Celebrating Christ the King with young adults

The Jesuit young adult group in Edinburgh welcomed Archbishop Leo Cushley on the Feast of Christ the King for a special celebration of Holy Mass.

Now in its fourth year, the city’s young adult community has grown into vibrant hub for young adults in their 20s and 30s, offering worship, retreats, and outreach initiatives.

Following Mass, Archbishop Cushley, spent time with the young adults, encouraging them to take an active role in the life of the Church.

Archbishop Cushley, with young adult altar-servers and Fr Paul Henderson, the Archdiocesan Director of the Youth.

Fr David Stewart SJ, who leads the ministry in Edinburgh, said: "Archbishop Cushley spoke of his joy at seeing this Young Adult Ministry flourish and encouraged those present to involve themselves at every opportunity.

"He spent a long time after Mass enjoying their company at the social that always follows The Seven (the weekly Mass for young adults at 7:00pm).

"They, in turn, were delighted that he took time to speak to so many. The celebration and gathering afterwards echoed Pope Leo’s words to young people earlier in the week that they are “not only the church of the future but the church of now”.

The Jesuit young adult group with Archbishop Leo Cushley and Fr David Stewart SJ at the Jesuit Church of the Sacred Heart in Lauriston Street.

The late Pope Francis asked that the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, be a Global Celebration of Young People for Catholic Christians:

Fr David added: "It was Easter Sunday 2022 when we first launched an invitation to young adults to gather at our evening Mass in Edinburgh.

We had been welcoming a small but growing number of young adults or several months and had introduced a low-key social gathering afterwards; this is when this new ministry was fully underway."

By September 2022, a new music ministry had been formed, and outreach opportunities expanded, including service with the city’s street homeless and a core group of young adults to advise the church’s pastoral team on matters relevant to young adults:

"Now, we are linking more closely with the Jesuit Young Adult Ministries in London and Glasgow, as well as the growing global “Mag+s” network of Ignatian Young Adult Ministries. Together, we want to build a hope-filled future.”

All of the Edinburgh Young Adult Ministry’s online platforms can be accessed through LinkTree. This article abridged from jesuit.org.uk. Find out more about young adult events at Sacred Heart Church here.

International priests welcomed to Archdiocese

Archbishop Cushley has welcomed the international clergy who are serving in the Archdiocese.

We hosted an induction day on Thursday, offering the men a chance to socialise, meet the Archbishop and Vicars General (Mgr Allan Chambers and Mgr Jeremy Milne) and find out more about life in Scotland. Please keep them in your prayers.

Pictured from left:

Archbishop Cushley also gave a warm welcome to Fr Taras Boichuk on Tuesday (above). He is the new priest at the Ukrainian Catholic Church of Our Lady of Pochayiv & St Andrew, based in Dalmeny Street, Edinburgh.

* An acronym after a priest's title in the above list denotes the Religious Order to which they belong: CPPS = Missionaries of the Precious Blood; SMMM = Sons of Mary, Mother of Mercy; SJS = Society of Saint John; SSP = Society of St. Paul (known as the The Pauline Fathers).

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 10 December 2025.

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. Full schedule here.

 

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. See also Confession times for all parishes in the Archdiocese here.

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

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.”

 

WATCH: Archbishop's message for All Souls

Archbishop Cushley today prayed for all the Faithful Departed who have died over the last year in the Archdiocese.

He celebrated the Annual Mass at Mount Vernon Cemetery Chapel in Edinburgh and said: "It's always a lovely moment when we get together and comfort each other with the assurance of our faith."

Special mention was given to the deceased priests and religious sisters who have died in the last year: Fr Gordown Browm, Mgr Alistair Lawson, Canon John Urquhart, Fr John Callaghan, Fr Tony Quinlan OMI, Sr Mary Rose Moran RSM, Sr Monica McDonald RSCJ, Sr Christine Triay RSCJ, and Sr Veronica Marshall OSC.

Watch the video message below or on YouTube.

 

SUNDAY: Support the Mercy Centre

This year's Day for the Poor collection is scheduled for Sunday 9 November with all funds going to St Catharine's Mercy Centre in Lauriston, Edinburgh.

The centre is run by the Sisters of Mercy and offers meals, toilet facilities, advice on welfare and a place of refuge and calm.

Sr Aelred Timmins RSM said: "In Edinburgh there are so many homeless people on the streets.

"They come here every day for food, sometimes for sleeping bags, most of all they're looking for friendship and a listening ear.

"We are a Mercy Centre and we welcome everybody in. Our whole charism is 'response to need'.

"Please keep us in your prayers, and we really are very grateful to anybody who is able to support the works of mercy in this house."

Sr Aelred and the Sisters of Mercy established  the Homeless Project at St Catharine's Mercy Centre in Lauriston Gardens in 1993 and it can help up to 200 people each day.

Parishes have been asked to hold a special collection at Mass on Weekend of 8/9 November (or nearest suitable date). To donate online please tap here.

Young Adult Mass with Archbishop Cushley

On the Feast of Christ the King (Sunday 23 November) Archbishop Cushley will celebrate Mass for young adults at the Jesuit Church of the Sacred Heart, 26 Lauriston Street, Edinburgh, at 7:00pm.

GALLERY: Dana & Friends at St Mary's Cathedral

The Dana & Friends event at St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh, took place on Friday and featured stirring music and testimony.

It featured the legendary Irish Eurovision singer who talked about her faith in the midst of a million selling pop music career.

Former BBC correspondent Martina Purdy, and former barrister Elaine Kelly spoke movingly about their journeys from top flight careers into the religious life, and about how their deep trust in God has helped them to navigate the unexpected events that have followed.

Dana was accompanied by the Cathedral’s Schola Cantorum, with Director of Music Michael Ferguson at the piano.

He said: "It was a truly Spirit-filled evening, and one that will be remembered at St Mary’s Cathedral and beyond for a long time to come!"