2022 Archdiocesan Directories – Hurry while Stocks Last!
Just what you have all been waiting for – the must read book of 2022… The new edition of the Archdiocesan Directory, an absolute page turner and an invaluable source of information, is now available and is on sale today at the back of the Church for only £3.00 each. Hurry while stocks last!!
First Confessions
There will be a final, online meeting for parents of children who are preparing to make the Sacrament of First Confession on Monday evening. You should have received a link from Fr Jamie or the school office - if not, please contact frjamie@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Confirmation for Children
Thanks to all those who were able to take part in our parents' meeting for the Sacrament of Confirmation on Monday evening. This Sunday at Mass, the children will be formally enrolled for this Sacrament - please keep them in your prayers. Classes for children not attending Catholic schools will begin in the parish rooms at Ravelston at 6pm on Sunday 6 February.
Young Adults Group: Mary, Mother of the Redeemer
Our series on the life and thought of St John Paul II got off to a great start on Tuesday! We continue this week with a talk titled, 'Mary: Mother of the Redeemer' with guest speaker Fr Christopher Doig, a newly-ordained priest from the Diocese of Aberdeen. The talk will take place on Tuesday, 1st February at 63 York Place with doors opening at 7pm. All adults, aged 18-35, very welcome!
2022 Marriage Preparation Courses: 18th June and 27th August
The Cathedral organises four Marriage Preparation courses each year, featuring presentations, testimonies and workshops led by married couples from the parish. The next course will take place on Saturday, 18th of June from 10am-5pm and the last one of the year will be held Saturday, 27th of August. Although priority is given to Cathedral / Ravelston parishioners, this course is also open to people from other parishes and dioceses –spread the word! To register, email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Parish Volunteers – Safeguarding Training Online in Two Parts
Safeguarding Training currently only needs to be done by volunteers who are in a regulated role requiring a Protecting Vulnerable Group form. Induction Part 1 must be completed before Induction Part 2 is done. (Induction Part 2 should be completed approx. 18 months after Induction Part 1 has been done). Both Part 1 and Part 2 are approximately 90 minutes each. To register and for further details, please visit, https://archedinburgh.org/administration/safeguarding-training/
First Saturday Devotions
On Saturday, 5th February, 9:30am all are welcome for Our Lady of Fatima devotions before 10:00am Mass.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Table at Church Door After Masses
The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SSVP) will resume our weekly presence at the church door at the end of 9am and 12pm Mass on Sundays, and at the 6pm Saturday Vigil Mass if enough personnel are available to answer queries. After our very successful Christmas lunch, our next event will be a Music and Afternoon Tea event in early April. We have some electronic devices to distribute to get the over 70’s digitally connected. If this is of interest, please approach us about receiving one. They come with broadband and lessons! If you would like to learn more about the works of the SSVP serving the poor in our community, please stop and speak to us or email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Introduction to the Gospel of Luke
It was great to see so many people at our online meeting to discuss St Luke's Gospel. If you missed it, or would like to watch it again, you can do so online here: https://youtu.be/9Pj2hivR85A
In addition to our weekly group discussion of the upcoming Sunday readings (Mondays at 7) our next Bible study event will be a talk given by Fr Paul Denney, titled ‘In the Beginning: An Introduction to the Book of Genesis.’ This will take place at 63 York Place at 7pm on Thursday 10th February. No need to register - all welcome!
Happy 100th Birthday to Helen MacDonald!
One special parishioner, Helen McDonald, celebrates her 100th birthday this weekend. As a sign of our love for her, this Sunday's Mass at Ravelston will be offered for Helen's intentions. Helen has asked for donations to Mary's Meals by anyone wishing to send her a gift. Any such gift would be matched if donated before 31 January. Donate online at https://www.marysmeals.org.uk/donate
Progress Report on Parish House Rewiring
The electricians are now working hard in the Parish House. The Rooms are usable in daylight and were much appreciated for last week's re-opened Sunday café. The fundraising effort is ongoing with the balance just over £4,000 now - thank you! Our achievable target is £5,000, 25% of the total cost. More donations are very welcome to achieve (or even exceed?) the target amount. For details of how to donate and to view the pledge board, Find out how you can donate and view the pledge board here.or contact finance@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Volunteers Needed for St Andrew’s, Ravelston
St Andrew’s Ravelston would be grateful for volunteers to help in any of the following roles: Cleaning, Cash Counting, Sunday Coffee rota, Children’s Catechists, Choir, Eucharistic Ministers, Readers, Passkeepers, Flower Arranging. Many roles are on a rota basis and would only need a commitment every 6 to 8 weeks. If interested in volunteering, please do contact cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Pray for Vocations! Mass with Archbishop Cushley, 8th February, 7:30pm
This month’s Archdiocesan Vocations Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Cushley on Tuesday, 8th February at 7:30pm here at the Cathedral. All are welcome! The Vocations Mass is an opportunity for people to come together to pray that more people will respond to God’s call to the priesthood or religious life. For more information on priesthood contact Fr. Andrew Garden, Vocations Director, vocations@staned.org.uk and visit https://archedinburgh.org/vocations/
For information on religious life, contact Sr. Mirjam Hugens, FSO at religiousvocations@staned.org.uk and visit https://www.ukvocation.org/religious-life
National Synod Event with Cardinal Grech - 2pm, Saturday 12 February
The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland (BCOS) hosts ‘Synodality in the Life & Mission of the Church’ at 2pm on Saturday 12 February. The keynote speaker will be Cardinal Mario Grech, General Secretary of the Synod of Bishops. This online event will be streamed on the BCOS YouTube channel at bit.ly/BCOSYouTube
Two FREE Events to Help you Grow in Holiness!
Called and Gifted Workshop – Saturday, 19th February
You have received gifts in Baptism and Confirmation through which God intends His love to reach others! Come and discover these charisms in you at the Called and Gifted Workshop. It takes place from 8:30am-5:30pm on Saturday February 19th at the Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh. To register and for more info visit bit.ly/calledgifted
Making Disciples Seminar – Friday, 25th February-Sunday, 27th February
Learn how God is at work in your life and in the lives of others in this three-day seminar, Friday 25 - Sun 27 February at St Kentigern’s Church, 26-28 Parkgrove Avenue, Barnton, EH4 7QR. The event will sharpen your evangelisation skills and show how each of us can be an instrument in God’s hand as we walk as His disciples. It will be based on Sherry Weddell’s book Forming Intentional Disciples: The Path to Knowing and Following Jesus. To register and for more info visit bit.ly/disciplesseminar
Events for Married and Engaged Couples in March, April and May
The Archdiocese is hosting events for married and engaged couples in the lead up to the 10th World Meeting of Families (Rome 22-26 June 2022). These events are for couples to come before the Lord together in reflection on the beautiful Catholic vision of marriage and family life, thanksgiving for the gift of this calling and prayer for the blessing of their love. The reflections will draw on themes developed in Pope Francis' Encyclical Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love).
Events at Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh:
Sunday 6th March 2022, 4.00-5.00pm - Holy Hour with Archbishop Leo Cushley.
Sunday 3rd April 2022, 4.00-5.30pm - Testimony and Holy Hour with Anton and Angela Colella.
Sunday 8th May 2022, 3.00-5.30pm - Afternoon Retreat with Brian and Maureen Devine.
St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral: Wednesday 18th May 2022, 7.00pm - Mass for Married and Engaged Couples
Register for all events at bit.ly/ArchEventbrite (scroll down to select event).
New Pregnancy Support Charity Needs Help with Images and Brochures
Do you have experience in Adobe, particularly in Design and Photoshop? Could you help Stanton Healthcare, a new pregnancy support charity in Edinburgh, with their images and brochures? Find out more from Paul Atkin at the Archdiocesan Pro-Life Office - paul.atkin@staned.org.uk
Opportunity to Begin Again After Separation, Divorce or Death
The loss of a loved one through separation, divorce or death is one of life’s most traumatic experiences. Beginning Experience, Scotland Team are holding a weekend for those ready to come to terms with that loss and begin to move forward with their lives. The weekend will take place 25th-27th March 2022 at St. Mary’s Redemptorist Centre for Christian Spirituality, Kinnoul, Perth. For details contact Catherine, 0131 665 3383 or beginningexperiencescotland@hotmail.com
Completed applications must be returned by Saturday, 12th March 2022. More information at https://beginningexperience.org/team/scotland/