21st Sunday of the Year - Year A
Parish Pastoral Council Meeting This Week – Email Your Input
The next meeting of the Parish Pastoral Council is Wednesday, 26 August. To contact the Parish Council with any comments or suggestions about the parish, please email parishcouncil@stmarycathedral.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. “I and the Father are one. ” (John 10:30)
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. As the Church celebrates St. Augustine of Hippo this week on Friday, 28th August, Formed presents ‘Augustine: A Voice for all Generations with Mike Aquilina’ on St. Augustine (354-430) a preeminent Doctor of the Church and the patron of the Augustinian order, the religious community of our Holy Father,
Pope Leo XIV, who is the first Augustinian Pope. St. Augustine’s works, including The City of God, On the Trinity, and Confessions, among many others, have had an inestimable impact on the Church and, by extension, on Western Civilization at large. Yet, where did such faith begin? After rejecting his mother's Christianity as simplistic and restraining, Augustine embarked on a path towards self-gratification, marked by the pursuit of money, political power, and sexual pleasure.
Explore the conversion story of one of the most significant figures in Church history and learn about his struggle to find answers amid a sea of competing voices. Travel to fourth-century Rome and Milan to discover why St. Augustine has become "A Voice for All Generations." (https://app.formed.org/app/videos/582304?cid=614746)
Also, explore ‘The Confessions of St. Augustine’ in a 6-part series with Dr. Elizabeth Klein and Dr. John Sehorn, professors at the Augustine Institute. A classic of western literature that has shaped thought for over 1,500 years, Confessions is a spiritual masterpiece reflecting man's relationship with God. Join these two patristic scholars as they help viewers learn how to read this classic text and draw from the riches of the spiritual life of Saint Augustine. (https://app.formed.org/app/collections/765930)
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!
Tickets on Sale: Annual Parish BBQ at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston
Tickets are on sale today after Mass 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! Adults (16+) £6.00; Children (5+) £2.50 and Under 5s are FREE!
BBQ Stall Donations: Books, Bric a Brac & Bottles for the Tombola
From this 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.
Next Sunday: 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 1 more race and 19 horses so please sponsor if you are able! £25 per race, £5 per horse. Sponsorship needs to be finalised by the end of August. Please see Emily to sign up or contact Fergus Christie at ferguschristie7@gmail.com.
Race Night Tickets Now on Sale
Tickets for the Race Night at St Andrew’s Ravelston on Friday 18 September following 6pm Mass (first race 7pm) are now on sale. Tickets are £10, by cash or card. Light supper included, but BYOB. Please bring cash with you on the night for the betting and the usual second collection! Please see Emily, Fergus or Caroline for tickets.
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.
Bible Study
A group is meeting on Saturdays at 1.00-2.15pm in 63 York Place to read and reflect on the Gospel of Mark. The next meeting is on Saturday 22nd August (chapter 11) and then 29th August (ch12), 5th (ch13), 12th(ch14), 19th(ch15), 26th September (ch16). All are welcome.
Want to Become Catholic? RCIA Begins in September
If you would like to become Catholic, join 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 15th September until just before Easter. For any questions or to register, please contact the Cathedral office at cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk.
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 next 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 or 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
Ask MPs to Vote 'No' on Assisted Suicide
Please contact your MP today and urge them to vote no to assisted suicide in the UK Parliament. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill is expected to return to the House of Commons for debate and a vote on 11th September. Vulnerable people must be protected, proper care strengthened, and compassion, dignity and support prioritised over assisted suicide. Find your MP at: https://members.parliament.uk/members/commons
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 on life in their communities and their hopes for the future. The Conversation remains open until the end of August and is a unique opportunity for people across the UK to share what is working well in their communities, the challenges they face and hopes for the future. 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.
Update: Resposes to Consultation on Scottish Diocesan Structures
Thank you to all who participated in the Archdiocesan online consultation on Scottish Diocesan Structures. The survey ran 5 June-26 June 2026 and gathered 146 responses. Archbishop Cushley is grateful to all who gave their time to share thoughtful reflections on how the Church’s structures can best support her mission. Please continue to keep this important process, and all those involved in it, in your prayers. A summary of the principal recurring themes is online at https://archedinburgh.org/update-consultation-on-diocesan-structures/
Christian Women’s Craft Group Meeting Cancelled
Please note the meeting of the Christian Women’s Craft Group in the Ravelston parish rooms for Saturday, 29th August is cancelled. To register for future meetings, please email christiancraftgroup@hotmail.com.
‘Catholic Conversations’ for Women Resumes
All women are invited on Saturday, 29 August from 3:45-4:45pm for conversation about the topic of Christian friendship hosted by the Religious Sisters of Mercy at the St. Andrew’s Parish rooms (77 Belford Rd, EH4 3DS). Refreshments will be offered. Following the event, women may also join the Sisters for Holy Hour with Adoration and chanted Vespers at 5:10pm. To register, email the Sisters at edinburgh@almamercy.org or call 0131 343 3380.
Annual National Pilgrimage to Whithorn
Join the Galloway Diocesan pilgrimage to St Ninian’s Cave, Whithorn with Mass celebrated on the shore at Port Castle Bay where Saint Ninian is said to have retreated for prayer. This year Mass will be celebrated at 4:00pm on Sunday 30 August 2026. The principal celebrant will be Bishop Frank Dougan, Saint Ninian’s successor, and he will be joined by other bishops and priests from Scotland. Full details online at https://archedinburgh.org/event/national-pilgrimage-to-st-ninians-cave-whithorn/
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 at 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. The day features training, games, activities, inspiring talks, and concludes with Holy Mass celebrated by Archbishop Cushley. Don’t miss this special day of faith and fun for altar servers from across the Archdiocese! 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 and will include a tour of the Abbey, a Q&A with the monks, talks on vocation, and a Vigil Mass with Archbishop Cushley. View a brief video message on the day from Archbishop Cushley at https://bit.ly/ArchbpCushleyYouthPilgrimage26. Coach travel from the Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB. Suggested contribution: £10. Travel times and stops will be confirmed nearer the date. To register, email youth.office@staned.org.uk
Poverty in Scotland: Can We Do More?
Join us for a day of speakers, discussion and practical ideas on how our parishes can respond to poverty in Scotland. Speakers include Patricia McCartney, National President, Society of St Vincent de Paul and Peter Kelly, Chief Executive, Poverty Alliance. It's a chance to connect, share ideas, and spark change. Event organised by the Caritas, Justice & Peace Commission of the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh. Saturday 3 October, 10:30am-4:00pm, Gillis Centre, Edinburgh. Tickets & info: bit.ly/povertyinscotland
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! Walks will have a Catholic faith base, allowing for discussion and prayer, All walking days are Saturdays:
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