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.
4th Sunday of Easter
‘I am the good shepherd … I know my sheep and my own know me’
Today’s readings invite us to contemplate the tender image of Christ as the Good Shepherd, who leads, protects, and cares for his flock. His relationship with the sheep is one of trust, recognition, and belonging, where the sheep follow only their shepherd, the one who knows them personally and calls them by name.
In the Gospel, Jesus reveals himself as the door of the sheepfold through which the sheep enter. He warns his listeners against the voices of strangers who prey on the vulnerable and weak, leading to confusion and fear rather than the life that Jesus offers.
The Second Reading urges us to follow Christ’s example and endure hardships patiently, trusting in God. Even when we wander and lose our way, we can return to the safety of the Lord, our shepherd.
The familiar Psalm tells us that the Lord always cares for and protects us, guiding us to safety.
Peter calls all to turn away from sin and be baptized in the name of Jesus (First Reading). The gift of the Holy Spirit is for every one whom the Lord has called.
Today is also kept as Vocations Sunday. As we consider how each of us responds to the voice of the Good Shepherd, we pray for the grace to respond to God’s invitation, always trusting in his loving care and guidance through any struggles.
(With thanks to St Beuno's Outreach)
ARTWORK
William Dyce (1806-1864)
13 April 2026
War brings devastation, loss, and division. It leaves lasting wounds in families, communities, and nations, and it disproportionately harms the innocent. The Bishops call on all those in positions of authority to reject the path of escalation and instead commit themselves to meaningful dialogue, patient negotiation, and the difficult but necessary work of peacebuilding.
The Bishops express their gratitude to Pope Leo for his clear and consistent voice in calling for peace. His leadership continues to be a guiding light for the Church and the world at this critical time.
Reflecting on the Holy Father’s recent Vigil for Peace held last Saturday, the Bishops highlight his powerful words:
“Let us silence the weapons, so that the voice of humanity may be heard. Let us choose encounter over confrontation, and the courage of peace over the illusion of power.”
The Bishops of Scotland invite Catholics across our country to join the Holy Father in this appeal. In parishes, homes, and communities, we continue to pray fervently for an end to violence and for the triumph of justice and reconciliation.
The Bishops urge all people of goodwill to stand together in hope. Peace is not beyond reach - but it requires genuine humility, courage, and a shared commitment to the dignity of every human life.
As the Holy Father begins his apostolic journey to several countries in Africa as a missionary of peace, we assure him of our continued prayers and solidarity.
Image: Pope Leo XIV by Edgar Beltrán / Wikimedia Commons
Pope Leo's April Prayer Intention
For priests in crisis
Let us pray for priests going through moments of crisis in their vocation, that they may find the accompaniment they need and that communities may support them with understanding and prayer.
Visit the website of Pray With the Pope
Visit the website of Pray As You Go for a reflection on this month's video.
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.
