The Newsletter for the 22nd Sunday of the Year
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 am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” (John 6:51)
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.
Friends of St Mary's Cathedral WelcomeArchbishop William Nolan of Glasgow on 4 September, 7.30pm
We are delighted to welcome His Grace, Archbishop William Nolan, to the Cathedral on Friday, 4 September to speak to us about His Holiness Pope Leo’s first apostolic exhortation, Dilexi Te, released in October 2025. The exhortation concerns Christ's love for the poor and the call for the Church to renew its commitment to those most in need. You can read Dilexi Te here
All are welcome, please let Friends of the Cathedral know that you can come by emailing cathedralnews@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
What’s On Formed
Enrich your knowledge of the Catholic faith with your free account on Formed.org. Choose from a selection of ebooks on Formed, including, A Mother's Rule of Life: How to Bring Order to Your Home & Peace to Your Soul by Holly Pierlot (https://app.formed.org/app/ebooks/114459). Holly’s Rule is not just another set of schedules; it’s a way for Christian mothers to answer God’s call to holiness. To read the book, just download the free Mobi Reader app from the App Store. Also watch New Testament: Book Overviews” by the Bible Project, and see how the story of the Old Testament is carried forward in the New Testament. Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah of Israel. He is the fulfillment of the Hebrew Scriptures and God’s covenant promises. The Bible Project is a nonprofit dedicated to spreading the Word of God. (https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1130881) 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.
Young Adults Bible Study
A group of young adults (18-35) is meeting on Saturdays at 1.00-2.15pm in 63 York Place to read and reflect on the Gospel of Mark. Meetings and the relevant chapter are on Saturday August 29th (ch12), September 5th (ch13), 12th(ch14), 19th(ch15), 26th (ch16). Come and see!
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
Donations for all these stalls can be left at the back of the church before Sunday Mass or given to the BBQ reps who will be available to collect in donations after Mass until 12.30. Alternatively, BBQ reps will be at the Church between 5 and 6pm on Monday, 31st August to collect any donations before Mass that evening. We are especially looking for a selection of bottles for the tombola, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic as well as books and quality bric-a-brac. 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.
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 also bring cash with you on the night for the betting and the usual second collection! Please see Emily, Fergus or Caroline for tickets.
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 16 horses so please sponsor if you are able! £25 per race, £5 per horse. Cash only. Sponsorship needs to be finalised by the end of August. Please see Emily to sign up or contact Fergus, ferguschristie7@gmail.com.
Parish Pilgrimage to Holy Island – Lindisfarne Saturday 19 September
Join us for a special parish pilgrimage to Holy Island (Lindisfarne) on Saturday 19 September. We will leave Edinburgh by coach at 7.30am and return later that evening. The day will include the celebration of Holy Mass on the island, with an optional guided tour led by Sr Tessa from the local parish. The cost is just £10 towards travel. Come and spend a day exploring this historic centre of Christian faith, following in the footsteps of St Aidan and St Cuthbert, and sharing in the life and beauty of this remarkable holy place. Places are limited and time is short, so please register your interest with the parish office as soon as possible by emailing cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
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.
Pastoral Letter on Assisted Suicide
Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland’s Marriage, Family and Life Office, has issued a pastoral letter ahead of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill returning to the House of Commons on 11 September. He urges you to contact your MP and ask them to vote against the Bill, while also encouraging prayer and support for those who are seriously ill, their families and carers. The full pastoral letter can be read online at archedinburgh.org/news
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 we will be taking the last of our summer second collections 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
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.
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
Season of Creation Conference
A day of inspiration, reflection and practical action to celebrate the Season of Creation. Saturday 5 September, 10:00am - 3:00pm, Eyre Hall, Clyde Street, Glasgow, G1 4JY. The day will include practical workshops exploring how parishes, schools and communities can engage young people and parish groups in caring for our common home. The keynote speaker is Lorna Gold, Executive Director of the Laudato Si’ Movement. Register: bit.ly/SeasonofCreation26
Children’s Liturgy Leaders' Morning
A morning of prayer and reflection for Children’s Liturgy leaders will be held on Saturday 12 September, from 9:00am-midday, at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1EE. The event will begin with Mass in St Margaret’s Chapel, celebrated by Fr Adrian Porter SJ, followed by sessions on reading and reflecting on the Gospels and on personal prayer. Register now at bit.ly/kidliturgyevent
Next Saturday: 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. Please speak to Fr Joshua for details.
Beginning Experience, Scotland
Beginning Experience has been assisting in the pastoral care of those suffering the bereavement of separation, divorce or widowhood for over 20 years in Scotland. They are offering a weekend experience where participants will be given the opportunity to deal with their feelings, begin to come to terms with their loss and grief, and start to live again as oppose to just existing. The next weekend will take place from the 16th-18th October 2026 at Conforti Centre, Coatbridge. For more information or to register email: beginningexperiencescotland2@gmail.com. Completed applications must be returned by 2nd October 2026.
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
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. For more information email youth.office@staned.org.uk
Teams of Our Lady: Married Couples Rooted in the Catholic Faith
Teams of Our Lady is a Christian movement focused on married spirituality, helping couples deepen their sacramental marriage and grow in faith together. A group based in the Cathedral parish is open for new members to join. For more information see https://teamsgb.org.uk/ or speak with Father Jeremy.
Volunteer to Support Children with Special Needs in Edinburgh
Three new adult volunteers are needed for the newly forming Children SPRED (Special Religious Development) group meeting at George Square in Edinburgh on Fridays from 3pm-4pm. The spiritual programme for children with special needs fosters communion with Jesus Christ within the Catholic community of faith. Please contact Sister Mary Benedicta Maier, RSM (srmary.benedicta@staned.org.uk) if interested in learning about becoming a SPRED volunteer catechist for this new Edinburgh children's group.
£15 Leadership Event Offer for Young Adults
Young people aged 17–35 are invited to attend The Revival and The Calling at the SEC Armadillo, Glasgow, on 1–2 October. A limited number of tickets, normally around £125, are available for just £15. Join this opportunity for Christian worship, prayer and leadership development. Email gensec@bcos.org.uk by Friday 4 September to request ticket. More information at https://thecalling.scot/