Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord - Year A
Happy Easter!
The Lord is risen! He is risen indeed! After our long journey through Lent and having accompanied the Lord along his way of sorrow this past Holy Week, we have arrived at the great day of Resurrection. Death cannot hold him. He has broken its bonds and opened the way for us to join him in eternal life. As he intercedes for us at the right hand of the Father, our sins need no longer defeat us, we can rise again! In his mercy he seeks only to raise us up. Let us be joyful witnesses to his love as we seek to remain always in his grace and forever touched by the rays of his risen life. A very special thank you to all who have laboured so faithfully to make our celebration of Easter so wonderful: those who have organised, overseen and participated in the liturgies, the Cathedral clergy and staff, altar servers, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, passkeepers and welcomers, flower arrangers, musicians and singers, church cleaners and everyone who volunteers in our parish throughout the year, in the office, on the various Cathedral committees and in the prayer, devotional and catechetical groups. May the risen Lord bless you all abundantly. Fr Jeremy
Hour of Mercy on Divine Mercy Sunday – 12th April 2026
On Divine Mercy Sunday on 12th April there will be a Holy Hour in the Cathedral at 3:00pm. Jesus said to Saint Faustina: ‘Mankind will not have peace until it turns with trust to My mercy’. The institution of the feast was inspired by a desire of Jesus which was conveyed by Sister Faustina. The Lord Jesus told her: ‘I want the first Sunday after Easter to be the Feast of Mercy… to be a refuge and sanctuary for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the depths of My mercy are open; I pour out a whole sea of graces on souls that approach the fount of My mercy.’ During the Holy Hour, in English and Polish, there will be exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and an opportunity for confession. You are invited to join on this special day to experience the Divine Mercy of God. Jesus asked St Faustina that the Feast of the Divine Mercy be preceded by a Novena to the Divine Mercy which begins on Good Friday. Some copies are available at the back of the church and it is available at https://www.thedivinemercy.org/message/devotions/novena.
2026/27 Gift Aid Envelope Sets Now Available for Collection
For those of you who currently use weekly gift aid envelopes to donate to the offertory collection, I am pleased to tell you that your new envelope sets for the 2026/27 tax year are now available for collection from the back of the Church.
Registering for Gift Aid
Gift Aid is a simple and effective way to maximise your donations to the Church at no additional cost to you. With a new tax year fast approaching, this is an ideal time to register for Gift Aid with the Parish, if you have not already done so. For more information, to request a registration form or to ask any questions you may have about donating to our Cathedral or St. Andrew’s Church, Ravelston, please contact our Finance Officer, Caroline Reid, by email: finance@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Monthly Meeting for Adults Enquiring About the Catholic Faith
Join us on Thursday, 16th April 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: 21 May, 18 June, 23 July and 20 August.
SPUC Meeting at Ravelston
The next meeting of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children’s (SPUC) Edinburgh West Branch will be on Wednesday, 8 April at 7:00pm in the parish rooms at St. Andrew's, Ravelston.
Request Organ Recital by Tom Wilkinson (Cathedral Organist), Sunday 19 April 2026, 1.30pm
Have you ever wondered how the Cathedral organ works? And do you have a favourite piece that you would like to hear played on the Cathedral organ? If so, this event is for you. Join us at 1.30pm, Sunday 19 April for a Request Recital and Demonstration of the Organ by Cathedral Organist Tom Wilkinson, who will explain and demonstrate what the mighty machine can do. Please submit requests for pieces to be played by Sunday 12 April to organist@stmaryscathedral.co.uk. Duration: Approximately 1 hour. Retiring collection in aid of Tom’s participation in an international conference on the music of J. S. Bach, in Leipzig, in Summer 2026.
Scottish Parliament Election Briefing Pack
Please take a copy of the Election Briefing Pack, available at the back of church, which includes a copy of the Pastoral Letter from the Catholic Bishops of Scotland on the Scottish Parliament Election, Catechism teaching on key topics regarding Catholic Social Teaching, suggested questions for candidates and a prayer for the election. Ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament Election on 7th May, all are encouraged to read the briefing pack and prayerfully prepare for voting, or visit https://rcpolitics.org/scottish-parliament-election-2026/ to review the material.
Young Adults Group
Students (and all aged 18-40) are welcome to join the Young Adults Group which will resume on Tuesday, 14th April for a new series of talks by young adults, ‘Figures of My Faith,’ with the first talk by Denise Cariaga on Antoni Gaudi. 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.
Save the Date St. Andrew’s Talk: ‘I Believe in the Holy Spirit...’
Save the date for our next St. Andrew’s Talk on the Nicene Creed. Our speaker will be Fr. Binu Palakapally, IC, who will speak on ‘I believe in the Holy Spirit: The Church, Sacraments & Christian Life.’ The talk will be in the parish rooms at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston after 6:00pm Mass on Monday, 27th April.
Cathedral Building Fund Appeal
Just £62,000 to go to reach our Phase 1 target of £500,000! The £438,000 we have raised over the last two and half years is a fantastic achievement and we are so grateful to you all for your support! Can you help us with a final push to reach our Phase 1 target? Donations are gratefully received at any time and can be made through our website and 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
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.
Christian Women's Craft Group
Christian women are invited to join a wonderful new craft group Saturday, 18th April, 1pm-3pm with crocheting, knitting, hand sewing and some nice chats. Tea/coffee, biscuits & buns available. If you are a beginner, intermediate, advanced or want to learn, please bring your crafts and come along to St Andrew’s Parish rooms 77 Belford Rd, EH4 3DS. To register, please email christiancraftgroup@hotmail.com.
Catholic Conversations for Women
All women are welcome to this event with the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma on Saturday, 18 April, 3:45pm-4:45pm in St Andrew’s Parish rooms (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. Save the date! Register at edinburgh@almamercy.org or call 0131 343 3380.
Rosary and Pro-Life Chain Marking Anniversary of Abortion Act
On Saturday, 25 April, the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) will pray a Rosary and hold a Pro-Life Chain, marking the anniversary of the 1968 Abortion Act. 10am: Rosary for Life, Sacred Heart Church, Lauriston, EH3 9DJ: Led by Archbishop Cushley. 11am: SPUC’s Pro-Life Chain – meet on Lothian Road, by the Sheraton hotel 1.15pm: Refreshments and social - Sacred Heart Hall.
Order of Malta Ball in April 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. To donate an item or an experience for the Auctions, please email John at john@miers.net. Book online at https://www.orderofmaltaball.com/.
EXPLORE: Women’s Vocations to Religious Life
The Archdiocese is running a series of monthly EXPLORE meetings for young women interested in finding out more about the religious life and exploring God's will. Join for talks, discussion, prayer and socialising. Meetings are the last Sunday of the month at St Columba's, 9 Upper Gray Street, Edinburgh, EH9 1SN. The next meeting is , 4pm-7pm, then 29 March, 26 April and 10 May. To register, email Sr Mirjam Hugens FSO at religiousvocations@staned.org.uk
Icon Painting Workshops
Experience the beauty of icon painting through classes at The Edinburgh School of Icon Painting, 151 London Road, Edinburgh EH7 6AE. No prior experience needed. You’ll learn how to transfer your icon design, create an egg painting medium, mix colours, and more! Classes are for all levels, online and in person. Join an intensive 4-day course, a weekend course or request individual tuition. Full booking details and costs are at https://edinburghiconpainting.org/
Job Opportunity
Abortion Recovery Care & Helpline (ARCH) is seeking to employ a full-time Operations Administrator to join its team in Glasgow. Contact Louise for an application pack : louise@archtrust.org.uk Closing date:
18 April. More at www.archtrust.org.uk
Talk on St John Henry Newman
A talk on St John Henry Newman at Mayfield Salisbury Church 18 West Mayfield, Edinburgh EH9 1TQ on Thursday 16 April, 7:30pm-9:00pm from Monsignor Rod Strange, leading scholar of the life of the saint. Entrance by donation. Event organised by the Edinburgh Circle of the Newman Association.
RCIA Follow-on Retreat Weekend
For those who have completed the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) for becoming Catholic, a retreat is offered from 1st-3rd May to take time to pause and reflect on your faith journey after Easter in the beautiful surroundings of Pluscarden Benedictine Monastery in Elgin IV30 8UA. The Ignatian Spirituality Centre in Glagsow hosts the retreat from Friday, 1st May to Sunday 3rd May with arrivals from 5pm on 1st May and leaving after 12:00 noon lunch on Sunday 3 May. The weekend will include opportunities to try different ways of praying, exploring some of the Ignatian (Jesuit) and Benedictine traditions, and sharing with others on living a reflective life. Enjoy time together as a group, as well as periods of silence and personal reflection. Suggested donation is £150 to include food costs and a donation to the Monastery. Book online at https://www.iscglasgow.co.uk/pluscarden-2026
Catechists for Special Needs
SPRED (Special Religious Development) groups need more catechists! Your role will be share the Lord with adults with special needs at fortnightly term-time meetings. Catechists are trained by the Archdiocese and meet fortnightly for preparatory sessions. Interested? Contact Sr Mary Benedicta Maier RSM, SPRED Coordinator, at srmary.benedicta@staned.org.uk to serve.
SPRED: Sacramental Prep & Faith Formation for Children & Adults with Special Needs
Children and adults with special needs are invited to participate more fully in the life of the Church by being welcomed into a SPRED (Special Religious Development) group. If you are interested in your child or adult son or daughter participating, Sr Mary Benedicta Maier RSM, SPRED Co-ordinator, would love to hear from you at srmary.benedicta@staned.org.uk.
Young Adults Pilgrimage to Rome
The Edinburgh Jesuit Church of the Sacred Heart invites Young Adults to join them on pilgrimage in Rome from 1 - 4 May 2026. Contact Fr David Stewart SJ at ejcyoungadults@jesuit.org.uk
Help for Marriages: Retrouvaille Programme
Retrouvaille is a programme to support couples who have difficulties in their marriage. It brings a positive focus, new hope and helps nourish and grow your marriage. Learning how to communicate effectively and clearly can be a key element in saving a troubled marriage. Please call or email in confidence and without obligation. + 44 788 729 6983 / + 44 797 338 0443, retrouvailleukinfo@gmail.com.To learn more, visit www.retrouvaille.org.uk.