Comings and goings…
This week the Cathedral sees a number of changes! Gerard Holden, a seminarian from the Scots College in Rome who has been here for the last 6 weeks will be leaving to return to Rome. We are very grateful to him for all he has done in these weeks and promise to keep him in prayer as he continues his preparation for ordination to the priesthood. Also, this week Fr. Ajeesh and I depart for our new assignments, and Fr. Jeremy Milne arrives to begin his new role as Administrator here. I know you will make him very welcome. Finally, also this week, Darlene Newman begins her new role as Complex Manager – a role which she will job-share with Deacon Peter. Darlene and Peter are known to most of you already and I am sure that you will continue to work with them to keep the Cathedral operating and improving.
Bookshop and Cafe Closed 2nd-6th September
Please note that the Coffee Saints café and the St. Pauls Bookshop will both be closed this week from Monday 2nd - Friday 6th September for necessary maintenance.
Children’s Sacramental Preparation: Registration Opens Tomorrow
Registration begins tomorrow, Monday, 2 September, for a new year of catechism classes for children to receive the Sacraments of First Reconciliation (P3), First Holy Communion (P4) and Confirmation (P7). Catechetical preparation will be provided both at St Mary’s Primary School and on Sundays at 9:30am at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston. To register your child, please visit the following links
First Reconciliation: www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/sacrament-of-first-reconciliation
First Holy Communion: www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/first-communion
Confirmation: www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/confirmation
If you have questions or need any other information contact Fr. Robert: frrobert@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Youth Group Returns 8th September at a New Time
The Parish Youth Group returns on Sunday, 8th September starting at 2.30pm. **Please note the new time!** All are welcome from Primary 3 upwards for an afternoon of fun, faith and friendship. Please register using the QR code, via the poster or by collecting a registration form today. The registration fee for the year is £1. Don’t forget some spending money for the tuck shop, too. The group will meet in the Parish Rooms at St Andrew’s, Ravelston. If you’d like more information, e-mail frrobert@stmaryscathedral.co.uk.
Salamanca Pilgrimage Meeting on 10th September
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!
Young Adults Group Talks Series Returns on 17th September:
‘The Language of the Church’
The Young Adults Group will meet again from Tuesday, 17th September with a new series of talks on ‘The Language of the Church.’ Join us for our first talk by Fr. James Cadman on ‘Give us this day our daily bread.’ All those between the ages of 18-35 are welcome to the weekly meetings, where we will be learning about Sacred Tradition. As usual, we meet at 63 York Place at 7:00pm for teas/coffees and for the talk at 7.30pm, followed by a short group discussion. Each session concludes with Night Prayer and the chance to meet up at a local pub. Come along and meet old friends and new!
Marriage Preparation Courses
The next parish Marriage Preparation Courses are Saturday 23rd November and then Saturday 1st March, both at St Andrew’s, Ravelston. To register, please email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Informal Meeting with Local Community Police Liaison Team
We have arranged an informal meeting with the local community police liaison team scheduled for Saturday, 21 September at 11:00am. The meeting will take place in 63 York Place and is primarily for any volunteers who work in the Cathedral in ministries of passkeeping, cleaning, flower arranging and altar serving. However, if space permits, any other parishioners interested in attending would be welcome. During their visit, the Police will discuss how to keep yourself, your property, and the Cathedral safe; what to do if you feel threatened or intimidated; and best practices for safe working, including working in pairs or within sight of others. Please e-mail Elizabeth Andrews at Elizabeth.Andrews@staned.org.uk no later than Saturday, 7th September, if you would like to attend, to enable us to gauge numbers attending.
Catenians Meeting on 18th September
The Catenian Association invites all Catholic men, married or single, to a meeting on Wednesday, 18thSeptember, 7.00 p.m. in 63 York Place. The Association is an international body of Catholic laymen who meet once a month and offer friendship and support to Catholic men at all stages of their lives. For more information contact John Russell at 01555 728032 or membership@thecatenians.com.
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.
Readers Needed for the 10am Weekday Mass
We are in need of volunteers to be read at the 10am weekday Mass starting in September. Ideally if we could get a handful of volunteers, we would be able to create a rota. If you are a current reader and are able to help out, or if you would like to become a reader, contact: Darlene archivist@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Want to Become Catholic? RCIA Begins on 17th September
If you or someone you know would like to become Catholic, you can sign up to learn about the teachings of the Catholic Church in preparation for receiving the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at Easter 2025. Invite a friend to join you! The Cathedral’s Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) group meets weekly beginning Tuesday, 17th September at 7:00pm in 61 York Place. For more information and to register, call the parish office at 0131 556 1798 or email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk.
Parish Barbecue – Today!
The Parish Barbecue is today, starting at 1.30pm – whatever the weather! Tickets are available after Mass or on the gate - £5 per person or £15 for a family, a bargain! We have the usual range of stalls from books to plants, bric a brac to the bottle tombola – Please drop off any final donations for these stalls by 11am on the day!! Cake donations for the bake stall can be brought with you to the BBQ! PLEASE REMEMBER THIS WILL BE A CASH ONLY EVENT!
St Andrew’s Talks
Thank you to everyone who turned out for the first in the new series of St Andrew’s Talks last Monday. The next one will be given by Fr Basil Clark on St. Padre Pio: ‘Wounds of love’ on Monday 23rd September at 6:45pm in the Parish Rooms, followed by some refreshments and a chance to discuss the subject. Join us for 6:00pm Mass in the Church followed by the talk.
Each Wednesday 5.00pm Adoration & Confession
Stop in at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston on Wednesdays and spend some time with Jesus Our Lord in Eucharistic Adoration. Beginning from 5pm, we have Eucharistic Adoration, and a priest is available to hear Confessions, too. This is an opportunity to allow yourself some quiet, peaceful time to pray. Our Lord is waiting for you, so come and meet Him!
Latest on the Parish Rooms Project
As you’ve seen, the rooms are now useable following a power of work from our decorator and parish helpers. Due to other work commitments further progress with painting in the toilets and kitchen has been slightly delayed. We are awaiting the arrival of the new chairs which should be here any day now, but in some progress, and much to our green credentials – we now have hand dryers in the toilets.
National Pilgrimage to Carfin Grotto Today
The National Pilgrimage of the Church in Scotland to Carfin Grotto takes place today, Sunday 1 September, with Holy Mass at 3:00pm. The Pope's representative in Great Britain, Archbishop Maury Buendía, will attend, along with the Bishops of Scotland. The event will launch preparations for the Holy Year 2025.
Justice & Peace Mass Tomorrow
The annual Caritas, Justice & Peace Mass takes place at St Columba’s, 9 Upper Gray Street, Edinburgh, EH9 1SN on Monday 2 September at 7:00pm. It is a chance to worship together and celebrate the work done in parishes on Justice & Peace issues. After Mass there will be a hot food buffet in the church hall and a chance to meet members of the Archdiocesan Caritas, Justice & Peace Commission.
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.
Scottish National Youth Pilgrimage, Saturday 21 September
Young adults from ages 18-35 are welcome to attend the Scottish National Youth Pilgrimage on Saturday, 21 September in Glasgow. Archbishop Cushley will join Archbishop Bill Nolan for Holy Mass to conclude the pilgrimage at Glasgow’s St Andrew's Cathedral. For those in our Archdiocese, meet outside the City Chambers in George Square at 12:15pm. If you are travelling from Edinburgh, a group from the Archdiocese will be getting the 11:15am train from Waverley Station to Queen Street, so please join them. The pilgrimage includes a walking tour through the streets of Glasgow City Centre, recalling the saints that walked them before us! This is a free event. Just bring a packed lunch. Please register with Fr Robert Taylor at frrobert.taylor@staned.org.uk.
Teachers!
Are you interested in gaining the Catholic Teachers Certificate (CTC)? If you are eligible to teach RE in a Catholic school, the funding for the course has been extended to include teachers registered with the General Teaching Council for Scotland and Newly Qualified Teachers. Apply to Glasgow University now and receive a fully funded place. Details at www.gla.ac.uk/study/cpd/cpdforteachers/ and for distance learning at www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/religiouseducationbydistancelearning/ Queries: Roisin Coll roisin.coll@glasgow.ac.uk or Denise Porada denise.porada@glasgow.ac.uk
The New Lectionary Event: ‘Celebrating the Gift’
The Lectionary used at Mass and for the Sacraments is changing this Advent. Join us for anevent on Saturday, 5 October, 10:00am-3:00pm at the Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road Edinburgh EH9 1BB. This free event will explain why the Lectionary is being changed and what you need to know. Free on-site parking and light lunch. If you have allergies/intolerances, please bring a packed lunch. Register with QR code or athttps://bit.ly/Lectionary05Oct Questions/Queries? Email matthew.meade@staned.org.uk
And finally…
It seems to have been a very long farewell – but I do finally leave on Thursday 5th September and my successor, Fr. Jeremy Milne, arrives on Friday 6th September. Fr. Jeremy is a very fine priest and will be a magnificent Administrator. If you are even half as kind and as welcoming to him as you have been to me – he will be a very happy man! In departing it just remains for me to thank you from my heart for all the friendship and support that you have given me over the last 10 years. It has been an incredible privilege to be part of the history of this great Cathedral – but it has been an even greater privilege to have been your parish priest. Thank you for all your many and manifold kindnesses and please pray for me as I begin this new phase in my life and priestly ministry. Be sure of my ongoing prayers for you all and be sure also of the warmest welcome if you do make it to St. Andrews for a day out in the future.
God Bless You All , Fr. Patrick