ADVENT 2020
After such a strange and perplexing year, it will be good for us to use the beautiful and peaceful season of Advent to ponder on the last nine months and on our faith as we move into an uncertain future. In order to help us reflect and enter into the spirit of Advent, we have organised a number of special events:
Four Short Talks by Fr. Patrick – Every Monday at 7pm
This year, more than ever, I have felt that God is calling all of us into a deeper and more real life of prayer. In order to help you – I am offering a short series of 10-minute talks on prayer. Each one will be at 7:00pm every Monday in Advent: Nov. 30th, Dec. 7th, 14th, 21st. E-mail cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk to register.
Advent Candlelit Masses
As in previous years, during Advent we will have our special Candlelit Masses at both the Cathedral and at Ravelston. The Masses will be at 7pm on Wednesday in Ravelston and on Thursday at the Cathedral. Seats will be available for online reservation here beginning 8:00am on the Monday of each week. Or phone the Parish Office at 0131 556 1798.
Advent with the Archbishop – Sunday, 29th November at 7pm
Archbishop Leo will give a talk entitled ‘Unwrapping Christmas’ on Zoom on Sunday 29 November at 7pm. The event is open to all. Please register at bit.ly/UnwrappingAdvent
IMPORTANT – PLEASE SIGN UP FOR WEEKEND MASSES
As you know, the government’s limit of 50 people per Mass is still in effect at this time for which reason it is very important that you register for one of the Masses before you arrive. Please use the online booking system on our website (on the homepage, scroll down to ‘Reserve a place for Sunday Mass’ or click on the button below) or call the parish office. Thank you!
St. Andrew’s Day
His Grace the Archbishop will celebrate the 12.45pm Mass on Monday in honour of our National Patron.
Stewarding Volunteers needed for Christmas Masses and beyond
The Cathedral is in need of more stewarding volunteers, not only for the Christmas Masses, but also to help cover the various shifts throughout the days and weeks going forward. Stewards are on duty to ensure that visitors to the Cathedral are following the Government’s COVID-19 regulations relating to face coverings, hand sanitising, social distancing and cleaning of surfaces as required. If you would like to assist, please sign up on sheets with the volunteers at the back of the church. Alternatively, you can contact Elizabeth or sign up on the sheet at the back of the church to help out at St Andrew’s, Ravelston.
First Saturday Devotions – Next Saturday
Devotions to Our Lady of Fatima will be held in the Cathedral on Sat 5th December at 9:30am. All welcome.
Advent Rosary for Life – Monday, 30 November, 7:00pm
Join with the unborn Christ and His Mother on the journey to Bethlehem through praying the rosary with others during the weeks of Advent. Each rosary will last about 30 minutes, starting at 7pm. Register here.
Annual Mass Attendance Census
The Archdiocese’s Annual Mass Attendance Census will be taken next weekend Sat., 5th Dec. and Sun., 6th Dec.
Many Thanks for Donated Gifts to Prisoners’ Children!
We received a large quantity of beautifully wrapped Christmas gifts both at the Cathedral and St. Andrew’s for distribution to for the children of prisoners in Edinburgh (Saughton) Prison. Thank you very much to everyone who donated gifts! Your continued kindness and generosity are very much appreciated!
Music for the 12 noon Mass
Hills of the North Rejoice
Creator of the Stars of Night
Organ Voluntary: Jean Langlais Incantation pour un jour saint
Black Sunday – Christmas CD Sale!
This Christmas why not give the gift of Sacred Music? Our own wonderful Cathedral Choir will be selling their beautiful CD after all Masses this weekend. Inspired by 800 years of sacred music it is the perfect Christmas Gift. The CD costs a very reasonable £12.99 but as a special Black (Purple!) Sunday Offer we are selling 2 CD’s for only £20. All proceeds from the CD will go directly towards ensuring the future of our Cathedral music! Purchase at: https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/store/withangels
Warm Christmas Gifts – Knitted Goods to Support the Cathedral
Knitted goods for Christmas made by our own wonderful parishioners Joanna Kopystynska and Anne MacAulay will be available for sale in the Octagon after Masses on Sunday morning. The knitted dolls by Joanna are also available at www.kathedralknits.etsy.com. Anne will have available hats, headbands, tea cozies, and babywear of various colours and sizes. All the profits from all sales are very generously donated by Joanna and Anne to the Cathedral. Please support the Cathedral by buying some of these beautiful Christmas gifts!
Hand on the Faith to Others! Archdiocesan Diploma in Catechetics
One-Year Online Course in 2021 – Begins January 14, 2021
Join people across the Archdiocese on Zoom each week to learn about our Catholic faith and earn an Archdiocesan Diploma in Catechetics to prepare you to hand on our Catholic faith to others! The Archdiocese is offering a new one-year course via Zoom taught in weekly 45-minute lectures (Thursday evenings at 7:30pm) beginning January 14, 2021. Lectures will be given on the Role of the Laity in the Church, Sacraments, Scripture, Christology, Systematic Theology and Moral Theology. For more info email: sranna.marie@staned.org.uk Please take a brochure in the back of church with all the Course Module dates and details.
“From The Holy Land: Faith and Art” – Online Course Wednesdays in Advent
A new online course sponsored by Pilgrimage People will be held on Wednesdays in Advent, 3pm-4pm. The course will look at the history, architecture and art of churches in the Holy Land. All the talks will be recorded. Cost is £60 and all profits go to support Christians in the Holy Land. The course dates are 2nd December: The Basilica of the Annunciation; 9th December: The Church of the Visitation; 16th December: The Shepherds Fields; 23rd December: Church of the Nativity. To register, please email info@pilgrimagepeople.org or call 0800 612 3423.
Pilgrimage Opportunities
Need a Day Out? Explore Scotland on our many great pilgrimage trails! Routes include Rosslyn Chapel Way; Saint Margaret’s Loop, St. Andrew’s Circuit and many more! To learn more, visit here..