Confession times in the Archdiocese

Archbishop Cushley is encouraging Catholics to get to Confession in Lent, as part of our spiritual preparation for Advent.

Our Catechetics Commission has compiled this list of Confession times for Churches across the Archdiocese.

See the 'How to go to Confession' guide here. If you have not been for a while and are looking for some advice, see our YouTube playlist here.

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BALFRON, St. Anthony, Dunmore Street, G63 0TX
Confessions: Advent, Lent, by request.

BALLINGRY, Ss. Kenneth & Bernard, Hill Road, KY5 8NP
Confessions: as announced.

BANKNOCK St. Luke’s, Garngrew Road, Haggs. FK4 1HP
Confessions: Wednesday 6.30pm-6.50pm.

BANNOCKBURN Our Lady & St. Ninian, 52 Quakerfield, Bannockburn, Stirling FK7 8HZ 
Confessions: Saturday 5.30pm-6.10pm.

BATHGATE St. Mary 9 Livery Street Bathgate EH48 4HS
Confessions: Monday & Tuesday 9.00am-9.25am; Saturday 4.15pm-4.45pm.

BLACKBURN, Our Lady of Lourdes, 30 Bathgate Road, Blackburn, Bathgate EH47 7LF
Confessions: Saturday 5.15pm-5.45pm.

BLANEFIELD, St. Kessog’s, 4 Campsie Dene Road, Blanefield, Glasgow G63 9BN
Confessions: Advent, Lent, on request; other times to be arranged.

BO’NESS, St. Mary of the Assumption, Linlithgow Road, EH51 0DP
Confessions: Saturday, after morning Mass, 5.30pm-6.00pm.

BONNYBRIDGE, St. Joseph’s, 30 Broomhill Road, Bonnybridge FK4 2AN
Confessions: Tuesday 6.30pm; Saturday 4.30pm.

BONNYRIGG Our Lady of Consolation, Hawthornden Avenue, EH19 2AW
Confessions: as announced; on request.

BOWHILL St. Ninian, Derran Drive, Bowhill, KY5 0JG
Confessions: 30 minutes before Mass; on request.

BROXBURN, SS. John Cantius & Nicholas, 34 West Main Street, Broxburn EH52 5RJ
Confessions: Saturday 4.45pm, Sunday 5.45pm.

BURNTISLAND St. Joseph’s, Cowdenbeath Road, Burntisland KY3 0LJ
Confessions: Tuesdays 6.30pm; on request.

COWDENBEATH Our Lady & St. Bride, 74 Stenhouse Street, KY4 9DD
Confessions: Saturday 10.30am-11.30am.

COWIE The Sacred Heart, Bannockburn Rd, Cowie FK7 7BG
Confessions: Sunday 11.00am-11.20am.

DALKEITH St David’s, 41 Eskbank Road, Dalkeith EH22
Confessions: Saturday 5.00pm-5.40pm; on request during the week.

DALKEITH St. Luke & St. Anne, 12 Stone Place, Mayfield, EH22 5PG
Confessions: Saturday before and after Mass.

DENNY, St. Alexander’s, 100 Stirling Street, Denny FK6 6DL
Confessions: Saturday 5.00pm-5.30pm.

DUNBAR, Our Lady of The Waves, Westgate, Dunbar EH42 1JL
Confessions: Saturday 10.30am-11.00am, 6.00pm-6.15pm.

DUNFERMLINE Our Lady of Lourdes, Aberdour Rd, Dunfermline, KY11 4QZ.
Confessions: Thursday 6.25pm; on request.

DUNFERMLINE St. Margaret East Port, KY12 7JBS
Confessions: Saturday 10.30-11.30am.

DUNS Our Lady & St. Margaret’s, 48 Bridgend, TD11 3EX
Confessions: Saturday 5.30pm-5.50pm; on request.

EAST CALDER, St. Theresa’s, Kilronan Park, 41 Main Street, EH53 0ES
Confessions: Wednesday 9:30am - 9:50am; Saturday 8:30am - 8:50am and available after 9:00am Mass

EDINBURGH
Confession times for Edinburgh churches at bottom of this page.

FALKIRK St. Francis Xavier (1839, 1961), 1 Hope Street, FK1 5AT
Confessions: Saturday, 10.30am-11.15am, 4.15pm-4.45pm.

FAULDHOUSE St. John the Baptist, 115 Main Street, Fauldhouse, EH47 9BJ
Confessions: Monday after 7.00pm Mass; Saturday after 10.00am Mass.

GALASHIELS Our Lady & St. Andrew, 63 Stirling Street, TD1 1BY
Confessions: Saturday 10.30am-11.15am.

GLENROTHES  St. Paul (1958), Warout Road, KY7 4ER
Confessions: Wednesday 10.30am; Saturday 10.30am.

GOREBRIDGE St. Margaret, Lady Brae, EH23 4HH
Confessions: as announced; on request.

GRANGEMOUTH, Christ the King, Bowhouse Road, FK3 0HB
Confessions: Saturday 5.25pm-5.55pm during Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

GRANGEMOUTH, Sacred Heart, Drummond Place, FK3 9JA
Confessions: Saturday after 10.00am Mass.

HADDINGTON, St. Mary, Poldrate, EH41 4DA
Confessions: Saturday 10.30am-11.00am; Sunday 9.00-9.25am.

HADDINGTON, Sancta Maria Abbey, Nunraw, EH41 4LW
Confessions: at call.

HAWICK, St. Mary & St. David, 15 Buccleuch Street, TD9 0HH
Confessions: before each Mass.

INNERLEITHEN St. James, High Street, EH44 6HD
Confessions: before or after Masses; on request.

INVERKEITHING, St. Peter in Chains, Hope Street, KY11 1LW
Confessions: Saturday 4.30pm; on request.

JEDBURGH, The Immaculate Conception, Old Bongate, TD8 6DR
Confessions: Saturday 5.00pm.

KELSO, The Immaculate Conception, Bowmont Street, TD5 7DZ
Confessions: Sunday 9.00am.

KELTY, St. Joseph, Cocklaw Street, KY4 0DG
Holy Day of Confessions: as announced.

KENNOWAY, St. Giles, Langside Crescent, KY8 5LW
Confessions: Thursday 5.30pm-5.45pm; Saturday 9.15am-9.30am.

KILSYTH, St. Patrick, 30 Low Craigends, G65 0PF
Confessions: Wednesday 6.00pm-7.00pm; Saturday, 10.00am-10.30am, 5.15pm-5.45pm

KIRKCALDY, Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Dunnikier Road, KY1 2QN
Confessions: 30 minutes before Masses; on request.

KIRKCALDY, St. Pius X, Brodick Road, Templehall,  KY2 6EY
Confessions: 30 minutes before Mass; on request.

LARBERT, Our Lady of Lourdes & St. Bernadette’s, 323 Main Street, FK5 4EU
Confessions: Saturday 10.00am-10.15am, 6.00pm-6.15pm; on request.

LENNOXTOWN, St. Machan, Chapel Street, G66 7DE
Confessions: Saturday, after 10.00am Mass; after Vigil-Mass; on request.

LESLIE, St. Mary, Mother of God, High Street, KY6 3AE
Confessions: Saturday 5.30pm.

LINLITHGOW, St. Michael’s, 53 Blackness Road, EH49 7JA
Confessions: Saturday after 10.00am Mass; by arrangement.

LIVINGSTON, St. Andrew’s, 126 Victoria Street, Craigshill, EH54 5BJ
Confessions: Monday 9:30am - 9:50am; Thursday 9:30am - 9:50am Saturday 4:30pm - 5:15pm.

LIVINGSTON, St. Peter’s, 9 Carmondean Centre, EH54 8PT
Confessions: as announced.

LOANHEAD St. Margaret (of Scotland), 16 Clerk Street, EH20 9DR
Confessions: Tues. & Thurs. 9.00-9.15am; Sat. during Holy Hour 11.00am- 12.00pm (alternate months with PENICUIK).

LOCHGELLY, St. Patrick, Station Road, KY5 9QU
Confessions: as announced.

MELROSE, St. Cuthbert, High Cross Avenue, TD6 9SQ
Confessions: Sunday 8.45am-9.00am.

METHIL, St. Agatha 160 Methil Brae, KY8 3LU
Confessions: Mon, Tues, Fri 9.15am-9:30am; Sat 4:15pm-4:45pm.

MILTON OF CAMPSIE, St. Paul, Birdston Road, G66 8BU
Confessions: Saturday after morning Mass.

MUSSELBURGH, Our Lady of Loretto & St. Michael 17 Newbigging, EH21 7AJ
Confessions: Saturday 10.30am-11.00am, 5.15pm.

NORTH BERWICK, Our Lady, Star of the Sea, 9 Law Road, EH39 4PN
Confessions: Monday & Wednesday after morning Mass.

OAKLEY, The Holy Name, Station Road, KY12 9NW
Confessions: on request.

PEEBLES St. Joseph, Rosetta Road, EH45 8JU
Confessions: before or after Masses; on request.

PENICUIK The Sacred Heart, 56 John Street, EH26 8NE
Confessions: Sat. 5.30pm-5.45pm; Sat. during Holy Hour 11.00am-12.00pm (alternate months with LOANHEAD); 5.30pm-5.45pm.

POLMONT, St. Anthony, Maddiston Road, Rumford, FK2 0SB
Confessions: Saturday 10.00-10.30am.

PRESTONPANS, St. Gabriel, West Loan, EH32 9JX
Confessions: Monday 10.30-11.00am; Saturday 5.15pm-5.50pm.

ROSEWELL St. Matthew, 36 Carnethie Street, EH24 9AT
Confessions: as announced; on request.

ROSYTH, St. John & St. Columba, Crossroads Place, KY11 2QL
Confessions: Tuesday 6.25pm; Saturday 10.30am.

SELKIRK, Our Lady & St. Joseph, High Street, TD7 4JX
Confessions: Saturday 5.30pm.

ST ANDREWS St. James, The Scores, KY16 9AR
Confessions: Saturday after 9.30am Mass, 6.00pm-6.30pm; Wed. 6.30pm-6.55pm.

STIRLING Holy Spirit, McGrigor Road, St. Ninian’s, FK7 9BL
Confessions: 9:30 am to 9:50am on Tuesdays or on request.

STIRLING St. Margaret of Scotland, Drip Road, Raploch, FK9 1RR
Confessions: 9:30 am to 9:50am on Wednesdays or on request.

STIRLING St. Mary, Upper Bridge Street, FK8 1ES
Confessions: 9:30 am to 9:50am on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Fridays after 10:00am Mass, Saturdays 5:00pm to 5:20pm or on request.

STONEYBURN Church of Our Lady, Burnbrae Road, EH47 8DF
Confessions: Thursday 9.30am.

TORRANCE, St. Dominic, School Road, G64 4DB
Confessions: on request.

TRANENT, St. Martin of Tours, 150 High Street, EH33 1HJ
Confessions: Sunday 8.50am-9.20am; Tuesday 7.30pm.

WEST CALDER Our Lady & St. Bridget, 4 West End, EH55 8EF
Confessions: Wednesday 6.00pm-6.50pm; Saturday 4.30-5.00pm.

WHITBURN St. Joseph, Raeburn Crescent, EH47 8HQ
Confessions: Sunday 9.15am-9.45am; on request.

WINCHBURGH, St. Philomena 28 Niddry Road, EH52 6RY
Confessions: Saturday after 9.30am Mass.

Edinburgh churches

ST ALBERT THE GREAT, 24 George Square, EH8 9LD
Confessions: Wednesday 4.00pm-5.00pm; Saturday 11.00am-12noon.

ST ANDREW, 77 Belford Road, Ravelston, EH4 3DP
Confessions: Wednesday 5.00pm-5.45pm.

ST CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA, 2 Captains Row, EH16 6QP
Confessions: on request.

ST COLUMBA, 9 Upper Gray Street, EH9 1SN
Confessions: Sunday 6.00pm-6.15pm.

ST CUTHBERT, 104 Slateford Road, EH14 1PT
Confessions: Saturday after 10.00am Mass; at other times by arrangement.

ST GREGORY THE GREAT, Walter Scott Avenue, EH16 5TD
Confessions: Sunday 6.00pm-6.15pm.

HOLY CROSS, 11 Bangholm Loan, EH5 3AH
Confessions: on request.

ST JOHN THE BAPTIST, St. Ninian’s Road, Corstorphine.
Confessions: Saturday 5.15pm-5.45pm; on request.

ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST, 3 Sandford Gardens, EH15 1LP
Confessions: Saturday 7.30pm and by appointment.

ST JOHN OGILVIE, 159 Sighthill Drive, EH11 4PY 
Confessions: Saturday 6.00pm. On request after daily Mass.

ST JOSEPH, Broomhouse Street North, Sighthill, EH11 3SB
Confessions: Saturday 10.00am and on request.

ST KENTIGERN, Parkgrove Avenue, Barnton, EH4 7QR
Confessions: Saturday after morning Mass.

ST MARGARET, Hope View, South Queensferry, EH30 9LS
Confessions: Saturday, after 9.30am Mass, 4.20pm-4.50pm; Sunday 9.20am-9.50am.

ST MARGARET, 149 Main Street, Davidsons Mains, EH4 5AQ
Confessions: Saturday after Vigil Mass.

ST MARGARET MARY, Boswall Parkway, Granton, EH5 2JQ
Confessions: on request.

 ST MARK, 29 Oxgangs Avenue, EH13 9HX
Confessions: Before Sat Vigil 4.15-4.45pm and before Sun Mass 9.15-9.45am or upon request after any of the 10am weekday Masses.

ST MARY’S CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL, Broughton Street, EH1 3JR
Confessions: Monday-Friday, 1.15pm; Saturday 10.30am-12noon, 5-6pm.
In English & Polish: Monday-Friday. 5.00pm-6.00pm.

SS NINIAN & TRIDUANA, 232 Marionville Road, EH7 6BE
Confessions: Saturday 5.00pm-5.30pm.

ST MARY MAGDALENE, Bingham Avenue, EH15 3HY
Confessions: on request (and Saturday 7.30pm, St John’s, Portobello).

ST MARY, STAR OF THE SEA, 106 Constitution Street, Leith, EH6 6AW
Confessions: Saturday 5.30pm; and on request.

OUR LADY OF POCHAYIV & ST ANDREW’S, 24 Dalmeny Street, EH6 8RG
Confessions: in Ukrainian, Croatian, English, Polish, Russian or Serbian 10.30am-11.00am
before Liturgy and on call.

OUR LADY, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH, 1 Curriehill Road, Currie, EH14 5QA
Confessions: Friday after 10.00am Mass; by appointment.

OUR LADY OF POCHAYIV & ST ANDREWS UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, Dalmeny Street, EH6 8RG
Confessions: in Ukrainian, Croatian, English, Polish, Russian or Serbian 10.30-11.00am before Liturgy and on call.

ST PATRICK, 5 South Gray’s Close, EH1 1TQ
Confessions: Before every Mass, every day Friday & Saturday: 11.40am-12.10pm (and during or after every Mass, and on request, when a priest is available).

ST PETER, 77 Falcon Avenue, Morningside, EH10 4AN
Confessions: Saturday, 11.15am-11.45am and 4:30pm - 5:15pm, and on request.

THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS, 28 Lauriston Street, Lauriston, EH3 9DJ
Confessions: Monday-Saturday 12.00pm-12.25pm; Sunday 6.30-6.45pm.

ST TERESA OF LISIEUX, 120 Niddrie Mains Road, Craigmillar, EH16 4EG
Confessions: 5.05-5.30pm.

All information taken from the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh Directory 2025. Dates/times can be confirmed with parishes. Compiled by the Catechetics Commission of the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh.

SATURDAY: Explore Confession in Kilsyth

This Saturday (22 November) we host a special event called Victory: A day to explore the gift of confession.

It's a chance to deepen your understanding of this limitless gift and includes talks, testimony, and an opportunity for Confession.

Join us from 10:00am-3:45pm at St Patrick's, 30 Low Craigends, Kilsyth, G65 0PF, for this day hosted by the Catechetics Commission. Mass at 9:30am.

Register at bit.ly/return2025. 

Advent begins on Sunday 30 November and here are events taking place in the Archdiocese as we prepare to commemorate the Nativity of the Lord.

Nativity Blessing & Carol Concert
Archbishop Cushley joins religious leaders from across the city of Edinburgh for this annual event at Assembly Hall Courtyard on Mound Place, Edinburgh, before a Blessing of the Nativity Scene on The Mound backed by music from the Salvation Army Band. Sunday 30 November, 3:00pm to 5:00pm.

SCIAF Advent Carol Service
An Advent Carol Service, in partnership with SCIAF, takes place at Sacred Heart Church, 28 Lauriston Street, Edinburgh, on the First Sunday of Advent (30 November) at 4:00pm. Readings and carols sung by the Edinburgh Jesuit Church Schola Cantorum.

Advent Rosary
Every Monday in Advent at 7:45pm to pray for unborn children, their mothers, and all pro-life intentions. Each session is on Zoom and lasts about 30 minutes. Following the Rosary there is a short reflection from a guest speaker: Deacon David Harper (1 Dec, Diocese of Motherwell), Isabel Vaughan-Spruce (8 Dec, March for Life UK), Fr Jamie McMorrin (15 Dec, St Margaret’s, Edinburgh), and Archbishop Leo Cushley (22 Dec). Register at bit.ly/rosary25

Masses for the Solemnity of St Andrew
St Mary's Cathedral on Monday 1 December, to celebrate the Solemnity of St Andrew, our National Patron, whose feast day this year is transferred from 30 November (Sunday). The Apostle’s relics are preserved in the National Shrine of St Andrew at the Cathedral. Mass will be at 10:00am, and with Archbishop Cushley, at 12:45pm. Public veneration of the relics following both Masses.  At 7:00pm there is a  Holy Hour with sung Vespers and Eucharistic Adoration. St Andrew the Apostle, pray for us!

Advent Retreat - 6/7 Dec
Saturday 6 December, 10:00am-7:00pm & Sunday 7 December, 3:00pm-5:30pm, St Margaret Mary's Church, Boswall Parkway, Granton, Edinburgh, EH5 2JQ. Led by Fr Bart Parys SVD Registration is essential. Visit retreat.light-lifescotland.org.uk

Christmas Carol Service
Organised by the Archdicocesan Lourdes Committee. St Margaret's Church, Davidson's Mains, Edinburgh, EH4 5AD on Sunday 7 December at 3:00pm.

Stella Maris Carol Service
Join Archbishop Cushley for an evening of carols, readings and celebration, followed by refreshments. Wednesday 17 December: 7pm Carol Service, 8pm Reception. St Mary’s Star of the Sea, 108 Constitution Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6AW. Please RSVP by Friday 5 December to info@stellamarismail.org or call 020 7901 1931

Rorate Masses at St Mary's Cathedral
The beautiful Rorate Masses begin the first week of Advent. The Mass is only lit by candles, representing Mary's role in bringing the Light of the World into the darkness of the world. 7:00pm on Thursday 4th December (Celebrated by Archbishop Cushley); 7:00pm on Thursday 11 and 18 December; 7:00pm on Monday 22 December.

Advent Walking Retreat
This takes place on Saturday 6 December offering the chance to walk, talk, and meditate on the coming of Christmas. The walk will start in Culross in Fife (birthplace of St Mungo) and finish at the National Shrine of St Margaret in Dunfermline. There will be an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Adoration with Benediction followed by 5.30pm Mass. To register for this free event and for times please email Deacon Pat Carrigan at obl.columba@gmail.com

Luisa is new General Secretary for BCOS

Luisa Campbell will be the first member of the lay faithful and first woman to take on the role of General Secretary of The Bishop's Conference of Scotland (BCOS).

She begins the role in February 2026, when Fr Gerry Maguiness completes his second term of office.

The General Secretary supports the work of the Bishops’ Conference by coordinating its offices, facilitating communication, and overseeing the administration of national initiatives and policies.

Bishop Keenan, President of BCOS, said, "Luisa brings a wealth of experience both as a committed laywoman in the Church who has served our parishes and dioceses loyally over the years and who also has vast experience of life in the world and where she has made a fruitful contribution.

"We look forward to working with her in the service of the Church in Scotland in the years ahead.".

Luisa has been actively involved in the life of the Church in Scotland at both parish and diocesan level in the areas of youth work, parish administration, liturgy, evangelisation, RCIA and finance.

After gaining Master’s degrees in both Engineering and Business Administration, she worked for almost forty years in industry, ultimately as chief executive of a Scottish business which she led for over two decades.

Her roles involved leadership, governance, strategy, commercial finance, mergers and acquisitions and organisational development.

During that time, she also acted as a trustee of several charities, served as a non-executive director and as trustee of a large pension scheme.

Luisa grew up in the diocese of Galloway and has lived in both the archdiocese of Glasgow and the diocese of Aberdeen. Her work has taken her to every diocese in Scotland.

Luisa retired early from work in 2020 to pursue her passion for voluntary work in the Catholic Church.

Luisa said: "I look forward to serving the Bishops of Scotland in my new role as General Secretary, bringing together my experience in the Church and in the world of business.’

A statement from BCOS said: "The Bishops of Scotland would like to take the opportunity of commending and thanking Fr Gerry Maguiness for his wise, effective and tireless stewardship of the General Secretariat over the past six years.

"We wish him similar blessings as he takes up the office of parish priest of St Bride’s in Cambuslang."

St Patrick's awarded £37k repairs grant

Urgent repairs to an historical city centre church can now be carried out thanks to a grant of £37,500 from the National Churches Trust.

St Patrick's in The Cowgate was awarded the amount after discovery of an unstable church wall and water penetratation, putting valuable heritage items at risk.

Fr Gerard Hatton, parish administrator, said: "We are deeply grateful for this vital support from the Pilgrim Trust and the National Churches Trust.

"The grant will help us repair the Memorial Room and the foundational East Wall.

“The Church is not only a sacred space but also home to the tomb of Venerable Margaret Sinclair and is visited by pilgrims across the world."

St Patrick's is not just an important local church, but one of national significance.

He added: "These much-needed structural repairs will help us secure the fabric of the building, preserve its rich history and can ensure as good custodians that our parishioners, pilgrims, and visitors from near and far continue to have a place of refuge, contemplation and solace for generations to come."

The Memorial Room was erected in 1921 in memory of the over 300 parishioners who died in the First World War.

It is a community space hosting a mother and toddler group, choir and organ practice, finance and debt advice meetings, and more.

Anne-Marie O’Hara, Scotland Support Officer at the National Churches Trust, said: “St Patrick's is not just an important local church, but one of national significance.

"Once the repairs have taken place, the church will be an even more welcoming space for the community to enjoy.

"We look forward to continuing to support St Patrick’s – and other churches, chapels and meeting houses and cathedrals across Scotland – to help keep them open and in good repair, now and in the future.”

The church shared in a £1 million pound urgent pay out from the National Churches Trust, designed to keep UK churches open and in use.

Find out more about the National Churches Trust here.

Archbishop leads talks on family life in Rome

Archbishop Cushley was in Rome this week to lead discussions on the importance of the Christian vision of family life.

He opened the meeting of the European Bishops' Conferences (CCEE) Commission for Family and Life by highlighting how the Church’s teaching is more relevant than ever for Europe.

He encouraged participants to share experiences and best practices for strengthening families as the heart of Christian life and a sign of hope for the future of the continent.

Archbishop Cushley is founding President of the commission and the theme of this year's meeting was 'The Christian Family: The Hope of Europe'.

The meeting included bishops and national directors for Family & Life from the 39 Bishops' Conferences across the continent.

It included moments of prayer and pilgrimage as they passed through the Holy Doors of St Peter’s Basilica and the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.

The meeting involved Fr Nick Welsh, a priest of our Archdiocese who serves as Secretary of the Commission (as well as vice rector of the Scots College in Rome), and David Topping, who grew up in Edinburgh, and now serves as assistant to the Commission (above, holding Crucifix).

David said: "It's a chance for national directors from all the European countries to come together, share ideas and good practices, to tell us what's going on in their own countries with regards to family and life.

"That includes both hopes and challenges. The commission is important because there are a lot of challenges facing families in the current culture.

"Archbishop Cushley led the discussion and delegates got good ideas and inspiration to take back and implement in their own bishops' conferences."

In the Catholic Church, CCEE stands for the Council of the Bishops’ Conferences of Europe.

It is a body that brings together the presidents of all the bishops’ conferences across Europe. The CCEE’s purpose is to promote collaboration among European bishops, support the Church’s mission across the continent, and foster communion with the Holy See.

Next week, from 19-21 November, The Gillis Centre in Edinburgh hosts a meeting of the Legal Advisors of the European Bishops' Conferences.

Parish bulletin update for Sunday

Here is our round-up of forthcoming events for parish bulletins.

Support and Property Administrator
The Archdiocese is seeking to appoint a permanent full-time Administrator to provide support to the Property Director and general administrative support within the Archdiocesan offices. Job description at bit.ly/archjobdetails To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter detailing how your skills and experience make you suitable for this role to recruitment@staned.org.uk by Wednesday 26 November 2025.

MONDAY: How to use AI to speak up for the vulnerable
This beginner level webinar will show you how to use AI tools to find key pro-life points and express them naturally in your own tone of voice — helping you write to politicians with clarity and confidence. Monday 17 November, 7:45pm on Zoom. Register at bit.ly/prolifeai

Catholic Education Week
Catholic Education Week celebrates the importance of educating children and young people in the Faith. There will be a special collection next Sunday for the work of the Scottish Catholic Education Service which promotes and supports Catholic Education. The Archdiocesan Mass for pupils and teachers will be celebrated by Archbishop Cushley in St Mary's Cathedral on Tuesday 25 November at 11:00am. Please keep teachers, school staff, parents and pupils in your prayers.

Red Wednesday at Cathedral
Archbishop Cushley, will celebrate Mass at 7:00pm on Wednesday 19 November at St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh, to pray for Christians across the world who suffer for their faith. William More from Aid to the Church in Need, will speak at the Mass.

Victory: A day to explore the gift of confession
Join the Archdiocese on Saturday 23 November, 10:00am-3:45pm at St Patrick's, 30 Low Craigends, Kilsyth, G65 0PF. Includes talks, testimony, and an opportunity for Confession. Register on Eventbrite at bit.ly/return2025.

Crichton Lecture 2025
Peter Stevens, Assistant Master of Music at Westminster, will be speaking on Music in the Benedictine Tradition in this year’s Crichton Lecture from the Society of St Gregory.  Saturday 22 November at 11:00am online.  Free.  All welcome.  More at ssg.org.uk

Mass for Young Adults
Archbishop Cushley invites Young Adults across the Archdiocese for Mass on the Feast of Christ the King, Sunday 23 November at 7:00pm, in the Jesuit Church of the Sacred Heart, 26 Lauriston Street, Edinburgh.

Diploma in Catechetics
Explore the richness of the Catholic faith in 2026 by taking the Diploma in Catechetics. The popular course is run by the Archdiocese and takes place at 7:30pm each Thursday on Zoom, starting on 22 January. Be quick, places limited to 100. Cost £220. Register at bit.ly/diploma2026 

Advent Rosary for Life
Every Monday in Advent at 7:45pm to pray for unborn children, their mothers, and all pro-life intentions. Each session is on Zoom and lasts about 30 minutes. Following the Rosary there is a short reflection from a guest speaker: Deacon David Harper (1 Dec, Diocese of Motherwell), Isabel Vaughan-Spruce (8 Dec, March for Life UK), Fr Jamie McMorrin (15 Dec, St Margaret’s, Edinburgh), and Archbishop Leo Cushley (22 Dec). Register at bit.ly/rosary25

Catholic Conversations for Women
All women are welcome to this event on Saturday, 29 November, 3:45pm-4:45pm in St Andrew’s Parish rooms (77 Belford Rd, Edinburgh, EH4 3DS) for refreshments and faith-focused discussion. Followed by Holy Hour with Adoration & Vespers from 5:10pm with the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma. Register at edinburgh@almamercy.org or call 0131 343 3380.

Dignity Not Detention Solidarity Gathering 
Join Justice & Peace Scotland to call for Dignity Not Detention and advocate for an end to the inhumane practice of unlimited immigration detention. It takes place at Dungavel IRC, Strathaven, ML10 6RF on Sunday 30 November at 1:00pm.

Prisoners' Week 2025
Prisoners Week runs from 16 to 23 November and a launch service takes place at 3:00pm on Sunday 16 November at Letham St Mark's, Rannoch Road, Letham PH1 2HH. More at prisonersweek.org.uk

WhatsApp
The Archdiocese has launched a WhatsApp channel — a new and convenient way to stay informed and connected with the life of our Archdiocese. Join the channel at bit.ly/archwhatsapp

Assisted Suicide: MSPs reject more Safeguards

A raft of amendments that would have strengthened safeguards in proposed assisted dying legislation have been rejected.

Liam McArthur’s Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill  is being subjected to further scrutiny in Parliament, including proposed amendments by MSPs.

The latest session, held on Tuesday, followed last week’s debate where MSPs rejected measures to narrow the definition of terminal illness to those with six months or less to live and to exclude individuals seeking assisted suicide due to intellectual disabilities or eating disorders.

Liam McArthur’s amendment, obliging doctors who oppose assisted suicide to refer patients to a willing practitioner or provide information on the process—effectively mandating limited participation, was approved by the committee.

During the debate, Sue Webber highlighted evidence from other jurisdictions showing that assisted suicide drugs are not always painless, citing cases of vomiting, choking, fluid in the lungs, and failed deaths. “Even when we’re legislating for death, Parliament still bears responsibility for life,” she said.

Anthony Horan, of the Catholic Parliamentary Office, said: “Instead of beefing up this Bill with safeguards and tightening key provisions, the committee appears to be doing everything in its power to make the Bill unsafe and a significant risk to vulnerable people.

“Liam McArthur’s insistence that there should be no institutional opt-out will be particularly alarming for hospices and care homes that do not wish to participate in assisted suicide.

"It could mean that, should this law pass, those hospices and care homes will lose vital funding and be forced to close.

“MSPs have a duty to protect the vulnerable and the institutions that care for them.

"With each rejected safeguard it is becoming increasingly clear that MSPs are failing in that duty.”

Contact your MSP now - it only takes a minute using the Care not Killing email tool here. This article abridged from the Catholic Parliamentary Office. Watch our webinars on this issue here. Title images via Right to Life.

Vacancy: Support and Property Administrator

The Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh is seeking to appoint an Administrator to provide support to the Property Director and general administrative support within the Archdiocesan offices.

The role holder should have strong communication skills, good attention to detail and efficient IT skills.

They should be proactive, flexible and have the ability to prioritise and organise their work, while also supporting other team members as required.

Experience in Health & Safety and/or Property would be beneficial.

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter detailing how your skills and experience make you suitable for this role to recruitment@staned.org.uk by 26 November 2025. Interviews are scheduled to take place on 3 December 2025.

Job Details

Job Vacancy: Support and Property Administrator

Location: The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB

Hours: Permanent, full time, 35 hours a week, Mon- Fri

Salary: £23-25k

Purpose and Scope: This is a varied role and although focussed on administrative support for the Property Director, the role involves being part of the Support Team, providing hospitality for visitors to the Gillis Centre and undertaking general administrative tasks.  The Property Administrator assists  Parishes of the Archdiocese with Insurance Claims; works of maintenance and repair; applying for building grants; assisting with contractor’s visits; monitoring of H&S compliance and training, and other property related work.

Reports to: Office Manager

Key Relationships

Key Accountabilities

General Support role - under guidance of the Office Manager

Property Support role - under guidance of the Property Director

Health and Safety; under guidance of Health & Safety Lead  

WorkNest is our provider and this role liaises with them under the guidance of our Health & Safety lead.

Experience and Skills

 

Sculptor's iconic Homeless Jesus at Cathedral

People are being encouraged to sit and pray next to the iconic Homeless Jesus sculpture at St Mary's Cathedral in Edinburgh.

The famous statue has been placed in locations worldwide and is based on Jesus' words in Matthew 25:40: Whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.

It is hoped that the statue depicting Jesus Christ sleeping rough on a park bench will focus attention on homelessness in Edinburgh and remind Christians of their duty of care to homeless people in the city.

Sculptor Timothy Schmalz said: "Back when I was working on the clay I was sitting near the feet and I thought to myself ‘this is the closest I've ever been to a homeless person and it's a sculpture!’

"I thought, I'm going to have to leave this space here to welcome people to sit down.”

He added: “If you're homeless, one of the first things you lose is your sense of self worth.

“This sculpture symbolically reclaims it in a sense by saying that, if Jesus came down today he would hang out with you not the politicians and not the billionaires."

The Cathedral was approached by Timothy last year about installing the sculpture and it was placed outside the Cathedral on 3 September after planning permission was granted by the city council.

Monsignor Jeremy Milne, Cathedral Administrator, said: "We are so pleased to have this extraordinary sculpture outside the Cathedral.

"It is a powerful reminder of the Gospel imperative to serve Christ in the poor, the hungry, the sick and the homeless.

“Homeless Jesus is an eye-catching piece of art which invites people to pause and reflect, and we've seen many people do just that."

A plaque next to the sculpture reads “This statue by Timothy Schmalz is inspired by Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:40: Whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.

"The figure of Christ, resting on a bench, invites us to see Him in those who are homeless, hungry, or forgotten.

"As you stop here at St Mary’s Cathedral, may this image stir compassion, and remind us that every act of kindness to those in need is an act of love for Christ himself.”

 

Vacancy: Facilities Manager (Cathedral)

St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral is seeking to appoint a Facilities Manager to manage the buildings maintenance and health and safety requirements of the Cathedral Complex.

The Cathedral is a significant landmark in the city centre of Edinburgh and is the mother church of the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh.

The role holder should have good buildings knowledge, preferably of historic buildings, together with facilities management, maintenance and health and safety experience.

The role is varied and requires strong organisational skills, the ability to communicate effectively and to take ownership of tasks.

A full job description is available on the Cathedral website here. Salary: £30-32k.

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter detailing how your skills and experience make you suitable for this role to recruitment@stmaryscathedral.co.uk by 28 November 2025. Interviews are scheduled to take place on Tuesday 9 and Thursday 11 December 2025.