Thursday is the Assumption and is a Holy day of Obligation
This Thursday, 15th August, is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and is our patronal feast. It is a Holy Day of Obligation meaning all Catholics are obliged to go to Mass on Thursday. Masses in English will be celebrated in the Cathedral at 8am, 10:00am, 12:45pm and 7:30pm, and at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston at 6:00pm.
Farewell to Fr. Ajeesh
Today we say Farewell to Fr. Ajeesh who has been here at the Cathedral for the last two years. In September he will become the Parish Priest of Larbert, and we wish him well as he begins this new stage of his life. Fr. Ajeesh has been a wonderful addition to the Cathedral team, and we are very grateful for his presence, his thoughtful sermons and his tireless work. We will miss him and as a token of our appreciation I will present him with a leaving gift at the 9am Mass today.
Festival Mass on sunday at Noon
To celebrate the opening of Edinburgh International Festival, the 12noon Mass will be our Annual Festival Mass, celebrated by His Grace, Archbishop Leo Cushley. We are delighted to welcome Rev. Fiona Smith, Principal Clerk to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Lord Provost, members of Edinburgh City Council, and members of the Consular Corps along with the High Constables of Edinburgh. I know that you will make them all very welcome.
An uplifting taster of the Swing with the Spirit concert
Swing with the Spirit: Sacred Jazz with the Schola Cantorum, Tomorrow at 7:30pm
On Monday, 12 August, at 7:30pm as part of this year's Edinburgh Festival of the Sacred Arts, the Schola Cantorum choir will perform an innovative concert of sacred jazz music in the Cathedral. The performance will feature Scottish jazz legend Richard Michael, and young jazz pianist Ben Shankland, winner of the BBC Scotland Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2023. Music will include Bob Chilcot’s 'A Little Jazz Mass' and Richard Michael’s swinging 'Jubilate Deo' and 'Te Deum'. Tickets are available now from Eventbrite or at the door: https://bit.ly/SacredJazz2024
Friendship Group: Coffee Afternoon
The Friendship Group Coffee Afternoon is on Tuesday 13 August at 2:00pm-3:30pm in Coffee Saints. Open to all over 60; enjoy a 20% discount during the session time. Please come along and join us!
Consider Volunteering to Help in the St Pauls Bookshop
St Pauls Bookshop at the Cathedral is an activity of the priests and brothers of the Society of St Paul, whose mission is to proclaim the Good News through the means of communication. We are seeking two dedicated volunteers to assist the customers and arranging books and articles especially between 11am to 3:30pm. If you are interested, please contact us at edinburgh@stpauls.org.uk or visit the bookshop and look for Fr Alex (between 1.30 pm to 4 pm) for more details.
Want to Become Catholic? RCIA Begins in September
If you, or someone you know, would like to become Catholic, the way to do it is through our Cathedral RCIA course. The group meets every Tuesday evening at 7:00pm at 61 York Place from Tuesday, 17th September. Register by phone at 0131 556 1798 or email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk.
Cathedral Roof Appeal
Our Cathedral is 210 years old this year and, as with all old buildings, it is in constant need of attention to ensure it remains a place of worship in the city of Edinburgh for years to come. We are preparing to begin works on one stage of the vast roofs on the Cathedral thanks to the incredible generosity of the Cathedral community, but the works go far beyond stage one. We greatly appreciate any financial help you might be able to give us as we continue to preserve the beauty of this church. You can donate on this website, with the QR code on the banner as you enter the church, or at the collection baskets at the end of Mass. Thank you for your support and generosity.
Barbara Dickson Concert, Thursday, 3 October
Join us for an evening with Barbara Dickson, Thursday 3 October, 7:30pm at the Cathedral, with Nick Holland, plus support Anthony Toner. Proceeds to the Cathedral Raise the Roof Campaign. Doors open 7:00pm. Tickets £30, pre-concert supper option available). Visit bit.ly/raisetheroofshow
Salamanca Pilgrimage Meeting
On Tuesday, 10th September at 7:00pm in Coffee Saints we will have a meeting for all who are registered for the parish pilgrimage to Salamanca. Mark your diary!
Final Vows: Sr. Mary Simone Haakansson, RSM
Please keep in your prayers Sister Mary Simone Haakansson, RSM, who will make her Profession of Perpetual Vows as a Religious Sister of Mercy of Alma, Michigan, USA, on Friday, 16th August at 10:30am EST (3:30pm BST) at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption in Saginaw, Michigan, USA. Watch via livestream at https://saginaw.org/cathedral-live. Many of you will remember Sr. Mary Simone from her service here as Parish Sister at the Cathedral from 2018 to 2020. The Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma (www.almamercy.org) are based at St Andrew's Convent in Ravelston, Edinburgh.
Tickets on Sale Today for Parish BBQ, Sunday, 1st September
All are welcome to our annual Parish Barbecue on Sunday 1st September at 1:30pm! Enjoy BBQ treats and salads to suit (both meat and vegetarian options), all included in ticket price. Great stalls – including Tombola, Plants, Books, Bric-A-Brac and Bake stall. Fun and games for children (of all ages!) Various soft drinks, tea and coffee. And for a small charge, a cheeky glass of wine! ** Please note that all stalls will be cash only on the day ** Tickets on sale after Mass today: Single - £5, Family - £15
Latest on the Parish Rooms Project
The work has made good progress this week: the walls of the Rooms have had a second coat of paint and the woodwork is getting its first coat. The old carpet tiles have been lifted and the floor prepared for the new carpet tiles. As the work continues though, the teas and coffees after Mass on a Sunday will continue their summer break.
St Andrew’s Talks
The new series of St Andrew’s Talks returns on Monday, 26th August, 6:45pm in the parish rooms. Gerard Holden, a seminarian of the Archdiocese, will talk on the life of a seminarian in Rome. He will reflect on the opportunities that studying in Rome gives a seminarian, the people he’s met from around the world and share some of the spiritual fruits from his time in the Eternal City. It is sure to be an interesting talk and you are all welcome! Refreshments available afterwards. Please mark your diary!
Youth Group Returns
The parish Youth Group will return Sunday, 8th September starting at the new time of 2:30pm until 4:00pm. It is open for all youth from P3 up. Email Fr. Robert at FrRobert@stmaryscathedral.co.uk for details.
Your Views: ‘Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults’ Bill
The Scottish Parliament wants your views on their ‘Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults’ proposal by Friday, 16 August. You have only 2 questions to answer: ‘Which of the following best reflects your views on the Bill?’ and ‘Which of the following factors are most important to you when considering the issue of assisted dying?’ Have your say at https://bit.ly/AssistedDyingAug2024 or use the QR code. Watch a compelling 2-minute video on ‘The Unintended Consequences’ of State-assisted dying by Care Not Killing at https://bit.ly/Issues-StateAssistedDying
Archdiocesan Pilgrimage at Carfin Grotto Next Sunday
Join Archbishop Cushley for the Archdiocesan Pilgrimage at Carfin Grotto on Sunday 18 August 2024. A rosary procession will be held at 2:00pm, followed by Mass at 3:00pm. Explore Carfin Grotto, including its impressive Reliquary Chapel, holding one of the largest collections of relics outside of Rome. Carfin Grotto is the national shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes at 100 Newarthill Road, Carfin, (near Motherwell) ML1 5AL.
Day for Altar Servers
On Saturday, 31 August, there will be a day of faith, fun and friendship at the Gillis Centre in Edinburgh for altar servers from across the Archdiocese. Email Fr. Robert at FrRobert@stmaryscathedral.co.uk to register. This day is open to new servers, so if you have made your First Holy Communion and are interested in serving in the Cathedral or St. Andrew’s, please register today!
Reflection Group for Young Women on Religious Life
If you are a young woman wanting to find out more about the Religious Life, join us for a monthly gathering of socialising, reading, discussion and prayer beginning Wednesday, 4th September. We will use text from Vita Consecrata, the apostolic exhortation from St John Paul II, on the first Wednesday of each month, 7:00pm-9:00pm at the Convent at 9 Upper Gray Street, Edinburgh, EH9 1SN. To take part or to find out more please email Sr Mirjam Hugens FSO at religiousvocations@staned.org.uk
The New Lectionary Event: ‘Celebrating the Gift’ Saturday, 5 October
The Lectionary used at Mass and for the Sacraments is changing this Advent. Join us for a event on Saturday, 5 October, 10:00am-3:00pm at the Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road Edinburgh EH9 1BB. This event will explain why the Lectionary is being changed and what you need to know, while reflecting together on God's Word in Holy Scripture. Free on-site parking and light lunch. If you have allergies/intolerances bring a packed lunch. Register for this free event with the QR code or at https://bit.ly/Lectionary05Oct Questions/Queries? Email matthew.meade@staned.org.uk
The Way of St. Andrews Scottish Pilgrimage
Enjoy being a pilgrim in Scotland! Try one of the eight great pilgrim ways wending their way quietly through Scotland’s diverse and scenic landscape to St Andrews. Great trails, great scenery and a great opportunity for reflection. To plan your pilgrimage route and get more information please visit http://www.thewayofstandrews.com/
Study Theology at St. Mary’s University Edinburgh Campus
Register today to study for the MA in Applied Catholic Theology Course at St Mary's University's campus in Edinburgh. SAAS funding is available for all Scottish students taking the course in 2024/25. The course is offered by St Mary’s University in partnership with the Archdiocese at the Gillis Centre in Edinburgh. To register, visit https://www.stmarys.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/applied-catholic-theology
Pilgrimage of Hope: Preparing for the Jubilee Year 2025
Pope Francis declared 2025 a Year of Jubilee. Come along to an Archdiocesan event to explore what a Jubilee Year is in the context of the year's theme: ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. The event will be Saturday, 9 November, 10:30am-3:15pm at the Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road Edinburgh EH9 1BB. We'll have inspiring talks on preparing spiritually for the year ahead and hear from pilgrims who have visited sites of pilgrimage and the impact that it had on their lives. Enjoy a lunchtime photo-showcase on pilgrimage places. By the end of the event you will be equipped to make the most of the celebratory Jubilee Year 2025! To register visit https://bit.ly/PrepareJubilee2025
Weekly Cathedral and Monthly Archdiocesan Updates By E-Mail
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Archdiocesan News: For a monthly e-mail update from the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh, subscribe at https://archedinburgh.org/news-events (scroll to bottom of page).