The Newsletter for the 24th Sunday of the Year - Year A

Sacramental Preparation for Children not in Catholic Education

Children who have been baptized but are not in Catholic education and are now at an age to make their sacraments are invited to collect an information letter and registration form from the Sacristy or the Parish Office. Please email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk to receive a form by email. Kindly complete the form and return it to the parish office directly. As children outside of Catholic education do not receive catechesis in school, the parish provides sacramental preparation classes at St Andrew’s Church in Ravelston, the details of which are available in the information letter. As a guide, Primary 3s are prepared for First Confession, Primary 4s for First Holy Communion, and Primary 7s for Confirmation.

Young Adults’ Group (18-35): The Seven Sacraments 

The Young Adults’ Group will resume on Tuesday 22 September for a new series of talks on the seven Sacraments. Meetings in 63 York Place (around the corner from the Cathedral) every Tuesday, with tea & coffee from 7pm, guest speakers at 7.30pm, and concluding with Night Prayer and a pub trip. The Young Adults’ Group is a great way to meet other young Catholics in the city, and to grow in knowledge and love of the faith, with some great speakers having agreed to join us over these coming weeks. A new WhatsApp channel will soon be available for all the latest news! Kindly note that the age limit for the Young Adults’ Group has been set at 35 to allow for more targeted content, but for those now ‘aging out’ of the young adults’ group, please see the notice below!

Young Adults’ Graduates (35+)

A new Cathedral initiative to meet a growing ‘gap in the market’. Those who are now graduating out of the Young Adults’ Group, or perhaps have never been a member but would like to meet other Catholics of a similar age, are invited to join an initial meet and greet at 61 York Place at 7pm on Monday 5 October to discuss. Contact cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk for more information.

Neocatechumenal Way Catechesis for Adults & Young People

Attend the Neocatechumenal Way Catechesis for Adults & Young People, every Monday and Thursday at 7:30pm in 63 York Place EH1 3JD. Come and listen. Christ is risen! Inquiries: Ian at ijmcgoldrick@gmail.com

Parish BBQ at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston Last Weekend

A huge thank you to all those involved in making our 2026 summer BBQ another great success!  The event was very well attended and it was lovely to see so many people enjoying the food, socialising and finding a few treats at our stalls to take home with them.  We hope everyone left well fed as our hardworking BBQ chefs cooked more than 100 burgers, around 150 sausages and over 10 kilos of chicken over the course of the afternoon! Thank you to everyone who came along and supported this event and, in particular, to our chefs, to all those who helped set up, helped sell from our many stalls as well as those who helped clear up at the end.  Your help is hugely appreciated - without it, we would not be able to host an event like this each year.

Although we are still settling final expenses, it is already clear that the BBQ will have raised a significant sum for the church. Thank you all!

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. “Only God, in His infinity, can satisfy the infinite desire of the human heart, and for this reason the Son of God chose to become our brother and redeemer.” (Pope Leo XIV, 2025 Apostolic Letter, In Unitate Fidei) 

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, September 19th(ch15), 26th (ch16). Come and see!

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. Come and adore our Lord Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.

Arthur Oldham Project: Call for Former Choir Members of St Mary's Cathedral

St Mary's Catholic Cathedral is undertaking a new project about the music of Arthur Oldham, the Cathedral's renowned choirmaster from 1956-71. To mark the centenary of his birth, the project will bring to life Oldham's music housed in the Cathedral archive, including a special concert on 20 November and a new CD recording by the Schola Cantorum in the new year. The project is supported by a funded internship made possible by the Scottish Graduate School of Arts and Humanities (SGSAH).  The team is keen to speak to former choristers who were part of Arthur Oldham's choir at St Mary's Cathedral, and who are willing to share their memories. Please contact Cameron Shippee at ArthurOldhamProject@gmail.com for more information.

Buy Bouquets of Flowers to Support Cathedral

Beautiful flower bouquets will be sold after Masses this weekend to support the Cathedral Building Fund – while supplies last! Why not surprise someone who you love with a gift of flowers today? Suggested donation £10.

Society of St Vincent de Paul, Mass for the Sick

There will be a Mass for the sick on Saturday 26th September at 12:30pm.The SSVP will be delighted to welcome anyone who wishes to attend.  If you know of someone who would like to attend and needs assstance in getting to the Cathedral please let us know. Email sspv.ae01.023@gmail.com or call Cathedral House with your contact details.  Light refreshments will be available in the Octagon after Mass. 

Open Doors Event at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston

St Andrew’s, Raveslton is taking part in Edinburgh’s Open Doors event on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September. The church will be open from 2.00-4.30pm each day. If you have not visited or know friends and neighbours who might be interested in seeing this attractive church, all are welcome. This marks the start of the celebrations for the 125th anniversary of the founding of St Andrew’s.

What’s On Formed 

Enrich your knowledge of the Catholic faith with your free account on Formed.org. This week features “The Seven Sorrows of Mary”(the Servite Rosary), a traditional Catholic devotion featuring meditations on sorrowful episodes in the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The prayers and meditations are accompanied by images of sacred art from many of the great masters. (https://app.formed.org/app/videos/585118/) Also,“Metanoia: A Journey with Christ into Conversion” is an 11-part series beautifully filmed on location in the Holy Land. Each of the episodes explores areas of our life where conversion is so often necessary. Metanoia will examine topics such as who is Jesus, what must we do to inherit eternal life, and many other significant matters of faith. (https://app.formed.org/app/collections/762170) 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.

Ravelston: Two Volunteers Needed to Care for the Altar Linens Used at Mass

We still need two more volunteers at St Andrew's to join our team of helpers for the sacred linens rota. Volunteers take a turn every 4-6 weeks collecting, laundering, and ironing the previous weeks linens. Training will be provided - laundering and ironing can be done from your own home. The priest uses three white linen cloths during the consecration of the Eucharist: the corporal for placing on the altar, the purificator for the chalice, and the finger towel for the washing of the hands.  These are the sacred linens that need to be laundered and ironed each week.We really need your help with this essential ministry. Please emailcathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk to volunteer or speak with the Sisters or Tina Frank.

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! 

Race Night Tickets Now on Sale

 Tickets are still available for the Race Night at St Andrew’s Ravelston on Friday 18 September following 6pm mass (first race 7pm). 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.

Race Night Sponsoring

Thanks to everyone who has signed up to sponsor! We now have sponsors for all the races and horses! Any money still due needs to be paid asap please! Cash only. Anyone unable to come to the race night is welcome to make a donation if they wish. Please see Emily or Fergus, or alternatively you can place it into the parish project donation box at the back of the church.

Want to Become Catholic? RCIA Begins This Week

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, contact cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk.

Crux Magazine on Sale Now

The latest edition of Crux magazine will be available for purchase (£5) after Masses this weekend.  Inside you will get to learn more about our Cathedral curate, Fr. Joshua Moir, with additional articles on the pilgrimage trip to Italy this past spring and Brendan Metcalfe, CEO of Friends of the Holy Land, writes about their mission and how you can help.  

SOLD OUT: Parish Pilgrimage to Holy Island – Lindisfarne 

Thank you to everyone who has signed up for the Parish Pilgrimage to Holy Island – Lindisfarne on Saturday, 19 September. The event is now sold out! 

Tomorrow: 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, 14 September 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.

Catenians Meeting for Catholic Men

The Catenian Association invites all Catholic men to their regular meeting on Wednesday, 16 September at 7.00 p.m. in 63 York Place, EH1 3JD.The Catenians are an international body of Catholic laymen who meet once a month and offer friendship to Catholic men. Contact John Russell on 01555 728032.

National Youth Pilgrimage: Focus on Religious and Monastic Life

The National Youth Pilgrimage (for ages 18–35) Saturday 26 September at Pluscarden Abbey is almost fully booked. Join us for a tour of the Abbey, a Q&A with the monks, talks on vocation, and a Vigil Mass with Archbishop Cushley. It only costs £10. To book, please email youth.office@staned.org.uk

Six Volunteers Needed: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for Children

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a programme for children 3-12 years olds, focused on Jesus and the sacraments. It aims at nurturing children's union with God through Holy Mass, prayer, and joy. Sessions are weekly at a CGS 'atrium' and run by trained catechists. Six volunteer catechists are needed to maintain the single Edinburgh atrium and possibly open another and training begins in mid-October (it is spread over three long weekends). To learn more about training and explore if this might be a fit for you please email srmiriam.ruth@staned.org.uk

Next Sunday: Venerable Margaret Sinclair Pilgrimage

The annual Venerable Margaret Sinclair Pilgrimage is next Sunday 20 September at St Patrick's Church in The Cowgate, Edinburgh. 12:30pm - Sale of candles & goods, refreshments; 1:30pm - Holy Hour; 3:00pm - Reflection from Canon Jock Dalrymple; 4:30pm - Mass celebrated by Archbishop Cushley (Homilist: Fr Michael John Galbraith). Learn more at https://stpatricksedinburgh.com/margaret-sinclair/

Mass with the African Community

Celebrate Mass with the African community in Fife at 2:00pm on Sunday 20 September at St Margaret’s Catholic Church, East Port, Dunfermline. Light refreshments will follow in the parish hall after Mass. 

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 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 you are interested in learning about becoming a SPRED volunteer catechist for this new Edinburgh children's group.