White Flower Appeal Today: Society for the Protection of Unborn Children
The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) will hold a White Flower Appeal after all Masses this weekend, 11th-12th January. The White Flower Appeal is dedicated to protecting unborn children and promoting the right to life in society. The donations allow SPUC to continue its work to build a culture of life through its pro-life activities and efforts in the community and providing support to students facing crisis pregnancies. Visit https://spuc.org.uk/white-flower-2025/ for information.
New congregational Mass setting: 'Mass of the Resurrection'
A message from Michael Ferguson, Director of Music:
In the next few weeks we will begin learning a new congregational Mass setting, Mass of the Resurrection. We'll aim to add this setting to our current congregational repertoire: Mass of Christ the Saviour (at the 9am Mass), and Mass of Padre Pio (at the 7:30pm Mass). We've sung these existing settings for many years, and we have a wonderful opportunity now to begin to expand our repertoire of congregational music. Melody sheets will be available to help you learn the new setting in the next weeks and months. Thank you in advance for your efforts to get Mass of the Resurrection off the ground. Learning a new setting inevitably takes time and requires perseverance, but I have no doubt that the rewards will be great in the long term!
Young Adults Group Meets on 21st January
The Young Adults Group will meet again on Tuesday, 21st January for our series of talks ‘A Year of Hope.’ Join us as Fr. Thomas Merrion, OP speaks about ‘Hope: The Forgotten Virtue of Our Time.’ All those aged 18+ 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!
2025 Archdiocesan Directories on Sale
The new Archdiocesan directories are on sale after Mass this weekend. They cost £3 and include up-to-date Mass times from across the city, some pictures of events from throughout the past year. A great resource to have in any Catholic home!
First Wednesdays — Prayers for Priests
The first Wednesday of each month, after the 12:45pm Mass, please join in prayers near the Lady Altar, including a Rosary and Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to ask Our Lady’s intercession for our priests. All are welcome to participate in the prayers on Wednesday 5 February following 12:45pm Mass.
Friendship Group: Coffee Afternoon
The Friendship Group Coffee Afternoon is on Tuesday 21 January 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!
Catenians Meeting
The Catenian Association invites all Catholic men to their regular meeting on Wednesday, 19 February, at 7.00 p.m. in 63 York Place. The Catenians are an international body of Catholic laymen who meet once a month and offer friendship and support to Catholic men and their families at all stages of their lives. For information 01555 728032 or membership@thecatenians.com.
Registration Open: Children’s First Holy Communion & Confirmation
Registration is open for First Holy Communion classes and Confirmation classes. Please register online at
First Communion registration (P4): www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/first-communion
Confirmation registration (P7): www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/confirmation
All classes held at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston (EH4 3DS). First Holy Communion Classes will begin on Sunday, 9 March, 9:30am and Confirmation classes on Sunday, Sunday, 16 March, 4:30pm-5:30pm. For more details, please contact Fr. Robert at frrobert@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Marriage Preparation Courses
The next parish Marriage Preparation Courses are Saturday 1st March and Saturday 31st May, both at St Andrew’s, Ravelston (EH4 3DS), with presentations by married couples. Please email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk to register.
Jubilee Cross and Plenary Indulgence
The Jubilee Cross at the National Shrine of St Andrew here at the Cathedral is a destination and a focus for pilgrims in the Archdiocese and beyond during this Jubilee Year of Hope. The Holy See has granted permission for the Jubilee Cross to carry a plenary indulgence, which is a remission of the temporal punishment for sins already forgiven and can be gained by visiting the Jubilee Cross through this Holy Year with the following conditions: a detachment from sin, going to Confession, receiving Holy Communion and praying for the intentions of the Holy Father. All are encouraged to visit the cross in this Jubilee Year. Prayer cards are available at the cross.
From Pope Francis’ Message for the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025
“Everyone knows what it is to hope. In the heart of each person, hope dwells as the desire and expectation of good things to come, despite our not knowing what the future may bring. Even so, uncertainty about the future may at times give rise to conflicting feelings, ranging from confident trust to apprehensiveness, from serenity to anxiety, from firm conviction to hesitation and doubt. Often we come across people who are discouraged, pessimistic and cynical about the future, as if nothing could possibly bring them happiness. For all of us, may the Jubilee be an opportunity to be renewed in hope. ….” (Bull of Indiction of the Ordinary Jubilee of the Year 2025, Spes Non Confuduit, 1)
Tickets Available Today for Burns Supper Next Friday
The annual Burns Supper takes place on Friday 24th January so put the date in your diary and line up for tickets on sale today at a bargain price of £20 per person. The ticket includes a three-course meal and the entertainment on the night. The supper will take place in the hall at St Margaret’s, Davidson Mains. Doors open from 6:00pm, for a 6.30pm start.
New Card Readers
As many people nowadays prefer to use cards rather than carry cash, there are now two card readers near the main door to the church, beside St Joseph's statue and beside the war memorial. Parishioners and visitors are invited to use these to make donations to church funds. The card readers are set for £5, £10 and £20 but other smaller/larger amounts can be specified and Gift Aid can be subscribed to as well.
Wednesday Adoration, Confession and Mass
Especially in this Jubilee Year of Hope, all are encouraged to come for Eucharistic Adoration and begin a regular practice of coming to Confession. Every Wednesday at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston we have Eucharistic Adoration with Confessions 5:00pm-5:45pm, followed by 6:00pm Mass.
Upcoming Events: Youth Group and St. Andrew’s Talks
The Youth Group will return on the first Sunday of February (2nd February) and thereafter on the 2nd March, 6th April and 4th May, between 2.30pm and 4pm.! All P3-P7’s are welcome. The St Andrew’s Talks will resume on Monday 24th February with Peter Diamond on the work of Aid to the Church in Need as it supports the Catholic faithful and other Christians facing oppression, persecution or pastoral need. Learn more at https://acnuk.org/ All St Andrew’s Talks begin after the 6pm Mass in the Ravelston rooms.
Consultation on Religious Observance in Schools
A Scottish Government consultation seeks views on proposed changes to the current legislation on Religious Observance and Religious and Moral Education in all schools. The Scottish Catholic Education Service is calling for parishioners to respond and reflect the viewpoint of the Church. Please complete the consultation by the deadline of 26 January using the help guide with suggested responses using the QR code or at bit.ly/reguide25.
Call for Evidence: Assisted Suicide Bill
With Kim Leadbeater’s Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill in Committee, MPs are now taking evidence on the Bill. Please consider making a submission as soon as possible before a deadline for submissions is set. Whilst this Bill applies to England & Wales, its outcome will undoubtedly have an impact on whether Scotland decides to go down the same road, especially with a similar Bill currently making its way through the Scottish Parliament. As stated in an email by Care Not Killing: “Your personal or professional experience may make you well placed to explain why particular provisions in the Bill are inadequate, unworkable, or not properly thought through.” Visit https://bit.ly/2025Call-for-evidence for a helpful briefing by Care Not Killing, a link to the Bill and a link to the committee’s call for evidence webpage, or use the QR code. It is important that Scottish voices are heard in this debate and that Scottish MPs engage with the Bill. Write your MSP at https://www.writetothem.com/
Concert by Candlelight for Mary's Meals
Come along to a family friendly and highly entertaining evening with a Concert by Candlelight in support of Mary’s Meals at St. Peter's Church, 77 Falcon Ave, Edinburgh, EH10 4AN, at 7:30pm Friday, 31 January. For 20 years, Mary’s Meals has served nutritious school meals to children in some of the world’s most impoverished countries. Concert entry is free, but there will be an opportunity to donate to Mary’s Meals. Performances by Will Pickvance ‘Half Man Half Piano’, The Bottle Island Band, plus the Five Three-O, Amandine & Antonia, Sophie Bennet and others. Questions, please contact office.stpeteredinburgh@staned.org.uk.
Synodal Event 2025
All parishioners are welcome to attend a free Archdiocesan event with Fr Matthew Nunes from the Archdiocese of Liverpool titled Conversations in the Spirit, to help guide us on how to lead and participate in parish Synodality. Learn the practical steps of being synodal in the parish, with speaker input, workshops and a chance to have your say. It takes place on Saturday 1 February, (optional Mass at 10am) 11:00am-3:00pm at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh EH9 1BB. Details and registration for this event at bit.ly/inthespirit25 or use the QR code. Please bring a packed lunch. Local cafes/shops available.
Teens Group for P7-S4
All young people P7-S4 are invited to join the Teens Group at St. Columba's, 9 Upper Gray Street, EH9 1SN which meets on the last Wednesday of every month, 7:00pm-8:30pm, in St. Columba's halls. Join us for fun, games, activities, prayer and pilgrimages. Don't miss this opportunity to grow in your faith and meet new friends! Next meeting is Wednesday 29th January. Cost £25 (per year). Questions? Email Clare at teens.stcolumbaedinburgh@staned.org.uk
Valentine’s Retreat for Couples
The Archdiocese has organised a Valentine’s mini-retreat for married and engaged couples from 2-5pm on Saturday 15 February at St Kentigern’s Church, 26 Parkgrove Avenue, Edinburgh, EH4 7QR. The speaker is Fr Andrew Garden (St David’s, Dalkeith) and the event is free. Register at bit.ly/valretreat25
Scottish Conference: ‘Courage to Be Catholic’
Hear from inspiring speakers and build Catholic community at the ‘Courage to Be Catholic’ conference Saturday 29th March, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 9:30am - 4:00pm, sponsored by Aid to the Church in Need. Dynamic speakers include a bishop from the Holy Land, a bishop from Nigeria and the head of Divine Renovation UK. ACN has launched an early bird offer until Monday 10 February: £25 Concession and £30 Adult. Thereafter, £30 Concession and £35 Adult. Tea, coffee and lunch will be included for all attendees. Visit https://www.trybooking.com/uk/EHSR or scan the QR code to register. Parish Group Registration: A special group rate is available for parish groups of 10 people. If you would like to attend as a parish group, please email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk