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 would like 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.
24th Sunday in Ordinary Time(opens in new tab)
‘Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?’
This Sunday’s readings focus on forgiveness, reminding us that there is no limit to God’s mercy and unconditional love. We cannot repay God’s forgiveness, but we can imitate God’s free, unearned mercy by forgiving others with patience and compassion.
The First Reading warns against anger, telling us to not keep a record of grudges. Letting go of anger restores peace to ourselves. We are to live by the commandments, overlooking errors and forgiving our neighbour.
The Psalmist praises the depth of the Lord’s compassion and mercy, telling of God’s care for us. There is no end to his forgiveness nor love.
St Paul (Second Reading) explains that we belong to the Lord both in life and death. Christ died and rose because of his great love for us. We, too, are called to live not for ourselves but for others, showing love and mercy.
Jesus (Gospel) teaches about forgiveness through the parable of a servant forgiven a large debt by a merciful king; the servant then refuses to forgive a much smaller debt. Jesus warns that people should not expect mercy from God if they do not show mercy to others. We are called always to forgive others wholeheartedly.
This week, we pray for one another and ask for the grace to forgive, welcoming the healing and reconciliation forgiveness brings. We remember too those who are unable to forgive, and all who are affected by war, violence and unrest throughout the world.
(With thanks to St Beuno's Outreach(opens in new tab))
ARTWORK
Andrey Yanev (opens in new tab)(1965 -)
Private Collection
Pope Leo's Prayer Intention for September(opens in new tab)
Click the image above to play the video
For the care of water
Let us pray for a just and sustainable management of water, a vital resource, so that everyone may have equal access to it.
Visit the website of Pray With the Pope(opens in new tab)
Visit the website of Pray As You Go(opens in new tab) for a reflection on this month's video.
