Registration Open for Children’s Sacramental Preparation
Registration is now open for catechism classes for children to receive the Sacraments of First Reconciliation (P3), First Holy Communion (P4) and Confirmation (P7). Catechetical preparation will be provided both at St Mary’s Primary School and on Sundays at 9:30am at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston beginning in October. To register your child, please visit the following links.
First Reconciliation: Registration closes on 19th October 2025. First Reconciliation takes places the week beginning 2nd February, https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/sacrament-of-first-reconciliation
First Holy Communion: Registration closes on 5th April 2026. First Holy Communion takes place on 6/7th June 2026: https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/first-communion
Confirmation: Registration closes on 22nd March 2026. Confirmation takes place on 31st May 2026: https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/confirmation
If you have questions or need any other information, contact Fr. Robert: frrobert@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
The Cathedral Roof Update
After close to two years of preparation, work has finally commenced! Our scaffolding is up and work on the roof of the chancel has begun and has already found additional issues that were unknown even with all the surveys done. These include defects around the lead hip flashings – at the join of the sloped roofs – which has allowed water ingress and decay to the timber sarking boards below. The existing slating around the chancel roof flashings are in poorer condition than expected, and investigations of the sarking will help better understand the additional repairs required. Work on the stonework is required to sections of above the chancel north elevation windows, with stone having been purchased for these repairs. Redundant metal fixings in the chancel stonework are corroding, causing damage to the surrounding stone. These will be removed, and the holes repointed with lime mortar. Also, a cracked pane of Georgian wired glazing to the rooflight above the Shrine of St Andrew is going to be replaced alongside the other glazing works. Thank you very much to all who have contributed to our Roof Appeal to raise £500,000. As you can see it is going to be needed as we continue with Phase 1 of this project. Many thanks again for all your generosity and support! – Darlene
CATHEDRAL BUILDING FUND APPEAL
We’ve now raised £260,000 which is amazing! Thank you! Can you help us to reach our target of £500,000 for this round of works to the sacristy and chancel roofs and adjacent stonework?
Summer Second Collections – The next summer collection for our Cathedral Building Fund is this weekend 16/17 August. Blue Building Fund envelopes are available at the back of the church if you wish to Gift Aid your donation.
We have set up a dedicated point for donations to the Building Fund. In front of the passkeepers’ table, we have a new contactless device set up as well as a cash donation box. All donations made here during the month of August will be put towards the Building Fund to help towards the cost of the ongoing roof repair project. UK Sterling and foreign currency notes and coins are all welcome! Thank you for your support!
Donations are gratefully received at any time:
by cash/cheque sent to the Parish Office (61 York Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3JD). Cheques should be made payable to ‘St Mary’s Cathedral’
by bank transfer
Please remember to Gift Aid it if you are a UK taxpayer. Gift Aid envelopes for the Building Fund are available at the back of the Church. Thank you!
MATCH FUNDING IN AUGUST
We are so grateful to an extremely generous benefactor who has offered to match all money raised for the Cathedral roof in August up to £50,000. So do please give as generously as you can to the Summer Appeal and double your money!
Appeal for Help to Set Up Mass in Ravelston — Training Session Offered
St Josemaria Escriva once said “Have you ever thought how you would prepare to receive Our Lord if you could go to Communion only once in your life? We must be thankful to God that He makes it so easy for us to come to Him: but we should show our gratitude by preparing ourselves very well to receive Him.” As much as we must prepare ourselves, the church must also be prepared and we need help at St Andrew’s, Ravelston, to prepare Mass. We are urgently looking for people who can commit to attending the celebration of Mass (Sunday to Friday), to join the great team of existing sacristans, setting up the altar and taking care of the altar linens. Ravelston Masses are Sundays at 10:30am Mass and Monday to Friday at 6:00pm. If we have enough people, this can mean the undertaking will only be a few times per month and takes about 15 minutes. A training session will be held on Saturday 30th August at St Andrew’s Church from 10.30am until 11.30am which will provide all the information you need. If you might be interested in the training or have any questions, please just drop an email to cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk or call 0131 556 1798.
Today: Edinburgh Latin Mass Community Summer Picnic
All are welcome to the Edinburgh Latin Mass Community Summer Picnic today, Sunday, 17 August, 1:00pm-3:00pm at St. Andrew's Church gardens and parish rooms, Ravelston (EH4 3DS), with the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter. Come along for good food, great fellowship and games for the children. Questions? Email edinburgh@fssp.org
Catenians Meeting for Catholic Men
The Catenian Association invites all Catholic men to their regular meeting this Wednesday, 20th August, at 7.00 p.m. in 63 York Place. The Catenians are an international body of Catholic laymen who meet once a month and offer friendship and support to Catholic men and their families at all stages of their lives. For information contact John Russell on 01555 728032 or look on https://thecatenians.com/become-a-member/
Saturday Morning Mass, Confession and Eucharistic Adoration
Weekly Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is held at the Cathedral on Saturday mornings, after the 10:00am Mass. Adoration is from 10:30am-12:00pm concluding with Benediction, with Confession available during that time. Come for 30 minutes, 1 hour…. or more to adore the Lord Jesus, truly present for us in the Eucharist.
“Jesus told us: ‘I am the way’ (Jn 14:6): it is He who accompanies us, leads us, strengthens us along the way. His Spirit opens our eyes and makes us see what we would not be able to understand by ourselves.” (Pope Leo XIV)
St. Andrew’s, Ravelston: Wednesday Adoration, Confession and Mass
Especially in this Jubilee Year of Hope, all are encouraged to come for Eucharistic Adoration and begin a regular practice of coming to Confession. Every Wednesday at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston we have Eucharistic Adoration with Confessions 5:00pm-5:45pm, followed by 6:00pm Mass.
Next Monday: St. Andrew’s Talks: ‘Faith in a Changing World’
Mark your diary for the first talk in our new series of St. Andrew’s Talks. Sr. Mary Benedicta Maier, RSM, will speak on “Faith and Culture: Being Catholic in a Secular Age” on Monday, 25 August. This series will have the theme ‘Faith in a Changing World’, looking at how we as Catholics can live out our faith amidst the rapid changes in culture, technology and even Church environment. Join us in the Ravelston parish rooms (EH4 3DS) following 6:00pm Mass. Following the talk, refreshments will be available. Open to all.
‘Catholic Conversations’ for Women Resumes
Come along Saturday, 30 August, 3:45pm-4:45pm to the St. Andrew’s Parish rooms (77 Belford Rd, EH4 3DS) for refreshments, a short video input from Bishop Robert Barron on the Mass, titled ‘Responding to God,’ and a discussion to follow. Women who are recent converts, those considering Catholicism, and those desirous of faith-focused discussion all warmly welcome! Participants are also welcome to join the Religious Sisters of Mercy at their convent for Holy Hour with Adoration and chanted Vespers from 5:10pm. To register, email the Sisters at edinburgh@almamercy.org or call 0131 343 3380.
Save the Date: Parish BBQ at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston
All are welcome to our annual Parish Barbecue on Sunday 7th September at 1:30pm! Enjoy BBQ treats and salads to suit (both meat and vegetarian options), all included in ticket price. Various soft drinks, tea and coffee. And for a small charge, a cheeky glass of wine! Tickets on sale next weekend! As always there will fun and games for children (of all ages!), as well as a range of stalls including tombola, plants, books, bric-a-brac and a host of freshly baked goods. ** Please note that all stalls will be cash only on the day. **
BBQ Stall Donations: Books, Bric a Brac & Bottle Tombola
From next weekend, donations for all these stalls can be left at the back of the church before Mass or given to the BBQ reps who will be available to collect in donations after Mass until 12.30. Please make sure to label your donations with the appropriate stall name. Donations of plants and cakes would also be most welcome and can be brought on the day of the BBQ. Thank you! Queries? Contact standrewsevents1901@gmail.com
Relics of Soon-to-Be-Saint, Carlo Acutis, at the Cathedral
The relics of soon-to-be-saint, Blessed Carlo Acutis, known as the “Apostle of the Eucharist,” will visit the Archdiocese from 13-15 September 2025. His canonisation is set for 7th September, meaning Edinburgh will be one of the first places to welcome the new saint’s relics. Saturday 13 September, 6:00pm Vigil Mass (Cathedral open until 8:00pm for veneration of the relics); Sun 14 Sep - Midday Mass; Mon 15 Sep - 12:45pm Mass for Schools. Carlo will be the first millennial saint, who is also renowned for his use of the internet to log Eucharistic miracles around the world www.miracolieucaristici.org/. “Since he was a child … he had his gaze turned to Jesus. Love for the Eucharist was the foundation that kept alive his relationship with God. He often said,
‘The Eucharist is my highway to Heaven.’” (Agostino Cardinal Vallini, homily at beatification of Carlo Acutis, 2020)
Want to Become Catholic? RCIA Begins in September
If you would like to become Catholic, the way to do it is through our Cathedral RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) course. The group meets every Tuesday evening at 7:00pm-8:30pm at 61 York Place from Tuesday, 16th September. Register by phone at 0131 556 1798 or email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Ask Peers to Oppose Assisted Suicide Bill
The assisted suicide Bill can still be defeated. On 20 June, the bill passed its Third Reading House of Commons by only 23 votes. It is expected to return to Parliament on 12th September with further scrutiny and debate. If it is to become law, the Bill must be supported by the Lords. It is critically important that Peers in the House of Lords be informed of many problems with the Bill and how introducing assisted suicide would put vulnerable people at risk. Use this simple tool to enter your post code and ask Peers to oppose the assisted suicide bill. It takes less than 30 seconds!: https://righttolife.org.uk/aspeers
Altar Servers' Day: Prayer, Games and Activities
Our very popular Archdiocesan Day for Altar Servers is on Saturday 13 September 2025, 11:00am-3:00pm at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh. Don’t miss this day of prayer, games, activities, learning and fun with old friends and new! This year we will be in the presence of a new saint of the Church - the relics of Carlo Acutis will be there! The day concludes with Mass celebrated by Archbishop Leo. Register with Fr Robert at frrobert@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Pilgrimage Walk of Hope: See Where Mary’s Meals Began
Mary’s Meals warmly invites you to join their Pilgrimage Walk of Hope. This event will take place on Saturday 30 August from 10.30am to 3.45pm at Craig Lodge House of Prayer, Dalmally, Argyll PA33 1AR. In this Jubilee Year, join members of the Mary’s Meals team and supporters as we walk together, reflecting on stories of hope and praying for our mission. The day will include Mass and the opportunity to see The Shed where Mary’s Meals began. Book your place at: https://MMWalkOfHope.eventbrite.co.uk
National Pilgrimage to Whithorn
The National Pilgrimage to Whithorn in honour of St Ninian will take place on Sunday 31 August. Mass at St Ninian’s Cave will be celebrated at 4:00pm outdoors on the beach of Port Castle Bay at 4 pm and for those unable to walk to the shore, Mass will be at 4.45 pm in the Church of St Martin and St. Ninian (DG8 8PZ). Full details are available in the news section at https://rcdg.org.uk/
National Pilgrimage to Carfin
The National Pilgrimage takes place at Carfin Grotto, Scotland’s National Shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes, on Sunday 7 September at 3:00pm. Archbishop Leo will be the principal celebrant and preacher. The grotto is in the Parish of St Francis Xavier in the village of Carfin, near Motherwell, ML1 5AJ.
Looking to Deepen Your Faith? Study Catholic Theology in Edinburgh
Apply now to study an MA in Applied Catholic Theology in Scotland. Evening classes, in person and online, with support funding available. To speak to the Course Lead, Stephen Dolan, in person email: stephen.dolan@stmarys.ac.uk. Details at bit.ly/catholictheology
Beginning Experience for Those Suffering Bereavement
Are you suffering grief, loss or loneliness following a bereavement. The Beginning Experience are holding a weekend away to support you in your loss either through divorce, separation or widowhood. It takes place from 26-28 September 2025 at Conforti Centre, Coatbridge. For details contact Maggie on 01389 751677 or email beginningexperiencescotland2@gmail.com Applications to be returned by 12 September 2025.
St. Michael’s Lent
St. Michael's Lent is a 40-day period of fasting observed in the Catholic Church, starting from the Feast of the Assumption on August 15 and ending on Michaelmas, the feast of St. Michael the Archangel, on September 29. This tradition, rooted in Franciscan spirituality, involves prayer, asceticism, and honouring both the Blessed Virgin and St. Michael. During this time participants are encouraged to fast or make daily sacrifices, pray daily (the Prayer to St. Michael and the Litany of St. Michael are recommended), and regular participation in Mass and Confession is encouraged. Learn more from EWTN UK at https://ewtn.co.uk/chpop-what-is-saint-michaels-lent-the-powerful-little-known-tradition-we-need-for-our-times/ The website of the Michaelite Fathers’ (an order founded in Poland in 1842) includes the Prayer to St. Michael and the Litany of St. Michael http://www.michaelites.ca/prayers.html.
Silent No More: A North Korean Christian Testimony
Hear the powerful testimony of a Christian who escaped the brutal regime in North Korea. Aid to the Church in Need is sponsoring an event featuring a North Korean defector sharing his remarkable story of survival, courage, and hope. Join us for this free event on Wednesday 10th September, St Joseph’s Church Hall, Clarkston, East Renfrewshire G76 7BT, 7pm – 9pm. Timothy Cho, a North Korean defector and human rights activist, will share his personal experience in a land where Christianity is outlawed and the faithful are driven underground. Book at https://www.trybooking.com/uk/FDYV For more information, please contact the ACN Scotland office at scotland@acnuk.org or call 01698 337 470.