The Fourth Sunday of Lent - Year A
Assisted Suicide Final Vote This Week
This Tuesday (17 March) the Scottish Parliament is expected to have a final vote on Assisted Suicide. Please share your concerns now with your MSPs using the letter writing tool at https://carenotkilling.scot/
Holy Week and Easter Mass times at the Cathedral
Sunday 29 March: Palm Sunday
6:00pm (Vigil Mass on Saturday)
9:00am, 12 Noon and 7.30pm
Polish: 10:30am and 6:00pm
Monday 30 March
8:00am, 10:00am, 12:45pm Mass
6:00pm (Polish)
Tuesday 31 March
8:00am, 10:00am, 12:45pm Mass
9:0am (Polish)
No 6:00 pm Polish Mass
7:00pm: Chrism Mass
Wednesday 1 April
8:00am, 10:00am, 12:45pm Mass
6:00pm (Polish)
The Sacred Triduum
Thursday 2 April: Maundy Thursday
No 6 pm Polish Mass
7:00pm: Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Altar of Repose open until 12 Midnight concluding with Night Prayer
Friday 3 April: Good Friday
3:00pm: Passion Liturgy
5:00pm: Passion Liturgy (Polish)
7:00pm: Stations of the Cross
Saturday 4 April: Holy Saturday
Polish Food Blessing: 12 Noon, 3:00pm and 5:00pm
8:00pm: Easter Vigil Mass (Saturday)
Sunday 5 April: Easter Mass times:
9:00am, 12 Noon and 7:30pm
Polish: 10:30am and 6:00pm
Confessions
Monday 30 March-Saturday 4 April:
Monday to Wednesday from 1:15pm onwards
Between 5:00pm and 6:00 pm (Polish)
Maundy Thursday from 1:15pm onwards
Good Friday following the 3:00pm Passion Liturgy until 7:00pm
Holy Saturday from 10:00am-1:00pm
Please note: There will be no Confessions on Holy Saturday 4 April after 1:00pm.
2026 Holy Week and Easter at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston
Palm Sunday, 29 March 10:30am Mass
Monday, 30 March 6:00pm Mass
Tuesday, 31 March No 6:00pm Mass (Chrism Mass at Cathedral, 7:00pm)
Wednesday, 1 April 5:00pm-5:45pm Adoration & Confessions 6:00pm Mass, followed by Stations of the Cross
Wednesday 1 April: 5:00pm-5:45pm
Holy Thursday, 2 April No 6pm Mass
Good Friday, 3 April 3:00pm Passion Liturgy
Easter Sunday, 5 April 10:30am Mass
Confessions During Holy Week: Monday 30 March: 5:00pm-5:45pm
Tuesday 31 March: No confessions
Children’s Confirmation Classes Begin Today
Classes begin today for Confirmation (P7) at 4:30pm in the parish rooms at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston. Next Sunday, 22 March is the last day to register. Registration closes on Sunday, 5 April for classes for First Holy Communion (P4 and above) for those who are baptised and have received the Sacrament of First Reconciliation. Classes take place on Sundays at 9:30am in the parish rooms. Please register children online:
First Holy Communion: https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/first-communion
Confirmation: https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/confirmation
Questions? frjoshua@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Congratulations to Our Patron of Music, Sir James MacMillan
Last week it was announced that Sir James MacMillan will receive the King's Medal for Music, awarded to musicians who have made an outstanding contribution to Britain's cultural life. In the same week, Sir James was also awarded an honorary doctorate from the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music in Rome, recognising his leading contribution to sacred music. As one of the world's foremost Catholic musicians, we are blessed that Sir James has been our Patron of Music since 2021. We are grateful to him for his generous support of our musical life, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to him on these new awards.
Registered Parish Volunteers Needed for Holy Week at Cathedral
If you are a current registered volunteer and would like to assist with Holy Week Masses, please sign up this weekend or next weekend. If you can help with any of the following Ministries - Passkeeping, Welcoming, Eucharistic Ministry, Reading or Money Collecting and will be attending any of the Masses during Holy Week, including the Easter Vigil, please sign up on the sheets at the back of the Cathedral. Alternatively, please e-mail Elizabeth@rhandrews.plus.com with a note of your availability.
Confession at St. Mary’s Cathedral
Weekdays
Monday - Friday 1.15-2.00pm
Monday – Friday 5.00-5.45pm (Polish)
Saturdays
Saturday 10:30-12:00pm & 5-5.45pm
Saturday 8.00-9.00am (Polish)
Confession at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston
Wednesdays 5.00-5.45pm
Eucharistic Adoration
Fridays (Lent only) 10:30am-12:30pm
Please sign up for Friday morning Adoration on the sheets at the passkeepers’ table. It is essential that we have people present in the Cathedral during this period of Adoration.
Devotions at St. Mary’s Cathedral
Saturdays (following 10:00am Mass)
10:30am-12:00pm, concluding with Benediction
Stations of the Cross
Fridays during Lent 1:15-1:45pm
Fridays during Lent 6:00pm (Polish)
Devotions at St. Andrew's, Ravelston
Eucharistic Adoration
Wednesdays 5:00pm-5:45pm
Stations of the Cross
Fridays during Lent 6:30-7:00pm
Polish Lenten Retreat at the Cathedral (Sunday 22 March – Wednesday 25 March)
Begins Sunday, 22 March at Masses (10:30am and 6:00pm) and continues each evening with
5:00pm Eucharistic Adoration and Confessions, followed by 7:00pm Mass and meditation.
Young Adults Group: The Church, the Sacraments & the Path Home
Students (and all aged 18-40) are welcome to join the Young Adults Group which will on Tuesday, 17 March for the talk on ‘Come and Rest: The Church, the Sacraments & the Path Home.’ Our speaker will be our own Fr. Joshua Moir. 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.
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.
Easter Knitted Goods on Sale at Ravelston
Easter-themed knitted gift items will be on sale today Sunday, 15 March, before and after 10:30am Mass at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston, and then next Sunday, 22 March at the Cathedral before and after the 9am and Noon Masses. All the profits from sales are generously donated to the parish by Joanna Kopystynska.
This Thursday: Monthly Enquirers Group
Join us on Thursday, 19th March at 7:00pm for our monthly meeting for adults who are at the early stage of enquiring about the Catholic faith. We will meet 7.00-8.30pm at Cathedral House, 61 York Place, EH1 3JD with 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. Next meetings will be held on the following Thursdays: 16 April, 21 May, 18 June, 23 July and 20 August.
4th Week of St. Andrew’s Lenten Run for Parish Project
We’ve had three successful Lenten Runs so far – thanks to all participants and all who have made pledges as we raise funds for the Parish Project, Franciscan Missionary Sisters for Africa. All are welcome to join us today for our 4th Lenten Run, as well as next Sunday, 22 March and on Palm Sunday after the 10:30am Mass from St Andrew’s, Ravelston to the Cathedral and back - approx 5 km - from 11.30am. See Fergus Christie for details or email ferguschristie7@gmail.com or to sign up as a sponsor see Emily.
Volunteers Needed: Big Spring Clean at St Andrew’s, Saturday 28 March
Would you be able to help for a half an hour or more from 2:00pm-4:00pm with a Big Spring Clean at St Andrew’s Church on Saturday, 28 March (no experience or qualifications needed)? We can then have the church sparkling for Easter! Tea and coffee will be available. Please sign up at the back of church or email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk to register your availability. Thank you for your help.
Cathedral Building Fund Appeal
I am very pleased to announce that we have now raised just over £427,000 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
Special Collection This Weekend for SCIAF & Episcopal Charities
This weekend there will be a special collection for Papal & Episcopal Charities (including SCIAF): 75 per cent of the collection goes to SCIAF and 25 per cent to the Archdiocesan Care Fund, which supports various good causes. Last year £32,067 was raised from this collection in the Archdiocese.
Next Sunday: Legion of Mary of the Edinburgh Curia Annual Acies Feast
The Legion of Mary of the Edinburgh Curia annual Acies Feast, will be next Sunday, 22 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.
Catenians Meeting for Catholic Men
The Catenian Association invites all Catholic men to their regular meeting on Wednesday, 18 March 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,
25 March, 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.
Catholic Conversations for Women
All women are welcome to this event with the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma on Saturday 28 March, 3:45pm-4:45pm in St Andrew’s Parish rooms at 77 Belford Rd, Edinburgh, EH4 3DS, for a faith-focused discussion on Holy Week. Join us for a Holy Hour following with Adoration & Vespers from 5:10pm. Register at edinburgh@almamercy.org or call 0131 343 3380.
St. Andrew’s Talk: ‘Jesus Christ, the Mystery of Redemption’
Save the date of Monday, 30th March for our next St. Andrew’s Talk on the Nicene Creed. The talk will be after 6:00pm Mass in the parish rooms at Ravelston and our speaker will be Sr. Mary Benedicta Maier, RSM who will speak on ‘For us and our salvation: Jesus Christ, The Mystery of Redemption.’ Discussion and refreshments to follow. The series of talks will continue on the last Monday of each month through May.
Get Funding for Your Catholic project
The Columba Trust provides funding to organisations and individuals for projects which support the practice of the Roman Catholic faith, its ministry and values. The deadline for applications is 30 June 2026. Further details about the Trust and how to apply for a grant can be found at https://columbatrust.org.uk/
SCIAF Lenten Wee Boxes for Ethiopia: Share Water. Share Hope.
If you have not already done so, please do pick up a Wee Box at the back of church and support the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund’s Wee Box Appeal this Lent. This year, the appeal is in aid of 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. Your Wee Box monies can be sent directly to SCIAF, 196 Clyde Street, Glasgow G1 4JY, or you can send a donation by logging on to their website www.sciaf.org.uk/weebox. If you send your monies by post, please do remember to complete the Gift Aid declaration on the base of the box, if applicable, and enclose this part of the box with your monies!