5th Sunday of the Year - Year A
Young Adults Group: ‘The Resurrection’
Students (and all aged 18-40) are welcome to join the Young Adults Group on Tuesday, 10 February for a talk on the ‘The Resurrection’ in the Gospel of John by Fr. Paul Denney. 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.
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 for those living at distance. If you are interested and would like to register, contact cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
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.
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 this Lent as we read Brother Lawrence's The Practice of the Presence of God. We will meet over three weeks 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. Pope Leo XIV has said that this book is “one of the texts that has most shaped my spiritual life.” St. Paul’s Bookshop will be pre-ordering copies of the book or you can seek out your own copy. If you are interested in joining us and would like to pre-order a book, please email Darlene at newmdar@gmail.com by for more information.
Ash Wednesday Mass Times, 18th February, 2026
St Mary's Catholic Cathedral
8:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m. - Archbishop Cushley
12:45 p.m.
6:00 p.m. (Polish)
7:30 p.m.
St Andrew's, Ravelston EH4 3DS
6:00 p.m.
Marriage Preparation Courses
Marriage Preparation Courses are Saturday, 21 March & Saturday, 30 May at St Andrew’s, Ravelston, 10am-4pm, with presentations by married couples. Email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk to register.
Friendship Group: Coffee Afternoon
The Friendship Group Coffee Afternoon is on Tuesday 10 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.
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 for 30 minutes, 1 hour…. or more to adore the Lord Jesus, truly present for us in the Eucharist.
“God dwells in our midst, in the Blessed Sacrament of the altar….He remains among us until the end of the world.” (St. Maximillian Kolbe)
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.
Quiz Night This Friday: Tickets on Sale Today!
The 1st quiz night extravaganza of 2026 will be held in Coffee Saints this Friday, 13th February at 7:00pm. All proceeds will go to the Building Fund of the cathedral as we bring the first massive phase of work to a close. Tickets (£10 per person) will be on sale this weekend (6pm Vigil, 9am and Noon). Tickets may also be reserved by emailing Deacon Peter at deacon@stmaryscathedral.co.uk who will allocate your tickets which you can then pay for by bacs transfer or on the night by cash or card. Come as a team or join one on the night and make new friends. Cash prize for the winner and a wee raffle of some very nice malt whisky!
Thank You from Helen McDonald
Helen (now 104) wishes to express her grateful thanks for the cards and warm wishes that she received from St Andrews on her birthday. She is overwhelmed by all your kindness and sends her prayers and good wishes.
Susan Lonie Thank You
Our beloved Susan (101) happily shares her heartfelt thanks for the wonderful cards, gifts, and warm wishes she received from family, friends, and parishioners on her birthday. She is truly touched by your kindness and sends her loving prayers and best wishes to everyone.
Online Sacramental Preparation for Children of School Age
We are offering the opportunity for any child over the age of 8 years who has been baptised but has not received the sacraments of Reconciliation or Holy Communion to register for a preparation course for each of the sacraments. The course will be online and will run consecutively for 6 weeks or concurrently dependent on the number who register under each sacrament. Dates for each of the sacraments to be celebrated will be scheduled in due course. To register, please contact Deacon Peter at deacon@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/
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.
Mass Intentions
A Mass can be requested for a specific intention, such as for the repose of the soul of a deceased family member. Use the online form https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/intentions or the envelopes at the back of church. Please hand 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 church.
Cathedral Building Fund Appeal
We have now raised over £393,000 for our Building Fund Appeal! With the Fund’s current project of the Cathedral’s essential roof works now nearing the end of the first phase of works, we are incredibly 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 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
Tomorrow: Holy Hour for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life
Please come along after 6:00pm Mass at St. Andrew’s Church, Ravelston tomorrow Monday, 9 February, 6:30pm-7:30pm to the convent of the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, for a silent Holy Hour with Eucharistic Adoration to pray for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious chapel, 3DS. Holy Hours will be on the 2nd Monday of the month thereafter.
Society for the Protection of Unborn Children Meetings at Ravelston
The next meeting of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children’s Edinburgh West Branch will be on Wednesday, 11 February at 7:00pm in the parish rooms at St. Andrew's, Ravelston. Meeting on a monthly basis, the Branch also presents the opportunity to be with likeminded pro-lifers. If you want to see what you can do to help protect unborn children, then please contact Sam Ho, at marcolino_ho@hotmail.com
Valentine’s Afternoon Retreat for Couples
Drawing on St John Paul II’s deeply insightful plays ‘The Jeweller’s Shop’ and ‘Radiation of Fatherhood’, this retreat explores love, responsibility, and the ‘law of the gift’ at the heart of marriage. Stephen and Rachel Callaghan will share how the wisdom of the Playwright-Pope has profoundly shaped their own journey as a married couple. Free event. Creche available. Registration is required for this event at St. Kentigern’s Church, 26-28 Parkgrove Avenue Edinburgh, EH4 7QR, 2pm-5pm on Saturday, 14 February. Register at bit.ly/archretreat26. If bringing children, please email to let us know at VEMarriage@staned.org.uk
Stations of the Cross
The Archdiocese hosts online Stations of the Cross each Monday in Lent. The first one is on 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
Catholic Conversations for Women
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.
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.
Order of Malta Ball to Support Charities in Scotland and Holy Land
Support the charitable work of the Order of Malta, one of the Catholic church's oldest and largest charities, by attending their ball on Saturday 25 April 2026 at Prestonfield House, Edinburgh. The event raises funds for the Scottish Companions serving homeless and disabled across Scotland; Malteser International for displaced people in Lebanon; and Holy Family maternity hospital in Bethlehem. Enjoy a three-course dinner with wine, a raffle and auction with prizes, and reeling. To donate an item or an experience for the Auctions, please email John at john@miers.net. Book online at https://www.orderofmaltaball.com/ For more information, email Andrew Milligan at andrewecclesia@outlook.com, or ask Father Jeremy or John Miers.