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.
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
3rd Sunday of Easter
Jesus himself drew near and went with them
The readings for this week are full of reminders of what Jesus’s resurrection has brought for us. Joy, wonder, glory, praise, and hope are all woven through each reading, inviting us to share again in the Eastertide celebration.
In the First Reading, Peter reminds the crowd that, in spite of the terrible injustice done to Jesus, God has shown victory over death and raised Jesus to glory. With this comes the power of the Holy Spirit, now outpoured for us all.
The Psalmist rejoices in the God who stands by and protects us from all dangers, and will show us the path to everlasting happiness.
In the Second Reading we hear Peter again, speaking of how Jesus gave his life as a ‘ransom’ for our sins. Because of this, all who believe can have faith and hope in God.
We join two of Jesus’s disciples in the Gospel on their journey to Emmaus, blind to the identity of the risen Lord as he walks with them. When Jesus reveals himself to them in the breaking of bread, they finally recognise him, just as he disappears from their sight.
Unlike the disciples, we have never seen Jesus himself – but because of the faith we have been given, we can see and recognise him in the people and situations around us. This week, let’s pray for the wisdom and courage to respond wherever we see Jesus in the needs of others.
(With thanks to St Beuno's Outreach)
ARTWORK
Janet Brook-Gerloff (1992)
In the Benedictine Abbey Kornelimünster, Aachen, Germany
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.
