Reflection –
– Peter’s miraculous release from prison and Paul’s assertion that he has been “rescued from the lion’s mouth” speak eloquently to their conviction that the Gospel cannot be silenced or confined but must be preached. Both testified by their words and by their lives to the Gospel and to Christ, attributing every grace to his action, not their own. May their example help us run the race to the finish, for no power can prevail against God’s will to save!
Mass readings.
13th Sunday of the Year – A, June 27th & 28th 2026
1st Reading: Acts 12:1-11
Responsorial Psalm. From all my terrors the Lord set me free
Second Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18
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 16:13-19
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PARISH UPDATES:
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. Please state the church you want mass said and the date.
Monthly Standing Orders – If you currently donate by monthly standing order to the Bank of Scotland, it’s important that you transfer your standing order across to the church’s Royal Bank of Scotland account. If you don’t have the details, please contact George, Parish Administrator on office.stcuthbertsedinburgh@staned.org.uk. Our Bank of Scotland accounts are closing later this year.
Paul McTweed – Sadly Paul McTweed, well known in both our parishes, passed away on the 20th June. Paul’s funeral mass will be at St, Cuthbert’s on the 7th July at 11am and then onto Mortonhall Crematorium, Pentland Chapel at 12.30pm.
St Cuthberts news
BBQ – Thanks to the organisers and everyone who attended the Parish BBQ last Friday. With your help we raised over £800 for the Parish Project!
Additional Weekday Masses – Thanks to everyone who indicated their interest in additional weekday masses. We are delighted to advise that from Wednesday 2nd September there will be Evening Masses on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6pm.
Our Lady’s news
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.
SSVP Social Event – A big thanks to the SSVP and all the helpers who supported the SSVP Afternoon Tea and Quiz last Friday. Great fun afternoon for everyone in attendance and a donation was given to John Kerr to help fund his trip to Loudes as a helper on the annual pilgrimage.
Archdiocese News
Special Collection – Next Sunday, 5th July, there will be a Special Collection for Peter’s Pence
Concert at the Cathedral – A renowned Australian choir sing a special choral Mass at 12:45pm on Wednesday 1 July in St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh, with music by Widor, Sir James MacMillan, and Colin Mawby. Then at 7:30pm, the ensemble, from St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney, perform a free concert at the Cathedral featuring music by Palestrina, Poulenc, MacMillan, and a world premiere by Australian composer Brooke Shelley. Come along for a rare opportunity to hear this acclaimed Australian Catholic choir in Scotland.
St Margaret’s Pilgrimage – “My heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended this year’s St Margaret Pilgrimage in Dunfermline. It was a joy to see so many people gather in faith to honour Scotland’s beloved patron saint and to celebrate her enduring witness of holiness, charity and service. The strong participation from across Scotland was a wonderful sign of our shared faith and devotion.” – Archbishop Leo Cushley. The next St Margaret Pilgrimage is in Dunfermline on Sunday 13 June 2027.
Visit of relics of St Gerard Majella – The relics of St Gerard Majella will be at St Patrick’s Church, The Cowgate, Edinburgh, on Saturday 18 July. Entrance of the relics at 10:00am with devotions and talk, Exposition of Blessed Sacrament at 11:30am. Mass at 12:30pm followed by blessing with the relics.
Brecbannoch Pilgrimage 2026 – A pilgrimage to pray for the renewal of the Faith in Scotland, from 31 July to 3 August, with a walk across the Isle of Mull, returning the relics of St Columba to Iona. Discounts are available for students and under-22s, and under-5s go free. Visit brecbannoch.co.uk
Marriage and Families Newsletter – The latest edition of the Catholic Families for Life newsletter is at marriagefamilyandlife.org.uk/newsletter/
Justice & Peace Scotland newsletter – Available at www.justiceandpeacescotland.org.uk
Archdiocesan events – Events are listed at archedinburgh.org/events
Our Lady’s Offertory Collections.
Last Sunday’s collection: £207
Month total collections (Bank & Cash) £642
Special Collections: £207
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, July 1st, 10.00am
- Stuart Fergusson - RIP / Freya Lungberg - God's Healing
- Helen & Allan /
Margaret
Friday July 3rd, 10.00am
- Jim Dudgeon - RIP
- Ida, Helen & Allan
Sunday, July 5th, 11.30am
- Aiden Moore
- Jennie & Paul Hulse
Blessings to you, your families and those who are dear to you in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
Matthew 16:13-19
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.’
Reflection on the painting
Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, two giants of our Christian faith, two pillars of the early Church whose distinct missions and temperaments helped shape Christianity as we know it. The tradition of honouring them together on 29 June dates back to at least AD 258, bearing witness to their shared martyrdom in Rome and their foundational role in the growth of the Church. Peter represents stability, tradition and ecclesial authority—the “rock” upon whom Christ built His Church. Paul, the former persecutor turned missionary, embodies the Church’s missionary zeal and evangelical courage. Together they reveal the fullness of the Gospel: Peter grounding us in unity and faithfulness to Christ, and Paul urging us outward in proclamation, conversion and mission. As Pope Benedict XVI beautifully observed: “Christian tradition has always considered Saint Peter and Saint Paul to be inseparable: indeed, together, they represent the whole Gospel of Christ.” This is why we celebrate them together every year.
Our painting by El Greco, now in the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, captures the two saints with remarkable simplicity. Peter stands holding the keys of the Kingdom, Paul the sword of the Word of God and his martyrdom. Yet the most telling detail is their hands: Paul’s hand gently rests upon Peter’s. It is a subtle but powerful symbol of unity. Though very different in character and vocation, they are shown not as rivals but as brothers, united in one mission. The Church always needs both: the stability of Peter and the dynamism of Paul. El Greco reminds us that the Gospel flourishes when these gifts work together, hand in hand… literally!
Most apostles and saints are honoured individually, but the Church places Peter and Paul on a single solemn feast, not to diminish their individuality, but to magnify their shared mission. There is no separate Feast of St. Peter as such; there is also no Feast of St. Paul (apart from celebrating his conversion). We celebrate them together, which tells us a lot about how the Church wants us to view these saints. It is a feast not just of remembrance, but of unity.
