Twelfth Sunday of the Year - Year A
Requiem Mass for Rev Allan Ocdenaria RIP
The Requiem Mass for Fr Allan Ocdenaria is at midday on Tuesday 30 June here in St Mary’s Cathedral, thereafter 2:00pm Committal Service at Warriston Crematorium. Remains to be received at the Cathedral at 6:00pm on Monday 29 June. Please keep the family in your prayers. May he rest in peace.
From Archbishop Leo
“My heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended this year’s St Margaret Pilgrimage in Dunfermline. It was a joy to see so many people gather in faith to honour Scotland’s beloved patron saint and to celebrate her enduring witness of holiness, charity and service. The strong participation from across Scotland was a wonderful sign of our shared faith and devotion." - Archbishop Leo Cushley. The next St Margaret Pilgrimage is in Dunfermline on Sunday 13 June 2027.
Support Life: Day for Life Collection Sunday 21 June
The National Day for Life Collection takes place today, Sunday, 21 June, and 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. 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
Tax deductible donations for US Citizens
The Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh is pleased to confirm that we have partnered with the Chapel & York US Foundation to accept donations for our benefit. This partnership allows us to save on the costs required to operate our own dedicated entity while still providing you the opportunity to support the Archdiocese with tax-effective donations in the United States, meaning your gift stretches further, allowing us to accomplish even more. For details of how to make a US-tax deductible donation through the Chapel & York US Foundation, please contact our Finance Officer, Caroline Reid, at finance@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
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. 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, and be strengthened by His Real Presence for us in the Eucharist. “A soul that is united to God must be prepared for great and hard-fought battles….One thing alone sustains me and that is Holy Communion.” St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
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.
Thank You from the Franciscan Missionary Sisters for Africa
The Franciscan Missionary Sisters for Africa have written to express thanks the very generous donation of £1834.77 received from the fundraising efforts of St. Andrew’s, Ravelston during Lent. ‘What a great community spirit and outreach to the misisons. We really appreciate all the planning and hard work involved in such a venture…Thank you all for your generosity.”
Wednesday 1 July, Choral Mass and Concert: Choir of St Mary's Cathedral Choir, Sydney
On Wednesday 1 July we will be joined by the renowned choir from St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney, Australia, as part of their European tour. The choir is made up of boy and girl choristers and professional adult lay clerks. The ensemble has received international acclaim as Australia's first and oldest existing Catholic choir. As part of the visit, there will be two events:
A special sung Mass at 12:45pm in the Cathedral, where the choir will sing music by Widor, James MacMillan, and Colin Mawby.
A concert at 7:30pm featuring music by Palestrina, Poulenc, MacMillan and a world premiere by Australian composer Brooke Shelley. Entry to the concert is free with retiring collection in support of the ongoing musical life of our Cathedral.
What’s On Formed: Heart of Prayer, Daily Reflections, Symbolon for Teens
Enrich your knowledge of the Catholic faith enjoying videos available with your free account on Formed.org. Watch ‘Heart of Prayer’ (https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1473553) with Bishop Andrew Cozzens, an 8-part series revealing the beauty and transcendence of a prayer life, drawing from from Scripture and the saints offering guidance that is practical and down-to-earth — ‘Prayer is not optional….prayer is essential!’ Formed also offers short Daily Reflections videos for your daily inspiration on the Mass readings each day, under 10 minutes (https://app.formed.org/app/collections/121221) For teenagers, ‘Symbolon for Teens’ offers the 'big picture' of the Catholic Faith with the Creed as our guide, bringing together some of the most trusted Catholic teachers in the world (https://app.formed.org/app/collections/748875). 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.
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
Ordination of Rev Matthew McCafferty
The priestly ordination of Rev Matthew McCafferty takes place at 7:00pm on Friday 3 July at St Mary's, 9 Livery Street, Bathgate, EH48 4HS. Many of you will remember Deacon Matthew who served his summer placement here in 2023. Please keep him in your prayers as he prepares for ordination to the priesthood.
Congratulations to Deacon Gerard Holden
We offer congratulations to Rev Gerard (Ged) Holden, ordained a deacon on 17 June at the hands of Cardinal James Harvey in St Paul’s outside the Walls in Rome. Many of you will have met Deacon Gerard during his summer placement here in 2024. Pray for him as he continues his studies for the priesthood.
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.
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. If you would like to explore this further, please contact our Finance officer, Caroline Reid, in the first instance at: finance@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Monthly Webinar with Friends of the Holy Land: ‘From Your Heart to the Heart of Christianity’
Friends of the Holy Land are deeply grateful for your financial support from the appeal they recently made in the parish and are offering a free monthly webinar, ‘From Your Heart to the Heart of Christianity,’ to share information about the impact of your financial support on vulnerable Christian communities in the Holy Land. The next webinar is Monday 22nd June at 7.30pm-8.15pm. To register, visit http://bit.ly/4xkvWTA
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 part two of a two-session discussion on the encyclical on 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 available, donation to the Albertus Institute by cash/card welcome.
Visit of relics of St Gerard Majella
The relics of St Gerard Majella will be at St Patrick's Church, The Cowgate, Edinburgh, on Saturday 18 July. Entrance of the relics at 10:00am with devotions and talk, Exposition of Blessed Sacrament at 11:30am. Mass at 12:30pm followed by blessing with the relics.
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’. 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
Catholic Medical Association
Join the Catholic Medical Association! Whether you are a doctor, nurse, student, or allied professional, join us to grow in fellowship, prayer and formation. For more information & upcoming events, visit:https://catholicmedicalassociation.org.uk
Family Holiday Activities
You never know how the British weather will go! Will it rain? Will it shine? Either way, there is plenty going on across the city this summer holidays for the whole family to enjoy. You can find a list of free and low-cost activities to do during the summer holidays on the Family Holiday Activities webpage of the City of Edinburgh Council Support for Families website: https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/familyholidayactivities