Fifteenth Sunday of the Year
Sea Sunday
Sea Sunday is today and the Church encourages us to support Stella Maris, a Catholic charity helping seafarers in need, including at port destinations in our Archdiocese. There will be a collection at all Masses. Read more about its work at: archedinburgh.org/news.
Your Cathedral needs you!
The happy band of linen volunteers who wash and prepare the linen used in the celebration of our liturgies are in need of some willing helpers to join in with this task. It involves collecting the used linen on a Sunday and then taking it home, washing and ironing and then returning it by the following Saturday. Training will be provided and you will take a turn in the rota ( so the more the merrier)! If you would like to join the “band of lineneers” then please contact Deacon Peter in the office at deacon@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
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.
What’s On Formed: Littlest Saints, Welcome to Hope Springs and the Genius of G.K. Chesterton
Enrich your knowledge of the Catholic faith enjoying videos available with your free account on Formed.org. For families with young children: search for the “Littlest Saints” series. Why not watch together the Littlest Saints epsiode on Sts Benedict and Scholastica this week after we recently celebrated St Benedict’s feast? For families with children aged 8-12: perhaps try the audio series “Welcome to Hope Springs” which is cinematic storytelling rooted in faith, family, and everyday adventure. For adults: consider searching for the short video course on “The Genius of G.K. Chesterton” and learn about his conversion to Catholicism and the legacy he left as one of the most original and prolific minds of the 20th century. 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.
Christian Women’s Craft Group
Christian women are invited to join a craft group Saturday, 25th July, 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. The next date will be Saturday, 29th August.
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/augustconcerts1
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
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.
Ravelston Race Night: Sponsors needed!
We are looking for sponsors for 7 races and 56 horses ahead of the Race Night on Friday 18 September. Any race or horse you sponsor you get to name so have one picked out! Races are £25 each, horses are £5 each. Cash only. Sponsors including the money and names for the races and horses need to be finalised by the end of August. Please see Emily to sign up.
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
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
Altar Servers
The Annual Day for Altar Servers takes place on Saturday 5 September from 10:30am to 3:00pm at The Gillis Centre in Edinburgh. Please speak to Fr Joshua for details.
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.
Radio Maria UK Now Broadcasting Across Scotland
Radio Maria UK, a Catholic radio station providing prayer, catechesis, music, and faith-filled conversation 24 hours a day, has launched a major new DAB signal reaching up to 70% of Scotland's population, including Edinburgh.. Listeners across Scotland can now tune in on any DAB digital radio, through smart speakers by asking for "Radio Maria," or by downloading the free Radio Maria Play app on their phone or tablet.
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
Brecbannoch Pilgrimage 2026
A pilgrimage to pray for the renewal of the Faith in Scotland, from 31 July to 3 August, with a walk across the Isle of Mull, returning the relics of St Columba to Iona. Discounts are available for students and under-22s, and under-5s go free. Visit brecbannoch.co.uk
Faslane Christian Peace Witness Vigil
Join Justice & Peace Scotland at Faslane Naval Base on Saturday 1 August, 11:00am to 12:30pm for the annual Christian Peace Witness Vigil to pray and advocate for a world without nuclear weapons. A free bus service will depart from Waterloo Place outside Waverley Station, Edinburgh, at 8:15am. Reserve your space by emailing office@justiceandpeacescotland.org.uk.
March for Life - travel offer
Travel to the March for Life in London for just £40 return. March for Life is the UK's largest pro-life event, bringing together thousands of people for Mass, inspiring speakers, family and youth activities, and a peaceful march through central London. The Archdiocesan Pro-Life Office is offering a limited number of big-discount return train tickets to this year's event on Saturday 5 September. Book early to secure your discounted ticket. Go to bit.ly/archtravel
Season of Creation Conference
A day of inspiration, reflection and practical action to celebrate the Season of Creation. Saturday 5 September 2026, 10:00am - 3:00pm, Eyre Hall, Clyde Street, Glasgow, G1 4JY. The keynote speaker is Lorna Gold, Executive Director of the Laudato Si’ Movement. Register: bit.ly/SeasonofCreation26
Venerable Margaret Sinclair Pilgrimage
This year's pilgrimage takes place on Sunday 20 September at St Patrick's Church in The Cowgate, Edinburgh. It's the annual opportunity to come together to pray for the Beatification of the Venerable Margaret Sinclair, entombed in the Sacred Heart chapel at St Patrick's. Schedule: 12:30pm - Sale of candles & goods, refreshments; 1:30pm - Holy Hour (exposition and benediction); 3:00pm - Reflection from Canon Jock Dalrymple; 4:30pm - Mass celebrated by Archbishop Cushley (Homilist: Fr Michael John Galbraith).
Save the Date: National Youth Pilgrimage
The National Youth Pilgrimage (for ages 18–35) will take place on Saturday 26 September 2026 at Pluscarden Abbey. Set in the quiet of the Moray countryside, the Abbey is one of the most important monastic sites in Scotland, offering a place of prayer, silence, and spiritual renewal within the life of the Church. This year’s pilgrimage will focus on religious and monastic life and will include a tour of the Abbey, a Q&A with the monks, talks on vocation, and a Vigil Mass with Archbishop Cushley. Young adults are invited to travel with the Archdiocese. To register or enquire, please contact: youth.office@staned.org.uk.
World Youth Day 2027
World Youth Day takes place in Seoul, South Korea, from 1-9 August 2027. Young adults are invited to travel with the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh: Departure 1 August and return on 9 August 2027. For more information email youth.office@staned.org.uk