17th Sunday of the Year - Year A
Stella Maris Thank You
Stella Maris would like to thank the parish for their support and for their kindness to Mrs Stephen on Sea Sunday for her appeal at the Cathedral. Parish donations received in the Sea Sunday collection were: Cathedral £1,395.26 and St Andrew’s Church £319.26. Thank you!
2025 Financial Accounts
Following the recent completion of the independent audit of the Archdiocesan accounts, we are now pleased to be able to provide an overview of the Cathedral accounts for both 2025 and 2024. If you are interested, this information is now available to view on the Cathedral website under the ‘Community/Parish Groups’ tab, scrolling down to the Finance Council section.
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. “We, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” (Romans 12:5)
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
Enrich your knowledge of the Catholic faith with your free account on Formed.org. This week on Formed is ‘The Violinist: Stories of Solanus Casey.’ The Violinist is a must-watch documentary on the inspiring life of a humble Capuchin friar known for his deep faith, simplicity, and profound impact on those he served. Featuring personal stories from the people who knew Blessed Solanus, the film showcases his remarkable ability to inspire others (https://app.formed.org/app/videos/3287491/). Also available is ‘Forgiven: The Transforming Power of Confession,’ on the grace and healing offered in Confession and shows how this sacrament of mercy reveals the depth and bounty of God's love. By looking at God's revelation of his mercy in Scripture and making a step-by-step examination of the Rite itself, Forgiven communicates God's invitation to each one of us to come experience His love in the sacrament (https://app.formed.org/app/collections/115608)Just use the Search feature to find videos. Sign up for your free account at https://formed.org/signup, 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.
Whatsoever You Do: Music for the Homeless Jesus, 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 Talk by Timothy Schmalz: Sculptor of the ‘Homeless Jesus’
We're delighted that internationally acclaimed "Homeless Jesus" sculptor, Timothy Schmalz, will visit St Mary's Cathedral to attend the Whatsoever you do: Music for the Homeless Jesus concert on 17 August. The following day, Tuesday 18 August, Schmalz will give a talk on his work at 11am in the Cathedral with free entry. Schmalz's powerful public artworks bring the Gospel to life through striking depictions of compassion, justice, and human dignity. Several of his life-sized works occupy prominent locations in the Vatican, and his often epic-scale sculptures have inspired millions in cities and at Christian sites across the globe. View Schmalz’s art at https://timothypaulschmalz.com
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
Monsignor David Gemmell Fondly Remembered
A year after Mgr David’s death on 7.3.2008, his great friend, hillwalking companion and former GP, Dr Gerry McPartlin, had the idea of a memorial fund. Thanks to the remarkable generosity of many Cathedral parishioners and others, the fund reached an amazing £1 million and financed a new L’Arche home for adults with intellectual disabilities in the Lochend district of Edinburgh, ‘Mgr David’s House’. Gerry has now published his book ‘Friends in High Places’, which gives a moving account of his friendship with Mgr David, their mountain adventures in Scotland and the Himalayas and how, at the age of 66, he climbed all 283 Munros in 88 days, raising £50,000 for the memorial fund. If anybody would like to buy a copy of Gerry’s book, he will be available after our Masses next weekend 1st August-2nd August. All profit from the sale of the book is donated to L’Arche for Mgr David’s House.
Young Women Invited to Come and See with the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma
On Saturday, 8th August 2026, from 11:30am-2:30pm, single Catholic young women aged 18-35 are invited to spend a few hours in Ravelston discovering more about the vocation of a Religious Sister of Mercy. We will enjoy lunch and take a walk around Edinburgh. For more information and to RSVP, please email the Sisters at edinburgh@almamercy.org
Monthly Enquirers Group About the Catholic Faith
Join us on Thursday, 20 August at 7:00pm for our next 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.
Want to Become Catholic? RCIA Begins in September
If you would like to become Catholic, the way to do it is through our Cathedral RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) course. The group meets every Tuesday evening at 7:00pm-8:30pm at 61 York Place from Tuesday, 15th September until just before Easter. For any questions or to register, please contact the Cathedral office at cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk.
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 or contact Fergus Christie at ferguschristie7@gmail.com
Traditional Latin Mass Summer Picnic
All are very welcome to join the Traditional Latin Mass Community’s summer picnic at St Andrew’s parish rooms and grounds on Sunday August 23, 1.15 to 3 p.m. Please bring your own packed food and picnic blanket; drinks and biscuits/cakes will be provided. Contact: Fr Brendan Gerard, 0131 332 3750 / edinburgh@fssp.org
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
Save the Date: St. Andrew’s, Ravelston: Parishioners’ Meeting
This year, the annual meeting, at which the parishioners of St. Andrew’s, Ravelston, will have the opportunity to discuss with Father Jeremy and Father Joshua any issues, which particularly relate to the community at St. Andrew’s, will take place in the Parish Rooms on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, at 6.45pm - do make a note in your diaries and come along!
Save the Date: Parish BBQ at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston
All are welcome to our annual Parish Barbecue on Sunday 6th September at 1:30pm! Enjoy BBQ treats and salads to suit (both meat and vegetarian options), all included in ticket price. Various soft drinks, tea and coffee. And for a small charge, a cheeky glass of wine! Tickets on sale soon!
Mass for World Day of Grandparents & the Elderly
Today is the annual World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly. This day is an opportunity to honour the presence of older people in our families, parishes, and communities. Bishop John Keenan will celebrate Mass at Carfin Grotto ML1 5AJ in Motherwell Diocese at 3:00pm today. “May this day… be an inspiration for everyone, especially the young, to revive the beautiful custom of visiting their grandparents, the elderly members of the family and even those who have no one to visit them.” (Pope Leo XIV, Message for the 6th World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly)
A Day of Prayer and Witness for Life: Annual Pilgrimage at Carfin
Scotland’s annual Pilgrimage for Life takes place at Carfin Grotto on Saturday 1 August - an opportunity to give thanks for the gift of human life and to pray protection of life from conception to natural death. Carfin Grotto, ML1 5AJ, Saturday 1 August 2026. Holy Mass at midday, 2:00pm Eucharistic Adoration, 2:15pm Stations of the Cross, 2:45pm Divine Mercy Chaplet, 3:30pm Holy Rosary. Visit https://www.carfingrotto.org/
Plaque Unveiling for 150th Year of Hiberinian FC, Saturday, 8 August
The Hibernian FC celebrates its 150th anniversary this year, and the St Patrick's Branch is marking the occasion by unveiling a commemorative plaque as the grand finale to the celebrations with the Hibs legend, Pat Stanton. Come along to the Cowgate Entrance Gates of St. Patrick’s Church EH1 1TQ on Saturday, 8 August at 1:30pm for the unveiling. (Please note the change of date and timefor this event from last week’s notice.) Also, on Saturday 22nd August following 10.30am Mass, at 11am St. Patrick’s Church will host the Presentation of Posthumous Scroll in honour of Canon Hannan from the Mayor of Limerick to St. Patrick's, followed by a Hibs FC Heritage Tour of the City, ending at The Grange Cemetery 1.30pm.
Fridays in August: St. Patrick’s Church Tour and Catholic History Walk
Come along for a free Friday evening tour of St Patrick's Cowgate EH1 1TQ, one of Edinburgh's oldest Catholic churches, during in August to hear about the rich history of this beautiful historic church and the surrounding street.. A tour will run each Friday of August meeting in the main vestibule of the church to begin at 7pm.
Save the Date: National Youth Pilgrimage, Ages 18-35
The National Youth Pilgrimage (for ages 18–35) id on Saturday 26 September 2026 at Pluscarden Abbey. 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