Reflection –
When Simon says that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the living God”, Jesus responds in Matthew’s account by renaming Simon as ‘Peter’, the Rock on which Jesus will build his church. Gates of Hell won’t prevail against it. Peter holds the keys of the kingdom of heaven, with power to bind and loose: power rabbis claimed for themselves. Peter (and later the entire group of apostles) are thus given authority to pronounce on the true teaching of Jesus.
Mass readings.
21st Sunday of the Year -Year A, 22nd & 23rd August 2026
1st Reading: Revelations Isaiah 22:15, 19-23
Responsorial Psalm. O Lord, your merciful love is eternal; discard not the work of your hands.
Second Reading: Romans 11:33-36
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia, You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it………… Alleluia
Gospel: Matthew 16: 13-20
Important Note: Please scroll within the below window to have access to daily readings for the Holy Catholic Mass. To keep scrolling down Our Lady’s newsletter, just scroll outside the window.
PARISH UPDATES:
Mass Bookings. We invite mass bookings for special intentions, wedding anniversaries, Birthdays, Death anniversaries of our loved ones and general prayers. The mass stipends (Donations) are part of our contribution towards the good of the church and support of our priest. Please use the envelopes at the back of the church and fill out all detals. A minimum of one week’s notice is advised, earlier if possible so we can include in the weekly newsletter on time.
Special Collection – This weekend there will be a Special Collection for African Missions & Holy Places.
Artwork – The image for today’s newsletter was drawn by parishioner Jorge Kerr. If you would be interested in providing your own artwork for future newsletters appropriate to the reading for a particular week, please get in touch with the communications group at the office e-mail, office.stcuthbertsedinburgh@staned .org.uk
Catechesis – Parents with children who don’t attend catholic school and would like them to receive the sacraments during school term times 2026/27, please register them for catechesis asap using the form at the back of the church. This is applicable to P3 children for Reconciliation, P4 for First Communion, and P7 for Confirmation.
Catechism classes will start soon on Saturdays afternoon, according to demand. Also, if you’d like to join the catechist team please let us know on office.stcuthbertsedinburgh@staned.org.uk.
Publications – There are some back copies of the International Catholic Weekly, (The Tablet) in the porch. Feel free to help yourself to a copy. There are also a small number of Mass cards in the porch for sale.
Archdiocese Updates
Diocesan structures in Scotland – Thanks to everyone who took part in the Archdiocesan online consultation on diocesan structures in Scotland. Archbishop Cushley is grateful to all who took the time to share their thoughts and reflections. Read the summary of responses at bit.ly/archupdate
National Pilgrimage to Whithorn – Mass will be celebrated on the beach on Sunday 30 August at 4:00pm by Bishop Frank Dougan (Galloway Diocese). For those unable to walk to the beach, there will be Mass at 4:45pm in St Martin and St Ninian’s Church, Whithorn, celebrated by Bishop Joseph Toal (Motherwell Diocese).
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd – Are you interested in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and want to learn more? Enquire about our training day for assistants on Tuesday 1 September, 10:00am-3:00pm, at St Columba’s, 9 Upper Gray Street, Edinburgh, EH9 1SN – a day to prepare volunteers to be involved prior to undertaking the full training course. Register your interest here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/8RU6YraThh
Altar Servers’ Day – The Annual Day for Altar Servers takes place on Saturday 5 September from 10:30am-3:00pm at The Gillis Centre in Edinburgh. Please speak to Fr Francis for details.
Season of Creation Conference – A day of inspiration, reflection and practical action to celebrate the Season of Creation. Saturday 5 September, 10:00am – 3:00pm, Eyre Hall, Clyde Street, Glasgow, G1 4JY. The keynote speaker is Lorna Gold, Executive Director of the Laudato Si’ Movement. Register: bit.ly/SeasonofCreation26
National Pilgrimage to Carfin – Holy Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop William Nolan, joined by Bishops, Priests, Religious and Faithful from across the country. Together we will gather in prayer before Our Lady, asking her intercession for our families, our communities, our nation, and for peace throughout the world. Sunday 6 September at 3:00pm.
Children’s Liturgy Leaders’ Morning – A morning of prayer and reflection for Children’s Liturgy leaders will be held on Saturday 12 September, from 9:00am-midday, at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1EE. The event will begin with Mass in St Margaret’s Chapel, celebrated by Fr Adrian Porter SJ, followed by sessions on reading and reflecting on the Gospels and on personal prayer. Register now at bit.ly/kidliturgyevent
Venerable Margaret Sinclair Pilgrimage – This year’s pilgrimage takes place on Sunday 20 September at St Patrick’s Church in The Cowgate, Edinburgh. Schedule: 12:30pm – Sale of candles & goods, refreshments; 1:30pm – Holy Hour (exposition and benediction); 3:00pm – Reflection from Canon Jock Dalrymple; 4:30pm – Mass celebrated by Archbishop Cushley (Homilist: Fr Michael John Galbraith).
National Youth Pilgrimage – The National Youth Pilgrimage (for ages 18–35) will take place on Saturday 26 September at Pluscarden Abbey. This year’s focus is on religious and monastic life and will include a tour of the Abbey, a Q&A with the monks, talks on vocation, and a Vigil Mass with Archbishop Cushley. Young people are invited to travel with the Archdiocese. To register please contact youth.office@staned.org.uk.
Poverty in Scotland – can we do more? – An event to dive into the reality of poverty in Scotland. We’ll hear from a range of speakers working on the frontline, discuss what’s being done and explore ways we can do more to help. It’s a chance to connect, share ideas, and spark change. It takes place on Saturday 3 October, 10:30am-4:00pm at, The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB. Register at bit.ly/povertyinscotland
Archdiocesan events – Events are listed at archedinburgh.org/events
Our Lady’s Offertory Collections.
Last Sunday’s collection: £267
Month total collections (Bank & Cash) £696
Special Collections: £-
Bank Total (month) £812
Mass Bookings.
We are reminded that the booking of mass for our special intentions, wedding anniversaries, Birthday thanksgiving, Death anniversaries of our loved ones and general prayers is highly recommended. The mass stipends (Donations) are part of our contribution towards the good of the church and support of our priest.
MASS TIMINGS
MASS INTENTIONS
MASS DONOR
Wednesday, August 26, 10.00am
- Thanksgiving for family birthdays
- Julia de Rezende
Friday August 28th, 10.00am
- Margaret & Jimmy McCue
- Gerry & Deanna McCue
Sunday, August 30th, 11.30am
- Manuel Custodio Gonsalves
- Nevesa Gonsalves
Blessings to you, your families and those who are dear to you in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Peter, I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven
Matthew 16:13-20
At that time: When Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter replied, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.’ Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.
Reflection on the ceiling panel
When Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do you say I am?”, Peter gives one of the clearest professions of faith in the Gospels: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus then entrusts Peter with a unique mission: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.” In the ancient world, keys were much more than mere practical objects. They were a symbol of authority, responsibility and trust. The person who held the keys acted on behalf of the master of the house, opening the door to those who were welcome and caring for all that had been placed under his charge. Still nowadays, if we give friends the keys to our house, it implies that we trust them. Jesus is therefore entrusting Peter as a faithful steward, giving him the responsibility of caring for the Church.
The image of the keys would also have reminded Jesus’ listeners of the Old Testament. In the Book of Isaiah (22:22), the “key of the House of David” is given to Eliakim as a sign of authority: “What he opens no one shall shut; what he shuts no one shall open.” Jesus deliberately echoes these words. He, the true Son of David, now entrusts Peter with a share in His own mission. The keys in the bible are therefore symbols of humble service. Peter will spend the rest of his life opening the way to Christ for others… something all of us are asked to do as well, to lead people through our Church doors to encounter God.
Throughout Christian art, Saint Peter is almost always shown holding two keys. Traditionally, one key is gold, representing the authority of Heaven. The other is silver, representing the Church’s mission here on earth. Together they remind us that heaven and earth are united in Christ, and that Peter’s ministry was to help people pass from one to the other.
The two crossed keys remain one of the most recognisable symbols of the Catholic Church. They still appear on the coat of arms of the Holy See, on the Vatican flag, and in the personal coat of arms of every Pope. Although the keys had appeared in Christian art for many centuries, they only became firmly established as the official emblem of the papacy during the 14th century, under the Avignon Popes. By the 15th century, the crossed keys beneath the papal tiara had become the standard papal coat of arms, and ever used since.
Our photo is of a carved giltwood and polychrome painted ceiling panel, depicting the papal coat-of-arms of Pope Pius VI ( 1717 – 29 August 1799) in the Basilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome, showing the two crossed keys.