Front cover of Crux, featuring Archbishop Leo’s homily for Pope Francis’s Requiem mass, the parish pilgrimage, Fr Jeremy’s take on an article from the archive, and Martina Purdy gives us a hint of what’s in store for the ‘Light the Fire’ event on 26-27 September - buy this weekend!
Sale of Crux Magazine Today
Pick up your copy of the new issue of Crux today at only £5, with all proceeds going to our Cathedral! Crux is the magazine for all friends of the Cathedral where you can learn about the interesting stories affecting the life of our vibrant parish. In this issue, you can follow our Pilgrimage to Spain last October; hear from Dana, a winner of Eurovision; read about the time one of our parishioners met Pope Francis in Rome – and much more! In this bumper issue, we lead with Archbishop Cushley’s Requiem Mass for the late Pope Francis at the Cathedral. Friends receive every issue of Crux mailed directly to them. Join Friends at www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/friends
CATHEDRAL ROOF UPDATE AND FUNDRAISING
We are finally able to announce that the repairs to our Cathedral roof over Sacristy 1 have a start date of Monday, 7 July! The initial work on the roof over Sacristy 1 was going to start in June and last 12 weeks, however, after the survey was reviewed, we determined that we could combine Phase 1 with parts of Phase 2 over a period of 18 weeks making considerable savings on set up costs.
Our target for fundraising for these two phases of work is £500,000. That’s a lot of money but the good news is that from Advent 2023 to date together with some funds from previous general fundraising, we have already raised over £200,000! Thank you so much for your generous support.
We will be collecting donations regularly through the summer months specifically for the Cathedral’s Building Fund, the main project for which, currently, is the repairs to the Cathedral roof. In addition to these collections, donations to the Cathedral Building Fund can be made at any time, through our website.
You can also donate by cash/cheque sent to the Parish Office (61 York Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3JD). Do please remember to Gift Aid it if you are a UK taxpayer. If you have any fundraising ideas for this project, please speak to Fr Jeremy or contact the Parish Office at cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Fundraising Team: If you think you could help us to coordinate our fundraising campaign by joining the team, please do let us know. Speak to one of the clergy after Mass or contact the office. We would love to hear from you!
Welcome to the Cathedral!
The Cathedral is always delighted to welcome visitors from around the world, but this week, we have a particular word of welcome to extend to Jacob Miller. Jacob is a seminarian for the Diocese of Metuchen, New Jersey, and is studying for the priesthood at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. He has just concluded his first year there and as first year seminarians from the ‘NAC’ don’t return home during their first summer, he has come to St Mary’s Cathedral for some pastoral experience – as well as cooler weather.
Congratulations!
A special word to all the children who make their First Holy Communion this weekend. Altogether nearly 50 children received the Sacrament for the first time surrounded by their friends and family at St Andrew’s on Saturday and today with the parish community looking on, during the 9am Mass at the Cathedral. It is a significant day for them but also a beautiful reminder for us, celebrating the first time we received the sacrament which is the source and summit of the Christian life, and on this weekend – the Body and Blood of Jesus. Many congratulations also to Li and Celia who were baptised and received the bread of heaven for the first time at the vigil Mass last night. Please keep them all in your prayers.
Save the Date: Quiz Night Friday, 4th July
Our quiz team has been busy and have prepared a popcorn-fuelled night of brainteasing revelry to be celebrated of Friday 4th of July from 6.30pm. There will be popcorn and Budweiser along with our usual selection of drinks from our ever-friendly quiz team behind the bar (Leo’s Lions). There will be a cash prize for the winning team and something for the runners up with all proceeds going to “Raise the Roof” of the Cathedral. Tickets will be £10 per head. You may form your own team (up to 6 persons) or join a team on the night. We will take email bookings at catherdralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk with hard copy tickets being sold after the Masses over the last two weekends in June. If you would like to volunteer to help with the running of the event, please contact Deacon Peter at deacon@stmaryscathedral.co.uk Thank you!
Calling all Trades!
The Cathedral is a complex building that requires a variety of trades to keep up with maintenance and repairs. We are always looking for businesses that can be called upon to assist us in this endeavour. If you are an owner or an employee of a company that specialises in plumbing, joinery, decorating, electrical or all of the above and would like to be considered for work here at the Cathedral, please contact Darlene Newman at complexmanager@stmaryscathedral.co.uk.
St Pauls Bookshop: Pope Leo XIV Framed Photos, Cathedral Gifts
Visit our St. Pauls Bookshop for framed photos of Pope Leo XIV, A4 (£18.50) & A3 (£29.95). Pick up a Cathedral notebook, water bottle or notecards or a copy of the History of the Cathedral, Little Ireland and books on Venerable Margaret Sinclair or the Song of the Poor about Fr. Tommy Greenan. Visit the second-hand bookshelf and discover a treasure to enjoy for your spiritual reading this summer. Donations of used Catholic books in good condition are welcome! Open daily 10am-5pm. Contact the shop at 0131 510 4260, edinburgh@stpauls.org.uk.
Save the Date: Archbishop Leo's 40th Anniversary of Priesthood
Join us on Sunday, 20th July at Noon Mass celebrated by His Grace, Archbishop Leo Cushley, as we pray with him in thanksgiving for his 40th anniversary of priesthood, with a reception to follow in Coffee Saints. Please mark your diary for this special occasion as we celebrate the Lord's blessings in the priestly life and ministry of the shepherd of our Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh.
Save the Date: Festival Mass
Sunday, 10 August: His Grace, Archbishop Cushley, will celebrate the annual Festival Mass at Noon at the Cathedral. Join us at the start of the week of our Cathedral’s patronal feast - the Assumption, which falls on 15th August – during Edinburgh’s International Festival.
Special Collection – Next Sunday!
A special collection will be taken next week for Peter’s Pence. Peter's Pence is a financial offering made by Catholics worldwide to the Holy See, the central governing body of the Catholic Church, to support the Pope's charitable works and the needs of the universal Church
Talk on Blessed Antonio Rosmini: Priest, Philosopher & Prophet
Talk by Fr Antonio Bellsito IC at St Kentigern's Church, 26-28 Parkgrove Avenue, Edinburgh, EH4 7QR, on Tuesday 1 July at 6:00pm. Mass will follow the talk. Refreshments served.
Study Catholic Theology in Edinburgh
Registration is now open for the MA in Applied Catholic Theology at St Mary's University Scottish campus in Edinburgh. Details at bit.ly/catholictheology. Watch the preview webinar on the YouTube channel of the Archdiocese. Queries: stephen.dolan@stmarys.ac. uk
Retreat Christian Heritage Centre: Unveiled Faces: Healing & Transformation with the Saints, 27 – 29 June 2025
A weekend led by Fr Emmanuel Mansford, CFR contemplating the healing and transformational work of grace in the ordinary and imperfect lives of the saints. In the light of their example, the retreat will offer an opportunity to reflect on and to seek healing for the wounds in our own lives.
For more information and to book: https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/unveiled-faces/
Corpus Christi Procession - Sunday 22 June
Archbishop Leo will lead the Archdiocesan Corpus Christi Procession from St Patrick’s Church, 30 Low Craigends, Kilsyth, Glasgow G65 0PF at 3:00pm on Sunday 22 June. This is a joyous occasion with the Blessed Sacrament being carried through the streets.
First Holy Communicants in the Archdiocese are invited to take a special place in the procession wearing their formal clothes. Parking at the Church.
Free shuttle bus from Croy train station to the Church - email priest.stpatrickskilsyth@staned.org.uk or 01236 822136 to book. Details at https://archedinburgh.org/news-events/
Scottish Polish Cultural Association Concert: The Warsaw Concerto
The Scottish Polish Cultural Association is honoured to host for the third time Steinway Artist, Rafael A. Luszczewski, who will perform "The Warsaw Concerto" in his own arrangement for piano solo. Rafael is a superb Polish pianist, regarded as one of the best interpreters of Chopin’s works. The concert will be limited to 40 seats only so please book early. You will be treated to a fantastic musical performance in the beautiful intimate surroundings of the Edinburgh Society of Musicians in Edinburgh, a rare appearance of Rafael Luszczewski in Scotland. Tickets only £15.00 per person (including a glass of wine)Book online at www.scotpoles.co.uk
Jubilee Year Picnic for Families
Join families from across the Archdiocese for a Jubilee Year picnic on Saturday 28 June, 11:00am – 4:00pm at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB. There will be spiritual talks on the theme of Hope and talks and games for children. Includes Rosary at The Grotto and concludes with Holy Mass in St Margaret's Chapel. At 4:00pmthere is the chance to walk to the Jubilee Cross at St Mary's Cathedral (optional). Childcare provided. Register at bit.ly/archpicnic
Volunteers Needed: The Marriage & Families Commission is requesting volunteers to help at the picnic. Please contact Fr Benedict Iwatt at VEmarriage@staned.org.uk if you would like to volunteer. Thank you!
Faith Movement Summer Session for Young Adults at Ampleforth Abbey
The Faith Movement is back at Ampleforth Abbey this summer for our 49th annual summer session from 28 July - 1 August 2025. The theme of our five-day Catholic conference for young adults is Christ: Our Eucharist, Earth's Light and Jubilee. Spend a week in beautiful York with other young adults aged 16-30 exploring the faith with a variety of social, spiritual and catechetical activities. The focus of the week will be the series of talks, each building on one another to develop a coherent, dynamic vision of the faith. Each day there will be Mass, Morning and Night prayer and, on one of the evenings, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Confessions. There will also be plenty of time for recreation and socialising each night. Please register at www.faith.co.uk/events
‘Stories of Belief’ Exhibition in Edinburgh
As Edinburgh celebrates its 900th anniversary, take a journey through 900 years of faith and belief in an exciting audio-visual exhibition, sponsored by the Edinburgh Interfaith Association, on display in June and July in three locations throughout the city. The National Shrine of St. Andrew at St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral will be featured in the exhibition, with historical photos and copies of Vatican documents. The exhibit invites visitors to add their own stories, is free to enter and will be held 23rd June to 29th June – New College, University of Edinburgh EH1 2LX; 1st July-15th July – St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral EH12 5AW; 16th July – 23rd July –St James Quarter EH1 3AD. On the first date of each venue showing, the exhibition will open at midday, and on the last day of each venue showing, the exhibition will close at midday. More information at https://bit.ly/StoriesofBelief.
August: Monastic Experience Weekend for Men at Pluscarden Abbey
The community of Benedictine monks at Pluscarden offer a special opportunity for men to experience what monastic life is all about Friday 22nd-Monday 25th August. This opportunity is suitable for single men who are Catholic, practise their faith, are aged 18-40, and at least open to the possibility of considering a monastic vocation. Participants will join the monks in their daily prayer and work. No charge for the weekend. Register at https://www.pluscardenabbey.org/monastic-experience-weekend
Church Representative For City of Edinburgh Councilcx
The Archdiocese is seeking to appoint an individual to represent the views of Roman Catholic Churches in Education to the Local Councils on their behalf for a fixed three year term. This is a supported voluntary role, any travel expenses occurred in the role are reimbursed by the Archdiocese. For further information please speak to one of the clergy after mass or email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Parish Communicators
The Archdiocese is hosting a webinar for those who are involved with parish communications (such as Facebook and newsletters). It takes place on Saturday 19 July, 10:00am-11:00am. The session will give tips and guidance on parish social media and more. Register at bit.ly/parishcomms
Save the Date
The Venerable Margaret Sinclair Pilgrimage Day is on Saturday 21 September 2025 at St Patricks in The Cowgate, Edinburgh. More details coming soon.
Carmelite Pilgrimage in October
The Carmelites in London are offering a 7-day pilgrimage to Spain ‘Walk in St. Teresa's Footsteps’ from 10th – 16th October 2025, led by Fr Matt Blake, OCD and Fr Kelvin Ekhoegbe, OCD. Join in this adventure with St Teresa in her transformative journey of the soul to God through prayer. Walk in her footsteps as she lived and taught. To book and to see full details visit https://www.carmelite.uk.net/pilgrimage/avila-retreat-pilgrimage-2025/