The 2nd Sunday of the Year - Year A
Message from Archbishop Leo for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 18-25 January
Today marks the beginning of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Archbishop Cushley is Bishop President for Ecumenism in Scotland and shares the following message:
“In Scotland we are blessed to share friendships with Christians of other traditions, friendships rooted not in convenience but in a genuine desire to follow Christ more faithfully. The Catholic Church in Scotland has officially acknowledged friendship with the Scottish Episcopal Church; The St Ninian Declaration reminds us of our shared witness, charity and service. The St Margaret Declaration, meanwhile, encourages honest and warm dialogue grounded in truth with our friends in the Church of Scotland. These commitments do not gloss over sincerely held differences of the past or the present. Rather, we endeavour to see in each other a fellow disciple of Jesus of Nazareth, and to grow together in charity as brothers and sisters in Christ. We acknowledge real differences between our Churches, and we do so without fear, because friendship among Christians is not a threat to faith but a fruit of it. So we pray for unity by placing ourselves before Christ, asking that He deepen our love for His Church, strengthen our respect for one another, and lead us, in His time and by His grace, closer to the unity He desires.”
First Confession Rite of Illumination at Mass this Sunday
Today at Mass we welcome in a particular way the children who are preparing to make their First Confession in early February. They will participate in a brief Rite after the homily at the 9am Mass in the Cathedral and at 10.30am Mass in Ravelston. Please keep them, their parents and teachers in your prayers as the children prepare to meet Jesus in this beautiful sacrament of the Lord’s forgiveness.
New Crux Magazine on Sale This Weekend
Pick up your copy of the latest issue of Crux, the magazine for all Friends of St Mary’s Cathedral, at only £5. Every penny supports our beloved Cathedral. It’s your window into the life, faith, and stories that make our parish so vibrant. What’s inside this issue?
Exclusive Interview: Fr. Ian Wilson, senior Scottish-born Augustinian, shares his thoughts on Pope Leo XIV and what his leadership means for the Church.
Pilgrimage Reflections: Journey with us to Inchcolm Island and discover the spiritual treasures of this sacred place.
Faith in Action: Inspiring stories of transformation and hope from members of our parish family.
Behind the Scenes: Learn about the vital Cathedral roof repairs and the dedicated team making it happen.
2026 Programme of Friends of the Cathedral Events
To join Friends of the Cathedral, visit www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/friends and enjoy excellent membership benefits, including Crux delivered to you!
Cathedral Building Fund Appeal
We’ve now raised £385,000 for our Building Fund Appeal! 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. Do please remember to Gift Aid it if you can, 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. Donations are gratefully received at any time and can be made by cash/cheque sent to the Parish Office (61 York Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3JD). (Cheques should be made payable to ‘St Mary’s Cathedral’) or here on the website.
Leave a Legacy That Speaks of Your Faith
Have you ever thought about leaving a legacy for the Cathedral Parish? Perhaps a lasting legacy by contributing to a particular project, such as the Cathedral roof repairs, for example, or simply to be put towards wherever the need is greatest. Legacies can benefit the parish in so many ways, helping our churches to continue being a home of prayer and worship for future generations. Leaving a legacy can be arranged quickly and easily, it does not have to involve a lot of paperwork. The leaflet available at the back of the churches provides more details and if you would like to explore this further, please contact our Finance officer, Caroline Reid, in the first instance at: finance@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Welcome Students! (And Return of the Young Adults Group)
Welcome to all students who are new to Edinburgh or returning for a new semester! Students (and all aged 18-40) are welcome to join the Young Adults Group which will resume on Tuesday, 20 January for our new series of talks ‘Come and See: Encounter Christ with the Beloved Disciple.’ Our first speaker will be Fr. Jamie McMorrin, with a talk on ‘The Woman at the Well’. Meet at 63 York Place at 7:00pm for teas/coffees, with the talk at 7.30pm, followed by a short group discussion. We conclude with Night Prayer and meet up at a local pub.
St Andrew’s Talks: Explaining the Faith Through the Nicene Creed
The new series of St Andrew’s Talks on the Nicene Creed begins on Monday, 26th January in the St. Andrew’s, Ravelston parish rooms after 6:00pm Mass. Join us as Fr. Jeremy gives the first talk in the series, ‘I Believe: The Nicene Creed.’ Following the talk, refreshments will be available. Open to all. Talks will be held on the last Monday of each month through May.
Thank You from Fr. Robert
It's been a quick couple of weeks since leaving Edinburgh, but I'd just like to take the opportunity to thank you all for your great care, consideration and support as I left the Cathedral and Ravelston. I'm sure I said to a few folk, but it bears repeating, your kindness and love left me somewhat speechless and very humbled. Thank you for all of that and for your prayers. I remember you all in mine. God bless! Fr. Robert
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.
“…the Eucharistic Mystery…is the font of life that cleanses us and strengthens us to live not for ourselves but for God and to be united to each other by the closest ties of love.” Saint Pope Paul VI
St. Andrew’s, Ravelston: Wednesday Adoration, Confession and Mass
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. Prepare to make a good confession with resources such as https://goodconfession.com/ or the parish website at https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/confession
First Holy Communion and Confirmation Registration
Registration is open for catechism classes for baptised children who have received the Sacrament of First Reconciliation to receive the Sacraments of First Holy Communion (P4) and Confirmation (P7). Catechetical preparation is at St Mary’s Primary School and beginning in March on Sundays at 9:30am at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston for First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
Please register children online at the following links:
First Holy Communion: https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/first-communion
Confirmation: https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/confirmation
Questions: cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk Those attending St Mary’s Primary School will do their sacramental preparation through the school and information will come from St Mary’s separately.
Online Sacramental Preparation for Unbaptised Children of School Age
If you are residing within the parish of St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral & St. Andrew's, Ravelston and have children of school age in need of sacramental preparation who have either not been baptised or are not in Catholic schools and have therefore missed preparation to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Communion or Confirmation, contact Deacon Peter Traynor at deacon@stmaryscathedral.co.uk to register. Classes are online on Fridays from 1:30pm.
Parish Youth Group for All P3-P7s on Sunday, 1st February
Our Parish Youth Group will meet next on Sunday, 1 February, from 2:30pm-4:00pm at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston. All P3-P7s are welcome! Bring 50p along for the tuck shop! Parents please register children at https://bit.ly/ParishYouthGroup-Registration. Fee: £1.00.
Catholic Conversations for Women
All women are welcome to this event with the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma on Saturday, 31 January, 3:45pm-4:45pm in St Andrew’s Parish rooms (77 Belford Rd, Edinburgh, EH4 3DS) for refreshments and faith-focused discussion on preparing for Lent. A Holy Hour will follow with Adoration & Vespers from 5:10pm in St. Andrew's Convent. Register at edinburgh@almamercy.org or call 0131 343 3380.
Marriage Preparation Courses
Our next Marriage Preparation Courses are Saturday 21st March and Saturday 30th May at St Andrew’s, Ravelston, 10am-4pm, with presentations by married couples. To register or for more details, please email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Many Ways to Support St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral
Our Cathedral needs your support! The Cathedral building is beautiful and old and so requires a huge amount of care and maintenance. It costs £1000 per day, which our weekly collections don’t quite cover. We can only keep going through the generosity of our parishioners and visitors. Please visit https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/donate-copy for various opportunities to offer financial support.
Tickets Available Today for Burns Supper on Friday
The annual Burns Supper takes place this Friday 23th January so put the date in your diary and get your tickets on sale today at a bargain price of £20 per person. The ticket includes a three-course meal and the entertainment on the night. The supper will take place in the hall at St Margaret’s, Davidson Mains. Doors open from 6:00pm, for a 6.30pm start.
White Flower Appeal Next Weekend
The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) will hold a White Flower Appeal after all Masses next weekend, 24-25 January. The White Flower Appeal is dedicated to protecting unborn children and promoting the right to life in society. Visit https://spuc.org.uk/white-flower-2026/ for information.
Mass Intentions
You can ask for Mass Intention by using the special envelope at the back of church or using our online form on the parish website (https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/intentions). Please give the completed envelope to a priest after Mass, put it in the offertory basket during Mass or post through the letterbox at 61 York Place. Please do not leave it at the back of the Cathedral or church.
Diploma in Catechetics 2026
Explore the richness of the Catholic faith in 2026 by taking the Diploma in Catechetics. The popular course is run by the Archdiocese and takes place at 7:30pm each Thursday on Zoom, starting on 22 January. Content includes: the nature of God, the human person, vocation, salvation history, the Scriptures, Redemption, sacraments, and grace. Cost £220. Register at bit.ly/diploma2026. Watch this short video on the Diploma at bit.ly/diplomareel. Parishioners of St Mary’s Cathedral & St Andrew’s, Ravelston, can apply to the Cathedral for a bursary which covers 50 per cent of the course cost. Email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk for details.
Job Vacancy: Support & Property Administrator
The Archdiocese of St. Andrews & Edinburgh is seeking to appoint an Administrator to provide support to the Property Director and general administrative support within the Archdiocesan offices at the Gillis Centre, EH9 1BB, 35 hours, £23K-£25K. Job description at bit.ly/adminarchdiocese. To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter detailing how your skills and experience make you suitable for this role to recruitment@staned.org.uk by Friday 23 January 2026.
Craig Lodge Mission House Applications for Ages 18-30
Craig Lodge's new Mission House offers a nine-month programme of prayer, study, community life, missionary service and worship for anyone between the ages of 18-30, that sets out to form spirit-filled evangelizers for the renewal of the Church. Encounter Ministries have agreed to allow us the use of their curriculum as part of the formation of our successful applicants this coming year and we are delighted to be entering into this partnership. Apply online at https://www.craiglodge.org/ministries/mission-house and meet the Mission House team, read stories from our students. Questions: mail@craiglodge.org Craig Lodge, Dalmally, Argyll, Scotland, UK, PA33 1AR.
Pope Leo XIV Documentaries: ‘Leo from Chicago’ and ‘León de Perú’
If you’ve not seen them yet, two documentary videos are available that share a bit about the life of Pope Leo XIV and the people who know him, from his immediate family members, Augustinian religious community members, parishioners from his native Chicago, and Peruvian priests and faithful from his years of mission work Peru. To watch Leo from Chicago, tap here, to watch León de Perú tap here.
Travel with the Archdiocese to World Youth Day 2027 in South Korea
Experience the global church firsthand amidst the unique and vibrant story of Catholicism in South Korea during the 2027 World Youth Day, 1st-10th August. From remarkable saints, bustling markets and poignant shrines, to Holy Mass with Pope Leo and sleeping under the stars. Join millions of young Catholics at WYD and experience God, the Church and our Catholic faith in a life-changing way. Travel with the Archdiocese. To register your interest email youth.office@staned.org.uk Visit https://wydseoul.org/enn for WYD details.
Financial Help for Scots in 2026
As households across Scotland continue to feel the pressure of the cost-of-living crisis, many people may be missing out on vital financial support they are entitled to. For information about benefits and links to benefits calculators, visit https://www.mygov.scot/browse/benefits
SPUC Youth Conference: Fully Sponsored Places for Ages 16-35
The Archdiocese has fully sponsored places to the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children’s excellent Youth Conference from Friday, 27 February – Sunday, 1 March 2026 in Staffordshire for those aged 16-35 who are based in the Archdiocese, and includes conference fees and bus travel from Edinburgh. Last year’s sell-out event was a mix of education, social and spiritual events, with Mass available at the Conference. Increase your pro-life knowledge, learn effective strategies for pro-life activity, hear pro-life testimonies and make new friends! Questions? Contact the Archdiocesan Pro-Life Office: prolife@staned.org.uk Application deadline is Monday, 26th January. For the application link plus a promotional video and testimonials, please visit https://archedinburgh.org/get-sponsored-to-attend-spuc-youth-conference/.