Important Parish Meeting
Monday, 2nd November – What is God saying to us in these times?
You will be aware by now that the present restrictions imposed upon us because of the Covid pandemic are, in all likelihood, going to be in force for a long time to come. Faced with this situation – I think we need to begin to think deeply about what God is saying to us at this time and what he is asking us to do in response to the crisis?
To that end – I would like to invite you all to an on-line parish meeting on the evening of 2nd November. With the help of Zoom we are able to meet in fairly large numbers online and so I would ask you to think about participating in this meeting. All you need is a computer and the internet and we will do the rest!! If you would like to participate. Thank you for your interest, the meeting is now full!
November Lists
November is traditionally known as the month of the Holy Souls, in which we pray in a special way for our deceased loved ones. Together with your newsletter, you will have received a 'November List' on which you can make a note of all those people you wish to pray for. These lists will be placed before the altar and remembered at every Mass during this month ahead. Please fill in the form, the name will be printed out by the Parish Office and placed on the altar. You can also download the form and hand it in at the back of the church at Sunday Mass or post it through the letterbox at Cathedral House.
Parish Bible Study – Thursdays at 7:30pm on Zoom
Our new Parish Bible Study meets online every Thursday evening at 7:30pm. Email frjamie@stmaryscathedral.co.uk to sign up. You will receive a short and accessible commentary for the coming Sunday’s Gospel in preparation for the Bible study. At the meetings, we ask questions, share our reflections and pray together. Do join us!
Be Sure to Reserve Places for Sunday Mass - Online or by Phone
Due to the Government’s restrictions no more than 50 people may attend any one Mass and we need to keep a record of contact details of all who attend. We are delighted to report an increasing demand for all Sunday Masses at St Andrews. Therefore, it is increasingly important that everyone uses the booking process to reserve a seat for any of these masses. We wish to avoid having people who have not booked queueing outside in wintry weather or indeed being redirected to a bigger church. Thank you for your understanding. Simply choose the Mass you would like to attend and reserve seats Monday, 8am – Saturday, 5pm. If you have any problems, or do not have access to the internet, please phone the Parish Office at 0131 556 1798 and we will be happy to help you.
Speak Out Against Abortions at Home
The Scottish Government is holding a consultation on whether to continue the practice of sending dangerous abortion pills to women to undergo abortions at home. We need as many pro-life people as possible to complete the Scottish Government’s questionnaire in order to stop dangerous DIY abortions becoming permanent. SPUC has prepared a briefing which gives a step by step guide to completing the questionnaire. Please go to www.spuc.org.uk/Scottish-Consultation.
‘Life of Faith: Where does Prayer fit in?’
Online Catechesis with Sr. Anna Marie – Monday, 23rd November
Learn more about how to deepen your prayer life, draw closer to God and ask questions during the Archdiocese’s exciting new Zoom catechesis events led by Sister Anna Marie McGuan, RSM, a Religious Sister of Mercy who holds a licentiate in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome. The 45-minute talk ‘Life of Faith: Where does Prayer fit in?’ will be held for the Edinburgh deanery on Monday, 23rd November at 2pm and 7pm. Registration details will be published on the parish website in the coming weeks. Do join us for this event!
National Rosary Rally for Faith, Life and Peace – Pray with Us Saturday, 31st October
Join with other Catholics across our archdiocese to pray the Rosary for faith, life and peace during the National Rosary Rally. The Religious Sisters of Mercy will lead us in the Joyful Mysteries from St Margaret's Chapel at the Gillis Centre at 1pm on Saturday, 31st October: https://archedinburgh.org/join-us-for-the-national-rosary-rally/. More information is available at www.rosaryonthecoast.co.uk.
Christmas Gift Collection for Prisoners’ Children
We will be collecting Christmas gifts for children of prisoners in Edinburgh Prison. We ask that the gifts are new, wrapped in Christmas Gift wrap, and with a label attached stating whether the gift is suitable for a boy or a girl and the age of the child. Gifts for older children from 11 years onwards would be most appreciated. There will be a collection box in the back of the church over the weekends of 14th/15th and 21st/22nd November.
Could you help us keep the Cathedral open?
Please consider volunteering as a pass keeper to help the Cathedral comply with all COVID-19 regulations. We are still in need of volunteers. This is an essential capacity, so if you are able to help, please contact Elizabeth Andrews. Many people have been so grateful to be able to pray in our Cathedral during the day—thank you to all passkeepers who help to make this possible!
Most of the installation is now complete. A major improvement as we approach wintry weather!
On-going Renovations to Cathedral House
Having done so much to improve the fabric of Cathedral House in recent years, we were shocked to find that the roof of the house has never actually been insulated. Andy, our ever-resourceful Complex manager, has therefore been installing insulation this week. By doing this, we will, as you know, both reduce heating costs but also eliminate unnecessary waste.
Parish Project Top-up Opportunity
As you may remember, the Rosmini Seminary in Bangalore (where Fr Binu is the Superior) was voted-in as our Parish Project. Following Fr Binu's recent Mass in St Andrews, we have a great opportunity to donate to the Parish Project over the month of November and top-up the existing donations. All parish project monies will be transferred to the Seminary in December. Please make any electronic transfers to St Andrews account with a payment reference of 'Parish Project' or contact Caroline via finance@stmaryscathedral.co.uk or via the Parish Office. Many thanks!
Return of Catechism Classes
Welcome back to all children to Catechism Classes this weekend following the mid-term holidays! It’s still not too late to register to take part. These classes are at 10am each Sunday of term for children in Primary 3 (or those who have not yet made their First Confession). In January 2021, classes will begin for those children (P4 and above) who have registered for First Holy Communion in 2021, and those children (P7 and above) who have registered for Confirmation in 2021. More details will be provided nearer the time.
Pilgrimage Challenge
Please help support the revival of the ancient Scottish Pilgrimage to St Andrews. Great scenery from coastal to moorland, with opportunity for reflections. Start off with a mini-pilgrimage to Rosslyn Chapel 13 km south of Edinburgh or pick up the St Margaret’s Way Challenge, all the way in easy stages from here in Edinburgh to St Andrews and the great ruined cathedral, built in the honour of Scotland’s patron saint overlooking the North Sea. All details and contact information on http://www.thewayofstandrews.com/