The Newsletter for the 25th Sunday of the Year - Year A
Thank You Deacon Gerard
Thank you Deacon Gerard for your service here at the Cathedral and St. Andrew’s, Ravelston during your summer placement. We wish you well as you return to seminary studies in Rome and will be praying for you. We look forward to seeing you again at Christmas!
Young Adults’ Group (18-35) Resumes Tuesday
After a long summer break, the Young Adults’ Group will resume on Tuesday 22 September. Beginning a new series of talks on the seven Sacraments, Fr Aidan Matheson of the Diocese of Aberdeen will be presenting on the Sacrament of Baptism. For further details of the forthcoming series, kindly see the poster in the Octagon and join the new WhatsApp channel using the QR Code on the poster. The Young Adults’ Group meets 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. It is a great way to meet other young Catholics in the city, and to grow in knowledge and love of the faith. New members are very warmly welcome!
Young Adults’ Graduates (35+)
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.
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 will be made available following registration. As a guide, Primary 3s are prepared for First Confession, Primary 4s for First Holy Communion, and Primary 7s for Confirmation.
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
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 resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.” (John 11:25)
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.
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. The next meeting will be on Saturday, September 26th (ch16). Come and see!
Next Weekend: 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.
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.
2026 Ravelston BBQ Proceeds
Now that the dust has settled and expenses have all been paid, I am very pleased to announce that this year’s summer BBQ raised a fantastic £1,313 for the church! While this is slightly down on last year, we were pleased to be able to keep the ticket prices unchanged despite other costs going up around us. This is another great result and clearly shows, yet again, what a successful event this has been! Thank you again to all those who made it possible and to all of you who joined us on the day!
Two Volunteers Needed to Set Up for Mass in Ravelston: Training Session Offered
Two volunteer sacristans are needed at St Andrew’s, Ravelston to prepare the altar for Mass both on Sundays and during the week Monday-Friday, usually once a month on Sundays and once a week Monday-Friday. We are looking for new members for the team of existing volunteers to set up the altar before Mass with the Missal, chalice, cruets, lavabo bowl, altar linens and to set the Lectionary for the readings. Learn about this ministry by attending one-on-one training with another sacristan. Ravelston Masses are Sundays at 10:30am Mass and Monday to Friday at 6:00pm. Speak with one of the Sisters, Fergus, Kate or Tina, or contact cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk.
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 assistance 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.
What’s On Formed
Enrich your knowledge of the Catholic faith with your free account on Formed.org. This week features “Jesus Thirst: The Miracle of the Eucharist.” This visually stunning film takes viewers on a global journey to uncover the transformative power of the Eucharist. The film explores the biblical origins of the Eucharist and shares powerful personal stories of lives transformed by the Blessed Sacrament. The Eucharist is not merely a symbol, but is indeed Jesus Christ Himself. (https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1491785) 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!
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!
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
Women’s Christian Craft Group Discontinued
The Women’s Craft Group will no longer be running. Thanks to Shanida for organising and to all participants.
Save the Date: ‘Catholic Conversations’ for Women on the Rosary
In October, the month of the Rosary, all women are invited to join ‘Catholic Conversations’ on Saturday, 17 October, 3:45pm-4:45pm in the St. Andrew’s Parish rooms (77 Belford Rd, EH4 3DS) for refreshments and a short video with discussion, as we look at how the mysteries of the Rosary are rooted in Scripture. Participants are also welcome to join the Religious Sisters of Mercy at their convent for Holy Hour with Adoration, Rosary and chanted Vespers from 5:10pm. To register please emailedinburgh@almamercy.org or call 0131 343 3380.
Weekdays in October: Polish Rosary, Mass and Eucharistic Adoration
During October, from Monday-Friday, the Polish community at the Cathedral will pray the Rosary at 5.40pm, followed by 6:00pm Polish Mass and then Eucharistic Adoration will be held from 6:30pm to 7:00pm.
Patronal Feast of the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma
The Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma who serve here in the Archdiocese and live at St. Andrew’s Convent, Ravelston, will celebrate their patronal feast day this week on Thursday, 24th September, the feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy. The foundress of their religious community, Venerable Mother Catherine McAuley, opened the first Home of Mercy in Dublin, Ireland on that date in 1827. Blessed Feast Day!
Venerable Margaret Sinclair Pilgrimage
The annual Venerable Margaret Sinclair Pilgrimage is on 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/
Dunfermline Mass This Afternoon with the African Community
Celebrate Mass with the African community in Fife at 2:00pm today Sunday 20 September at St Margaret’s Catholic Church, East Port, Dunfermline. Light refreshments will follow in the parish hall after Mass.
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
P1 Admissions: Open Day for Primary Schools
The annual open day for primaries across the City of Edinburgh is on Wednesday 4 November. Visit the school you would like your child to attend. For Catholic primary school, you should ensure they have been Baptised prior to enrolment as a Baptismal certificate may be required. Visit www.edinburgh.gov.uk/catchmentmaps
40 Days for Life: Pray for an End to Abortion
Join the Edinburgh 40 Days for Life Autumn campaign. The peaceful prayer vigil will run from Wednesday23 September until Sunday 1 November, 2026. We gather just outside the buffer zone so it is completely legal and we have a good relationship with the police. For exact location, times and any other information, please contact Mairi Lucas edinburgh40days@gmail.com
Catholic Families Event: National Family Conference in Coatbridge
Catholic families across Scotland are invited to the National Family Conference on Saturday, 24 October, 2026 at St Augustine’s Parish Centre, 12 Dundyvan Road, Coatbridge, ML5 1DQ. The day is organised by the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland’s Marriage, Family and Life Office and begins with registration (9.00-9.30) and includes talks for adults, children’s catechesis, Holy Mass, Adoration and a ceilidh afterwards! Book online: https://bit.ly/NationalFamilyConference-24Oct26. Contact Emma McGowan, emma.mcgowan@marriagefamilyandlife.org.uk.
Walking 'The Way': Fife Pilgrim Way Walks with Deacon Pat Carrigan
Deacon Pat Carrigan hosts walks on the Fife Pilgrim Way and parishioners are welcome to join him on any of the stages. Walking 'The Way' will have a Catholic faith base, allowing for discussion and prayer. The final two walks are: Saturday, 26th September - FPW Stage 5 - St Giles, Kennoway to Ceres Church of Scotland; Saturday, 3rd October - FPW - Stage 6 - Ceres to Cathedral ruins and St James, St Andrews. Request further details and register by emailing Columbasway@gmail.com