Parish bulletin update for Sunday
Here is our round-up of forthcoming events for parish bulletins.
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
Venerable Margaret Sinclair event
Commemorate the centenary of the death of Venerable Margaret Sinclair on Saturday 22 November 2025 by meeting at her former grave in Mount Vernon Cemetery, Edinburgh, at 9:00am to pray the Rosary. This will be followed by a walk to her tomb at St Patrick's in The Cowgate. Benediction at 12:15pm followed by Holy Mass at 12:30pm. A Centenary Mass will be offered at the Sacred Heart Altar, in St Patrick's on Monday 24 November at 5:45pm.
Day for the Poor
This Sunday is the annual special collection for World Day for the Poor. All funds will go to the Mercy Centre, run by the Sisters of Mercy at St Catharine's Convent of Mercy, Lauriston. Sr Aelred Timmins said: "Homeless people come here every day for food, sometimes for sleeping bags, most of all they're looking for friendship and a listening ear. Please keep us in your prayers, and we are grateful to anybody who is able to support the works of mercy in this house." Donate online at bit.ly/dayforpoor. Watch the 45 second video at bit.ly/mercycentre
Confession event
If you have not been to confession for a while, come to this Archdiocese event as we prepare spiritually for Christmas. 'RETURN: A day to help you get back to Confession' takes place from 10:00am-4:00pm on Saturday 22 November at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB. Includes talks, testimonials, prayer and a chance to go to Confession. All welcome. Register at bit.ly/returntoconfession
Diploma in Catechetics - register now
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. Registration and details 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
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: bit.ly/prolifeai
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 of Aid to the Church in Need, will speak at the Mass.
Mass for Young Adults
Archbishop Cushley invites Young Adults 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.
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. 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.
Parish Update Meeting (evening)
Please join Archbishop Cushley and Curia team members at this meeting for us to share news on:
- Archdiocesan finances
- IT support for parishes
- Property updates and advice
- Health and safety policies and compliance
The event takes place from 7:00pm to 9:00pm on Wednesday 24 September 2025 in the Islay Hall at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh EH9 1BB.
This is an opportunity not only to hear from our speakers and ask questions but to meet finance and fabric committee members from other parishes as well as Curia team members, Archbishop Cushley and Monsignor Jeremy Milne, Moderator of the Curia.
Join us from 6:30pm for tea/coffee and a chat.
Registration
Please register for this event here.
Who is this event for?
All Parish Priests, Parish Administrators, Assistant Priests together with representatives from Parish Finance or Fabric Committees and those involved in Health and Safety compliance for parishes.
Speakers
Graham Scrimgeour, Director of Finance, will provide an overview of the 2024 accounts and audit findings and other finance matters, including banking, electronic giving and upgrades to OPAS, together with news on IT developments to support parishes.
Lorcan Mooney, Director of Property, will then provide an overview of the role of the Archdiocese property department, the parish fabric committee and other parish property requirements.
Gail Dyer, Health and Safety Consultant with WorkNest, will provide an overview on health and safety matters with a particular emphasis on the importance of compliance, and the SafetyNest portal, then all speakers will take questions from the audience.
If the time of this meeting is not suitable, we are hosting the same meeting at 3:00pm on the same day. Register for that here.
Parish Update Meeting (afternoon)
Please join Archbishop Cushley and Curia team members at this meeting for us to share news on:
- Archdiocesan finances
- IT support for parishes
- Property updates and advice
- Health and safety policies and compliance
The event takes place from 3:00pm to 5:00pm on Wednesday 24 September 2025 in the Islay Hall at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh EH9 1BB.
This is an opportunity not only to hear from our speakers and ask questions but to meet finance and fabric committee members from other parishes as well as Curia team members, Archbishop Cushley and Monsignor Jeremy Milne, Moderator of the Curia.
Join us from 2:30pm for tea/coffee and a chat.
Registration
Please register for this event here.
Who is this event for?
All Parish Priests, Parish Administrators, Assistant Priests together with representatives from Parish Finance or Fabric Committees and those involved in Health and Safety compliance for parishes.
Speakers
Graham Scrimgeour, Director of Finance, will provide an overview of the 2024 accounts and audit findings and other finance matters, including banking, electronic giving and upgrades to OPAS, together with news on IT developments to support parishes.
Lorcan Mooney, Director of Property, will then provide an overview of the role of the Archdiocese property department, the parish fabric committee and other parish property requirements.
Gail Dyer, Health and Safety Consultant with WorkNest, will provide an overview on health and safety matters with a particular emphasis on the importance of compliance, and the SafetyNest portal, then all speakers will take questions from the audience.
If the time of this meeting is not suitable, we are hosting the same meeting at 7:00pm on the same day. Register for that here.
Parish bulletin update for this Sunday
Here is our round-up of forthcoming events for parish bulletins.
St Margaret's Pilgrimage - Sunday 8 June
Join Archbishop Leo, clergy, and people from across Scotland for the procession through Dunfermline town centre with the relic of St Margaret at 2:00pm, followed by Holy Mass at 3:00pm in St Margaret's Church. Full schedule in the news-events section at archedinburgh.org
Day for Life: Special Collection next Sunday
The Day for Life is when we celebrate the dignity of all human life from conception to natural death. It takes place on Sunday 15 June and a collection will be taken up at Mass for the work of the apostolate of life. This year’s theme is Hope Does Not Disappoint – Finding Meaning in Suffering and we are invited to pray for those who suffer and to remain with them, bearing witness to their unique and unrepeatable value.
Study Catholic Theology in Edinburgh
Interested in finding out more about the MA in Applied Catholic Theology at St Mary's University Scottish campus in Edinburgh? An online information event takes place at 6:00pm on Tuesday 17 June where you can hear from staff and current students. Register at bit.ly/stmarysuni or email stephen.dolan@stmarys.ac.uk
Corpus Christi Procession: Sunday 22 June
Archbishop Leo will lead the Archdiocesan Corpus Christi Procession from St Patrick’s Church in Kilsyth at 3:00pm on Sunday 22 June. First Holy Communicants in the Archdiocese are invited to take a special place in the procession wearing their formal clothes. Parking available at the Church. Contact St Patrick's to reserve disabled/minibus parking or to book a space on the free shuttle buses from Croy train station to the Church: priest.stpatrickskilsyth@staned.org.uk or 01236 822136.
Urgent: Oppose the Assisted Suicide Bill
The Assisted Suicide Bill is set for a final debate and vote at Westminster on Friday 13 June. Please pray for wisdom and compassion in our society and to contact your MP to express your opposition to the bill. Your personal stories and concerns matter. Find your MP at https://writetothem.com
Jubilee Year Picnic for families
The Archdiocesan Jubilee Year picnic takes place on Saturday 28 June, 11:00am – 4:00pm at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB. There will be spiritual talks on the theme of Hope and talks and games for children. Includes Rosary at The Grotto and concludes with Holy Mass in St Margaret's Chapel. Childcare provided. Register at bit.ly/archpicnic
Parish communicators
The Archdiocese is hosting a webinar for those who are involved with parish communications (such as Facebook, newsletters). It takes place on Saturday 19 July at 10:00am-11:00am. The session will give tips and guidance on parish social media, newsletters and more. Register at bit.ly/parishcomms
Save the Date
The Venerable Margaret Sinclair Pilgrimage Day is on Sunday 21 September 2025 at St Patricks in The Cowgate, Edinburgh. More details coming soon.
St Margaret's Pilgrimage - Sunday 8 June
All are welcome at the annual St Margaret's Pilgrimage in Dunfermline on Sunday 8 June. Join Archbishop Leo, clergy and people from across Scotland for the procession through the town centre with the relic of St Margaret at 2:00pm, followed by Holy Mass at 3:00pm in St Margaret's Church. Full schedule in the news-events section at archedinburgh.org
New Dawn Conference - Saturday 14 June<
Experience the richness of the Catholic Faith at the New Dawn Day. It begins with Mass at 10:30am, followed by testimonies, workshops, healing prayers and more. Speakers are Fr James Anyaegbu and Gary Stephen. It takes place on Saturday 14 June 2025 at Ss Ninian & Triduana, 232 Marionville Road, Edinburgh, EH 7 6BE. Event organised by New Dawn Scotland.
Dignity Not Detention – Dungavel – Sun 15 June, 1pm
Join Justice & Peace Scotland to call for "Dignity Not Detention" and advocate for an end to the inhumane practice of unlimited immigration detention. The UK is the only country in Europe that does not have a statutory time limit on detention, meaning people can be held in prison-like conditions indefinitely with no idea when they will be released. Guest speaker: Archbishop William Nolan. It takes place at Dungavel House, Strathaven, ML10 6RF at 1:00pm on Sunday 15 June. Contact office@justice@peacescotland.org.uk for more info.
Corpus Christi Procession - Sunday 22 June
Archbishop Leo will lead the Archdiocesan Corpus Christi Procession from St Patrick’s Church in Kilsyth at 3:00pm on Sunday 22 June. This is a joyous occasion with the Blessed Sacrament being carried through the streets. First Holy Communicants in the Archdiocese are invited to take a special place in the procession wearing their formal clothes. Parking available at the Church. Contact St Patrick's to reserve disabled/minibus parking or to book a space on the free shuttle buses from Croy train station to the Church: priest.stpatrickskilsyth@staned.org.uk or 01236 822136.
Jubilee Year Picnic for families - Saturday 28 June
Join families from across the Archdiocese for a Jubilee Year picnic on Saturday 28 June, 11:00am – 4:00pm at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB. There will be spiritual talks on the theme of Hope and talks and games for children. Includes Rosary at The Grotto and concludes with Holy Mass in St Margaret's Chapel. At 4:00pm there is the chance to walk to the Jubilee Cross at St Mary's Cathedral (optional). Childcare provided. Register at bit.ly/archpicnic
Parish bulletin update for Holy Week
Here is our round-up of forthcoming events that we share each week with parishes in the Archdiocese.
Celebration of Fr Tommy Greenan
The story of the Edinburgh priest who served the poor in war-torn El Salvador will be shared at St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh, on Thursday 8 May at 7:30pm (Please note corrected date). Speakers will share their memories of Fr Tommy Greenan and tell the story of how his acclaimed book The Song of the Poor came to be published following his death. The book will be available for purchase at the event. No registration required. All welcome.
Chrism Mass
The Mass of Chrism in the Archdiocese will be celebrated on Tuesday of Holy Week (15 April) at St Mary's Cathedral in Edinburgh at 7:00pm. At this Solemn Mass Archbishop Cushley will bless the Oils to be used in parish celebrations of the Sacraments for the year ahead, while priests renew the promises made at ordination. All are welcome as we prepare for the Paschal Triduum in the lead up to Easter Sunday.
Children’s Liturgy Leader Workshop
Join the Catechetics Commission for the second Children’s Liturgy (CL) Leader Workshop. The day will begin with Mass, and include feedback from our 22 February meeting, a presentation on music & art, and a time of discussion. Date: Saturday 26th April 9:30am – 12:30pm. Location: The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, EH9 1BB. Register here.
Parent Forum
The next Archdiocesan Parent Forum will take place on Wednesday 23 April at 7:00pm. This meeting will now be online, and all Parent Council Chairpersons and Parish Representatives are invited. If you haven’t received an invite or confirmed your attendance, please email melissa.gavan@staned.org.uk
Assisted Suicide
The UK Parliament will soon be voting on assisted suicide. Please visit carenotkilling.uk/petition to sign the petition and email your MP in a few simple clicks.
Annual Pro-Life Chain, Edinburgh
SPUC's Pro-Life Chain takes place on Saturday 26 April at 11:00am on Lothian Road. There will be a pro-life Rosary at 10:00am in Sacred Heart Church on Lauriston Street. Register at: bit.ly/proliferosary25
Stations of the Cross
Join Catholics from across Scotland to pray for the unborn, their mothers and all pro-life intentions. Includes a reflection from Bishop Frank Dougan of the Diocese of Galloway. This Monday (14 April) at 7:45pm. Register: bit.ly/stations25
Fundraising concert
A Performance of Pergolesi Stabat Mater by Genevieve Evans and Emma Hocking takes place at St Mary's Cathedral in Edinburgh at 7:30pm on Monday 14 April. Entry is free with retiring donations to support the Schola Cantorum’s singing in Rome in May 2025.
Mass for Married & Engaged Couples
The annual Archdiocesan Mass for Married Couples (and those preparing for marriage) takes place at 7:15pm on Tuesday 27 May at St Mary's Cathedral. Archbishop Cushley will be the principal celebrant and will give a blessing to couples.
Parish bulletin update for 3rd Sunday of Lent
Here is our round-up of events taking place in the Archdiocese and beyond that we share each week with parishes in the Archdiocese.
Young Adults' Holy Week event
The Archdiocese invites young adults (18+) to prepare for Holy Week and Easter on Saturday 12 April at St Margaret's Chapel at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB from 11:30am-3:00pm. There will be talks from speakers including Fr David Stewart SJ and the event concludes with Mass celebrated by Archbishop Cushley. Recollect, pray and celebrate your Catholic faith. Register by emailing frrobert.taylor@staned.org.uk.
Stations of the Cross
Monday, 24 March, 7:45pm with a reflection from John Deighan, CEO of SPUC. Join John and Catholics from across Scotland to pray for the unborn, their mothers and all pro-life intentions. Register:
bit.ly/Stations25
Talk at Carmelite Convent
A series of Holy Year talks take place on the last Sunday of each month at the Carmelite Convent, Hot Pot Wynd, Dysart, KY1 2TF. The next one is on Sunday 30 March at 4:30pm when Canon James Tracey discusses Reconciliation - Forgiveness. The one-hour event includes evening prayer, Eucharistic Adoration and has been organised by the Fife Deanery. All welcome.
Palm Sunday Youth Day
Let your children know about this day of games and inspiring talks hosted by the Archdiocese at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB on Saturday 12 April from 11am-3pm. Includes sessions for primary school pupils (8+) and sessions for high school pupils. Register at
bit.ly/youthpalmAnnual Mass
The annual Caritas, Justice & Peace Mass takes place at 7:00pm on Wednesday 2 Aprilat St Margaret’s, East Port, Dunfermline, KY12 7JB. Fr Tom Magill of Motherwell Diocese will preach. All welcome.
'Courage to be Catholic' national conference
Mass for Married & Engaged Couples
The annual Archdiocesan Mass for Married Couples (and those preparing for marriage) takes place at 7:15pm on Tuesday 27 May at St Mary's Cathedral. Please join us for this special occasion when we celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage. Archbishop Cushley will be the principal celebrant and will give a blessing to couples.
Lourdes 2025
The Archdiocesan pilgrimage flight for the summer Lourdes pilgrimage is fully booked but there is still the possibility to take part. Tangney Tours is reviewing options for pilgrims to join the pilgrimage. Please call 01732 886666 and let them know if you'd like to go.
Monthly ‘Catholic Conversations’ for Women
Women 18-45 are invited to ‘Catholic Conversations’ on Saturday 22 March, 3:45pm-4:45pm, at St Andrew’s, Ravelston, Edinburgh, EH4 3DS hosted by the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma. There will refreshments, a video-input, conversation, and a look at the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The conversation topic will be 'The Mass'. Afterwards, all are also welcome to Holy Hour with Vespers 5:10pm-6:10pm. To register, email edinburgh@almamercy.org.
Schola Cantorum
The Schola Cantorum of St Mary's Catholic Cathedral has recorded new audio tracks — the first professional recordings of the choir since 2020. Listen online for free at http://tinyurl.com/scholalisten and you can make an optional donation towards helping the choir sing at the Scots College Ordinations in Rome in May, when the singers will represent St Mary's Cathedral and the Archdiocese.
Columba Trust
The Columba Trust provides funding to organisations and individuals for projects which support the practice of the Roman Catholic faith, its ministry and values. The deadline for applications this year is 30 June 2025. Further details about the Trust and how to apply for a grant can be found at https://columbatrust.org.uk/
Happy Feast Day of All Saints! Here is our news and events update for November, the month when we remember in prayer the Holy Souls in Purgatory.
- Archbishop Cushley will offer Holy Mass for the repose of all the faithful departed who have died in the Archdiocese in the last year on All Souls’ Day, Thursday 2 November, at 10am in the Chapel at Mount Vernon Cemetery, 49 Mount Vernon Road, Edinburgh, EH16 6JG. All welcome.
- We’re hosting a day of faith and fun for p4-7s on Saturday 25 November. Games, talks, sweets, confessions, Mass and more! 10:30am to 3:30pm at the Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB. Speak to your parish priest to register.
- Explore the richness and depth of our Catholic faith with the Diploma in Catechetics from the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh. Tune in each Thursday at 7:30pm for an expert-led Zoom Webinar (or watch the recording at your convenience), with guided readings, regular one-to-one support, and an in-person retreat. The course begins on Thursday 25 January 2024. Register now and receive a 20 per cent discount! Click here.
- The Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh is seeking to appoint an Administrator. To apply, please send CV and cover letter to recruitment@staned.org.uk by Wednesday 8 November. Interviews scheduled for Friday 17 November. Job details here.
- Find out what happened at the final week of the Synod in Rome with our FAQs. Click here.
- Thinking about a vocation to the religious life? Join other young women at a retreat in Edinburgh led by Sr Mirjam Hugens FSO, the Archdiocesan Director for Religious Vocations. It takes place from 3-5 November 2023 at St Columba’s, 9 Upper Gray Street, EH91SN. Email religiousvocations@staned.org.uk
- World Day for the Poor is on Sunday 19 November. A special collection wil take place that day in all parishes for the Fife Furniture Project. It has helped hundreds of people across the Archdiocese, many in desperate situations, by providing basic furniture and white goods for tenants.
- The monthly Mass with the African and Caribbean community takes place at 2pm on Sunday 5 November at St Cuthbert’s, 104 Slateford Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1PT.
- You can find out more about leaving a gift in your will to support your parish or the Archdiocese on our website. Click here.
- In November, we mark the feast days of the patron saints of Scotland, St Andrew (30 Nov) and St Margaret (16 Nov).
Pope Francis has released his video for this month in which he asks for our prayers to support him in his ministry. Watch below or on YouTube.
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