Second Collection Today for Fr. Binu’s Seminarians
This weekend we welcome back Fr. Binu Palakapally who is preaching at most of the Masses and will make an appeal for help to support the Seminary of the Rosminians in Bangalore, India where he works. The Rosminians provide much-needed priestly support throughout the world and face challenges of funding a seminary in a developing country. A second collection will be taken to support the seminarians. Thank you for your generosity!
Prayers in Gratitude for Healthcare Workers – Noon Mass
Archbishop Cushley will celebrate the 12noon Mass especially in thanksgiving for the healthcare workers in Scotland for their service throughout the COVID pandemic. The White Mass, which is so named from the colour traditionally worn by those in the healthcare profession, is always celebrated on or near the Feast of St. Luke (18th October), the patron saint of doctors. All are welcome!
Opening of the Synodal Process - 3pm Mass
Join Archbishop Cushley in prayer at 3pm Mass for the opening of the Synod process which begins on Sunday 17th October in preparation for the 2023 Synod of Bishops. Sr Anna Marie McGuan RSM is the Archdiocese’s lead delegate in the national synodal process and Fr John Deighan is assisting her in this role.
A 5-minute video about the Synod is available at: https://archedinburgh.org/watch-synod-basics-in-5-mins/ and resources at www.synod.va/en.html
Volunteers Needed for Soup Kitchen for the Homeless at Coffee Saints
An exciting new opportunity for volunteering! In cooperation with Grassmarket Community Project we’re starting a soup kitchen for the homeless every Tuesday 5:00pm-6:30pm at Coffee Saints. We can’t do it without a generous response from parishioners to help to run it! Volunteers do not need to commit to every week, but will need to complete basic training before going on the rota. Anyone interested should contact kevin@grassmarket.org
Bible Study on Zoom – Every Monday at 7pm
Our parish Bible Study continues this week at 7pm on Monday evening. This takes the form of a guided study of the upcoming Sunday Mass readings. It’s so interesting to hear all of the different perspectives, and is also an opportunity to ask questions about passages which might be unclear. To register, please email frjamie@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Catholicism and Community - Young Adults’ Group – This Tuesday at 7pm
It’s great to see so many people taking part in our Young Adults’ Group meetings on Tuesday evenings! This week our guest speaker is Professor Stephany Biello, professor of neuroscience and biopsychology at the University of Glasgow. Her title is ‘Whose Feet Do You Wash? Catholicism and Community.’ As usual, we meet at 63 York Place (around the corner from the Cathedral) at 7pm, with the talk beginning at 7.30pm sharp. Afterwards, there will some group discussion, night prayer and then a drink in the pub. Come along and invite your friends!
Start Your Week Off at our Monday Morning Coffee Club!
Enjoy a lovely coffee and a friendly chat at our Monday morning Coffee Club! It’s a great way to meet new people and get the week off to a good start. Come along this Monday from 9:30am- 11:30am in the Coffee Saints café. You’ll be extremely welcome! If you’d like to volunteer, contact Catherine (catherine@grassmarket.org 07507691155). Spread the word!
Coming Soon: Afternoon Tea at Coffee Saints
Coffee Saints are now taking bookings for a delicious afternoon tea – very civilised! Visit https://www.coffeesaints.co.uk/ and click ‘Book Now’!
Second Collection Next Weekend for World Mission Sunday
The Church celebrates World Mission Sunday on 24th October with the theme “We cannot but speak about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). A second collection will be taken up for Missio Scotland, the Scottish branch of the Pontifical Mission Societies. Visit https://www.missioscotland.com/ to learn more!
Cop 26 Interfaith Pilgrimage for Climate Justice – Saturday 23rd October
Fr Jeremy Bath and pilgrims of different faiths and beliefs from across the UK and Europe are joining together to walk for climate justice. They will arrive at the Cathedral at 2pm for a short service and would love to see you all there!
All Souls Day Mass at Mount Vernon Cemetery – 2nd November
Archbishop Cushley will offer Holy Mass for the repose of all the faithful departed who have died in the Archdiocese in the last year, especially those buried at Mount Vernon Cemetery. This will take place on All Souls’ Day, Tuesday 2 November, at 10am in the Cemetery Chapel. Although the Chapel is small and fills up quickly, everyone who wishes to attend is most welcome.
Cathedral 40 Hours Devotion Begins Sunday 28th November, 12:00pm Mass
Beginning on the First Sunday of Advent 2021, 28th November, 12:00pm Archbishop Cushley is to relaunch the simple and beautiful tradition of 40 hours' Devotion, which recalls the period of 40 hours from the time of our Lord’s death on the cross until His Resurrection. This time of solemn adoration will see each parish in the Archdiocese have 40 hours of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. A video on 40 Hours is at bit.ly/ArchYouTube
Free Disabled Parking in St. James Centre Car Park
If you have a disabled badge, drive to Mass and would like to use the St. James’ Car Park in the future, please fill out a form at the back of Church and return it to the Office. For those who have sent in their details, the Car Park will have free disabled parking on Sundays only 8:30am-1:30pm. Outside of those hours, normal parking fees will apply. Questions? Email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
New Publication: The Scottish Catholic Magazine
Scotland’s new Catholic magazine, The Scottish Catholic, launched on October 15th. Coming out every two weeks it will be a faithful and fresh look at what it means to a Catholic in Scotland now. The first edition will be free – look out for copies at the back of the church! Visit https://www.scottishcatholic.com/ to learn more.
Thirsting for God? RCIA Meetings Tuesdays 7pm at Cathedral House
Do you know someone not baptized or baptized in a non-Catholic Christian tradition, who is thirsting for what it means to become Catholic? Do you know someone already Catholic who hasn’t received Confirmation? The Cathedral’s Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) group is a place to ask questions and deepen your journey of faith in preparation for the sacraments of initiation. Meetings are every Tuesday, 7:00pm-8:30pm at Cathedral House until Christmas and then from January to Easter, with a few sessions after Easter. To register, email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Sunday Café in Parish Rooms Restarts Today!
After quite a long time, our Sunday Café with teas and coffees will restart after the 10:30am Mass today! Many thanks to the volunteers who have been working hard to make this possible. Do stop in the parish rooms after Mass for a cuppa and a chat!
Friday Morning Coffee Club at St. Andrew’s
Join us every week for our Friday morning café from 10am until 12noon. Enjoy a chat with other members of the parish and delicious teas, coffees and cakes!
Date for Your Diary – St. Andrew’s Volunteer Training – 4th November
On Thursday 4th of November at 7pm we will meet in the parish rooms with those who currently serving as Communion Ministers, Readers and Passkeepers/Stewards. We will reflect together on the importance of these ministries and to give some refresher training as we return to normal parish life, as well as welcoming new volunteers. If you’re interested, please speak to Fergus or to Fr Jamie after Mass
Dementia: Hope on a Difficult Journey – Saturday, 6 November
An event for those supporting friends or family with dementia will be held at the Gillis Centre, Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, from 2-4pm on Saturday 6 November. A talk will be led by Dr Adrian Treloar, and there will be a chance to share experiences before a time of prayer in St Margaret’s Chapel, onsite. Light refreshments will be served. The event is organised by the Archdiocesan Marriage & Families Commission. Register at bit.ly/DementiaEvent2021
Married Couples: Grow in Catholic Faith with Teams of Our Lady
Want to enrich your married spirituality with Jesus Christ and meet others to build friendships? Join the Teams of Our Lady, an international lay movement to enrich married spirituality and make good marriages better. A group of five couples and a priest began meeting in Edinburgh in 2019. New couples are welcome to join this group or a future new group. Couple meet up to 10 times a year, share a meal, prayer time and discussions on living out their sacramental marriage. For more information on how to join, contact Fr Jeremy Milne, VEmarriage@staned.org.uk, 0131 623 8900 or visit https://teamsgb.org.uk/
Craig Lodge House of Prayer Retreats
A variety of retreats are now available at Craig Lodge! Find one right for you and make a retreat to draw nearer to God: Be Transformed Weekend (29-31 October); By His Wounds We Are Healed (12-14 November) led by Fr Gladson Dabre, OSA; By His Wounds We Are Healed (19-21 November) Led by Canon William Fraser & Living Water Ministries; Kingdom Come (3-5 December) - An Advent Weekend for mid-teens those in S2, S3 & S4. More information at https://www.craiglodge.org/events
Craig Lodge, Dalmally, Argyll, Scotland, UK, PA33 1AR, T: +44(0)1838 200216, mail@craiglodge.org
Job Opening: SPUC Fundraising and Major Gift Administrator
Society for the Protection of Unborn Children has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated candidate to join its team as full-time Fundraising and Major Gift Administrator. Candidates should fully support SPUC’s aims and objectives, and have exemplary communication skills and the ability to assist with smooth and successful operation of SPUC’s fundraising programmes. Learn more at https://www.spuc.org.uk/
For details on how to apply, please email matthewmccusker@spuc.org.uk