Cathedral Building Fund Appeal
We’ve now raised over £343,000, including match funding of £50,000 from a generous benefactor to whom we are extremely grateful. We have been truly overwhelmed at your generosity and would like to extend our sincere thanks to each and every one of you who has donated to the Building Fund over the summer months. With the Fund’s current project of the Cathedral’s essential roof works now well underway, we are incredibly grateful to you all for your support! So many of you have also elected to gift aid your donations, which allows us to claim a further amount for the Fund. Thank you all!
You can, of course, continue to support this project using our dedicated point for donations to the Building Fund which is in front of the passkeepers’ table. The contactless device is still set up for the Building Fund as is the cash donation box beside it. UK Sterling and foreign currency notes and coins are equally welcome. Other methods of giving to the Building Fund are set out below. Thank you for your support!
Donations are gratefully received at any time and can be made:
• through our website: www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/donate;
• by cash/cheque sent to the Parish Office (61 York Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3JD). (Cheques should be made payable to ‘St Mary’s Cathedral’)
Please remember to Gift Aid it if you are a UK taxpayer. Blue Building Fund envelopes are available at the back of the church if you wish to Gift Aid your cash or cheque donation. Thank you!
Relics of St. Carlo Acutis at the Cathedral
This weekend and Monday, His Grace, Archbishop Leo, will celebrate Masses at the Cathedral for the most special occasion of the visit of the relics of one of the Church’s newest saints, St. Carlo Acutis. Schedule: Saturday, 13 September, 6:00pm Vigil Mass (Cathedral open until 8:00pm for veneration of the relic); Sunday, 14 September, Noon Mass; Monday, 15 September, 12:45pm Mass for Schools. The relics contain a piece of the saint's pericardium, the membrane that encloses the heart; his hair; part of his famous red T-shirt; and a piece of the shroud in which he died. The relics will be accompanied by Monsignor Anthony Figueiredo, Director of International Affairs for the Diocese of Assisi. Please visit the extensive display in the Octagon about St. Carlo’s life and his use of the internet to log Eucharistic miracles around the world (www.miracolieucaristici.org). Edinburgh will be one of the first places to welcome the new saint’s relics. BOOKSHOP: Our St. Pauls Bookshop has a variety of books about Blessed Carlo Acutis currently in stock, as well as prayer cards, medals, icons and keychains with his image.
Archdiocesan Prayer for Vocations
Please join us in praying this prayer at the end of all Masses this week:
Heavenly Father, in your mercy you give to your people every good gift. We turn to you in faith, asking that you bless our Archdiocese with vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Inspire us with your Holy Spirit to help young men and women hear your call and respond with joyful hearts. Bless our young people with the gift of courage to respond to your call. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Vocations Awareness Week - Holy Hour for Vocations on Wednesday
Vocations Awareness Week begins today, Sunday, 14 September, and it is a chance for us to pray for those considering the priesthood or religious life, that they may hear God’s call and respond with joyful hearts. Come along to our Holy Hour for Vocations here at the Cathedral on Wednesday, 17 September at 7:00pm. The Holy Hour will be led by Fr Nick Welsh, Vice Rector of the Scots College, Rome and will conclude with Benediction at 8:00pm. All are welcome! We pray especially for Deacon Matthew McCafferty, Gerard Holden and for an increase in vocations to the priesthood, as well as for priests across the Archdiocese who are giving their life in service of the Church. If you want to explore the priesthood, have a chat with the Archdiocesan Vocations Director Monsignor Patrick Burke on 01334 472 856 (vocations@staned.org.uk), or to speak about religious life contact Sister Mirjam Hugens, Director for Religious Vocations, on 0131 623 8902, (religiousvocations@staned.org.uk). More at:https://archedinburgh.org/vocations/
Signing of the Saint Ninian Declaration and Symposium
The Saint Ninian Declaration will be signed in the Cathedral on Tuesday, 16 September. It is a Declaration of friendship between the Catholic Church in Scotland and the Scottish Episcopal Church. The document will be signed by Archbishop Leo Cushley and Bishop Mark Strange, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church. The day will include a Symposium from 2:00pm in St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral on the history of the relationship between the Catholic and Episcopal churches in Scotland, featuring academic experts. Thespeakers are Gerry Carruthers, Professor of Scottish Literature, University of Glasgow, who will be in the chair; Michael Russell, Honorary Professor at the University of Glasgow and a former Cabinet Secretary for Education in the Scottish Government; Scott Spurlock, Professor of Scottish and Early Modern Christianities, University of Glasgow and President of the Scottish Church History Society; Rev Canon Charlotte Methuen, Professor of Ecclesiastical History, University of Glasgow and Scottish Episcopal Church Inter-Church Relations Convener. After signing the Declaration, the Archbishop and the Primus will go to an Evensong service at 5:30pm at St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Palmerston Place, where the second signing will take place. “By deepening the friendship, we strengthen our common witness to the Gospel in a world that longs for hope and reconciliation,” said Archbishop Cushley.
Thank You from Sr. Pennie
Thank you so much for the generous donations towards the work of the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Every penny will go to those most vulnerable and needy and will make such a difference.
Sleeping Jesus at St Mary’s Cathedral
You may recall news last summer about the forthcoming installation of Timothy Schmalz’s Sleeping Jesus. We are pleased to share that, after some unforeseen delays, the sculpture has now found its place outside the Cathedral. This striking work of art has been generously gifted to St Mary’s by the artist, with the hope of raising awareness of our shared responsibility towards those in society who are homeless and in need. Inspired by the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:35–40 — “Whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” — the statue portrays Christ as a homeless figure resting on a bench. It challenges us to recognise His presence in those who suffer deprivation and exclusion, and to respond with compassion. We are deeply grateful to all who played a part in bringing this project to completion. Sleeping Jesus is not only a thought-provoking addition to the Cathedral grounds, but also a living reminder of that shared call to live as brothers and sisters in Christ.
Young Adults Group Talks Series Returns on Tuesday
The Young Adults Group will meet again from Tuesday, 16th September with a new series of talks on ‘Catholic Social Teaching from Leo XIII to Leo XIV.’ Join us for our first talk by Fr. Robert Taylor on ‘The Heart of Catholic Social Teaching.’ All those ages 18-40 are welcome to the weekly meetings. As usual, we meet at 63 York Place at 7:00pm for teas/coffees and for the talk at 7.30pm, followed by a short group discussion. Each session concludes with Night Prayer and the chance to meet up at a local pub. Come along and meet old friends and new!
Dana and Friends: ‘Stories of Faith, Hope, and Love’ on Friday, 17 October
Next month we will welcome acclaimed Irish singer Dana for an evening of music and testimony in the Cathedral. Dana gained international fame as a teenager when she won the 1970 Eurovision Song Contest with “All Kinds of Everything”. She subsequently became a million-selling music artist, a prolific broadcaster, and a successful European politician. In the midst of this, Dana’s Catholic faith has shaped her life. On Friday 17 October, she will be joined by two other women whose faith in Christ has transformed their lives: Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly. In 2014, both women made headlines when they gave up high profile public careers to enter the religious life. Since then, the women have been on a remarkable, and quite unexpected, journey of faith, which has required of them a deep trust in God. The evening will begin at 6:30pm with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Rosary, followed by music and testimony at 7:30pm. Entry is free with optional donation to help cover the event costs. Reserve your tickets here: https://bit.ly/Dana-and-Friends-17Oct25
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 is 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. Questions: frrobert@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Talk on Experiences of Walking the Camino
Join us after 6:00pm Mass on Wednesday, 17 September in the parish rooms at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston to hear from Guy Fey and Anne Macaulay who have walked the ancient pilgrimage route of the Camino de Santiago and have their own unique stories to share of this spiritual pilgrimage. See the beauty of the scenery in photos and a 25-minute film. All welcome!
Catenians Meeting for Catholic Men
The Catenian Association invites all Catholic men to their regular meeting on Wednesday, 17th September, 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 01555 728032 or look on https://thecatenians.com/become-a-member/
Next St. Andrew’s Talk: ‘Called to Holiness’
Save the date for our next St. Andrew’s Talk with Fr. Jeremy who will speak on Monday, 29th September on “Called to Holiness: Saints & Sanctity in Daily Life” after the 6pm Mass at Ravelston.
Parish BBQ Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who helped to make the annual summer BBQ such a wonderful event last weekend! It was the biggest crowd at our annual event for some years and it was great to see! Particular thanks go to Caroline, John, Marie and Phil for organising, especially to John for excellent barbecuing and to all our volunteers who worked tirelessly running the stalls, organising/supervising games, helping serve food and drinks and all those who helped with clearing up at the end — without your help this event would not have been possible. Thank you to all those who brought such wonderful salads and for all your donations to the stalls. The BBQ provided the opportunity to meet new and old faces, which helps to keep our community thriving. Thank you for coming along and making it a great day. We have now gathered in the proceeds and settled the expenses and have made just over £1,690, net, for church funds. This is an incredible result! Thank you all!
St. Pauls Bookshop Hours
Please make a note of this new schedule for the St Pauls Bookshop: From October the shop will be open Tuesday – Sunday 10:00am-5:30pm, closed on Mondays.
Edinburgh Street Pastors - Recruiting Now!
Are you interested in being part of an organisation which provides care and help to people in need on the streets of Edinburgh? Are you a Christian moved by the parable of the Good Samaritan - and want to be that person? Edinburgh Street Pastors is recruiting volunteers now to be part of the growing work, sharing God’s love on the streets of Edinburgh. We are giving a talk on our work at St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral in the parish rooms at 63 York Place on Wednesday 24th September@ 7.30pm. Our next training is planned for dates in the autumn. Want to know more? E-mail edinburgh@streetpastors.org.uk or call 07523 267906.
Volunteer Appeal – Cathedral Flower Arranging Teams
As we are sure you have noticed, we always have a beautiful display of flowers in the cathedral. These displays are prepared by teams of volunteers who take it in turn to meet on a Friday or Saturday, once a month for each team, to arrange the flowers for the weekend Masses. Due to volunteers moving on, we are in urgent need of new volunteers to join our Saturday morning teams, although we would welcome volunteers for our Friday morning sessions as well. Please consider volunteering. Previous experience is welcomed but not required, because you can get guidance from an experienced team leader. For more information, please contact Elizabeth Andrews at Elizabeth@rhandrews.plus.com
Next Saturday: National Youth Pilgrimage to Perth for Ages 18+
Youth ages 18+ are welcome to join our National Youth Pilgrimage in beautiful Perth next Saturday 20 September, meeting at St Mary's Monastery, Kinnoull, at 12:30pm. A full day of activities includes historic site visits, talks, and Holy Mass with Archbishop Cushley. To join fellow pilgrims travelling by train to Perth, please contact at youth.office@staned.org.uk
‘Catholic Conversations’ for Women
Women who are recent converts, those considering Catholicism, and those desirous of faith-focused discussion all welcome to join us next Saturday, 20 September, 3:45pm-4:45pm in the St. Andrew’s Parish rooms (77 Belford Rd, EH4 3DS) for refreshments and video input on the Rosary and the Blessed Virgin Mary looking ahead to the Month of the Rosary in October. All welcome to join for Holy Hour with Adoration and chanted Vespers from 5:10pm in the convent with the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma. To register, email the Sisters at edinburgh@almamercy.org or call 0131 343 3380.
Venerable Margaret Sinclair Centenary Pilgrimage
The Centenary Pilgrimage to pray for the Beatification of the Venerable Margaret Sinclair will take place on Sunday 21 September from 12:30-6:00pm at St Patrick's Church, Cowgate, Edinburgh, EH1 1NA. 12.30-1.30 Refreshments & sale of candles/goods; 1:30-2:30pm Holy Hour; 3:00-4:00pm Reflection; 4:30pm: Holy Mass concelebrated with Archbishop Leo. Confessions available all day. Visit https://www.margaretsinclair.scot/
Save the Date: Youth Group for P3-P7 Begins in October
The Youth Group will return on Sunday, 5th October from 2:30pm-4:00pm at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston. All P3-P7’s are welcome! Parents please register children at https://bit.ly/ParishYouthGroup-Registration Fee: £1.00.
Mary’s Meals Edinburgh Celebration: “On the Frontlines of Hunger”
For Mary’s Meals supporters based in and around Edinburgh, we would love to see you for an exclusive screening of “On the Frontlines of Hunger” on Thursday, 25 September, as we present our new documentary shining a light on the humanitarian crisis in Tigray, Ethiopia. Please be aware that although this is primarily a film about hope and resilience, some content could be upsetting and it has been rated 12A. Attendees are invited to arrive from 6:45pm for 7:00pm start, with the event concluding at 9:00pm, at Cornerstone Centre, St. John’s Church, Princes Street EH2 4BJ. Tea and coffee available. To reserve your free place, please email the parish office at cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk.