Red Mass at Noon
His Grace, the Archbishop, will celebrate the annual Red Mass today at Noon here at the Cathedral. We welcome Senators of the College of Justice, Sheriffs, representatives of the Faculty of Advocates, the Law Society of Scotland, the Society of Writers to His Majesty’s Signet and other members of the Scottish legal community and also a visiting delegation from the Terry Carey American Inns of Court in Delaware, USA, as we mark the start of the new legal year.
Young Adults Group Talks Series on Tuesday: ‘The Language of the Church’
The Young Adults Group will meet again Tuesday, 24th September for our talks on ‘The Language of the Church.’ Fr. Colm Martin will speak on ‘Light of the nations.’ All those between the ages of 18-35 are welcome to the weekly meetings. 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!
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 from Anthony Toner. Proceeds to the Cathedral Raise the Roof Campaign. Bring along a friend for an evening of good music, socialising and fundraising! Doors open 7:00pm. Tickets £30. Visit bit.ly/raisetheroofshow.
Farewell for Fr. Patrick
We will have our farewell gathering for Fr. Patrick in Coffee Saints on Thursday, 10 October at 7:00pm. Come along and join us for this evening with Fr. Patrick, including a presentation of our parish gift in appreciation for his years of service at our parish. Save the date!
Registration for Children’s Sacramental Preparation
Registration is now open for 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.
Fabric Matters
Just because it was summer does not mean nothing was done here in Cathedral. With the role of Complex Manager waiting to be filled, Fr. Robert and Deacon Peter stepped up and handled these duties, most of which dealt with the underbelly of this vast complex. As mentioned previously, a project team has now been formed, which will be led by Lorcan Mooney, Director of Property for the Archdiocese, with the involvement of Adams Napier Partnership and a number of other external professionals. Work continues on accessing grant funding. The next stage is the development of a scope of works followed by a tendering process. On a positive note, due to the successful fundraising done to date we are hoping to move forward with the repairs to Sacristy 1 this autumn and we will update you once a definite start of work is confirmed. Just as a reminder, the Barbara Dickson concert on 3 October is another one of our many fundraising efforts to "Raise the Roof" of our beloved Cathedral. Thank you to everyone for your continued generosity. - Darlene
Friendship Group: Coffee Afternoon
The Friendship Group Coffee Afternoon is on Tuesday 24 September 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!
St Andrew’s Talk Tomorrow
The next talk in our St Andrew’s Talk series will be given by Fr Basil Clark on St. Padre Pio: ‘Wounds of love’ tomorrow, Monday 23rd September, at 7:00pm in the Parish Rooms, followed by some refreshments and a chance to discuss the subject. Please note the slightly later start time. 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 until 5:45pm. This is an opportunity to allow yourself some quiet, peaceful time to pray. Our Lord is waiting for you, so come and meet Him!
St Andrew’s Needs You!
We are actively looking for new volunteers in St Andrew’s. There are many jobs that help our community continue to function, so there is a job for you! Please do look at the lists which are posted in the church and in the parish rooms and when Fr Robert asks you to help with a certain role please respond generously! St Andrew’s is a small but lively community. It covers all age ranges, but the vast majority of the volunteers have been doing their work for a long time and whilst we are keen and they are able to keep on going, we must support each other to ensure the future of St Andrew’s by doing our fair share. Please sign up for your new role throughout September. Training sessions will be organised from October onwards. If you’d like to enquire further, e-mail frrobert@stmaryscathedral.co.uk.
Venerable Margaret Sinclair Pilgrimage
The annual Venerable Margaret Sinclair Pilgrimage takes place at St Patrick’s Church in The Cowgate, Edinburgh, EH1 1TQ today, Sunday 22 September. Schedule: 1:30pm – Holy Hour; 2:45pm – individual blessings at Shrine; 3:30pm – Reflection, Novena Prayers, presentation from Sinclair Academy; 4:30pm Holy Mass with Archbishop Cushley. Please note that the road outside the Church (The Cowgate) and surrounding roads are closed until 1:00pm Sunday because of the Edinburgh 10k running event.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a children's catechetical programme aimed at fostering your child's vital relationship with God and life in the Church, is commencing again as of Tuesday, 24th September at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB. Sessions are Fridays 1:30-3:00pm for 3-6 year-olds & Tuesdays 4:00-5:30pm for 6-9 year-olds. Contact brodie.douglas-young@staned.org.uk for registration details. Give your child the space to pray, seek God, and wonder.
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. The next event is Wednesday, 2 October. 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
Assisted Suicide – the Beginning of a Dangerous Spiral
Assisted Suicide threatens the most vulnerable members of society. Learn about the potential dangers of the proposed bill to introduce it in Scotland. This event, featuring former politician Dennis Canavan and Dr Richard Lenton, Consultant in Geriatric Medicine, is at 7:00pm, Wednesday, 2 October at Our Lady & St Ninian’s, 52 Quakerfield, Bannockburn, FK7 8HZ. Register at https://bit.ly/assistedsuicidescot
Euthanasia: A Warning from Canada
Learn how Assisted Suicide has failed in Canada, and what you can do to stop it in Scotland with Alex Schadenberg, a Canadian Catholic and a world expert on the dangers of euthanasia. This event takes place at 7:30pm on Thursday 3 October at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB. Register: bit.ly/warningfromcanada
Beginning Experience: A Time to Heal
The Beginning Experience are holding a weekend Friday 4th October to Sunday 6th October at Conforti Centre, Coatbridge for those suffering through divorce, separation or widowhood. The weekend will be presented by team who have suffered the loss of a loved one themselves. Contact Louise on 07926517004 or louisep398@gmail.com to register. Applications must be returned by Friday, 20th September 2024.
The New Lectionary Event: ‘Celebrating the Gift’
The Lectionary used at Mass and for the Sacraments is changing this Advent. Join us for an event on why is it being changed and what you need to know, Saturday, 5 October, 10:00am-3:00pm at the Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road Edinburgh EH9 1BB. This free event includes on-site parking and light lunch. Register with QR code or at https://bit.ly/Lectionary05Oct
Young Adult Ministry at Sacred Heart Church
The young adult ministry programme at Sacred Heart Church, 28 Lauriston Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9DJ includes The Seven - the 7:00pm Sunday Mass for ages 18-35, and the First Sunday Circle, a talk and faith formation event after the 7:00pm Mass on the first Sunday of each month. More information at https://edinburghjesuit.org.uk/young-adult-ministry
Save the Date: 250th Anniversary of St. Patrick's Church, Cowgate
In celebration of the 250th Anniversary of St. Patrick's, Cowgate, the parish will celebrate Vespers at 6:00pm on Wednesday, 9 October. All are welcome!
National Young Adults Ceilidh Ball
The national Young Adults’ Ceilidh Ball takes place at Central Hall, 2 West Tollcross, Edinburgh, EH3 9BP on Saturday 16 November at 7:00pm and will include a live band and buffet. Details and Tickets (£40) at https://bit.ly/edinburghceilidh Queries: Fr Robert Taylor frrobert.taylor@staned.org.uk
Save the Date – Archdiocesan Youth Day
The Archdiocese is hosting a youth day for P3-P7 children at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB, on Saturday 16 November to coincide with the Feast of St Margaret. Details to come.
Pregnancy Support
There are a number of free, confidential, and non-judgemental resources available to women with unplanned pregnancies, or women who have had an abortion. Consider connecting with St. Margaret’s Children and Family Care Society (https://stmargaretsadoption.org.uk/), or Abortion Recovery Care and Helpline (https://www.archtrust.org.uk/). The Alma Mater Fund provides financial grants to pregnant students facing difficulties at universities (https://www.spuc.org.uk/alma-mater-fund).
Healing After Abortion: Rachel's Vineyard Retreat in November
A retreat for spiritual and emotional healing after abortion will be held Friday 1 November – Sunday, 3 November 2024 in the Glasgow Area. Contact: Andrea, sisterandrea@rachelsvineyard.org.uk, M: 07816 942 824. These confidential, supportive retreats are for women or men who have been affected by their own or someone else’s abortion experience. More details at https://www.rachelsvineyard.org.uk.
Events in the Archdiocese
For a full list of forthcoming events in the Archdiocese visit https://archedinburgh.org/news-events/
Read the newsletter for 22nd September (pdf)