WORSHIP

St Michael and All Saints exists to worship God.

THE church’s building is set apart for prayer, the offering of the Sacraments, and the praise of God, in beauty and holiness. Here, the mystery of faith is proclaimed, Christ’s saving work is made present, and the faithful are drawn into the life of God. It is a refuge for all on life’s journey and a foretaste of heaven.

Find out more about Baptism, Holy Communion, and the other Sacraments celebrated at St Michael and All Saints. →
Find out what to expect at a service in the church and how to take part. →

This Week at St Michael and All Saints

THE SACRAMENTS

THE Sacraments are sacred rites through which God draws close to humankind, offering the gift of divine life and strengthening the bonds of faith. The Sacrament of Holy Communion, or the Mass, is regularly celebrated at St Michael and All Saints. In it, bread and wine are consecrated and become the Body and Blood of Christ, which the faithful receive as spiritual food and drink. Holy Communion is also brought to the sick and housebound who cannot be present. This Sacrament is the source and summit of the Christian life, uniting the faithful with Christ’s sacrifice and nourishing the soul.
     Other Sacraments mark key moments in the journey of faith: Baptism, Confirmation, Confession, Marriage, Anointing, and Christian Burial. These are offered at St Michael and All Saints at specific times in people’s lives, revealing God’s enduring presence and love in moments of joy and need.

BAPTISM is open to everyone, at any age—whether as a child or later in life. It is the Christian rite of initiation, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith. In this Sacrament, sins are washed away, and through water and the Holy Spirit, a person is united with Christ and welcomed into the Church.
    After Baptism, many seek to deepen their commitment to Christ and the Church. For those baptised as children, Confirmation offers the opportunity to embrace the promises made on their behalf. The Bishop, through prayer and the laying on of hands, calls on the Holy Spirit to strengthen and nurture their growth as disciples of Christ.
    For those who have been baptised or confirmed in the past but feel called to revisit their faith, the Church offers Affirmation. In this liturgy, the promises of Baptism are renewed, giving thanks for God’s enduring grace and reaffirming a commitment to the Christian life.

If you would like to be baptised (or have your child baptised), confirmed, or affirm your own faith, use this contact form to get in touch. →

THE Sacrament of Reconciliation, often called Confession, is a time to acknowledge failings, seek forgiveness, and experience God’s mercy. It brings peace, healing, and a fresh start.
     In Confession, a person speaks with a priest, sharing the ways they have fallen short and seeking God’s forgiveness. The priest may offer guidance or counsel, and when appropriate, pronounce absolution—declaring, in the name of Christ, that sins are forgiven. Many find this a source of freedom and strength.
     Priests at St Michael and All Saints are available to hear confessions and are happy to arrange a time that is convenient. For those new to the Sacrament, guidance can be provided on how to prepare and make a good confession.

To arrange a Confession, contact a priest using this confidential contact form. →

MARRIAGE is a lifelong union between two people, blessed by God and reflecting the love of Christ for the Church. The Sacrament of Marriage offers strength and grace to live out this commitment faithfully.
     A church wedding is a sacred and joyful occasion where couples exchange vows before God and their loved ones. The liturgy includes Scripture readings, prayers, and blessings, and may also incorporate a Mass. The priest prays for God’s strength and guidance in the couple’s shared life together.
     Couples preparing for marriage meet with a priest to discuss the service and reflect on the spiritual significance of this Sacrament. St Michael and All Saints welcomes all kinds of couples, including same-sex couples and those previously married. For those in a civil marriage or partnership, a church blessing is also available, to celebrate the union within the context of faith.

To learn more or start planning your wedding, please use this form to contact a priest. →

THE Sacrament of Anointing is given to those who are ill, facing surgery, or nearing the end of life. Through prayer and anointing with holy oil, it offers comfort, healing, and the assurance of God’s presence.
     This Sacrament may take place at home, in hospital, or in church, and can be arranged by contacting the clergy. It is often accompanied by other prayers, and when appropriate, the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

If you need a priest, use the contact details on the Contact page. →
If it is an emergency, please telephone.

CHRISTIAN Burial entrusts the departed to God with prayers of hope and thanksgiving. It offers comfort to those who grieve, grounded in the promise of resurrection and eternal life.

If you would like to talk to a priest about the arrangements of what happens after you die or about a funeral of a loved one please use this form. →

THE Sacraments are offered to people of every background, story, and situation. St Michael and All Saints welcomes all who wish to experience God’s presence and grace. If you are curious or would like to learn more, please get in touch.

Mass Times

Sunday • 10:30 High Mass
A service with choral music, organ, incense, bells, and elaborate ritual  Read more →

Wednesday • 11:00 Low Mass (Lady Chapel)

First Saturday of each month • 12:30 Rosary Mass

Celebrate the Sacred Seasons

ST Michael and All Saints invites you to mark some of the most significant moments of the liturgical year with special services featuring glorious music from one of the finest choirs in the city, vibrant Anglo-Catholic liturgy, and preaching that speaks to the heart. These services are true highlights of the calendar, offering excellent opportunities for reflection and celebration. Whether you’re a frequent attendee or joining for a special occasion, these events are sure to inspire.

Pentecost Vigil

Sat 7 Jun • 18:00

Mark the moment when a wind of change swept through the world, igniting the Christian movement. This celebration of Pentecost embraces new possibilities with fiery music. Afterwards, enjoy a reception in the Cloisters Bar next door.

‘O sacrum convivium’

Sun 22 Jun • 18:00

A concert within the Octave of Corpus Christi celebrates devotion to the Blessed Sacrament through music. Experience moving settings of devotional texts alongside stirring organ compositions. This journey through themes of faith offers profound contemplation of the sacred mysteries.

Assumption Evensong

Sat 16 Aug • 16:00

Celebrate Marian devotion in the inimitable Anglo-Catholic tradition, featuring flower petals, processions, and the grandest of grand choral music. The concluding service of Edinburgh’s Festival of the Sacred Arts offers a moment to be inspired.

Come-and-Sing Evensong and Benediction

Sat 27 Sep • 17:00 

Embrace the beauty of Catholic ritual, no matter your tradition. Slip on some proverbial lace for the occasion and join a fabulous Come-and-Sing event. A full choir rehearsal precedes the service. Sign up online to participate.

Advent Carol Service

Sun 30 Nov • 18:00

Enter the season of Advent through a dramatic and awe-inspiring service, filled with candlelight, stirring choral music, and readings, drawing all who attend into a profound sense of waiting and wonder.

Nine Lessons & Carols

Sun 21 Dec • 18:00

Celebrate the Christmas story through the beloved Service of Nine Lessons and Carols. Scripture readings and carols recount the journey from creation to the birth of Christ. The service, accompanied by exceptional choral music, offers a moment of reflection, joy, and a deep connection to the true meaning of Christmas.

Latest Sermons

Listen to recent sermons and reflections.

Want to watch more? Find the full playlist of sermons and reflections on YouTube here. →
Sermon • 4 May 2025This content is hosted by a third party. By showing the external content you accept the terms and conditions of YouTube.
4 May 2025

‘Speaking love in a Scottish accent’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on the Third Sunday of Easter (John 21:1–19)

Sermon • 20 Apr 2025This content is hosted by a third party. By showing the external content you accept the terms and conditions of YouTube.
20 April 2025

‘Remember.’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on Easter Sunday 2025 (Luke 24:1-12)

Sermon • 6 Apr 2025This content is hosted by a third party. By showing the external content you accept the terms and conditions of YouTube.
6 April 2025

‘It’s a lot, isn’t it?’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on Passion Sunday (John 12:1–8)

Sermon • 23 Mar 2025This content is hosted by a third party. By showing the external content you accept the terms and conditions of YouTube.
23 March 2025

‘If God ran Netflix’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on the 3rd Sunday of Lent (Luke 13:1-9)

Sermon • 9 Mar 2025This content is hosted by a third party. By showing the external content you accept the terms and conditions of YouTube.
9 March 2025

‘A Reasonable Temptation’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on the 1st Sunday of Lent (Luke 4:1-13)

Sermon • 5 Mar 2025This content is hosted by a third party. By showing the external content you accept the terms and conditions of YouTube.
5 March 2025

‘More than great television’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on Ash Wednesday (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21)

Sermon • 16 Feb 2025This content is hosted by a third party. By showing the external content you accept the terms and conditions of YouTube.
16 February 2025

‘The Beatitudes aren’t reassuring’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Luke 6:17-26)

Latest Newsletters

Weekly emails with news, events, and updates from St Michael and All Saints.

Subscribe to receive them directly in your inbox. →
03/05/2025 - Why the church was empty this morning
26/04/2025 - High Notes for a ‘Low’ Sunday
19/04/2025 - Easter at St Michael and All Saints
12/04/2025 - The week that matters
05/04/2025 - The Triduum Changes Lives
29/03/2025 - Spring Forward, Look Up