20th Sunday of the Year
Festival Mass
Today Sunday, 16 August, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, His Grace, Archbishop Cushley, celebrates the Festival Mass at Noon at the Cathedral. The Festival Mass is celebrated each year in August as we welcome dignitaries from across the city, including the Lord Provost and City Councillors, representatives of the Consular Corps in Edinburgh, the High Constables, and other guests.
Welcome
We are delighted to welcome Deacon Gerard Holden to the Cathedral. Deacon Gerard was ordained to the Diaconate earlier this year and will be continuing his studies in Rome during the academic year, but then returning to us during the academic holidays to serve in the parish.
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.
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, 17 August, 7:30pm
Tomorrow, 17th August, at 7:30pm 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. 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
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!
Summer Second Collections in August
This weekend and other weekends during the month of August we will be taking a second collection for the building fund which will be put towards planned future roof works. There are some Building Fund envelopes (blue) for you to use if you wish to Gift Aid your donation. You can pick these up at the back of the church.
Donations for the roof fund are gratefully received at any time and can be made through our website: www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/donate by cash/cheque sent to the Parish Office (61 York Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3JD).
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
What’s On Formed
Enrich your knowledge of the Catholic faith with your free account on Formed.org. This week on Formed is ‘Lectio: Mary with Dr. Brant Pitre’ Why is Mary so important to Catholics, and why have so many people been devoted to her over the centuries? In this 8-part series, Dr. Brant Pitre examines what the Old and New Testaments, the life of Christ, and the early Church fathers reveal about the life and identity of Mary. (https://app.formed.org/app/collections/123211) Also the 6-episode series ‘Into His Likeness with Dr. Edward Sri’: In the ancient disciple-rabbi relationship, the disciple would follow the rabbi so closely that he would be covered in the dust kicked up from his rabbi’s feet. Thousands of years later, though we walk on roads of pavement and not dust, we are still called to be disciples—to follow our Rabbi, Jesus Christ, so closely that we are covered with his life, changed, and made new. (https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1125464) 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.
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!
Annual Parish BBQ at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston
Tickets will be on sale next weekend for 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! All are welcome!
BBQ Stall Donations: Books, Bric a Brac & Bottles for the Tombola
From next weekend, donations for all these stalls can be left at the back of the church before Mass or given to the BBQ reps who will be available to collect in donations after Mass until 12.30. We are especially looking for a selection of bottles for the tombola, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Please make sure to label your donations with the appropriate stall name. Donations of plants and cakes would also be most welcome and can be brought on the day of the BBQ. Thank you! Queries? Contact standrewsevents1901@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
Race Night Sponsoring
Thanks to everyone who has signed up to sponsor so far! We are still looking for sponsors for 2 races and 27 horses so please sponsor if you are able! £25 per race, £5 per horse. Please see Emily to sign up or contact Fergus Christie at ferguschristie7@gmail.com.
Race Night Tickets on Sale Next Week
Tickets for the Race Night at St Andrew’s Ravelston on Friday 18 September following 6pm Mass (first race 7pm) will be on sale next week. Tickets are £10 available by cash or card. Light supper included, but BYOB. Please also bring cash with you on the night for the betting and the usual second collection! Please see Emily, Fergus or Caroline for tickets.
Catenians Meeting for Catholic Men
The Catenian Association invites all Catholic men to their next meeting on Wednesday, 19th August, 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/
An Evening of Formation for Catholic Men
An evening of formation for Catholic adult lay men will be held in the Ravelston rooms Wednesday 26 August, 6:30 pm-7:30 pm. The group is inspired by the spirit of Opus Dei, and focuses on the Catholic Church’s teaching on the universal call to holiness and virtues applicable to the activities of lay faithful like family life, study and work. If you would like to attend please email Juan Pablo at juanpablo.andrader@gmail.com.
Edinburgh Festival of the Sacred Arts – 16th-22nd August
Now in its 8th year, Edinburgh Festival of the Sacred Arts is an integral part of the Fringe and this year runs from today, Sunday, 16 August to Saturday, 22 August. The week includes recitals, competition finals, poetry readings, drama and film screening and an art exhibition. The wide range of peformances includes O for a Thousand Tongues: Celebrating ‘The Musical Wesleys’ on Wednesday, 19th August 7:30pm, (Adult: £16.50, Child: £11.50) at Church of the Sacred Heart, Lauriston St EH3 9DJ, with the Sacred Arts Festival Singers and a brass ensemble from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. View the full Festival of the Sacred Arts programme and buy tickets at https://www.edinburghsacredartsfestival.org/programme
Be Part of the National Conversation
The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland is encouraging Catholics across Scotland to take part in the UK Government’s National Conversation, which invites people to share their experiences of life in their communities and their hopes for the future. The National Conversation remains open until the end of August and is a unique opportunity for people across the UK to share, in their own words, what is working well in their communities, the challenges they face, and their hopes for the future.
This is an opportunity for us to share the positive impact of our parishes, schools, charities and communities, as well as the values that inspire us to build a more compassionate and united society. Complete the National Conversation survey: https://www.national-conversation.ox.ac.uk/. The survey has been independently designed and is run by Nuffield College, University of Oxford. It takes around eight minutes to complete, is anonymous, and includes the option to submit a 60-second voice note.
Christian Women’s Craft Group
Christian women are invited to join a craft group Saturday, 29th August, 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
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Training
Are you interested in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and want to learn more? Enquire about our training day for assistants on Tuesday 1 September, 10:00am-3:00pm, at St Columba's,
9 Upper Gray Street, Edinburgh, EH9 1SN - a day to prepare volunteers to be involved prior to undertaking the full training course. Register your interest here: https://bit.ly/CGS-training-1Sept26
Altar Servers' Day
The Annual Day for Altar Servers takes place on Saturday 5 September from 10:30am-3:00pm at The Gillis Centre in Edinburgh. Please speak to Fr Joshua for details.
National Youth Pilgrimage: Focus on Religious and Monastic Life
The National Youth Pilgrimage (for ages 18–35) will take place on Saturday 26 September at Pluscarden Abbey. This year’s focus is 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 people are invited to travel with the Archdiocese. To register please contact youth.office@staned.org.uk.
Ignatian Spirituality Centre: Growth in Prayer and Reflective Living Course
GPRL (Growth in Prayer and Reflective Living) is for people who want to deepen their faith, explore Ignatian Spirituality and learn how to listen better to others and God. It is ideal also as a follow on for those who have completed RCIA. It can be done in person at the Ignatian Spirituality Centre, 35 Scott Street, Glasgow, G3 6PE (6 Saturdays throughout the year beginning 10th October) or online (3x 6 week evening blocks beginning 8th September). Register online at https://www.iscglasgow.co.uk/gprl