galloway Youth and growing in faith and friendship through these events.

The Diocesan Youth Office runs monthly events throughout the year in all four deaneries, facilitated by their team of Junior Leaders and supervised by volunteers from the Youth Office. These monthly events are intended to help young people grow in faith and friendship, as well as supporting the transition journey for those in P7 and moving to S1.

Throughout the year, the Youth Office also runs larger events – like the Easter Youth Gathering – to bring all four clusters together in order to help young people meet others from across the Diocese and to develop their understanding of their Diocesan identity and the church throughout Galloway.

Learn more about their work, follow their events, and see even more photos on their social media channels: Diocese of Galloway Youth