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.
Diocesan Structures
Click here for an important statement from the Bishops' conference of Scotland about upcoming consultations on the structuring of our Scottish dioceses.
Scottish Parliament Elections May 2026
Click here to open and download the Bishops' Election Briefing Pack, with guidance on some of the issues that should be on our minds as we select the candidates to vote for.
5th Sunday of Lent
‘Unbind him and let him go’
As we approach Holy Week, our readings focus on the theme of being restored to life. The Scripture is full of hope, inviting us to trust in God’s promise of resurrection and eternal life.
The Israelites, living in exile in Babylon, lack hope and direction (First Reading). But the Lord speaks through the prophet Ezekiel, telling how he will raise them up. He will put his Spirit within them, giving them new life, and restore them to their homeland.
This prophesy is fulfilled in the Gospel. Here, God’s love and power over death are made known as Lazarus is raised by Jesus, the One who brings life where there is death. Jesus reveals himself as ‘the resurrection and the life’, calling us to believe and trust in him. His deep compassion and love are highlighted as he weeps with Mary and Martha.
The Psalm encourages us to cry out to the Lord with longing and honesty. In expressing deep sorrow for our sins, we can trust in the Lord’s ‘mercy and plentiful redemption’.
St Paul (Second Reading) reminds us that living by Christ’s Spirit – the Spirit of truth, love, compassion and justice – gives us hope, and brings true life and peace.
In my prayer today, I might reflect deeply on who Jesus really is, and what it is that he brings. What might living by his Spirit look like for me this week?
(With thanks to St Beuno's Outreach)
ARTWORK
Pope Leo's March Prayer Intention
For disarmament and peace
Let us pray that nations move toward effective disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament, and that world leaders choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy instead of violence.
Visit the website of Pray With the Pope
Visit the website of Pray As You Go for a reflection on this month's video.
Pope Leo's Lenten Message
Abstain from harsh words and rash judgement
This season of Lent, Pope Leo XIV invites Catholics to open ourselves to listening, fasting, and community, urging us to abstain from words of hatred in order to make space for words of hope and peace.
