St Andrews Catholic Church, Rothesay

07/09/2026

We had a wonderful parish pilgrimage to Paris and Lisieux, St Thérèse or the Little Flower's place, last week. Perfect weather, amazing sites, fantastic camaraderie and most importantly, a lot of spiritual inspiration. Have a look at only a fraction of our photies. On Sunday, 20th September at 4pm in the Chapel House we'll have a Jealousy night😃, sharing our stories with a nice cuppa and starting planning our next trip. Come and join us! Everybody is welcome!

05/09/2026

30/08/2026

Did you know we are now launching another series of chats on Catholic faith.
We have been blessed with so many who have participated in the previous editions of the course. Some of them have joined our Catholic faith and become members of our parish community, some keep travelling their own path.
Here’s another series of informal chats about the Catholic faith starting on Wednesday, 9th September at 6pm in the Chapel House (entry from Columshill St).

It’s addressed to all: 1. Those who are not Catholic but want to learn about our faith without making any commitments. 2. Those who are thinking of joining our faith. 3. Those who are Catholic but have been away for a while and want to reconnect (also catching up with Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, Marriage). 4. Those who are practising Catholics but simply want to deepen their faith and relationship with God.

Please, spread the word far and wide!

"You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you"
St Augustine of Hippo, 5th century

24/08/2026

Today I began with Mass at 6am on the Feast of St Bartholomew, apostle. The first Reading revealed that Jesus gave the Church 12 foundations - the Apostles - which would continue the ministry of Christ before its fulfilment as the Bride of Christ at the End of Time. The Church’s mission is the same as Christ’s and so serving the poor, vulnerable and marginalised are integral to our mission.
After Mass we had a meeting with Caritas Malawi, the Catholic Church’s aid and development organisation just as SCIAF is for the Scottish Bishops’ Conference. SCIAF has been partners of Caritas Malawi for over 40 years. This is characteristic of SCIAF’s partner model: long term commitment to a group which shares the principles of Catholic Social Teaching in a relationship of equal partners rather than than a power unbalance of donors and recipients. Our meeting was an opportunity to listen to each other’s needs and realities, express our solidarity, deepen our partnership and so increase the impact of both Caritas Malawi and SCIAF.
We have all heard of El Niño weather phenomenon. Northern Malawi expects extreme dryness and drought while the south faces the consequences of flash flooding. There has been a steady increase in climate shocks which means people haven’t properly recovered before the next one strikes. This weakens peoples’ ability to flourish and even survive. The Malawian Church is highly respected for its work in helping the most vulnerable, not just in the aftermath of disaster (e.g. food relief) but helping them become more resilient before a particular challenge occurs (e.g. practical advice for the most suitable crops for the predicted weather system). I am delighted that our own Scottish Church helps though SCIAF - and that of course includes you for all your donations and interest. In doing so you continue the ministry of Jesus and, even here on earth, make the Church more truly the Bride of Christ.

23/08/2026

I have just arrived in Malawi where SCIAF and local partners work together enabling people to improve their lives. Our Group consists of SCIAF staff: Lorraine (CEO) Michael (Community Engagement) and Blessings (Programme Officer for Malawi and Rwanda) and two volunteers: Sr Placida (Integral Human Development Committee) and myself (Bishop President). These visits are important for deepening bonds with our partners and their clients, evaluating progress, sharing experience and offering support if required. I am wondering what I will learn from the local people, for I know they will possess profound wisdom. Blessings is Malawian and is our group leader so we will be in good hands. Sr Placida is a fellow Greenockian and chaplain to Morton Women so perhaps Malawi will be ‘blessed’ by the presence of two Morton fans in their midst😂

18/08/2026

Please read my Pastoral Letter regarding the future of mission within our diocese. Explanatory notes can be found beside my letter https://www.rcdai.org.uk/
The Church exists for mission so it’s importance touches us all. Please pray daily that our hearts and minds increasingly open to the Holy Spirit’s promptings.
+Brian

03/08/2026

It seems that every month we welcome new people to our parish or our faith, and this month is no exception.
On Sunday one of our Parishioners, Gary, received his First Communion and Confirmation.
Congratulations Gary.