The 6th Sunday of the Year - Year A
Ash Wednesday Mass Times
This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the 40-day season of Lent. Ash Wednesday is a day of fast and abstinence, which means that all of us are obliged to abstain from meat on Wednesday and all ages 16-65 who are able are obliged to fast. Mass times at the Cathedral are 8am, 10am, 12:45pm, 6:00pm (Polish), and 7:30pm; and at Ravelston 6:00pm. His Grace, Archbishop Cushley, will celebrate the 10am Mass on Ash Wednesday.
8:00am Weekday Masses at Cathedral During Lent
An additional Mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral during Lent at 8:00am each weekday, Monday to Friday, and the 10am and 12:45pm Masses will remain scheduled as normal.
Confession in Lent
We are all encouraged to make a good Confession in Lent as we prepare for Easter. Confession at the Cathedral is Monday-Friday, 1:15pm-2:00pm and Saturday, 10.30am-12noon, 5:00-5.45pm. Every Wednesday at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston we have Confessions 5:00pm-5:45pm during the time of Eucharistic Adoration, followed by 6:00pm Mass.
Lenten Eucharistic Adoration and Stations of the Cross
Every Friday during Lent, Eucharistic Adoration will be held in the Cathedral from 10:30am-12:30pm. It is essential that we have people present in the Cathedral during this period of Adoration and so we need people to commit as guardians. Please sign up for Adoration on the sheet at the passkeepers’ table. Join us for the 12:45pm daily Mass followed by the Stations of the Cross. At St. Andrew’s, Ravelston, Eucharistic Adoration will be on Wednesdays 5pm-5.45pm and on Fridays Stations of the Cross will take place following 6:00pm Mass.
Welcome Alex Mileto, Complex Manager
We welcome Alex Mileto, the new Complex Manager for the Cathedral. Alex was born and raised in Italy and comes to us with a wealth of experience in property and project management and we are delighted to have him on the team. Alex can be reached on the same Complex Manager contacts as previously.
Day of Prayer for Those Who Have Suffered Abuse
This annual day of prayer is observed on the first Friday of Lent (20 February). Please pray for the healing of all those who have suffered abuse.
Monthly Enquirers Group
This monthly meeting is for adults who are at the early stage of enquiring about the Catholic faith. The first meeting will be on Thursday 19th February at 7.00-8.30pm at Cathedral House, 61 York Place, EH1 3JD. There will be some input on an aspect of the faith and plenty of opportunity for asking questions. Register your interest by email to cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk or feel free to turn up on the day if you wish. We welcome you.
Adult Confirmation Classes Begin 23rd February
This Lent, the Cathedral will run a six-week course for adults to prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation at the Easter Vigil on Saturday 4th April. Classes start on Monday 23rd February at 7pm at Cathedral House, 61 York Place, and continue each week until Monday 30th March. The first and last meetings of the course are offered exclusively in-person, but the intervening meetings may be joined online. If you are interested and would like to register, contact cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Parish Lenten Book Read: The Practice of the Presence of God
Thanks to so many who have signed up for our Parish Lenten Book read! Join us as we read Brother Lawrence's The Practice of the Presence of God over three weeks and meet for discussion and reflection, with options to meet in person at 11am at Cathedral House on Thursdays, 26 February, 5 March and 12 March, or online on Sundays at 7pm, 1 March, 8 March and 15 March. If you are interested in joining us, please email Darlene at newmdar@gmail.com Upon registration, book details will be provided.
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
Those attending St Mary’s Primary School will do their sacramental preparation through the school and information will come from St Mary’s separately. Questions? Contact Fr. Joshua at frjoshua@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
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, truly present in the Eucharist.
Cathedral Building Fund Appeal
I am very pleased to announce that we have now raised over £405,000 for our Building Fund Appeal! This is a fantastic achievement and we are so grateful to you all for your support! So many of you have also elected to Gift Aid your donations, which has significantly helped us in reaching this total. Donations are gratefully received at any time and can be made through our website or by cash/cheque sent to the Parish Office (61 York Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3JD). Cheques should be made payable to ‘St Mary’s Cathedral’
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. Thank you!
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
St. Andrew’s, Ravelston: Wednesday Adoration, Confession and Mass
Every Wednesday at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston we have Eucharistic Adoration with Confessions 5:00pm-5:45pm, followed by 6:00pm Mass. All are encouraged to come for Eucharistic Adoration and begin a regular practice of coming to Confession.
Save the Date: St. Andrew’s Talk ‘I Believe in One God’
Save the date for the next St. Andrew’s Talk on ‘I Believe in One God’ on Monday, 23 February by Fr. Joshua. This series of St Andrew’s Talks is on the Nicene Creed and is held on the last Monday of each month (through May) in the St. Andrew’s, Ravelston parish rooms after 6:00pm Mass.
Volunteer: Do You Have Experience Applying for Large Grant Funding?
The Cathedral Heritage Committee is working to preserve and promote the art and architecture of our beautiful building. We are looking for a parishioner volunteer to join us who has experience of making large grant applications to UK funders. We will be identifying and approaching potential funders for substantial financial assistance with repairs to the roof and other heritage work. If you have this experience and would like to volunteer, please contact the Cathedral Office, cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Catenians Meeting for Catholic Men
The Catenian Association invites all Catholic men to their regular meeting on Wednesday, 18 February 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/
St. Andrew’s Lenten Run for Parish Project
Every Sunday during Lent, starting Sunday, 22 February, join us for our Lenten Run from St Andrew’s, Ravelston to the Cathedral and back - approx 5 km - from 11.30am. No experience required, just turn up. Sponsorship information to follow for the Parish Project, Franciscan Missionaries in Nigeria. See Fergus Christie for details.
Ask MSPs to Vote ‘No’ on Assisted Suicide Bill
Please help to protect vulnerable people by engaging with your MSPs about Scotland’s Assisted Suicide Bill. Key safeguards have already been rejected or removed. Read more at https://rcpolitics.org/a-fatal-flaw-why-scotlands-assisted-suicide-bill-is-falling-apart/. The best way to do this is to meet your MSPs in person by contacting their office, or use Care Not Killing’s online tool to write to them: https://carenotkilling.scot/
Event: A Day to Learn About ‘What’s Happening at Mass’
Mass is the climax of Catholic life. Join the Archdiocese’s Catechetics Commission to explore what we are ultimately doing with God at Holy Mass. ‘What’s Happening at Mass’ takes place at The Gillis Centre,100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB, on Saturday 14 March, from 9:30am-4:00pm.
Morning Talks: What am I seeing? The articles of the alta
What am I hearing? The Eucharistic Prayer
Testimony
12:00 PM Mass
Light Lunch (provided)
Afternoon Talks: What am I saying? The Mystery of Faith (We proclaim....)
What am I doing? The Sacrifice of the Mass; 5 Tips for praying the Mass
Register and view the full agenda at: bit.ly/archmass for this FREE event.
SCIAF Lenten Wee Boxes for Ethiopia: Share Water. Share Hope.
Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund’s Wee Box appeal this Lent is for communities in Ethiopia where women, girls and boys walk for hours under the scorching sun just to find water. SCIAF is working with communities to keep water flowing and bring life essentials to families. Pick up a Wee Box today at the back of church and make a big change! Just £40 gives people access to clean water for drinking, sanitation and improved hygiene. Use the Wee Box or donate online at https://www.sciaf.org.uk/donate
Catholic Conversations for Women: ‘Redemptive Suffering’
All women are welcome to this event with the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma on Saturday, 21 February 3:45pm-4:45pm in St Andrew’s Parish rooms (77 Belford Rd, Edinburgh, EH4 3DS) for refreshments and faith-focused discussion on redemptive suffering. 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.
Stations of the Cross
The Archdiocese hosts online Stations of the Cross each Monday in Lent from Monday 23 February at 7:45pm and will feature a reflection from Archbishop Leo. The annual event is to pray for unborn children, their mothers and all pro-life intentions. Register at bit.ly/stations26
An Evening of Formation for Catholic Men
An evening of formation for Catholic adult lay men will be held in the Ravelston rooms Wednesday, 25 February, from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. The group is inspired by the spirit of Opus Dei, and it will focus on the teachings of the Catholic Church on the universal call to holiness and the Christian virtues applicable to the ordinary activities of lay faithful like family life, study and work. If you would like to attend, please email Juan Pablo at juanpablo.andrader@gmail.com
High School Girls S3-S6: ‘Courageous Heart’ - A Day to Grow in Faith
High School Girls in S3-S6 are invited to "Courageous Heart," a day to grow in faith and friendship on Saturday, 28 February 2026, 10:00am-3:00pm for a talk, time to meet new friends, opportunity for prayer, Confession & Mass, plus lunch and a craft at St. Andrew Catholic Church and Convent at 77 Belford Road, Edinburgh. Sponsored by the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma. RSVP and request parent permission form by emailing edinburgh@almamercy.org or phone 0131 343 3380 (landline) by 24th February.
Free Lent Booklets from Ignatian Spirituality Centre & Online Retreat
FREE copies of the booklet “Through Lent with St Matthew: A Retreat for Lent Based on the Gospel of St. Matthew” are available at the back of church from the Ignatian Spirituality Centre in Glasgow and the retreat is also available to follow online at https://www.onlineprayer.net/L26-M
Retreat Weekends for People Thinking About What Is Next In Life
Those facing choices in life or wondering if there are changes which would lead to greater growth, weekend retreats are offered to take time out with God for reflection, input and community. These are fully catered weekends led by a team from the Ignatian Spirituality Centre, Glasgow. Places are limited, so please book early if you are interested. Either 13-15 March (Conforti, Coatbridge) or 8-10 May (Benedictine Monastery, Largs). Suggested Donation: £295. Book online at https://www.iscglasgow.co.uk/discernment-retreat
Walking Pilgrimage: Visit Historical Sites from Edinburgh to St Andrews
A pilgrimage walk along one of Scotland’s most beautiful coastlines will take place 11–15 May 2026 along the East Neuk of Fife as The Nazareth Trust raises awareness in support of its work. Nazareth Trust, is a Christian organisation based in Nazareth, with its Head Office in Edinburgh, and roots going back to 1861 when a Scottish doctor sponsored by the Edinburgh Medical Missionary Society set up a small clinic.
Day 1: Edinburgh to Kinghorn; Day 2: Kinghorn to Dysart; Day 3: Dysart to Leven; Day 4: Elie to Anstruther, Day 5: Anstruther to St Andrews. Cost for the full week is £600 with accommodation booked at hotels in Kinghorn and Anstruther. Day walkers also welcome. The cost for the full week is £600 which includes all meals and transport during the pilgrimage. For details please email events@nazarethtrust.org or visit https://nazarethtrust.org/join-our-fife-pilgrimage-of-hope/