The Pastoral Team

Mgr. Patrick Burke, VG - Administrator

Fr Patrick was born in Zimbabwe and grew up in London. He studied theology at the University of St Andrews and while at university felt God’s call to the priesthood. Applying to study for the priesthood in the Archdiocese, Fr Patrick was sent to the Pontifical Scots College, Rome, where he specialised in Dogmatic Theology.

After a brief appointment in St Mary’s, Bathgate, Fr Patrick was sent back to Rome to study for the doctorate, writing on the influential German theologian Karl Rahner. On his return to the Archdiocese from Rome he served in St Joseph’s, Burntisland, Our Lady and St Ninian’s, Bannockburn and Sacred Heart, Cowie.

In 2005, Cardinal Ratzinger, who knew Fr Patrick from his time in Rome, asked that he be released from the Archdiocese to take up work in the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in the Vatican. Fr Patrick served the Church in this capacity until Archbishop Cushley, recently appointed Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh, requested his return from the Holy See to serve as Vicar General.

In 2013, Fr Patrick returned to Scotland to the parish of Ss John Cantius and Nicholas in Broxburn, where he served until coming to the Cathedral in 2015.

Fr. robert taylor - ASSISTANT PRIEST

Fr Robert was born in Galashiels, where - apart from a brief stint in Northampton - he has spent the majority of his life. Following school he worked in a commercial radio station before making a big career change to study as a deck officer in the Merchant Navy, before finally undertaking studies for the priesthood at the Pontifical Scots College, Rome, in 2014.

He was ordained in 2021 in the parish of Our Lady & St Andrew, Galashiels, before completing his studies in Canon Law. In July 2022, Archbishop Cushley appointed him to St Mary’s Cathedral and St. Andrew's, Ravelston. 

Rev. Peter Traynor - Deacon

Deacon Peter was born in Fife and served in the Royal Navy. On leaving the Navy, Deacon Peter joined the Police, retiring recently from his post as Detective Sergeant. Deacon Peter was ordained a Permanent Deacon in 2016 and was appointed by Archbishop Cushley to serve in the Cathedral parish. Deacon Peter is married with 4 children and 2 grandchildren.

Sister Miriam fidelis reed R.S.M - Parish sister

Sister Miriam Fidelis, RSM was born in Dallas, Texas and grew up in Vienna, Virginia. She met the Religious Sisters of Mercy while working as an Administrative Assistant in the Pastoral Centre at the Archdiocese of Washington. She entered the community in 2013 and professed Perpetual Vows in August 2021. Most recently she served as secretary to the Superior General of the community at the Motherhouse in Alma, Michigan. From 2016-2019 worked as secretary to the Rector of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. She has degrees in psychology and journalism. Sister was assigned to the Cathedral in 2020 where she serves as Parish Sister and works in the parish office.