Solemnity of All Saints
Sunday is the Solemnity of All Saints. The Cathedral is the National Shrine of St Andrew, Apostle and Patron of Scotland. The shrine holds first-class relics of St. Andrew gifted to the Cathedral - firstly by the Archbishop of Amalfi in 1879 and subsequently by Saint Pope Paul VI in 1969. In addition, the Cathedral also has many other relics of saints. To celebrate today's special feast, we have them out on display in the National Shrine.
Today: Parish Youth Group for All P3s-P7s
Our Parish Youth Group meets Sunday, 1st November, from 2.30-4pm at St Andrews Ravelston. All P3s-P7s are welcome. Please bring 50p along for the tuckshop. We will be doing All Saints crafts.
35+ Group: St Paul’s Letters
Following a successful first meeting, parishioners aged 35-early 50s are invited to meet tomorrow evening Monday, 2 November at 7pm in 61 York Place. This new group will meet every two weeks, alternating between Bible study and social events. In this initial meeting, Fr Joshua will briefly introduce the life of St Paul, and in subsequent meetings the group will learn more about his letters to the early Christian communities.
Young Adults’ Group (18-35)
The Young Adults’ Group meets on Tuesday 3 November with Fr. Ross Campbell who will be presenting on the sacrament of Holy Orders 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 the faith!
Forming a Generation: An Evening on Sharing the Catholic Faith with Children and Teens
On Wednesday 11 November St Mary's Catholic Cathedral is hosting Greg Finn from Mark 10 Mission, Georgia Ferrer from Alpha, and others to reflect on what children and teens need at each stage of their faith journey. The night will include two talks, prayer, and Adoration. Registration appreciated but you can also just come along. Doors 6:15pm, talks begins 6:45pm, event ends 8:30pm. Info and registration: https://www.themark10mission.co.uk/forming-a-generation (Note: this event was previously advertised as 'Little Liturgies')
Pray for Persecuted Christians: Red Wednesday Mass, 18th November
Archbishop Leo Cushley will celebrate Mass at St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh, on Wednesday 18 November at 7:00pm to mark Red Wednesday, an annual initiative organised by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN). The Mass will be an opportunity to pray for Christians around the world who face persecution and discrimination because of their faith.
A Golden Age Resounding: Schola Cantorum brings to life the music of Arthur Oldham, 20th November
On Friday 20th November at 7:30pm the Schola Cantorum will perform a special concert featuring the music of Arthur Oldham, the Cathedral’s renowned choirmaster from 1956-71. Marking the centenary of his birth, the concert is the culmination of a special project to bring to life Oldham’s music. The Schola Cantorum will sing music by Oldham last heard in a musical golden age at St Mary’s that is still remembered today. The choir will also perform pieces from its own, present era, bringing the two ages of music-making together in a celebration of Oldham’s musical legacy, and the Cathedral’s continuing musical flourishing. The concert will help raise money for a new CD recording of the Schola Cantorum. Tickets are £12 (£10 under 18 concession). Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/GoldenAge-20Nov26.
November Lists
In November, we pray especially for the faithful departed. Please take a November List from the back of church to fill out with the names of friends and family members who have passed away and return it to the Cathedral or St Andrew’s, Ravelston in the marked box found at the back of either church.
Rosary in November at St Andrew’s, Ravelston
We will be saying the Rosary every week day at St Andrews during November after 6pm Mass .Please join us.
Christmas Gift Collection for Prisoners’ Children from Next Weekend
This month the parish will have the annual collection of donated gifts for the children of the adults who are prisoners in Edinburgh (Saughton) Prison at Christmas. Please donate gifts that are new and wrapped in Christmas gift wrap, including a label stating the age of the child and if the gift is suitable for a boy or a girl. Gifts for children from 11 years upwards are most appreciated. A collection box will be at the back of both churches before all Masses beginning next weekend, Saturday 7th/Sunday 8th November, and on Saturday 14th/Sunday 15th November. Please be as generous as you have been in past years. Many thanks in advance.
St. Andrew’s Night Dinner - Friday 27th November
Join us on Friday, 27th November at 7:00pm for the St. Andrew’s Night Dinner in the parish rooms at Ravelston EH4 3DS. As you may know, we are celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the erection of the Parish of St Andrew and opening of the church. Information on the history of the church is contained in the pamphlet available at the back of the church. The parish was established in late 1901 and the church opened in 1902 and to mark the occasion we are organising a number of events. This first event is a steak pie dinner; not a fundraising event, just a celebratory meal. Please save the date. Tickets will be £10 each and on sale in the next couple of weeks. Information on further events will follow.
All Saints Day: Relics Display in St. Andrew’s Convent
All are welcome to visit the St. Andrew’s Convent chapel at Ravelston after 10:30am Mass today from 11:30am-12:00pm to venerate the relics of St. Margaret of Scotland, St. Bede, St. Thérèse of Lisieux and other saints.
Rosary at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston in November
We will be praying the Rosary every week day at St Andrews during November after 6pm Mass .Please join us .
What’s On Formed
Enrich your knowledge of the Catholic faith with your free account on Formed.org. This week on Formed is “The Story of Death: Eternal Rest,” Episode 1: Where did death come from? What does death mean for the human person? Is it simply just part of life, or is it something else? In this first session, we discuss the story of death and God’s response to it: defeating death by dying and rising from the dead. (https://app.formed.org/app/videos/2414298/) For more Formed resources, use the Search feature to find videos. Sign up for your free account at https://formed.org/signup, enter your email, name and phone number; and select name of parish “St Mary's Catholic Cathedral”. On your phone, download the Formed app at the App Store and login. Questions? Contact the parish office at cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk.
Mass for the Faithful Departed at Mount Vernon Cemetery
Archbishop Cushley will offer Holy Mass on Monday, All Souls 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, Cemetery Chapel at Mount Vernon Cemetery, 49 Mount Vernon Rd, Edinburgh, EH16 6JG.
Donating Electronically
For another, cash-less, option to donate to the weekly offertory, use https://bit.ly/Donate-StMarysCathedral. You can also add Gift Aid to make your donation go even further. Thank you!
Tax deductible donations for US Citizens
The Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh is pleased to confirm that we have partnered with the Chapel & York US Foundation to accept donations for our benefit. This partnership allows us to save on the costs required to operate our own dedicated entity while still providing you the opportunity to support the Archdiocese with tax-effective donations in the United States, meaning your gift stretches further, allowing us to accomplish even more. For details of how to make a US-tax deductible donation through the Chapel & York US Foundation, please contact our Finance Officer, Caroline Reid, at finance@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
GodTalk: The Book of Job
GodTalk is a new venture from the Edinburgh Jesuit Centre which begins on Tuesday 3 November. This first short course will explore the Book of Job in which is found the greatest poetry and the most challenging theology of the Hebrew bible. Participants will be guided through selections of the text and explore the challenges of biblical criticism and the theology of evil and suffering that Job raises. No prior knowledge is assumed but GodTalk aims to go beyond the basics. Tuesdays 3, 10 and 24 November and 1 December at 7pm at Sacred Heart Church, Lauriston, led by Fr Adrian Porter SJ. All welcome.
Volunteer to Support Children with Special Needs in Edinburgh
Three new adult volunteers are needed for the new Children SPRED (Special Religious Development) group meeting at George Square in Edinburgh on Fridays from 3pm-4pm. The spiritual programme for children with special needs fosters communion with Jesus Christ within the Catholic community of faith. Please contact Sister Mary Benedicta Maier, RSM (srmary.benedicta@staned.org.uk) if you are interested in learning about becoming a SPRED volunteer catechist for this new Edinburgh children's group. Training and formation are provided!
World Youth Day 2027: Register Now for Seoul!
Young Catholics from across the Archdiocese are being encouraged to register for World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul, South Korea, before the deadline of Friday 6 November. The Archdiocese is organising a pilgrimage for those aged 19–35, taking place from 1–9 August 2027. World Youth Day is one of the largest gatherings of young Catholics in the world, bringing together pilgrims from different countries to celebrate their faith, meet other young people and join the Pope for prayer and Mass. The approximate cost is £3,000 per person, including flights, accommodation and meals. The deadline for registration is Friday 6 November 2026. To register, visit https://bit.ly/archwyd.
'Who is Jesus?' Course — This week: ‘What did Jesus do?’
If you want to explore Jesus, God, life, love and much more you are welcome to attend this free course which takes place each Tuesday at 7:30pm in St Albert's Catholic Chaplaincy, 23 George Square, Edinburgh. This week’s topic on 3rd November is “What did Jesus do?” Visit https://scotland.op.org/who-is-jesus/ for more details. Contact Fr Andrew Brookes, OP at andrew.brookes@english.op.org
Retreat Day for Married Couples: “Come apart and rest a while…”
Married couples are invited to a retreat on Saturday, 14 November, 10:30am to 15:00 at St. Andrew’s Parish rooms, Ravelston EH4 3DS. The day will include times for reflection as a couple and with others, music, prayer, brief input about Teams of Our Lady around the world, a bring-and-share lunch and a closing silent prayer. To find out more, contact Fr. Jeremy Milne, frjeremy.milne@staned.org.uk. Please bring your own lunch – drinks provided. Teams of Our Lady(teamsgb.org.uk) is a Christian movement focused on married spirituality, helping couples deepen their sacramental marriage and grow in faith together.
Thinking About Religious Life? Women’s Retreat Day
Are you a young woman thinking about a vocation to the religious life? Come to Explore, a retreat day to reflect upon and explore God’s will for you. It takes place on 10:00am-7:00pm Saturday 14 November, at 9 Upper Gray Street, Edinburgh, EH9 1SN. Includes Mass, reflections, prayer, a holy hour, and a chance to socialise over pizza. To register email Sr Mirjam Hugens FSO at religiousvocations@staned.org.uk
St Aloysius’ College, Glasgow – Open Morning and Academic Scholarships
St Aloysius’ College, Glasgow, Scotland’s Jesuit school, invites prospective families to its Open Morning on Saturday 14 November 2026, with school tours running from 10.30am. Scholarships
offer up to 50% remission of annual tuition fees, from S1 through to S6, for pupils demonstrating outstanding academic potential and a commitment to contributing positively to their school community. Applications close Thursday 31 December 2026. Contact St Aloysius’ College for information: admissions@staloysius.org, 0141 332 3190.
Albertus Institute – November Events
Making Good Citizens: hear about The Ethics Cup which promotes good public discourse in schools and discuss the civic virtues with Dr Ben Sachs-Cobbe and colleagues: Monday November 23 6.30pm . Science and Religion: Lived and Imagined Realities– Dr Shoaib Malik and Dr Ed Tulloch discuss new perceptions of our bodily selves: Dr Lois McFarland asks if speculative fiction (sci fi and fantasy) can help us form guidelines for the new technological world: Saturday November 28 10.30 -2.30pm. Both events in Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL. The Albertus Institute (albertus.scot) promotes public discussion at the intersection of faith, ethics, science and other intellectual disciplines.
Young Adults Mass with Archbishop Cushley on Feast of Christ the King
The Archdiocesan annual Mass for young adults takes place on the Feast of Christ the King, Sunday, 22 November, at 7:00pm in Sacred Heart Church, 28 Lauriston Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9DJ. Celebrant: Archbishop Cushley. Social afterwards.
Diploma in Catechetics 2027 – Registration Now Open
Registration is now open for the Archdiocese's Diploma in Catechetics 2027, beginning Thursday 28 January. The course offers 36 weekly Zoom sessions exploring the Catholic faith, with expert speakers, guided readings and one-to-one support. The cost is £220 (bursaries available), with places limited to 100. Please encourage parishioners to consider enrolling and share the attached poster and the following registration link in parish newsletters: bit.ly/2027catechetics. For enquiries, email diploma@staned.org.uk.
Volunteering Opportunities – Bethany Christian Trust
Are you looking for your next volunteering opportunity? Bethany Christian Trust in Edinburgh has a wide range of volunteering opportunities including Homework Club Volunteer, Click and Collect Volunteer, Recovery Activities Volunteer, Retail Volunteer, Care Van Volunteer, and many more. Please visit https://www.bethanychristiantrust.com/volunteer/ to browse and see how you can help. Bethany Christian Trust is a national charity dedicated to ending homelessness in Scotland.