Welcome to St Andrew's Parish, Rothesay
The Diocese of Argyll and the Isles has many parishes in some of the most beautiful parts of Scotland. Mountains, glens, lochs, rivers, and the sea give a dramatic background to our heritage, both past and lived. Many lives continue to give witness to our faith and how it is celebrated here.
Among the Highlands and the Islands is the Isle of Bute with its main town Rothesay and just a few hundred yards from the ferry terminal, is the magnificent Catholic Church of St. Andrew’s. Now just shy of being one hundred years old, St. Andrew’s continues to be the centre of Catholic worship in Bute.
On this website we hope to introduce you to our beautiful Church and parish, showcasing our long history and highlighting some of the many things we do today.
Feel free to browse the menu and explore the site.
St Peter and St Paul
‘Who do you say that I am?’
Today we celebrate the lives of the apostles, Saints Peter and Paul. Their transformation from deeply flawed human beings into faithful followers of Christ offers us inspiration to follow their example.
In the First Reading, Peter is consoled and rescued from prison by an angel. Despite persecution, he remains faithful to Christ.
The Psalm is a joyful celebration of one who has had their prayer answered. We can imagine Peter praying it during his time in captivity.
In the Second Reading, we find Paul reflecting back on the trials he has faced since becoming a Christian. He assures us that Christ will comfort and strengthen all those who call upon him. Paul’s determination to spread the Gospel message is why we are here today, praying together as a community built on a foundation of God’s love.
The origins of our Church are described in today’s Gospel. Simon recognises Jesus as ‘Christ the Son of the Living God’, and receives the title ‘Rock’, upon which God’s church will be built. As living stones of the Body of Christ ourselves, we pray to be inspired by this continuous outpouring of love that springs forth from Peter’s declaration of faith 2,000 years ago, and enthused to reach out to others by the example of Paul.
Just as our lives are forever united and sustained within the Body of Christ with Peter the rock, Paul the evangelist and all the Saints, let us pray for a spirit of unity and love within all the expressions of Church in the world today. May all who face persecution for their faith be strengthened in the knowledge of this unity.
(With thanks to St Beuno's Outreach)
ARTWORK
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, Barcelona
Pope Leo's Prayer Intention for June
For the values of sports
Let us pray that sports be an instrument of peace, encounter, and dialogue among cultures and nations, and that they promote values such as respect, solidarity, and personal growth.
Visit the website of Pray With the Pope
Visit the website of Pray As You Go for a reflection on this month's video.
