The Debut CD from the Schola Cantorum of the 12noon Mass — For Sale after Mass!
With Angels and Archangels, the Cathedral Choir’s first CD, is available to purchase. You can have a look at the beautiful CD and buy one after all Masses this weekend. You can also purchase it online. All proceeds from the sale of the CD will go directly towards ensuring the future of our cathedral music. In these troubling times when we are without our choirs, there is no better way to support the future of music at St Mary’s than by buying a copy.
Are you interested in becoming Catholic? Or do you know someone who is?
The Cathedral’s RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) group is for adults who are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith, with a view to becoming members of the Church. It gives an opportunity to explore the Catholic faith with others and to meet and talk to Catholics about their beliefs. The group aims at helping to give an understanding of the fundamental beliefs of Christianity and the teaching of the Church. The group also strives to deepen the faith of its members through studying the Holy Scriptures and through prayer. It’s a very supportive place for people to come together on a faith journey. We will start with four virtual meetings between September and December with the hope that we can meet physically as a group in January, providing Covid restrictions are lifted by then. Please contact the Parish Office to register.
Parish Bible Study – Thursdays at 7pm on Zoom
Fr Jamie is leading a bible study for the parish on Thursday evenings! If you have not yet signed up, please email frjamie@stmaryscathedral.co.uk. In preparation for the meeting, you will receive a short and accessible commentary for the coming Sunday’s Gospel. Then, at the meetings on Thursday nights we ask questions, share our reflections and pray together. This is a great way to build community and grow together in our friendship with God.
SCIAF – Wednesday 14th October at 7pm
Are you concerned about the impact of the current pandemic on the poorest societies? Or the links between poverty and climate change? The Cathedral is hosting a Zoom meeting with speakers from SCIAF to find out more. We’ll be joined by Alistair Dutton CEO, Blessings Kachale, Programme Officer, and Thomas Mulvey, Community Engagement Officer, to explore these questions and much more. If you’d like to join us, email the Cathedral Office to register.
Society of St Vincent de Paul
Last Sunday, 27th September, saw the feast day of St Vincent de Paul celebrated by communities throughout the world. The presence of our SSVP Conference during these Covid restricted times has not been as visible as usual. In spite of this we have been able to continue our work through telephone calls and by the Conference meeting virtually.
We are always here to help, supporting individuals and families as we would support a friend. Please let us know if you become aware of ways in which our support would be welcome or needed by contacting the Parish Office. Whilst we have had to suspend our communal activities and home visits, we remain committed to responding to requests for assistance and/or to give support wherever and to whomever we can. Donations we have received during recent months have been very welcome, a grateful and heartfelt thank you to all for remembering the Conference.
100 years of Apostleship of the Sea (Stella Maris)
On 4 October 1920, the Apostleship of the Sea was founded in the Jesuit parish in Glasgow. Now it operates in 300 ports and 41 countries. Plans to mark the centenary with a World Congress in Glasgow have had to be cancelled but the everyday work continues. Chaplains have been delivering care packages and phone cards to seafarers in Glasgow unable to get home because of travel restrictions. This is possible because of the generosity of our parish and others. Please pray for the chaplains and seafarers. For more information visit www.apostleshipofthesea.org.uk.
Message from Sister Mary Simone, RSM
“Thank you so much for all of the beautiful cards and gifts you gave me as I departed for my new assignment in Rome, but thank you even more for the privilege of getting to know all of you over these past two years. I am so deeply grateful for my time in Scotland, and please know of my continued prayers for all of you. I hope I will be able to come back to visit at some point!”
Fabric Update
In the photo to the right you will see vegetation that came out of the gutters after they were cleaned. Clearly a much-needed project! Additionally, in Sacristy One the roof has been repaired and we are looking at redecoration. The inner roof has been re-plastered. We have updated some of our cameras as well for enhanced CCTV. We now have an additional 2 cameras. Thank you for helping us keep the Cathedral safe and orderly!
Daily Confessions in the Cathedral
Confessions are available at the Cathedral Monday – Friday following the 12.45pm Mass and on Saturdays from 10.30am – 12noon and 5pm – 5.45pm. For the sake of providing better ventilation, we are not using the confessionals. Rather, the priests are hearing confessions in the sacristy, but still with a screen to provide anonymity. If you do not know where the sacristy is, our volunteers in the back of the Cathedral will be happy to show you. Also, if you need help remembering how to go to Confession, no worries—the priest will be happy to walk you through it. Do take advantage of this great Sacrament of healing!
Could you help us keep the Cathedral open?
We are still looking for generous volunteers who can act as passkeepers to help the Cathedral comply with all COVID-19 regulations. This is an essential capacity, so if you are able to help, please contact Elizabeth Andrews, who coordinates the volunteers, at Elizabeth@rhandrews.plus.com or on 0131 553 1510. Thanks, one and all for your help—many people have been so grateful to be able to pray in our Cathedral during the day!
Return of Catechism Classes
The Parish Rooms are now ready for the return of catechism classes for the delayed First Holy Communion class of 2019-20. Families have been informed by email. We look forward to welcoming the children back!
40 Days for Life: 23rd September – 1st November
Since 2007, 40 Days for Life has been organising pro-life outreach that is prayerful and supportive of future moms. 40 Days for Life is an inter-denominational, faith-based effort made up of three key components: 1) prayer and fasting—inviting people of faith to join together for 40 days of fervent prayer and fasting for an end to abortion; 2) a 40-day peaceful prayer vigil outside Chalmers Sexual Health Centre; and 3) community outreach: taking a positive, upbeat pro-life message to as many as possible. To learn more about 40 Days for Life or to register for events, visit www.40daysforlife.com.
Conferences from Lauriston Jesuit Centre
The Lauriston Jesuit Centre will offer conferences in October on the “Four Last Things.” Sign up is available through Zoom.