The Newsletter for the 29th Sunday of the Year - Year A
World Mission Sunday Special Collection This Weekend
This weekend we have the annual special collection for the 100th World Mission Sunday. This year’s theme, chosen by Pope Leo XIV, is One in Christ, United in Mission. Our prayers and donations will support missionaries and communities in need. Here in Scotland our collection will support Missio Scotland’s projects in Albania and Ukraine. Donations can also be made online at missioscotland.com/donate
St Andrew's Talks: ‘Places of Pilgrimage’
Mark your diary for the first talk in our new 'Places of Pilgrimage' series of St. Andrew’s Talks on Monday, 26 October. Fr. Joshua will speak on 'The Vatican, and the Tomb of the Apostle Peter'. Join us in the Ravelston parish rooms (EH4 3DS) after 6:00pm Mass. Following the talk, refreshments will be available. Open to all.
Young Adults’ Group (18-35) Next Week
The Young Adults’ Group is on break this week and will resume next week on Tuesday 27 October with Fr. Nick Welsh who will be presenting on the sacrament of Marriage as we continue our series of talks on the seven Sacraments. For further details of the ongoing series, kindly see the poster at the back and join the WhatsApp channel using the QR Code on the poster. The Young Adults’ Group meets in 63 York Place (around the corner from the Cathedral) every Tuesday, it’s a great way to meet other young Catholics in the city, and to grow in knowledge and love of the faith. New members are very warmly welcome!
Sacramental Preparation for Children not in Catholic Education
Children who have been baptized but are not in Catholic education and are now at an age to make their sacraments are invited to collect an information letter and registration form from the Sacristy or the Parish Office. Please email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk to receive a form by email. Kindly complete the form and return it to the parish office directly. As children outside of Catholic education do not receive catechesis in school, the parish provides sacramental preparation classes at St Andrew’s Church in Ravelston, the details of which will be made available following registration. As a guide, Primary 3s are prepared for First Confession, Primary 4s for First Holy Communion, and Primary 7s for Confirmation.
Rosary in October
Rosary at the Cathedral After Weekday Masses
Monday-Friday in October the Rosary is prayed after the 10:00am Mass. We are continuing our regularly scheduled Rosary before the 12 noon Mass and at 1:30pm by Our Lady’s Altar.
Polish Rosary, Mass and Eucharistic Adoration
From Monday-Friday, the Polish community at the Cathedral is praying the Rosary at 5.40pm, followed by 6:00pm Polish Mass and Eucharistic Adoration from 6:30pm to 6:45pm.
Rosary at Ravelston
We are praying the Rosary at St Andrew's, Ravelston after the 6:00pm Mass, Monday-Friday. Leaders of the Rosary are needed for each weekday. To lead the Rosary, please e-mail cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk or sign up on the sheets in the back of church. Thank you!
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 to adore the Lord Jesus, and be strengthened by His Real Presence in the Eucharist.
St. Andrew’s, Ravelston: Wednesday Adoration, Confession and Mass
Every Wednesday evening at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston we have Eucharistic Adoration with Confessions 5:00pm-5:45pm, followed by 6:00pm Mass. During October, the Rosary is prayed after Mass Monday-Friday.
All Hallows E’en (well almost) Quiz night: Tickets on Sale Today
The final fundraising spectacular Quiz Night for this year will be Friday 30th October. The evening will begin at 6.30pm sharp in Coffee Saints. All monies raised will go to the Cathedral building fund. Lucy, our resident quiz meister extraordinaire, will set her usual eclectic mix of music and general ignorance questions and there will be themed rounds featuring all of your favourite subjects. There will be prizes galore! Tickets will go on sale after Masses this weekend. Get them while you can! These are priced at a very reasonable £10 per person and you may form teams of up to 6 persons or simply take a pot luck approach and join a team on the night! You can reserve tickets by emailing Deacon Peter (deacon@stmaryscathedral.co.uk) for collection at the event. Payment by cash or card.
Bookshop – Job Vacancy
Role: Bookshop Manager, ST PAULS Bookshop, 2B Little King Street, EH1 3AR. Hours: 35 hours per week; working hours from 10am to 5.30pm (flexibility of working days by arrangement). Please apply to the bookshop for a job description.
Friendship Group: Coffee Afternoon
The Friendship Group Coffee Afternoon is on Tuesday, 20 October at 2:00pm-3:30pm in Coffee Saints. Open to all over 60; enjoy a 20% discount during the Friendship Group meet up. Please note that the discount is valid during the session time only, and other discounts are not applied during the session.
Next Sunday Noon Mass: Rite of Entrance into the Catechumenate
At the 12 noon Mass next Sunday, 25 October, we will receive people into the Order of Catechumens, the first rite of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) process for those who are unbaptised. We will also welcome adults who are preparing for full Communion with the Catholic Church through Confirmation. Please pray for these friends as they journey towards the Sacraments of Initiation.
Annual Mass Attendance Census Next Weekend
Also next weekend, the Archdiocese’s Annual Mass Attendance Census will be taken.
White Mass for Healthcare Professionals
A White Mass for Catholic healthcare professionals will be celebrated on the Feast of St Luke, patron saint of healthcare workers, on Sunday 18 October, 11:00am at St Patrick’s Church, Cowgate, Edinburgh.. It is open to all healthcare workers and offers a chance to come together in prayer, give thanks for the vocation of caring for others, and meet fellow Catholics working across healthcare. After Mass, please stay for refreshments and an opportunity to meet and network with others. Register at bitly/whitemassedinburgh
Celebrate with the Sisters of Mercy
The Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Michigan, are celebrating 10 years in our Archdiocese. Join them Tuesday, 20 October, 6:30pm–8:00pm at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB for a short documentary about the Sisters and their community life, Q&A, pizza and conversation. Open to all. Please register at bit.ly/dinnerdoc.
Catenians Meeting for Catholic Men
The Catenian Association invites all Catholic men to their regular meeting on Wednesday, 21 October 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 visit https://thecatenians.com/become-a-member/
An Evening of Formation for Catholic Men
An evening of formation for Catholic adult lay men will be held in the Ravelston rooms Wednesday, 28 October, from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. The group is inspired by the spirit of Opus Dei, focuses on the teachings of the Catholic Church on the universal call to holiness and the Christian virtues applicable to ordinary activities of lay faithful like family life, study and work. Email Juan Pablo at juanpablo.andrader@gmail.com to attend.
Feel Called to the Priesthood?
If you have been wondering whether God could be calling you to become a priest, you are not alone. If you are considering this call, take that step and get in touch today. Contact our Vocations Director at frpatrick.burke@staned.org.uk. Come and see where the Lord may be leading you.
What Happens When the State and Religion Are Formally Linked?
Friday October 23rd at 6.30pm (Venue: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, EH1 1EL) Tickets £10 to include a drink and time for discussion. Tickets from Eventbrite https://bit.ly/4izonDK.'The Global rise of Christian Nationalism' Dr Naomi Haynes has a fascinating account of the first state to declare itself as a Christian nation. What are the implications of this? Her colleague, Dr Moyukh Chatterjee (both from the University of Edinburgh) moderates the event and will add his thoughts on religious nationalism in India. The event is organized by the Albertus Institute (albertus.scot).
Catholic Families Event: National Family Conference in CoatbridgenCatholic families across Scotland are invited to the National Family Conference on Saturday,
24 October, 2026 at St Augustine’s Parish Centre, 12 Dundyvan Road, Coatbridge, ML5 1DQ. The day is organised by the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland’s Marriage, Family and Life Office and begins with registration (9.00-9.30) and includes talks for adults, children’s catechesis, Holy Mass, Adoration and a ceilidh afterwards! Book online: https://bit.ly/NationalFamilyConference-24Oct26. Contact Emma McGowan, emma.mcgowan@marriagefamilyandlife.org.uk.
Justice and Peace Talk
The Justice and Peace Group at St. Albert’s Catholic Chaplaincy will host its next Sunday Talk on 25 October 2026, after the 12 o’clock Mass. Prof. Sarah Johnsen, Director of the Homelessness and Health Inclusion Unit at the University of Edinburgh, will speak on women’s experiences of homelessness, substance use, and contact with the UK criminal justice system. Any donations will go to Cyrenians. All welcome. Level access is from George Square Lane, beside Middle Meadow Walk. View location map at https://scotland.op.org/contact/
SPUC Annual Candlelight Procession
The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) Scotland’s annual Candlelight Procession takes place in Glasgow on Thursday 29 October to pray for the protection of unborn life. The evening begins with the Rosary at the Mercat Building, Glasgow Cross, at 6:30pm, followed by the Candlelight Procession at 7:00pm and Mass at St Andrew’s Cathedral at 7:30pm. All are welcome.
Edinburgh Day for Life
The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) Edinburgh West is holding its first Day for Life on Saturday 31 October, 9.30am–3.30pm, at the Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh EH9 1BB. Include talks from Dr Calum MacKellar, Margaret Akers and Chris McEleny. Register for this free event at bit.ly/dayforlife
Mass for the Faithful Departed
Archbishop Cushley will offer Holy Mass for the repose of all the faithful departed who have died in the Archdiocese in the last year, especially those buried at Mount Vernon Cemetery in Edinburgh. This will take place on All Souls’ Day, Monday 2 November, at 10:00am in the Cemetery Chapel at Mount Vernon Cemetery, 49 Mount Vernon Rd, Edinburgh, EH16 6JG.
Why the Catholic Church Engages in Interreligious Dialogue
Join the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland’s Committee for Interreligious Dialogue for a free conference, “Walking Together in Hope: Why the Catholic Church Engages in Interreligious Dialogue,” exploring the Church’s commitment to interreligious dialogue and how it can be lived out in parishes and communities. The event is Saturday 31 October 2026, arrivals from 9.30am; programme 10.00am–2.30pm, at Conforti Institute, Calder Avenue, Coatbridge, ML5 4JS. Free to attend and lunch will be provided. Register: https://bit.ly/Interreligious-31Oct2026
‘Made for Communion’: Faith Winter Session for Young Adults
The Faith Movement's Winter Session for Young Adults, ‘Made for Communion’, is at beautiful Stonyhurst College, 2-4 January 2027. The session attracts scores of young Catholics from all over Britain and offers a unique blend of catechetical, spiritual and social activities. The event includes daily Mass, Morning and Night prayer. Please register online by 6th December at https://www.faith.org.uk/events
Men’s Silent Retreat: Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius, 26th February - 3rd March 2027 OR 5th - 10th March 2027
A five-day silent retreat for men (laity and clergy) is offered at The Christian Heritage Centre at Stonyhurst, BB7 9PZ, led by Benedictine monks from St Joseph’s Abbey, Flavigny, 26th February - 3rd March 2027 OR 5th - 10th March 2027. Through guided meditations, prayer, daily Mass and individual spiritual direction, the retreat offers participants an opportunity to deepen their relationship with God. Single room (en-suite): £575 p.p. If unable to pay the full retreat cost, contact events@christianheritagecentre.com to discuss subsidies. Find out more and book: https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/mens-retreat-spiritual-exercises-of-st-ignatius/