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.
Feast of All Saints
‘Beloved …’
Today’s feast day is a commemoration of all those women and men whose lives were centred on the Gospel. Their example can inspire us to live like them, rooted always in God’s love.
The First Reading describes part of St John’s vision of a heavenly realm, where people from every age, nation, tribe and culture are united as one in constant joyful praise of God.
The Psalmist sings of a world full of the presence of God. He encourages us to seek the Lord so that we receive God’s abundant blessings.
Our Second Reading is a joyful, encouraging letter of love to the early Christian Church. They (and us now) are addressed as ‘Beloved’. We are reminded of our true nature as God’s children. The writer counsels that the ‘world’ may not recognise this, but this is indeed our reality. This is our faith, and we are called to transform the world by leading lives centred on Gospel values, as did all the saints that we celebrate today.
The Gospel is Matthew’s version of the Beatitudes. Jesus teaches powerful, courageous – and possibly costly – Gospel values. If we choose to live by them, we can begin to realise the kingdom of God on earth.
On this feast, we can take encouragement from knowing that we belong to an eternal community of saints. With them, let us pray as Pilgrims of Hope for all those who are persecuted for expressing their faith in the Gospel.
(With thanks to St Beuno's Outreach)
ARTWORK
The Forerunners of Christ with Saints and Martyrs
Fra Angelico (c.1423-4)
Pope Leo's 1st Apostolic Exhortation
On 9 October 2025 the Vatican released Pope Leo XIV's first Apostolic Exhortation on love for those who are poor. It is based on a draft text prepared by Pope Francis - click here to read it.
Pope Leo's November Prayer Intention
For the prevention of suicide.
Let us pray that those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts might find the support, care and love they need in their community, and be open to the beauty of life.
Visit the website of Pray With the Pope
