Mass and Reception for Married & Engaged Couples
Archbishop Cushley will celebrate Mass for Married and Engaged Couples at St Mary's Cathedral on Friday 19th June at 7:00pm with a reception afterwards in Coffee Saints. All welcome!
Consultation Regarding Structures of the Church in Scotland
Archbishop Cushley invites you to respond to consultation questions from the Bishops' Conference of Scotland regarding the structures of the Church in Scotland. Two possible pathways are being proposed: 1. developing deeper cooperation and the sharing of resources across dioceses within present structures, or 2. the merging of some dioceses. You are invited to respond to the questions online at bit.ly/archconsultation26 or use the QR code. A statement from the Bishops of Scotland notes, “This process will ensure our Church in Scotland will continue to grow ever more missionary, more Christ-centred, and more collaborative in the service of God’s people.” Read the full statement at bit.ly/bcosstatement. Please submit responses by Friday 26 June.
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.
St. Andrew’s, Ravelston: Wednesday Adoration, Confession and Mass
Every Wednesday evening at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston we have Eucharistic Adoration with Confessions 5:00pm-5:45pm, followed by 6:00pm Mass.
Whatsoever You Do: Music for the Homeless Jesus, Monday, 17 August, 7:30pm
In this year's collaboration with the Festival of the Sacred Arts, the Cathedral's Schola Cantorum choir will present a concert inspired by the 'Homeless Jesus' sculpture recently installed outside the Cathedral. The music will explore the themes of homelessness, God's love for the poor, and the mercy of Christ. The performance will include Gavin Bryar's iconic piece "Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet', which is rarely heard in live performance. The concert will also form part of a documentary film, which the Schola Cantorum is producing in collaboration with St Catherine's Convent of Mercy at Lauriston, the Grassmarket Community Project, and the Bethany Christian Trust, in partnership with Sacred Arts Festival. Please come along to lend your support. Tickets are £15 (£10 child) available here: https://bit.ly/WhatsoeverYouDo-17Aug2026 For members of the Cathedral community who want to attend both the 'Homeless Jesus' and 'A Summer in Paris' concerts (more details below), a combined ticket is available for the special price of £25: http: bit.ly/augustconcerts
A Summer in Paris: Festival Organ Recital by Tom Wilkinson, Friday 21, August at 7:30pm
This August, Cathedral organist Tom Wilkinson will present a special organ recital to raise money for the St Mary's Cathedral Roof Appeal. The programme will include popular French organ music such as Boëllmann Suite Gothique, Franck Chorale no. 3, Mulet Carillon-Sortie and Vierne Carillon de Westminster. Come along to hear the mighty Matthew Copley organ playing the style of music that it was particularly designed to play! Tickets are £15 (£10 child), which includes a glass of sparkling wine. Book online at https://bit.ly/SummerinParis-FestivalOrgan-2026 For members of the Cathedral community who want to attend both the 'A Summer in Paris' and 'Homeless Jesus' concerts (more details above), a combined ticket is available for the special price of £25: http: bit.ly/augustconcerts
What’s On Formed
Enrich your knowledge of the Catholic faith by accessing videos available with your free account on Formed.org:“Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist,”on the biblical origins of the Eucharist, with powerful stories of lives transformed (https://app.formed.org/app/videos/3984978/); “How to Grow in Eucharistic Devotion (Even When You’re Busy)”, an episode of the weekly podcast Practicing Catholic, (https://app.formed.org/app/videos/3988247/) and “St. Dominic Savio”, an episode of a children’s programme “God’s Knights” about a brave young saint (https://app.formed.org/app/
videos/4004889/). Sign up for your free account at https://formed.org/signup, just enter your email, name and phone number; and select name of parish “St Mary's Catholic Cathedral”. On your phone, download the Formed app at the App Store and login. Questions? Contact the parish office at cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Marriage Preparation Course
The next parish Marriage Preparation Course is on Saturday 22nd August at St Andrew’s, Ravelston, 10am-4pm, with presentations by married couples. Email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk to register.
Christian Women’s Craft Group
Christian women are invited to join a craft group Saturday, 27th June, 1pm-3pm with crocheting, knitting, hand sewing and some nice chats. Tea/coffee, biscuits & buns available. 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. Future dates are Saturday, 25th July and Saturday, 29th August.
Catenians Meeting for Catholic Men
The Catenian Association invites all Catholic men to their next meeting on Wednesday, 17th June, 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/
Edinburgh Half Marathon Fundraising Update
A huge Thank You to everyone who supported the Edinburgh Half Marathon event! Your best wishes and donations were gratefully received. One of our parishioners, Francesca O’Neil, ran her first ever half marathon on Sunday 24th May. She and her colleagues at St Ninian’s Primary School were raising money for the Edinburgh Marathon's official charity, which this year is The Sick Kids Hospital, and the team of three completed the race in their predicted time, sweaty, tired, but elated. The morning saw a heatwave hit Edinburgh for the Bank Holiday, whist people were basking in the welcome sunshine, 40,000 people took part in the marathon events. Congratulations to all who took part. A massive £2,719 + gift aid was raised, if you would like to donate please follow the link: https://bit.ly/St-Ninian-Marathon-fundraiser2026
Friendship Group: Coffee Afternoon
The Friendship Group Coffee Afternoon is on Tuesday 16 June 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.
Legion of Mary – Mondays and Tuesdays
The Legion of Mary is an Association of Catholics that gives service to the Church on a voluntary basis around the world. Monday Evenings: The “Our Lady Cause of Our Joy” Praesidium is a group of male and female, students, professionals and others of diverse cultures from different countries and meets on Mondays at 7:00pm, at 63 York Place, EH1 3JD. For more information, please contact Emmy 07879074240, Rosa 07868842099. Tuesday Mornings: The “Our Lady of Confidence” Praesidium meets on Tuesdays at 11:00am in 63 York Place EH1 3 JD. To learn more, please contact Ian Ferri at mriferri@blueyonder.co.uk
Day for Life Collection Sunday 21 June
The National Day for Life Collection is split 50/50 between the Archdiocese and the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland. The Archdiocesan share will be used to support pro-life work covering issues at the beginning and end of life: the unborn and their mothers, the disabled, the elderly and the dying. This may include support for advocacy, education, pastoral care and formation in these areas, particularly in response to current developments and needs. In recent years, the Archdiocese has supported work including opposition to assisted suicide, protection of the unborn, post-abortion support, and the formation of young pro-lifers. More details at bit.ly/dayforlife26
Discussion on Pope’s Encyclial Magnifica Humanitas
As artificial intelligence advances, the Pope’s new encyclical Magnifica Humanitas urges us to place the dignity of the human person at the heart of every technological innovation. Fr Patrick Akunne, OP, will lead a two-session discussion on the recent Papal Encyclical Magnifica Humanitas on Tuesday 16th June and Tuesday 30th June from 6.15pm to 7.30pm in the Garden Room at St. Albert’s Catholic Chaplaincy. Entrance to the Garden Room is behind 24 George Square, EH8 9LD. Level access is from George Square Lane which is behind 23 and 24 George Square and beside Middle Meadow Walk. Drinks will be available. A donation to the Albertus Institute by cash/card will be welcomed.
St. Pauls Bookshop: Pope Leo XIV’s First Encyclical: Magnifica Humanitas
Copies are now available in St Paul’s Bookshop of Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas ('Magnificent Humanity'), in which he reflects on the challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence in light of Catholic social teaching, calling all people to safeguard human dignity, truth, justice, and peace. Pick up your copy today! Shop hours: 10:00am to 5:30pm, Tuesday-Sunday, closed Mondays.
Donating electronically
For another, cash-less, option to donate to the weekly offertory, use https://bit.ly/Donate-StMarysCathedral. You can also add Gift Aid to make your donation go even further. 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, 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.
Stop Press: Post budget News. No change to the provision which allows executors to change the will of a loved one who has recently deceased and make a contribution to the Parish in their memory.
If you would like to explore this further, please contact our Finance officer, Caroline Reid, in the first instance at: finance@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Retreat Day to Renew Your Faith: Encountering Jesus, Touching God
Are you a new Catholic, or simply wish to renew your faith? On Saturday 20 June come to a free retreat day at The Gillis Centre,100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB. Special guest is Fr Lawrence Lew, OP, global Promoter General for the Holy Rosary. This Archdiocesan event includes Mass, short talks, and time for prayer. Pleaes register at bit.ly/newcatholicsretreat
An Evening of Formation for Catholic Men
Catholic men are invited to an evening of formation in St. Andrew’s, Ravelston rooms Wednesday, 24 June,
6:30 pm- 7:30 pm. Inspired by the spirit of Opus Dei, the group focuses 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. To attend please email Juan Pablo at juanpablo.andrader@gmail.com.
Faith Summer 2026 for Young Adults: Ampleforth Abbey, 27 July- 31 July
The Faith Movement is back at Ampleforth Abbey this summer for our annual summer session from 27 July - 31 July 2026. Our Catholic conference for young adults 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
Walking “The Way” with Deacon Pat Carrigan
Days of Reflection walking in Highland Perthshire and the Fife Countryside with Deacon Pat Carrigan. Come along and join in walks which will allow participants to talk about our faith and have spiritual conversations during themed walks. For further information please email: columbasway@gmail.com
Stonyhurst: Heart to Heart Women's Retreat, 19 - 22 June 2026
Catholic women are invited for three days of guided prayer, discernment and silence 19-22 June in beautiful surroundings at The Christian Heritage Centre, Stonyhurst, in Clitheroe, England, led by Fr Bernard Murphy, CFR and the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal. From Edinburgh, travel by train to Preston train station. Book online at https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/heart-to-heart-retreat/.
August: Monastic Experience Weekend for Men at Pluscarden Abbey
Benedictine monks at Pluscarden offer a special opportunity for men to experience monastic life Friday 21st-Monday 24th August, suitable for Catholic single men who practise their faith, aged 18-40, and at least open to the possibility of considering a monastic vocation. Participants will join the monks in their daily prayer and work. No charge for the weekend. Register at https://www.pluscardenabbey.org/monastic-experience-weekend
Visit Carfin Grotto
Visit Scotland's National Shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes at Carfin Grotto, situated in the Parish of St Francis Xavier, Taylor Avenue, Carfin, ML1 5AJ, near Motherwell. The beautiful grotto includes a number of Chapels & Shrines which honour Our Lord, Our Blessed Lady and many of the saints. Pick up a pilgrim’s map of the Shrine in the shop at the back of the church. Daily Mass in the Glass Chapel Tuesday - Friday at 1pm, Saturday in Church 10am. Café: 11:30am-3pm. Accessible by car, bus or train (Carfin train station is directly across from Carfin Grotto). Learn more at https://www.carfingrotto.org/.
A Giant Reawakens: St. Stephen's Theatre, Stockbridge
Rarely seen and rarely heard, the mighty 1880 ‘Father’ Willis organ breathes again. Five organists – including the acclaimed Damin Spritzer (USA) and emerging talent Eilidh Harris (Scotland)– share this magnificent instrument’s music and its hidden history, brought to life through rare archive documents and photographs. 3:00pm, Saturday, 20 June. Free entry.