Ash Wednesday
Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. It is a day of fasting and abstinence which means that all Catholics are obliged to abstain from meat and all adults between 16 and 65 are obliged to fast. Ashes will be distributed at all Masses, which will be at 8am, 10am (School Mass), 12.45pm, 6pm (Polish) and 7.30pm in the Cathedral and at 9.30am and 6pm (Extraordinary Form) in Ravelston. The booklet Walk with Me with daily reflections for Lent is available after all Masses this weekend for only £1 each.
Concerts in the Cathedral – Tickets for Sale After All Masses
There are still a few tickets available for the fundraising concerts in the Cathedral. During the week we received the great news that an anonymous donor will double all that we make on the night. So the more tickets we sell the better! Tickets (£25/each) can be purchased after all Masses this weekend (we can take cash, cheques and credit/debit cards), at Eventbrite and through the Parish Office. Thank you for supporting this initiative to raise very much needed funds to care for our Cathedral!
Day of Prayer for Those who have Suffered Abuse
This Friday has been designated as a day of special prayer for those who have suffered abuse in the Church. All of us are encouraged to pray and fast for this intention on Friday. The Stations of the Cross after the 12.45pm Mass will also be offered for this intention.
Gender Recognition Bill consultation
The Scottish Government is consulting now on proposed changes to gender recognition legislation. These include removal of the current medical requirements and reducing the age limit for legally changing gender from 18 to 16. The Catholic Church believes that sex or gender cannot be reduced to a mere construct of society that is fluid and changeable.
The Catholic Parliamentary Office has produced a briefing paper to help you understand the key issues. It is available at the back of the church and in the porch of the Cathedral and online at the Catholic Parliamentary Office website. Please make your voice heard in this consultation which can be completed by following this link. The deadline for responses is 17th March.