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.
A High Mass typically lasts around an hour and a half. The service is shaped by 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—contributes to 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.
During the service, there is an opportunity to make a financial contribution to the church (sometimes called an offering). Those who wish to give can do so in several ways. Envelopes are available for cash donations, and UK taxpayers can increase their contribution through Gift Aid. A card reader is also available at the back of the church for contactless giving.

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.

Come and experience worship at St Michael and All Saints. →

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. Whether you’re a frequent attendee or joining for a special occasion, these events are sure to inspire.

All Souls

Sun 1 Nov • 15:00

One of the most ancient acts of Christian devotion: praying for the dead. At this richly ceremonial choral Vigil Requiem, Mass is sung for the departed, as friends and family are remembered by name.

Advent Carol Service

Sun 29 Nov • 18:00

The Church’s new year begins in expectation. Candlelight and stirring choral music accompany readings from Scripture that follow the promise of Christ’s coming soon.

Nine Lessons & Carols

Sun 20 Dec • 18:00

Nine lessons tell one enormous story, from the creation of the world to the birth of Christ. Between them, choir and congregation sing some of the best-loved carols of Christmas.

Christmas Eve

Thurs 24 Dec • 23:00

The waiting is over: Christ is born. The first Mass of Christmas celebrates the Nativity in the darkness of the night, when shepherds keep watch, angels sing, and a child is laid in a manger.

Christmas Day

Fri 25 Dec • 10:30

Christmas morning has a way of creating a sense of wonder, whatever your age. Joyful music fills the church as the Gospel proclaims the mystery of the manger: God with us, and hope born into the world.

Ash Wednesday

Wed 10 Feb • 19:30

Begin the forty days of Lent with the Imposition of Ashes, offered to all who wish to receive it. A solemn Mass with music reflecting the stark and searching character of Ash Wednesday.

Maundy Thursday

Thurs 25 Mar • 19:30

Song and ritual trace the events on the night before Jesus’ death, from the intimacy of the Last Supper to the abandonment in the Garden of Gethsemane. The Mass ends in stillness, with a vigil kept at the Altar of Repose.

Good Friday

Fri 26 Mar • 12:00

A Three-Hour Vigil marks the hours Jesus spent on the cross. Readings, preaching, haunting music, and periods of silence accompany the Passion across the afternoon, from crucifixion to death.

Easter Vigil

Sat 27 Mar • 21:00

One of the most dramatic services of the year, the Easter Vigil begins in darkness, as a new fire is kindled and the light of the Paschal candle fills the church. Evocative chants and the rites of Baptism carry the Vigil towards the first Mass of Easter.

Ascension Day

Thurs 6 May • 19:30

Forty days after Easter, the story changes direction. Ascension Day celebrates Christ lifted, body and soul, into heaven, with uplifting choral music for one of the great feasts of the Christian year.

Corpus Christi

Thurs 27 May • 19:30

On Corpus Christi, the Blessed Sacrament is carried in procession. With festal choral music, incense, and flower petals, the celebration of Christ’s presence moves out into the streets of Edinburgh.

St Michael

Wed 29 Sep • 19:30

Angels have been imagined in music for centuries. Celestial voices and heavenly harmonies accompany Evensong and Benediction in honour of St Michael, patron of this church.