Message from Fr Jeremy
After 10 years away from the Cathedral, I am delighted to return! I'm very much looking forward to catching up with old friends and meeting new ones. I'm very excited for us, by the grace of God, to continue and to build on all the great work that has been done here over the last years. Our Lady, Queen of Heaven, pray for us!
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
If you have questions or need any other information contact Fr. Robert: frrobert@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Youth Group Returns Today at a New Time
The Parish Youth Group returns today, Sunday, 8th September starting at 2.30pm. The group will meet in the Parish Rooms at St Andrew’s, Ravelston. **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, you can also register on the day. The registration fee for the year is £1. Don’t forget some spending money for the tuck shop, too. The group finishes at 4pm. If you’d like more information, e-mail frrobert@stmaryscathedral.co.uk.
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. 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!
Readers Needed for the 10am Weekday Mass
We are still in need of volunteers to read at the 10am weekday Mass. 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
Vocations Awareness Week
Vocations Awareness Week begins today, Sunday, 8 September, and it is a chance for us to pray for those considering the priesthood or religious life, that they may hear God’s call and respond with joyful hearts. We pray especially for Gerard Holden and Matthew McCafferty, seminarians of the Archdiocese, as well as for priests across the Archdiocese who are giving their life in service of the Church. If you want to explore the priesthood or religious life, have a chat with the Archdiocesan Vocations Director Monsignor Patrick Burke on 01334 472 856 (vocations@staned.org.uk) or Sister Mirjam Hugens, Director for Religious Vocations, on 0131 623 8902, (religiousvocations@staned.org.uk). More at: https://archedinburgh.org/vocations/
Salamanca Pilgrimage Meeting This Tuesday Evening
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!
Catenians Meeting on 18th September
The Catenian Association invites all Catholic men, married or single, to a meeting on Wednesday, 18th September, 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 from 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
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 Thank You
Thank you to everyone that helped to make the annual summer BBQ such a wonderful event last weekend! It was the biggest crowd at our annual event for some years and it was great to see! Particular thanks go to Caroline, John, Marie and Phil for organising, especially to John for excellent barbecuing and to all our volunteers who worked tirelessly running the stalls, organising/supervising games and helping serve food and drinks — without your help this event would not have been possible. Thank you to all those who brought salads, cakes and desserts too! As usual, the BBQ provided the opportunity to meet new and old faces socially, which helps to keep our community thriving. Thank you for coming along and making it a great day. We are still collating final expenses and hope to confirm final figures soon for what was a most successful and enjoyable afternoon!
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!
Mass Intention: Annie (Nancy) McCormack, RIP
The intention of today’s Mass is for the repose of the soul of Annie (Nancy) McCormack, former parish housekeeper at Ravelston, to mark the 50th anniversary of her death this year. Nancy died in St Andrew’s Parish house on 29th of August 1974 aged 59. She was housekeeper to Father James K Birnie for approximately 30 years. She was very generous to all, a keen photographer and seamstress, loved to travel and was a very good cook. We welcome members of the McCormack family who are with us at Mass today.
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.
St Andrew’s Talks
The next talk in our St Andrew’s Talk series will be given by Fr Basil Clark on St. Padre Pio: ‘Wounds of love’ on 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.
Season of Creation
A Season of Creation online event will take place on Thursday 19 September with Fr Joshtrom Kureethadam at 7:00pm. Register at https://bit.ly/hopeactcreation. Event hosted by The Bishops' Conference of Scotland’s Care of Creation Office.
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. 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.
Venerable Margaret Sinclair Pilgrimage
The annual Venerable Margaret Sinclair Pilgrimage takes place at St Patrick’s Church in The Cowgate, Edinburgh, EH1 1TQ on 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. More at https://stpatricksedinburgh.com/margaret-sinclair/
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!
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 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. Register with QR code or at https://bit.ly/Lectionary05Oct
National Young Adults Ceilidh Ball
The national Young Adults’ Ceilidh Ball that takes place at Central Hall, 2 West Tollcross, Edinburgh, EH3 9BP on Saturday 16 November at 7:00pm. Includes live band and buffet. Details and Tickets (£40) at https://bit.ly/edinburghceilidh Queries: Fr Robert Taylor frrobert.taylor@staned.org.uk
‘Bridge to Freedom’ Recovery Programme in City Centre
Based on the 12 Steps, ‘Bridge to Freedom’ looks at what the Bible has to say about key aspects of our recovery journey, exploring topics such as forgiveness, identity, honesty and trust, and how to deal with emotions like fear, anger and shame. ‘Bridge to Freedom’ comprises a weekly 2-hour group session, with 1-2-1 follow-up support. Anyone who has a willingness to get well and break free from substances is welcome.
An Edinburgh City Centre group launches this month on Tuesday afternoons. To join, please contact Joe McCormack for an initial chat: 07458016976, joemccormack@bethanychristiantrust.com.