19th Sunday of the Year - Year A
Whatsoever You Do: Music for the Homeless Jesus, 17 August, 7:30pm
Requiem Mass for Canon Leo Glancy
His Grace, Archishop Leo, will celebrate the Requiem Mass for Canon Leo Glancy here at St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral this Tuesday, 11 August at Noon. Canon Leo died, aged 87, on 23 July. He was ordained at the Cathedral in 1963 by Cardinal Gray. He volunteered for missionary work in Nigeria from 1968-1971 and played a pivotal role in rebuilding the Catholic community in Gombe. Canon Glancy faithfully served the Archdiocese for more than six decades. His parishes included St Mary’s Cathedral; Our Lady’s, Currie; St Mary’s, Haddington; St Catherine’s, Edinburgh; Christ the King and Sacred Heart, Grangemouth. He also served as Spiritual Director at the former Gillis Seminary and had served as Chaplain for the Catholic Deaf Community. He was latterly living at Nazareth House in Glasgow and died in Gartnavel Hospital. He will be laid to rest at Mount Vernon Cemetery. There will be a retiral collection for those wishing to support the work of The Deaf Association. We give thanks for Canon Glancy's long and devoted priestly ministry, and we commend him to the mercy of God. Please keep him, his family, friends and all who mourn him in your prayers. May he rest in peace. (Please note there will be no 12:45pm Mass on Tuesday, 11 August. Confessions will be available after the 12:00pm Requiem Mass.)
Next Sunday: Festival Mass
Next 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.
Fr. John Peter’s 50th Birthday Celebration with Indian Meal for Cathedral Building Fund
Tickets are available from this weekend for the special event on Friday, 28th August at 7:00pm in Coffee Saints in celebration of Fr. John Peter’s 50th birthday, which was on 1st August. 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. All proceeds will go for the Cathedral Building Fund. Tickets are £10 each and available for purchase 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.
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
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. 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
What’s On Formed
Enrich your knowledge of the Catholic faith with your free account on Formed.org. This week on Formed is “Radiating Joy: The Michelle Duppong Story”, the moving story of Servant of God Michelle Duppong, a young woman who faced a year-long battle with cancer with perseverance, faith and a docile spirit until she passed away at the age of 31 in 2015. She accepted God’s will every step of the way and her sainthood cause is now opened (https://app.formed.org/app/videos/3576906) Also, ‘The Search Begins’, a seven-episode video series hosted by Chris Stefanick that emphasizes why a teenager should care to ask life’s tough questions and, ultimately, seek an answer to this most important question: Who is Jesus Christ, and how do I respond to his invitation? (https://app.formed.org/app/collections/919899). 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.
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!
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
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!
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. Please see Emily to sign up or contact Fergus Christie at ferguschristie7@gmail.com
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 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
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
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.
Holy Hour for Vocations to the Priesthood
All are welcome to a Holy Hour with Eucharistic Adoration 6:30pm-7:30pm to pray for Vocations to the Priesthood tomorrow Monday, 10 August in the convent chapel of the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, next to St. Andrew’s Church, Ravelston. The Holy Hour will begin immediately following 6:00pm Mass. Holy Hours will be on the 2nd Monday of the month thereafter.
Feel Called to the Priesthood?
If you have been wondering whether God could be calling you to become a priest, you are not alone. If you are considering this call, take that step and get in touch today. Contact our Vocations Director at frpatrick.burke@staned.org.uk. Come and see where the Lord may be leading you.
SPUC Hosts Margaret Akers to Discuss The Alma Mater Fund
Margaret Akers of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children will speak about the work that The Alma Mater Fund does for pregnant and parenting students. Join us on Wednesday, 12 August at 7:00pm in the parish rooms at St. Andrew's, Ravelston. With the right support, a woman can achieve the best for herself and her child. The Alma Mater Fund is an initiative of SPUC and provides financial grants to pregnant students at universities across the UK, supporting them in pursuing their academic and personal goals. All are welcome!
The Runciman Murals at St Patricks Church, Cowgate
On Wednesday 12 August at 6.30pm there will be an evening of short talks at St Patrick's Church, Cowgate, about the remarkable (and partially over-painted) eighteenth-century murals by noted Scottish painter Alexander Runciman in the apse of the church. The event will consist of talks by Professor Viccy Coltman, Dr Rory Lamb and Teresa Keenan (art historian and project manager), followed by tea and coffee. The speakers will discuss the murals and their historical, artistic and architectural context, as well as outlining the work required to complete their restoration. Entry is free of charge.
Host Families Needed for Brazilian High School Students
The World Education Program (WEP), a study abroad organisation, has an urgent need for host families in Edinburgh. A group of Brazilian high school students, aged 15 to 18, arrives in Scotland on 15th August and WEP still needs to place a number of them with local families for their stay of just over three months. The students come fully funded through a Brazilian government scholarship programme and are among the top of their class. Host families receive c.£500 per calendar month and are asked to provide a single room, breakfast and dinner. All school transport and pocket money are covered separately. For information, please contact Angelo Pimental at wepeducation@wep.org or visit https://www.wepeducation.co.uk/host-a-student
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 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
Annual National Pilgrimage to Whithorn
On the last Sunday of August each year, a Galloway diocesan pilgrimage to St Ninian’s Cave, Whithorn takes place and Mass is 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/