What to Expect
MANY would describe the worship at St Michael and All Saints as theatrical. And they wouldn’t be wrong. The Mass here is a great drama—not in the sense of performance or pretence, but in its expressiveness, depth, and ability to draw people in.
The service unfolds with words from holy Scripture, the singing of chants, and the choreographed movement of ministers in richly decorated vestments—each element playing its part in the unfolding drama of worship. Processions mark different moments of the liturgy, incense rises as prayers are offered, and bells sound at special points in the service. The music—whether plainsong, polyphony, or the powerful sound of the organ—shapes the rhythm of worship. Together, these elements create an experience rich in splendour and wonder.
Joining In
HOW much someone participates is entirely up to them. The service is designed to draw people in, but engagement looks different for everyone. Some may prefer simply to watch and listen, while others will feel at home joining in with spoken responses and actions. There’s no “wrong” way to be part of a service at St Michael and All Saints. People are invited to come as they are, with no pressure or expectation.
On arrival, a Mass booklet will be available with the words and music used in the service, along with clear instructions and descriptions of what’s happening. Seating is open—anyone may sit wherever they feel comfortable.
Children and Babies
CHILDREN and babies are very welcome. A quiet space near the entrance provides soft toys for infants, and baby-changing facilities are available in the larger toilet.
After the Service
AFTER the 10:30 am Sunday Mass—and on feast days or other special occasions—there is usually an informal gathering, sometimes called coffee hour (though it doesn’t last an hour), where people chat over coffee, tea, and sometimes wine. Everyone is welcome.
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.
Readings & Music for Lent
Sun 16 Mar • 15:00
Take time to reflect this Lent through an evening of readings and music that showcases the qualities of this soul-searching season. It’s an invitation to pause, listen, and be still.
Maundy Thursday
Thurs 17 Apr • 19:30
One of the most dramatic and moving evenings of the year, Maundy Thursday takes you from the intimacy of the Last Supper to the stark moment of abandonment. As the story unfolds, the powerful liturgy, accompanied by exquisite music, will draw you into a profound and unforgettable experience.
Good Friday
Fri 18 Apr • 12:00
In a fast-paced world, this Three-Hour Vigil invites you to slow down. Experience the day’s depth through powerful readings, thought-provoking preaching, moving music, and moments of silence for reflection.
Easter Vigil
Sat 19 Apr • 21:00
Celebrate new beginnings. Just when the sun has vanished, a sacred mystery unfolds: a light shines in darkness. This uplifting tradition brings hope and celebrates the joy of resurrection.
Pentecost Vigil
Sat 7 Jun • 18:00 content
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.
9 March 2025
‘A Reasonable Temptation’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on the 1st Sunday of Lent (Luke 4:1-13)
5 March 2025
‘More than great television’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on Ash Wednesday (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21)
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)
2 February 2025
‘Presbyopia’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on the Presentation of the Lord (Luke 2.22-40)
26 January 2025
‘Whose story is it?’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Luke 4.14-21)
29 December 2024
‘How to be a holy family’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on the Feast of the Holy Family (Luke 2:41-52)
25 December 2024
‘Christmas Clickbait’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on Christmas Day 2024 (Luke 2:1-14)
24 December 2024
‘His eyes—how they twinkled!’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon at Midnight Mass 2024 (John 1:1-14)