18th Sunday of the Year
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, who served as Cathedral Administrator from 1996. The book recounts 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 in the octagon after our Masses this weekend. All profit from the sale of the book is donated to L’Arche for Mgr David’s House.
Fr. John Peter’s 50th Birthday Celebration
with Indian Meal for Cathedral Building Fund
Fr. John Peter celebrated his 50th birthday on 1st August! Please join us on Friday, 28th August at 7:00pm in Coffee Saints for this celebration. The parish is the family of the priest and all are welcome to mark this milestone! He will host the event and cook a delicious Indian meal (please note, the meal contains nuts). There also will be a cash bar and some dances from the Indian community. All proceeds will go for the Cathedral Building Fund. Tickets will be on sale for £10 each from next weekend after all Masses. You can book your place by emailing Deacon Peter at deacon@stmaryscathedral.co.uk (please kindly indicate if you are vegetarian).
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. “Christ, in exchange for the humanity that He has taken to Himself from us, will give us a share in His divinity.” (Blessed Columba Marmion)
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 Footprints of God: The Story of Salvation from Abraham to Augustine,’ a documentary film series hosted by popular Catholic author, speaker, and apologist Steve Ray. Meet the people and see the places that shaped the salvation story through Scripture and Church history. It's a fast-paced, entertaining biography, travel documentary, Bible study, apologetics course, and Church history study rolled into one remarkable adventure! (https://app.formed.org/app/collections/115606) For Catholic parents, do you ever feel like it's almost impossible to raise holy kids who love God (and sit still in Mass!) in our modern world? You're not alone. “The Catholic Parent” is a six-episode series that aims to encourage you as a mum or dad as you embrace your God-given role to form your family in the richness of the Catholic faith. (https://app.formed.org/app/collections/883406). Also, “Footprints: The Path of Your Life” a video about 11 young men from the U.S. walking 1,000 kilometers on the Way of St. James pilgrimage. They are looking for answers, not beautiful scenery: How do you deal with pain and suffering? Do the weak quit or do they find meaning on the Camino? How much baggage is enough or too much? (https://app.formed.org/app/videos/2810749) 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.
PLEASE CONSIDER VOLUNTEERING
We are once again appealing for volunteers to clean our Cathedral. The Cathedral does not clean itself – it needs YOU. We have a small group of individuals who regularly clean the cathedral and they do a wonderful job, but we really need a larger group of volunteers to share the load and ensure that the Cathedral is cleaned on a regular basis. The Cathedral is a sanctuary where we can gather to connect with our faith, find solace, and seek guidance. Regular cleaning plays a vital role in both preserving the sanctity of the Cathedral and ensuring a positive experience for both parishioners and visitors; a clean Cathedral is more than just a visually appealing space, it is a reflection of the reverence and respect that we have for the Lord. The cleaning group meet every Wednesday between 2pm – 4pm, and even if you cannot attend every week, helping, on a regular basis, once or twice per month would be greatly appreciated. If you would like to join the group, or find out more, please contact Elizabeth Andrews at Elizabeth@rhandrews.plus.com telephone: 07989 098 576
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.
Festival Mass
Sunday, 16 August: His Grace, Archbishop Cushley, will celebrate the annual Festival Mass at Noon at the Cathedral. Join us at the start of the week of our Cathedral’s patronal feast - the Assumption, which falls on 15th August – during Edinburgh’s International Festival.
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/
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
Young Women Invited to Come and See: 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
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!
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
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 with the Hibs legend, Pat Stanton at Cowgate Entrance Gates of St. Patrick’s Church EH1 1TQ on Saturday, 8 August at 1:30pm. 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 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.
Visit https://stpatricksedinburgh.com/ for parish information.
Dundee Men’s Rosary Rally
Join the Dundee Men’s Rosary Rally on the 3rd Sunday of the month, 10:00am at City Square, Dundee DD1 3BY. For enquiries, contact nescotmensrosary@yahoo.com.
Walking 'The Way': Fife Pilgrim Way Walks with Deacon Pat Carrigan
Deacon Pat Carrigan will be walking the Fife Pilgrim Way again this year and parishioners are welcome to join him on any of the stages. Walking 'The Way' will have a Catholic faith base, allowing for discussion and prayer, and attendance at Vigil Mass where possible at the end of some of the stages. As a lead in to the Fife Pilgrim Way, join in a walking a route looping the River Tay at Birnam (Dunkeld) and The Hermitage in the beautiful Perthshire forest with 4:00pm Vigil Mass available at St Columba's, Birnam. All walking days are Saturdays:
22nd August - River Tay and Hermitage loop from Birnam
29th August - FPW Stage 1 - Culross (St Mungo's Chapel) to the Shrine of St Margaret Dunfermline.
5th September - FPW Stage 2 - St Margaret's Dunfermline to St Joseph's, Kelty.
12th September - FPW Stage 3 - Lochore Meadows Country Park to St Mary's Lesle.
19th September - FPW Stage 4 - St Mary's Leslie to St Giles, Kennoway.
26th September - FPW Stage 5 - St Giles, Kennoway to Ceres Church of Scotland.
3rd October - FPW - Stage 6 - Ceres to Cathedral ruins and St James, St Andrews.
Request further details and register by emailing Columbasway@gmail.com