The Sixth Sunday of Easter - Year A
Holy Day of Obligation this Thursday: Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord
This Thursday, 14 May, the Church celebrates the return of the Risen Jesus into heaven, 40 days after His Resurrection, the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, which is a holy day of obligation. Masses will be celebrated at the Cathedral with a Vigil Mass on Wednesday, 13 May at 7:30pm, and then on Thursday, 14 May, Masses at 8:00am, 10:00am (School Mass), 12:45pm and 7:30pm, and at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston at 6:00pm. Polish Masses at the Cathedral will be on Thursday, 14 May at 11:15am and 6:00pm.
Installation of ‘50 Faces of the Holy Land’ Photographic Exhibition
This week during 14th-15th May the Friends of the Holy Land’s photographic exhibition ‘50 Faces of the Holy Land’ will be installed in the Octagon and will be on display through Sunday, 24 May. The exhibition highlights the lives of the Christian faithful in Israel, Gaza and the Occupied Territories and has been on display in sites such as the Houses of Parliament. Preview at https://theholyland.org.uk/home/50faces/.
Friends of the Cathedral meet Friends of the Holy Land, Friday, 15 May
Brendan Metcalfe, CEO of Friends of the Holy Land, will talk Friends of the Cathedral through ‘50 Faces of the Holy Land’, the Friends of the Holy Land’s exhibition hosted by the Cathedral next week. Friends of the Cathedral are to RSVP to attend the event. There are a few spaces left for parishioners if you wish to join us on Friday, 15 May at 7.30pm, reply to cathedralnews@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
20th May Sung Vespers Ecumenical Service - Friends of the Holy Land
Join us at 7:00pm on Wednesday, 20 May at the Cathedral for an Ecumenical Service with sung Vespers, followed by a reception hosted by Friends of the Holy Land (www.friendsoftheholyland.org.uk), an ecumenical Christian charity dedicated to supporting the most vulnerable Christian communities in the West Bank, Gaza, Israel, and Jordan, providing immediate relief and long-term practical support.
After the service, you are warmly invited to stay for the photographic exhibition ‘50 Faces of the Holy Land’ commissioned by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales, along with Q&A with Brendan Metcalfe, CEO, Friends of the Holy Land, offering an update on current conditions in the region. Refreshments served in the Octagon. Please RSVP to cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Rosary at the Cathedral and Ravelston in May
Each day Monday-Friday at the Cathedral during May join in praying the Rosary. The priest will lead a Rosary after the 10am Mass each day. Rosaries are also said at 12 noon and after 12.45pm Mass, at Our Lady’s Altar. We will pray the Rosary in May at St Andrew's, Ravelston after the 6:00pm Mass, Monday-Friday. We are in need of leaders for each weekday for the praying of the Rosary. If you are able to lead the Rosary one day a week at St. Andrew’s, please sign up on the sheets in the back of church. Thank you!
Young Adults Group: ‘Figures of My Faith’ Series of Talks
Students (and all aged 18-40) are welcome to join the Young Adults Group on Tuesday, 12th May for a talk by Michael Brunsdon on Scottish physicist and mathematician James Clerk Maxwell. 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.
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 for us in the Eucharist. “And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’” (Luke 22:19-20)
Holy Hour for Priestly Vocations
A Holy Hour to pray for Vocations to the Priesthood will be held tomorrow, Monday, 11 May, after the 6:00pm Mass at St. Andrew’s Church, 77 Belford Road, Ravelston, 6:30pm-7:30pm next to the church in the convent of the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, with Eucharistic Adoration. Holy Hours will be on the 2nd Monday of the month thereafter.
Get to Know the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
The parish Society of St Vincent de Paul is looking for Conference members to join them in their works. Our ongoing and expansion of works depends on volunteers. We also have a Treasurer and Secretary role opening for any suitable candidates. Parishioners from St Mary’s Cathedral and Ravelston would be most welcome. Please fill in the form from the Passkeepers, or email us at ssvp.ae01.023@gmail.com
Save the Date: Iberian-Themed Quiz Night in Coffee Saints
Join us for an Iberian-Themed Quiz Night with authentic paella in Coffee Saints on Friday, 12 June, 6:30pm. Tickets will go on sale in the coming weeks. Mark your diary!
SPUC Meeting at Ravelston: Guest Speaker Dr. Dermot Grenham
The next meeting of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children’s (SPUC) Edinburgh West Branch is Wednesday, 13 May, 7:00pm at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston rooms. Guest speaker Dr. Dermot Grenham from the Scottish Council on Human Bioethics will speak on over/under-population in relation to life issues.
Next Saturday: Christian Women's Craft Group
Christian women are invited to a craft group Saturday, 16 May, 1pm-3pm with crocheting, knitting, hand sewing and some nice chats. Tea/coffee, biscuits & buns available. Bring your crafts and come along to St Andrew’s Parish rooms 77 Belford Rd, EH4 3DS. Register by email at christiancraftgroup@hotmail.com.
Monthly Group for Those Enquiring About the Catholic Faith
Join us on Thursday, 21st May 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: 18 June, 23 July and 20 August.
Please Consider Volunteering: Keep Our Cathedral Clean and Sparkling
Every Wednesday, the Cathedral volunteer cleaning team meet between 2pm – 4pm to clean the church. Please consider joining the team with a view to easing the burden of the current volunteers and to cover holidays/other absences. Helping once or twice per month would be greatly appreciated. To join the group, please contact Elizabeth Andrews at Elizabeth@rhandrews.plus.com ; telephone: 0131 553 1510.
Cathedral Building Fund Appeal
Just £45,000 to go to reach our Phase 1 target of £500,000! The £454,632, 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 the 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
Marian Books at St Paul's Bookshop
Why not pick spend some timing reading about Our Lady in this Marian month? St Paul's Bookshop have a great selection of traditional and new Marian books, such as True Devotion to Mary by St Louis de Montfort and 33 Days to Morning Glory by Fr Michael E Gaitley MIC, both of which you can use to learn about and prepare for personal consecration to Jesus through Mary. Other books to check out include: MARY, a Biblical Walk with the Blessed Mother by Edward Sri; Cause of Our Joy: Walking Day by Day with Our Lady by Mother Mary Francis, PCC; The World's First Love, by Venerable Archbishop Fulton J Sheen (who will be beatified in September this year) and The Power of the Rosary by Gabriel Castillo.
Pray, Reflect, Rejoice! Join the Edinburgh Seven Hills Pilgrimage
Join Fr. Jeremy and others from our parish and across the Archdiocese for our Seven Hills of Edinburgh Pilgrimage, starting from the Cathedral at 9:00am on Saturday, 13 June, with prayers and a reflection on one of the Seven Joys of Mary at each peak from Fr. Jeremy. The pilgrimage is approximately 26km, taking in Castle Hill, Costorphine Hill, Criaglockhart Hill, Braid Hill, Blackford Hill, Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill. Details and registration at bit.ly/sevenhills26
Catenians Meeting for Catholic Men
The Catenian Association invites all Catholic men to their regular meeting this Wednesday, 20th May, 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 look on https://thecatenians.com/become-a-member/
Mothers and Daughters May Crowning and Procession
Thanks to all who have registered so far to attend the May Crowning and Procession for mothers and daughters of all ages, hosted by the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, on Saturday, 23 May, 1:00pm-3:30pm. Join us for an afternoon to honour the Blessed Virgin Mary, including a May Crowning and procession, Marian crafts and cookie decorating. The event is at St. Andrew's, 77 Belford Rd. Edinburgh, EH4 3DS. Please RSVP by Wednesday, May 20th to edinburgh@almamercy.org.
Save the Dates: Events at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston for Parish Project
Please mark your diary for these events to fundraise for our Parish Project, the Franciscan Missionary Sisters for Africa: Friday, 22nd May, 7:00pm – Potluck Supper and Quiz Night; Friday, 18th September, 7:00pm – Race Night. Further information and tickets to follow closer to the dates.
Scam Emails
Please be cautious of emails or messages claiming to be from priests or parish members asking for money or gift cards. Do not respond or send money. Our parish will never request funds in this way. Please report any suspicious messages to the parish office at cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk.
Young Adults Pentecost Vigil Mass and BBQ with Archbishop Cushley
Join young adults from across the Archdiocese to celebrate Pentecost at St Andrew's Church, 77 Belford Road, Edinburgh, EH4 3DS on Saturday 23 May, 4:00pm with a talk by Fr. Daniel Magaji, 4:45pm Eucharistic Adoration and opportunity for Confession, 5:30pm Holy Mass with His Grace, Archbishop Leo Cushley, and a 6:30pm barbecue. Organised by the Archdiocese, Edinburgh Jesuit Church, St Mary's Cathedral and St Albert's Chaplaincy. Register at bit.ly/pentecost26.
Left to Their Own Devices?: Tech-savvy Kids and How to Raise Them
Our kids are facing a whole new level of complexity as they grow up in a turbulent digital world. It’s never too late to establish healthy digital boundaries with your children. Care for the Family hosts ‘Left to Their Own Devices?’ an event for parents and carers on at St. Paul’s & St. George’s Church, 10 Broughton Street, Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May, 7:30pm-10pm. Cost £6. Register at https://bit.ly/Tech-savvy-kids-CFF2026
Marian Procession to the Cathedral with the Missionaries of Charity
The Missionaries of Charity Sisters invite you to join them for a Marian Procession to the Cathedral on Saturday, 30 May, beginning at 3:00pm from the Missionaries of Charity Convent, 18 Hopetoun Crescent, EH7 4AY. The procession will walk a distance of about 1 kilometre with a statue of Our Lady to the Cathedral, where there will be a crowing of the statue and a brief time of prayer.
Job Vacancy: Video Editor
The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland is looking for a creative and skilled Video Editor to support its growing digital communications work. This is a part-time role (24 hours per week, £22,000), offering hybrid/remote working, with occasional travel for events and broadcasts. Play key role in producing video content on the life and mission of the Catholic Church in Scotland. Deadline: Friday 29 May 2026. Apply with a CV, cover letter and portfolio or links to recent video work to media@bcos.org.uk.
Save the Date: Archdiocesan Annual St Margaret Pilgrimage
Join the Archdiocese’s St. Margaret Pilgrimage on Sunday, 14 June as we celebrate the life, virtue and holiness of St Margaret of Scotland, including a procession at 2:00pm to St Margaret’s Church, East Port, Dunfermline, Fife, KY12 7JB (https://stmargaretsdunfermline.co.uk/), led by Archbishop Cushley with the relic of St Margaret. The roots of the pilgrimage date back to June 1250 when the relics of St. Margaret were translated to a new shrine in Dunfermline Abbey following her canonisation by Pope Innocent IV:
12:00pm: Angelus at St Margaret’s Cave, Chalmers Street Car Park, KY12 8DQ.
1:00pm: Prayer Service at St Margaret’s tomb at Dunfermline Abbey, KY12 7PE.
2:00pm: Procession from Louise Carnegie Memorial Gateway, Bridge Street (opp Seven Kings Pub), to St Margaret’s Memorial Church (Meet at 1:45pm).
3:00pm: Mass at St Margaret’s Memorial Church, East Port, celebrated by Archbishop Cushley and priests of the Archdiocese.
Faith Summer Session for Young Adults: Ampleforth Abbey, 27 July- 31 July
The Faith Movement is back at Ampleforth Abbey this summer for our annual Young Adults summer session from 27 July - 31 July 2026. Our Catholic conference for those aged 16-30 is on ‘Who Am I? Identity, Destiny and What it Means to Be Human’. Join with others in beautiful York exploring the faith, with social, spiritual and catechetical activities. Each day there will be Mass, Morning and Night prayer. There will also be plenty of time for recreation and socialising each night. Please register at www.faith.co.uk/events