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.

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. →
23 November 2025

‘The posture of watching’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on the Solemnity of Christ the King (Luke 23:35-43)

9 November 2025

‘Why do you ask?’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on Remembrance Sunday (Luke 20:27-38)

26 October 2025

‘The real Edinburgh’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Luke 18:9-14)

5 October 2025

‘Jeffrey’s’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Luke 17:5-10)

21 September 2025

‘Cooked books’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Luke 16:1-13)

14 September 2025

‘I just want someone who can make me laugh’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on The Exaltation of the Holy Cross (John 3:13-17)

7 September 2025

‘Possessed’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Luke 14:25-33)

24 August 2025

‘Law and Order’ • Sermon preached by the Revd Oliver Brewer-Lennon on the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (Luke 13:10–17)

Latest Newsletters

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