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.
Click here for some useful materials from the Jesuit parish in Newcastle, to help us make the most of the season of Lent.
4th Sunday of Lent - Laetare Sunday
‘Lord, I believe!’
Before we enter the darker days of Holy Week, we celebrate Laetare (‘Rejoice!’) Sunday. Today we are reminded of the joy of the presence of Jesus, the light of our world, and of the love of God shining through our lives.
Both the First Reading and the Psalm speak of the shepherd caring for the flock. Despite David’s youth and outward appearance, the Lord sees the strength of his heart, which will enable him to lead God’s people.
The Psalm speaks of the certainty that I can rely on the Lord as my shepherd, keeping me safe from harm whatever happens in my life.
In the Second Reading, St Paul reminds the Ephesians (and us) that God’s light in us shines out for others when we live in goodness and right living and truth.
In the Gospel, the blind man’s sight is restored and he comes into the light. Not only is he physically able to see for the first time, but he also recognises Jesus as the Son of Man. In contrast, those around him remain in the darkness of un-belief, trapped by their unwillingness to see Jesus as he really is.
This week, we pray for those who have yet to allow the light of Christ into their lives. We pray that we will carry Christ’s light to others as we walk beside them, sharing their hardships and sorrows.
(With thanks to St Beuno's Outreach)
ARTWORK
The Healing of the Man Born Blind
Duccio di Buoninsegna (1311)
The National Gallery, London
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.
