Peace vigil against nuclear weapons
A Christian peace vigil in opposition to nuclear weapons takes place at the South Gate of HM Naval Base Clyde at 10:30am on Saturday 2 August.
It is an ecumenical service of prayer, reflection, readings, and hymns is organised by Justice & Peace Scotland.
The vigil will be led by Most Rev William Nolan, Archbishop of Glasgow and President of Justice & Peace Scotland; Right Rev Rosie Frew, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland; and Most Rev Mark Strange, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church.
Free transport
Anne-Marie Clements of J&P Scotland said: "We are keen to have a large and visible gathering at this year’s vigil to mark 80 years since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
"To make it easier for people to attend, free transport is being provided from Edinburgh and Glasgow by Justice & Peace Scotland and the Church of Scotland."
- Edinburgh pick-up: Waterloo Place (beside Waverley Station), departing 7.45am.
- Glasgow pick-up: Gordon Street (outside Central Station), departing 9.15am.
To book your free seat, please email: office@justiceandpeacescotland.org.uk
Include the following details:
- Your name
- Your pick-up location (Edinburgh or Glasgow)
- The number of seats you’d like to reserve
She added: "As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers and to uphold the dignity of every human life. Nuclear weapons are fundamentally incompatible with this call as their existence threatens indiscriminate destruction and a future built on fear and power-wielding rather than on fraternity amongst nations.
"We hope you’ll join us for this important and hopeful act of Christian witness. If you've never come along to one of our peace vigils before, why not make this your first one?"
Join renowned author Ian Bradley and the Schola Cantorum of St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh, for a concert exploring the spiritual resonances of musical theatre.
In this groundbreaking event, Professor Bradley will uncover some of the spiritual implications of our much-loved musical shows, and the Schola Cantorum will bring the music to life!
Includes music from The Sound of Music, South Pacific, Fiddler on the Roof, Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables and much more.
Event organised by St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh.
Fr Jamie's Sponsored Summer Cycle
25 churches. 42 miles. 1 priest on his bike.
Father Jamie McMorrin said: "This summer I’m going to cycle around Edinburgh, visiting every Catholic church in the city. I’ll be raising funds for the parish but also praying for the city and everyone in it. All proceeds will go towards raising parish funds for St Margaret's Catholic Church in Davidson's Mains, Edinburgh."
His route:
St Margaret’s > St Kentigern’s > St John the Baptist > St Joseph’s > St John Ogilvie’s > St Mary’s > St Mark’s > St Cuthbert’s > St Peter’s > Sacred Heart > St Patrick’s > St Albert’s > St Columba’s > St Catherine’s > St Gregory’s > St Theresa’s > St Mary Magdalene’s > St John the Evangelist > St Ninian’s > St Andrew’s > Star of the Sea > Holy Cross > St Mary’s Cathedral > St Andrew’s > St Margaret Mary’s > St Margaret’s, Davidson’s Mains.
To donate click here.
Catholic charity
Stella Maris (formerly called Apostleship of the Sea) is one of the few maritime charities with chaplains who carry out ship visits. They work with seafarers on the frontline.
On Sea Sunday (today, 13 July) let us pray for seafarers, fishers, and the work of Stella Maris.
Parishes have been invited to have an optional special collection. Donations can be made to Stella Maris
here.
National Pilgrimage to Carfin
The National Pilgrimage at the National Shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes, Carfin, will take place on Sunday 7 September. As we are in the midst of the Jubilee Year the theme for this year’s Pilgrimage will be Pilgrims of Hope. Holy Mass will be celebrated at the Shrine at 3pm, the main Celebrant and Preacher being Archbishop Leo Cushley, of St Andrew’s and Edinburgh, who is celebrating his 40th Anniversary as a Priest.
Pope Leo XIV recently announced that Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, will be canonised on this day in Rome, so it seems an ideal day for the Scottish Catholic Community to come together to joyfully celebrate our faith in communion with Pope Leo and the Universal Church.
World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
To celebrate this day, the National Marriage, Family and Life Commission of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland invites everyone to St Francis Xavier’s, Carfin, for Mass with Bishop John Keenan at 3:00pm on Sunday 27 July.
Venerable Margaret Sinclair Pilgrimage
This annual event takes place at St Patrick's in The Cowgate, Edinburgh, on Sunday 21 September 2025. This year we mark the centenary of her death. Schedule to follow.
Effective Parish Communications
The Vatican Correspondent for EWTN News joins us for our Effective Parish Communications webinar on Sat 19 July at 10am.
Colm Flynn is a renowned, professional broadcaster and contributor to the BBC World Service and Irish broadcaster RTÉ.
He will share his thoughts on the importance of media in evangelisation, drawing on his extensive experience.
He has reported from places such as Ukraine, Albania and Kenya and has interviewed names including Andrea Bocelli, Jordan Peterson and actor Jonathan Roumey.
He also played a key role in covering both the death of Pope Francis and the election of Pope Leo XIV.
The webinar also features Elaine Furmage of Being Catholic TV and Bishop Frank Dougan (Galloway Diocese) who has launched a communications commission for the Bishops' Confernce of Scotland.
Host Matt Meade, Communications Director for the Archdiocese, said: "This one-hour webinar will be crammed with communications tips and inspirational stories - perfect for those who help with comms at their parish.
Effective Parish Communications, Saturday 19 July, 10:00am-11:00am. Register at bit.ly/parishcomms
Study Theology in Edinburgh - Online Info Event
Join us on Tuesday 17 June at 6:00pm for a webinar where you can learn more about the Master’s in Applied Catholic Theology, ask questions, and meet current staff and students!
Register now at: bit.ly/stmarysuni or email stephen.dolan@stmarys.ac.uk
The Masters in Applied Catholic Theology is based at the Scottish Campus of St Mary's University at The Gillis Centre in Edinburgh. The course begins in September 2025.
Course leader, Dr Stephen Dolan, said: "Study Catholic Social Thought, Christian Anthropology, Systematic Theology and more. Evening classes work around your schedule, and our hybrid format allows you to study where you are. This course will help you grow your theological confidence in the workplace and in your life." Find out more about the course here.
“The arrangement that we have made with St Mary’s will provide invaluable means for Catholics to grow in the knowledge and love of their faith. In this way we are also responding to Pope Francis’ call to invest in the intellectual formation of the laity, and the evangelization of professional and intellectual life.” - Archbishop Leo Cushley
Experience the richness of the Catholic Faith at the New Dawn Day in Edinburgh!
It takes place on Saturday 14 June 2025 at Ss Ninian & Triduana, 232 Marionville Road, Edinburgh, EH 7 6BE.
The day begins with Mass at 10:30am, followed by testimonies, workshops, healing prayers and more.
Speakers are Fr James Anyaegbu and Gary Stephen. See the below video for more information, or watch on YouTube.
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Schedule
10.00am: Registration
10.30am: Holy Mass - Theme - Mary the Spouse of the Holy Spirit
11.15am: Praise & Worship - Introductions
11.45am: Testimony - Michael MacPhee (video)
12.00am: Talk 1 Holy Spirit – Gary Stephens
12.45pm: Lunch - (Hall)
1.30pm: Praise & Worship
2.00pm Talk 2 Evangelise the Culture – Fr James Anyaegbu
2.45pm: Workshops - (Hall & Church)
3.30pm: Break - Tea & Coffee - (Hall)
3.45pm: Prayer Ministry
4.15pm: Exposition - Rosary - Confessions
5.00pm: Break for evening meal (local eateries)
5.30pm: Parish Vigil Mass
6.45pm: Praise & Worship
7.10pm: Testimony - Stuart Young
7.20pm: Healing Service
9.00pm: Closing prayers
Children & Youth Ministries – Information at Reception. Event organised by New Dawn Scotland.