St Mary's Cathedral, Aberdeen

First reading
Isaiah 55:1-3
Come and eat

Thus says the Lord:

Oh, come to the water all you who are thirsty;
though you have no money, come!
Buy corn without money, and eat,
and, at no cost, wine and milk.
Why spend money on what is not bread,
your wages on what fails to satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and you will have good things to eat
and rich food to enjoy.
Pay attention, come to me;
listen, and your soul will live.
With you I will make an everlasting covenant
out of the favours promised to David.
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Please keep our young pilgrims in your prayers as they continue their pilgrimage in Medjugorje. 🙏💙

Today, they had the privilege of hearing a talk from Fr Christopher CFR on the 𝗙𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗷𝘂𝗴𝗼𝗿𝗷𝗲 – five simple but powerful practices that encourage us to grow closer to Christ through prayer, the sacraments and the guidance of Our Lady.

We pray that this pilgrimage will continue to be a time of grace, drawing each of our young people into a deeper relationship with Jesus and strengthening them in their faith.

Please continue to keep them, their leaders, and everyone they meet along the way in your prayers. 💖

What a fantastic day our Enkindle young people had on their trip to Stonehaven Outdoor Pool! ☀️🌊

From making a splash in the pool to skimming stones along the beach, playing cards, enjoying fish and chips, and finishing the day with a well-earned ice cream, it was packed with fun, laughter and great friendships.

We were having such a brilliant time that we completely forgot to gather everyone together for a proper group photo! 📸 So here are a few snapshots from a wonderful day out.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the trip possible, and to our amazing young people for making it such a memorable day. We can't wait for the next adventure! 💙

Gospel
Matthew 14:13-21
The feeding of the five thousand

When Jesus received the news of John the Baptist’s death he withdrew by boat to a lonely place where they could be by themselves. But the people heard of this and, leaving the towns, went after him on foot. So as he stepped ashore he saw a large crowd; and he took pity on them and healed their sick.
When evening came, the disciples went to him and said, ‘This is a lonely place, and the time has slipped by; so send the people away, and they can go to the villages to buy themselves some food.’ Jesus replied, ‘There is no need for them to go: give them something to eat yourselves.’ But they answered ‘All we have with us is five loaves and two fish.’ ‘Bring them here to me’ he said. He gave orders that the people were to sit down on the grass; then he took the five loaves and the two fish, raised his eyes to heaven and said the blessing. And breaking the loaves handed them to his disciples who gave them to the crowds. They all ate as much as they wanted, and they collected the scraps remaining; twelve baskets full. Those who ate numbered about five thousand men, to say nothing of women and children.

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Gospel
Matthew 14:1-12
The beheading of John the Baptist

Herod the tetrarch heard about the reputation of Jesus, and said to his court, ‘This is John the Baptist himself; he has risen from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.’
Now it was Herod who had arrested John, chained him up and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. For John had told him, ‘It is against the Law for you to have her.’ He had wanted to kill him but was afraid of the people, who regarded John as a prophet. Then, during the celebrations for Herod’s birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company, and so delighted Herod that he promised on oath to give her anything she asked. Prompted by her mother she said, ‘Give me John the Baptist’s head, here, on a dish.’ The king was distressed but, thinking of the oaths he had sworn and of his guests, he ordered it to be given her, and sent and had John beheaded in the prison. The head was brought in on a dish and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. John’s disciples came and took the body and buried it; then they went off to tell Jesus.
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All men are warmly invited to join us for a Men's Retreat at St Mary's Cathedral on Saturday 15th August.

Whether you're from St Mary's, another parish, or simply looking to grow deeper in your faith, we'd love to welcome you for a day of prayer, practical teaching, fellowship and encouragement.

The retreat will feature sessions from Fr David Marsden, a clinical psychologist, spiritual director and experienced retreat leader, alongside Catholic professional life coach Andrew Laird and Simon Leigh, founder of Men of St Joseph.

The day will include:
• Practical and spiritual sessions to inspire
• Holy Mass, Confession, Adoration and Benediction
• Time for fellowship (please bring something to share for lunch)

📅 Saturday 15th August 2026
🕙 10:00am–4:00pm
📍 St Mary's Cathedral, Aberdeen

A suggested donation of £30 helps cover the costs of the day and supports the work of St Mary's Cathedral.

Book your place here: https://stmaryscathedral.churchsuite.com/events/yv3yhf0f

Please share this with the men in your parish, family and wider community. We'd love to welcome them.

Collect

O God, protector of those who hope in you,
without whom nothing has firm foundation, nothing is holy,
bestow in abundance your mercy upon us
and grant that, with you as our ruler and guide,
we may use the good things that pass
in such a way as to hold fast even now
to those that ever endure.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
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Gospel
Matthew 13:44-52
He sells everything he owns and buys the field

Jesus said to the crowds, ‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field which someone has found; he hides it again, goes off happy, sells everything he owns and buys the field.
‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls; when he finds one of great value he goes and sells everything he owns and buys it.
‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea that brings in a haul of all kinds. When it is full, the fishermen haul it ashore; then, sitting down, they collect the good ones in a basket and throw away those that are no use. This is how it will be at the end of time: the angels will appear and separate the wicked from the just to throw them into the blazing furnace where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.
‘Have you understood all this?’ They said, ‘Yes.’ And he said to them, ‘Well then, every scribe who becomes a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out from his storeroom things both new and old.’
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Collect

Almighty ever-living God,
who consecrated the first fruits of your Apostles
by the blood of Saint James,
grant, we pray,
that your Church may be strengthened by his confession of faith
and constantly sustained by his protection.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
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🌊 Enkindle Summer Trip – Stonehaven Outdoor Pool! ☀️

Looking for something fun to do this summer? Join us on Wednesday 29th July for a day out at Stonehaven Outdoor Pool! 🏊‍♀️

We'll be travelling together by bus, spending the afternoon swimming, enjoying a packed lunch, and (for anyone who wants to) finishing the day with fish and chips or an ice cream before heading home. 🍟🍦

🕤 Meet at the Bus Station: 9:30am
🚌 Depart: 10:05am
🏊 Swim at Stonehaven Outdoor Pool
🚌 Return to the Bus Station: approximately 4:47pm

Don't forget to bring:
✅ Swimwear & towel
✅ Packed lunch
✅ Water bottle
✅ Young Scot card (or money for a return bus ticket)
✅ A little spending money if you'd like fish & chips or an ice cream

📍 Spaces are limited, so please sign up in advance and complete the required permissions.

👉 Register here: https://stmaryscathedral.churchsuite.com/events/5kvg8vvc

We can't wait for a fantastic day together! 🌊☀️