Registration For Mass: New System!
Apologies for the confusion at some of the Masses last weekend while we try to get used to our new sign-in system, and sincere thanks to our dedicated team of volunteers for their help in keeping us all safe. As you know, as well as asking parishioners to wear a facemask and sanitise their hands, we continue to maintain a record of those who attend each week as part of the Trace and Protect scheme. By registering online in advance at https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/mass-registration your details are held securely in the office and your surname added to a door-list which will be ticked off as you enter Mass. Hopefully this will help to speed up the sign-in process – and one day the necessity of keeping such lists will be a thing of the past!
Comings and Goings…
A big welcome back to Sister Miriam Fidelis, RSM, who returned to us this week after making her final vows. It’s a great joy to have Sister back with us! Deacon Joshua meanwhile will soon complete his summer placement here. He will be in St Andrew’s, Ravelston next weekend in order to say goodbye, before doing the same at the Cathedral on Sunday 12th. He will then return to Rome to continue his studies. Please keep him in your prayers!
Sacramental Preparation for Children: Registration Open!
Registration is now open for sacramental preparation for children for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation (P3), First Holy Communion (P4) and Confirmation (P7). Catechetical preparation will be provided both at St Mary’s Primary School and on Sundays at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston. To register online, simply use your phone to scan the QR code on the poster in the back of church or visit the following links:
First Reconciliation (P3 and above): https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/first-reconciliation
First Holy Communion (P4 and above): https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/first-communion
Confirmation (P7 and above): https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/confirmation
More information about class format and dates will be provided on registration. Please spread the word!
Offertory Collection
Following the advice of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland that it is safe to do so, we are now restoring the offertory collection to its traditional place in the Mass. We understand that many parishioners now give electronically and, however you do it, we’re extremely grateful for your generous financial support every week!
Parish Bible Study: Resumes Monday, 6th September
Our parish Bible study group meets regularly to discuss the coming Sunday’s Mass readings. Each week a brief commentary on each reading is provided in preparation for a guided group discussion on Monday evening at 7pm. The group will continue to meet online, perhaps with occasional in-person meetings – ad experimentum! To register, please email frjamie@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Teaching in a Catholic School: Online Session 2:30pm to 4:30pm, Wednesday, 1st September
Archbishop Cushley is inviting newly qualified teachers working in the Archdiocese to take part in an online session titled Teaching in a Catholic School. Eileen Rafferty and Margaret Barton, Archdiocesan religious education advisors for primary and secondary schools, respectively will lead the event 2:30pm to 4:30pm on Wednesday 1 September (Zoom). To register please email kay.clarke@staned.org.uk
Hillside Area Parishioner Needs Help Getting to Sunday Mass at the Cathedral
Do you attend 12 noon Mass on Sunday? A parishioner living in the Hillside area of Edinburgh needs help in walking or being driven with their guide dog to the Sunday 12 noon Mass. Free car parking in a disabled space is available in St James Quarter Car Park, as it is for all holders of blue badges who attend Sunday Mass at the Cathedral, please contact the Cathedral office for more information.. If you can assist on a fortnightly or monthly basis, please contact cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk and provide your contact details. Thank you!
Interested in Becoming Catholic? RCIA Meetings Start Tuesday, 14th Sept. – Sign Up Now!
The Cathedral’s Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) group will meet each week on Tuesdays, 7:00pm-8:30pm at Cathedral House from Tuesday, 14th September until Christmas and then from January to Easter, with a few sessions after Easter, For more information, email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
First Saturday Devotions
Next Saturday, 4th September, 9:30am there will be devotions to Our Lady of Fatima here in the Cathedral, followed by 10:00am Mass. All are welcome!
Patricia Archutowski R.I.P.
With sadness we announce the death of our much beloved parishioner Patricia Archutowski who passed away this past week. Trish was a generous volunteer and contributed so much to the life of the parish. She is survived by her husband John and their two young children. Please pray for the happy repose of her soul and for the consolation of all those who mourn for her. May she rest in peace and rise in glory!