First Sunday of Lent - Year A
Rite of Election at Noon Mass
His Grace, the Archbishop, will celebrate the Noon Mass today, with the Rite of Election in which he will accept those preparing to be received into the Church at Easter. Please keep them in your prayers!
St. Andrew’s Talk ‘I Believe in One God’
Join us tomorrow, Monday, 23 February, for our next St. Andrew’s Talk by our own Fr. Joshua who will speak on ‘I Believe in One God’ in our series of talks on the Nicene Creed. We’ll meet after 6:00pm Mass for the talk in the parish rooms at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston, EH4 3Ds. Discussion and refreshments to follow. The series of talks will be held on the last Monday of each month through May.
Young Adults Talk
Students (and all aged 18-40) are welcome to join the Young Adults Group on Tuesday, 24 February for our next talk. 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.
8:00am Weekday Masses at Cathedral During Lent
Start your day with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and be open to receiving God’s grace during this holy season of Lent as we approach Holy Week and Easter. An additional Mass is celebrated at the Cathedral during Lent at 8:00am each weekday, Monday to Friday. The 10am and 12:45pm Masses remain 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
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. Please sign up for Adoration on the sheet at the passkeepers’ table. 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. Join us for the 12:45pm daily Mass followed by the Stations of the Cross. Adoration will also be at the Cathedral as normal on Saturdays following the 10:00am Mass, from 10:30am-12:00pm concluding with Benediction. Come to adore the Lord Jesus, truly present in the Eucharist. 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.
Today: St. Andrew’s Lenten Run for Parish Project
Join us starting today, Sunday, 22 February, and every Sunday during Lent, for our Lenten Run from St Andrew’s, Ravelston to the Cathedral and back - approx 5 km - from 11.30am. The run will raise funds for the Parish Project, Franciscan Missionary Sisters for Africa. See Fergus Christie for details or email ferguschristie7@gmail.com
Adult Confirmation Classes Begin 23rd February
Beginning tomorrow, Monday, 23rd February at 7:00pm 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 are at Cathedral House, 61 York Place, and continue each week until Monday 30th March. If you are interested and would like to register, contact cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Friendship Group: Coffee Afternoon
The Friendship Group Coffee Afternoon is on Tuesday 24 February 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.
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
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). Those attending St Mary’s Primary School will do their sacramental preparation through the school and information will come from St Mary’s separately. For all other pupils, at St. Andrew’s Church, Ravelston preparation classes for First Holy Communion begin on Sunday, 1st March at 9:30am and classes for Confirmation begin on Sunday, 15th March at 4;30pm.
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? Contact Fr. Joshua at frjoshua@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
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
Cathedral Building Fund Appeal
I am very pleased to announce that we have now raised just over £413,500 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
Parish Council Meeting this Week – Email Your Input
The next meeting of the Parish Pastoral Council is this Wednesday, 25 February. Please e-mail the Parish Council at parishcouncil@stmaryscathedral.co.uk with your comments and suggestions for our parish.
Quiz Night Thank You!
Thank you to all those who joined our Quiz Night on Friday, 13th February – a great time was had by all! Now that we have collated the sales and expense details, I am very pleased to tell you that a fantastic total of £768 was raised in aid of the Cathedral Building Fund! Thank you for your support!
Remembering Service at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
This evening, Sunday, 22 February, at 5:00pm a Remembering Service will be held at St John the Baptist Catholic Church, 37 St Ninian’s Road, Edinburgh, EH12 8AL for those who have suffered the loss of a child.
EXPLORE: Women’s Vocations to Religious Life
Are you thinking about a vocation to the religious life? Join for talks, discussion, prayer and socialising at tonight’s EXPORE meeting for young women interested in finding out more about the religious life and exploring God's will. The meeting is 4pm-7pm tonight, Sunday, 22 February, at St Columba's, 9 Upper Gray Street, Edinburgh, EH9 1SN. Email Sr Mirjam Hugens FSO at religiousvocations@staned.org.uk to register. Next meetings will be Sunday, 29 March; Sunday, 26 April and Sunday, 10 May.
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. A day to learn about ‘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 altar
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.
Explore the Call to the Priesthood
Have you ever felt a quiet nudge in your heart, a sense that God might be asking something more of you? Bishop John Keenan invites men who feel called to the priesthood to explore it. Watch his video at https://archedinburgh.org/watch-explore-the-call-to-the-priesthood/ The call to the priesthood often begins gently. It can grow through prayer, through serving others, or through a deep desire to give your life completely to Christ and His Church. If you have been wondering whether God could be calling you to become a priest, you are not alone. The next step is simple: Speak to someone. If you are considering this call, take that step and get in touch today. Contact our Vocations Director, Fr Patrick Burke, at FrPatrick.Burke@staned.org.uk
Pro-Life Stations of the Cross
The Archdiocese hosts online Stations of the Cross each Monday in Lent. On Monday 2 March at 7:45pm the event will feature a reflection from Fr Andrew Harding of the Diocese of Nottingham. The annual online Stations of the Cross is to pray for unborn children, their mothers and all pro-life intentions. Register at bit.ly/stations26
Teens Group for P7-S4 Welcomes New Members
The St Columba’s Teens Group for those in P7-S4, and open to new members from any school/parish, meets Wednesday, 25 February, 7:00pm-8:30pm at St Columba’s Halls, near the church at 9 Upper Gray Street, Edinburgh EH9 1SN. The next meeting will be New members (from any school/parish) will be warmly welcomed! Email teens.stcolumbaedinburgh@staned.org.uk to sign up or come along on the night (with a parent/guardian to fill in a consent form)!
High School Girls S3-S6: ‘Courageous Heart’ - A Day to Grow in Faith
High School Girls in S3-S6 are invited to "Courageous Heart,’ Saturday, 28 February, 10am-3pm, for a day to grow in faith and friendship. There will be 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.
SCIAF Lenten Wee Boxes for Ethiopia: Share Water. Share Hope.
Please pick up a Wee Box at the back of church and support the 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. 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
Calix Society Hosts Talk on Venerable Matt Talbot
The Calix Society is an association of Catholic Alcoholics, promoting the virtue of daily abstinence and the spiritual development of its members. It meets on the first Saturday of the month at 1:30pm, following the 12:30pm Mass at St Patrick’s Church in The Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1TQ. It hosts a talk on Venerable Matt Talbot on Saturday 7 March at 1:30pm. No registration required.
Garden Way of the Cross at Chapel of St. Albert the Great
The flowerbed along the Chapel of St. Albert the Great, Edinburgh, has 12 Stations of the Cross with plants corresponding to each Station. A short audio recording of mediations for each Station can be accessed using the QR code near the first station. Listen to the recording at https://scotland.op.org/way-of-the-cross/ The Chapel is located to the rear of 23-24 George Square, EH8 9LD, accessed from the George Square Lane, behind the houses. The Chapel is open during the daytime. Mass times are at https://scotland.op.org/
Legion of Mary of the Edinburgh Curia Annual Acies Feast
Legion of Mary of the Edinburgh Curia will celebrate their annual Acies Feast on Sunday, 15 March, 2026 at 3:00pm at St. Andrew's Church, Ravelston, Edinburgh EH4 3DS. The Legionaries will renew their fidelity to Our Lady. Msgr. Jeremy Milne, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of St. Andrews & Edinburgh, will address the Legionaries. All the Legionaries and Auxiliaries are most welcome to join the occasion. All welcome to teas and coffees in parish rooms following. Kindly use public parking, as on-site parking is limited.