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. 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.
Some content beyond this point is hosted on external websites, which may set cookies and collect data about your activity. Tick the box below to allow embedded material to load automatically. You can change this setting at any time.
Latest Sermons
Listen to recent sermons and reflections.
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)
20 April 2025
‘Remember.’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on Easter Sunday 2025 (Luke 24:1-12)
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)
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)
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)
Latest Newsletters
Weekly emails with news, events, and updates from St Michael and All Saints.