Organ Recital – Next Sunday!
Next week, after the 12noon Mass, Tom Wilkinson (our wonderful Cathedral Organist) will perform an Organ Request Recital. This is a chance to hear Tom perform your favourite organ piece on the mighty Cathedral organ. All requests - from classics such as Widor’s Toccata, to more obscure items - are welcome! Requests should be emailed to Tom Wilkinson organist@stmaryscathedral.co.uk ideally by today. Admission is free, but there will be a retiral collection to help finance Tom to represent the Cathedral at an International Bach Conference to be held in Cambridge later this year. Why not stay on for the recital next week and then have a late lunch in Coffee Saints?
10:00am Masses Cancelled While Lighting Upgrade Progresses
We had a pre-view of the new lighting this week and it is looking really good. The contractors are working hard, but I’m afraid that due to the work we will still have no 10:00am Masses this week. Thank you for your continued patience.
Archbishop Celebrates Confirmation Next Sunday 9:00am
His Grace the Archbishop will be here next week at the 9am Mass where he will confirm 40 of our young people. Please keep them in your prayers as they are sealed with Holy Spirit in this sacrament.
Queen’s Jubilee Celebration – Sunday 5th June at Noon
And the Archbishop will be back again on Sunday 5th June to celebrate a special Mass of Thanksgiving at Noon on the occasion of the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen. This will be a lovely and joyful celebration and will finish with a champagne reception after the Mass. If you can make it – do come along to toast the queen on this historic occasion.
Royal Visit to the Cathedral – 22nd May
Lord Hodge, the Queens Lord High Commissioner to the Church of Scotland, has asked to visit St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral at the beginning of the General Assembly this year. The purpose of the visit is to hear about our plans for the renovation of the National Shrine to St. Andrew and to show support for “Coffee Saints” our new venture in collaboration with the Grassmarket Community Project. The Lord High Commissioner will be visiting at 3:00pm on Sunday 22nd May and will have a cup of coffee (!) in Coffee Saints after his visit. This is a singular sign of favour from the Queen who has asked for this visit to take place and who will receive a report from Lord Hodge following his visit. We are delighted to welcome Lord Hodge and I will give you all an update after he has been!
Cathedral’s Over Sixties Club
The next cinema outing for the over 60’s will be Wednesday 11th May, to see 'Downton Abbey: A New Era' starring Hugh Bonneville and Maggie Smith (2hrs 5mins). Meet up at 12.45pm in Omni Vue Cinema for 1pm start, followed by drinks and chat afterwards. Usually on Tuesdays we meet for coffee, but please note there will be no Tuesday coffee afternoon on 10th May. We’ll be back on Tuesday 17th May from 2.30-4pm for coffee, and anyone over 60 years of age is welcome!
Information Technology (IT) Clinic: Thursday, 26th May
The Over Sixties Club offers an Information Technology (IT) Clinic that can help you with your mobile phones and laptops. Stop in for IT help at Coffee Saints 11.30am - 1pm, Thursday 26th May.
Eucharistic Adoration: Come and Pray in the Presence of the Risen Lord
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is celebrated every Saturday 10:30am-12:00pm in the Cathedral. Come for 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour…. or more to adore the Lord. Saturday Confessions 10:30am-12:00pm.
Wedding Anniversaries Mass at Cathedral – Wednesday 18 May 7:00pm
Archbishop Leo will celebrate a Mass for Married & Engaged Couples on Wednesday 18 May at 7:00pm at St Mary’s Cathedral. If you are celebrating a significant anniversary this year, or know couples who are, the Archbishop would like to send a personal invitation. Please submit the names, address and number of years being celebrated to Fr Jeremy Milne: vemarriage@staned.org.uk 0131 334 1693.
World Day of Prayer for Vocations
Today (Sunday 8 May) is the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. Please say a prayer for all those who are discerning a vocation to the priesthood or religious life in our Archdiocese. If you think you may have a vocation, please speak to the Archdiocesan vocations directors Fr Andrew Garden 0131 663 4286 vocations@staned.org.uk or Sister Mirjam Hugens 0131 623 8902 religiousvocations@stanedorg.uk. For more information, please visit https://archedinburgh.org/vocations/
Legion of Mary – Students & Professionals Group
The Legion of Mary is a lay association of Catholics which seeks to help its members grow in holiness through devotion to Our Lady and by carrying out works of mercy. All are welcome to join. Our presidium name is Our Lady Cause of our Joy. We meet every Monday at 7:00 pm at 63 York Place, Edinburgh EH1 3JD. We are a group of mixed male and female members, students and professionals and from different countries, cultures. For more information contact phone number: Monika - 07751213612, Atama – 07832903514
Disabled Parking
You will remember that the Parish Council fought long and hard to obtain free parking for disabled parishioners attending Sunday Mass in the St. James’ Car Park. It is, therefore, a little disappointing that some disabled parishioners are eschewing this hard-won privilege, in order to park directly in front of Coffee Saints. Of course, I can understand that it is even more convenient to park on Little King Street – but this parking is meant to be restricted and it does block the entrance to both the Cathedral and the Café. Please – unless absolutely necessary – please do not park in Little King Street but rather use the privilege of free parking in the Car Park. If we do not use these spaces we will undoubtedly loose them.
Free Mobility Services Available from St. James Quarter Car Park
Guest Mobility Services located on Level B2 of the St. James Quarter Car Park offers mobility equipment free of charge with no deposit required. The mobility fleet includes scooters, specialist bariatric scooters, powered wheelchairs, as well as devices for families including single and double push chairs. The equipment can be used at the Cathedral or anywhere around the city centre of Edinburgh. Hours are Monday-Saturday 9am-7pm and Sunday 10am-6pm. Booking is available either online at https://stjamesquarter.com/guest-mobility or by calling 07898 740288. For those attending 9:00am Sunday Mass, with two weeks’ notice arrangements can be made for staffing and mobility equipment by 8:30am on a Sunday morning. They’ll even arrange to meet you at your bus stop with mobility equipment!
2022 Marriage Preparation Courses: 21st May and 27th August
The next Marriage Preparation course will take place on Saturday, 21st of May from 10am-5pm and the last one of the year will be held Saturday, 27th of August. The course includes presentations by married couples from the parish. To register, email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Safeguarding in the Parish
Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of any member/visitor to our Parish is important to us. If you have any safeguarding concerns or need support as you were a victim of abuse, you can get help by visiting https://archedinburgh.org/administration/#safeguarding
To discuss in confidence any concerns, contact: Emma Boothroyd, Safeguarding Advisor, Emma.Boothroyd@staned.org.uk 0131 623 8949 / 07903 619 342 or write to: The Safeguarding Advisor, Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB.
Key Dates on the Horizon for Children’s Sacraments
A reminder to all parents of children preparing for Confirmation: Parents’ Meeting on Monday 9th May; Sacramental celebration on Sunday 15th May at the Cathedral First Holy Communion: Parents Meeting on Monday 16th May; Sacramental celebration on Saturday 4th June. Parents expect an email from Fr Jamie with meeting details. Please keep these children in your prayers.
Praying the Rosary: Monday-Friday after 6pm Mass
In this month of May when we honour the Blessed Virgin Mary, we will pray the Rosary every weekday evening after the 6pm Mass. Do join us!
Your Help is Needed! Many Roles Available!
Help is needed at St. Andrew’s with cash counting, serving Sunday coffees/teas, teaching children’s catechesis, singing in the choir, serving as Eucharistic ministers, readers, passkeepers, sacristans, doing altar linens laundry, or church maintenance. Many of the roles are on a rota basis of every 6 to 8 weeks. Can you help? If interested, contact cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Gender Reform Bill Consultation Deadline Monday, 16th May
The Catholic Parliamentary Office has produced a two-page briefing on the Scottish Parliament Equalities and Human Rights Committee’s call for views on reform of the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill. Please engage with this important consultation and write to your MSP. Closing date for submissions is Monday 16 May. Share your concerns at https://yourviews.parliament.scot/ehrcj/gender-recognition-reform-bill/ or contact Scottish Parliament’s Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee at 0131 348 5000, GRRBill@parliament.scot
More at https://rcpolitics.org/briefing-gender-recognition-reform-scotland-bill-2/
Bookshop Manager Opening for St. Pauls Bookshop – Apply by 27 May
An experienced and resourceful Bookshop Manager is sought to setup and manage the St. Pauls Bookshop adjacent to St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral, Edinburgh. The role holder will have experience of retail and customer service and a knowledge of Christian literature. Strong communication skills, enthusiasm and initiative will also be key to developing this new venture. The role includes 35hrs per week (10am-6pm with 1hr unpaid for lunch) with flexibility of days available but to include Sunday working. Salary is £20,384. For a full job description, please visit https://bit.ly/STPB-Manager
To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your relevant experience and suitability for the role to morag@forthhr.co.uk by 5pm, Friday 27th May 2022.
Mondays at 1:30pm: 30-Minute Live Talks on Early Church
Did you see the first live talk on the Acts of the Apostles by Sr Anna Marie McGuan RSM last week? Each Monday until 23 May, Sister is hosting a series of 30 minute talks exploring the trials and triumphs of the early Church! Watch on live Mondays at 1:30pm or view the recording at https://bit.ly/ArchYouTube
Sunday 8th May, 8:00pm Concert for Ukraine at St Mary’s on Palmerston
Tonight at 8:00pm at St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Palmerston Pl, Edinburgh EH12 5AW, a choir of 90 voices from all over Scotland who have kindly volunteered their services and the Orchestra of the Canongait will perform a Concert for Ukraine. Pieces will include Copland: Fanfare for the Common Man, Bruch: Kol Nidrei and Beethoven: Symphony No.9. Cost is £15.00 (under 18s free). Tickets via Eventbrite https://tinyurl.com/5n7kxeza or available on the door. All proceeds will go to Disasters Emergency Committee for Ukraine. The concert lasts around 90 minutes.
Open Evening on Tuesday 17 May: St. Mary’s University, Edinburgh
Join an exciting and informative online Open Evening to hear all about the MA in Applied Catholic Theology at the St Mary’s University, Edinburgh Campus! Register now for this webinar event Tuesday 17 May, 6-7pm at bit.ly/smu_openevening. Core courses in the MA program include Aspects of Biblical Interpretation; Human Beings and Human Action; Foundations of Christian Spirituality; Basic Principles and History of Catholic Social Teaching; Systematic Theology and Contemporary Themes; Spiritual Direction, Psychology and Spiritual Formation; and Applied Catholic Theology Dissertation. Enjoy the flexibility of part-time courses on the evening and at weekends! Classes start in September!
Italian Mass & May Procession at St Mary's Monastery Kinnoull 29th May
A Mass in Italian and May Procession will be held on Sunday 29 May at 3:00pm at St Mary’s Kinnoull, Hatton Road, Kinnoull, Perth, PH2 7BP. Please be sure RSVP to Pierluigi Carena at pcarena750@dundeeschools.scot if you plan to attend! The monastery refectory will be open for teas and coffees, so you can bring a wee picnic if you are staying for a chat. Don’t forget to bring a flower(s) for the statue of Our Lady! Please be aware that the paths in grounds are not paved and can get a bit muddy if it has been raining. To learn about the monastery, visit https://www.kinnoullmonastery.co.uk/
Are You a Registered Nurse? Join the Archdiocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage
If you’re a registered nurse, please consider taking part in the Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 8-15 July. The pilgrimage committee is looking for a night nurse (full funding available!) and other nurses to join to join the medical team. Contact Claire Banks, chief nurse, on 07930 928489 for more info. There is also still space for assisted pilgrims who will have 24hr care on the pilgrimage. Helpers and hotel pilgrims are also welcome. More info at http://www.edinburgh-lourdes.com
Save the Date: Corpus Christi Procession in Falkirk – Sunday 19 June
As part of the Eucharistic renewal in the Archdiocese this liturgical year, led by Archbishop Cushley, you are invited to take part in a Corpus Christi procession at St Francis Xavier’s in Falkirk on Sunday 19 June (time tbc). This is a major event for the Archdiocese and a beautiful and prayerful experience as well as a chance to be a witness to the Eucharistic Christ in public. Save the date!