First Confession: Rite of Illumination at Mass this Sunday
Today at Mass we welcome in a particular way the children who are preparing to make their First Confession in early February. They will participate in a brief Rite after the homily at the 9am Mass in the Cathedral and at 10.30am Mass in Ravelston. Please keep them in your prayers as they prepare to meet Jesus in this beautiful sacrament of the Lord’s forgiveness.
‘What Happens at Mass?’: Young Adults Talk on Tuesday, 17 January
Our great new series of talks for young adults continues this week with Fr. Albert Robertson, OP who will talk on ‘What Happens at Mass?’. All young adults aged 18-35 are welcome to join us in 63 York Place on Tuesday, 17 January. Other talks in the series will include the place of sacred music in the liturgy and the importance of the sacred space, all of which is for the celebration of the Eucharist. We start at 7pm with teas and coffees, the talk will begin at 7.30pm and will be followed by Night Prayer and Confessions in the Cathedral, before a time to discuss in the pub.
Saturday Eucharistic Adoration: Silent Prayer with Christ the Lord
“In the morning, long before dawn, he got up and left the house and went off to a lonely place and prayed there.” (Mark 1:35)
The Gospels tell us the Lord Jesus went off to a quiet place to pray many times. By example, He teaches us that we need quiet times of prayer. Jesus Himself is present with us as we adore Him in the Blessed Sacrament. Eucharistic Adoration is held on Saturdays 10:30am-12:00pm in the Cathedral, concluding with Benediction. Come for a short while or as long as you would like. Saturday Confessions are from 10:30am-12:00pm.
Thanks for Supporting Parish with Kathedral Knits Gifts
Special thanks to Joanna Kopystynska, our wonderful parishioner who knits such beautiful gifts for her Kathedral Knits online shop, and to all who purchased knitted gifts for Christmas! A total of almost £1,500 was raised for the Cathedral through the sales! Thank you to all! Shop anytime for beautiful knitted goods from £10 at https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/KathedralKnits.
Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Meet & Greet: Thurs., 19 January, 6:15pm
The works of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul will be known to many of you. Without its volunteers we cannot help and assist the vast needs there are for help in and around our Parish. If you are considering being a part of the SSVP and its community work, we invite you to a meet and greet session on Thursday 19th January from 6.30pm at 63 York Place. Please come along if you’d like to volunteer or if you’d like to learn more about the works we do. If you cannot come to the meeting but would like to know more please contact Trish on 07541 552070.
Over Sixties Club Coffee Afternoon on Tuesday
The Over Sixties Club Coffee Afternoon will be on Tuesday 17th January at Coffee Saints, 2.30pm - 4pm with a brand new format. Anyone 60 and over is most welcome to join us and meet new and old friends! Contact Trish at 07541 552070 if you would like to discuss the new format.
Location Change for Catenians’ Meeting on Wednesday, 18th January
Please note a location change for this month’s meeting of the Catenian Association. The meeting will be at The Fairway Hotel, 2 Edinburgh Rd, Bathgate EH48 1BA from 7.00 p.m.-9.00 p.m. More information is available from John Russell on 01555 728032.
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.
Ecumenical Prayer Service for Peace in Ukraine, Friday, 24 February, 7pm
His Grace, the Archbishop, and Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski, the Catholic Ukrainian Eparch in the UK, will lead an Ecumenical Prayer Service for Peace in Ukraine on Friday, 24 February, 7:00pm here at the Cathedral. Save the date and join us praying peace.
Special Cathedral Cleaning Day: Saturday 28th January, 1:30pm – 4pm
We will have a Spring Cleaning Day on Saturday 28th January, between 1:30pm and 4pm and are need 15 volunteers to help clean the Cathedral. If you can spare the time, please save the date and contact Alice via e-mail, complexmanager@stmaryscathedral.co.uk with your name and number, or sign up on the clip boards at the back of church. Thank you!
2023 Marriage Preparation Courses
The next Marriage Preparation courses are 10am-5pm on Saturday, 28th January 2023 and Saturday, 20th May 2023. The course includes presentations by married couples from the parish. To register, email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk.
Special Collection for Justice & Peace This Weekend
A special collection will be held this weekend for the National Commission for Justice and Peace which advises the Scottish Bishops’ Conference in matters relating to social justice, international peace and human rights. Thank you!
Holy Hour Today at 2:00pm
As a quiet, prayerful way to enter into the New Year, join us today for 2:00pm Holy Hour at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston. The Holy Hour will conclude with Benediction at 3pm. Please do make some time to visit our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. We will have a Holy Hour ever Sunday afternoon up to and including 19th February. Do join us!
Next St. Andrew’s Talk: SCIAF’s Charitable Work, Monday, 6 March
Thanks to all who came for our St. Andrew’s Talk last Monday on the Eucharist – you’re well prepared for our parish Sunday Holy Hours! Save the date for our next talk on Monday, 6th March with Penelope Blackwell from SCIAF (Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund) who will talk about the Lenten appeal and the work of the charity.
Footpaths Makeover
As can be seen, the planned health & safety work to resurface our footpaths is underway. Please take extra care on-site whilst the work is in progress. The side gate is closed until the path is done. Thank you for your patience.
Half-Day Valentine’s Retreat for Married Couples: Responding with Joy
A free half-day retreat offers couples a chance to reflect on their love and commitment to each other, to God and to their community. It will be led by Annette and Paul O’Beirne, of Equipes Notre-Dame (Teams of Our Lady), which supports married couples in their vocation. They will share some of the stories and tools gathered over their 42 years together. The retreat will be 2-5pm, Saturday 11 February at the Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB. Reserve your spot at https://bit.ly/valentineretreat
Holy Hour with Archbishop Cushley: St. Margaret’s Chapel, 12th February
"I invite all the faithful to come and pray with me before Our Lord present in the Blessed Sacrament." + Leo
Join Archbishop Cushley for Eucharistic Adoration at 6pm on Sunday 12 February at St Margaret’s Chapel at the Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, to pray for “insight, courage and joy in our mission,” as part of the Synod 2023. The final Holy Hour will take place on Sunday 12 March.
Remembering Service for Loss of a Child
A service for those who have suffered the loss of a child, from the beginning of pregnancy onwards, takes place on Sunday 19 February, 5:00pm at St John the Baptist RC Church, 37 St Ninian’s Road, Corstorphine, Edinburgh EH12 8AL. It is a chance to have time in quiet surroundings to fully recognise the loss and to help with healing. Those who wish to come in love and support are also welcome. The service is ecumenical and open to all.
Is God Calling You to Serve the Church as a Sister? Come for a Chat!
Have you considered following the Lord in a life of prayer and service as a Sister? Join other young Catholic women to chat and explore God's will with regular get-togethers in Edinburgh. Led by Sr Mirjam Hugens FSO, the first one takes place on Sunday 29 January, 4-7pm at St Columba’s, 9 Upper Gray Street. It is a chance to pray, share and discuss in a relaxed environment, and refreshments will be served. The series continues on the last Sunday of each month at the same time and venue: Find our more by e-mailing Sr. Mirjam at religiousvocations@staned.org.uk. For information about religious life in our Archdiocese and resources to help you discover your vocation, visit https://archedinburgh.org/vocations/
Day for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are invited to a day of reflection and prayer from 11am-3pm on Saturday 4 February. It takes place at the Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB. Light lunch provided, free parking onsite. Register now at https://bit.ly/extraordinaryministers
Mass in French / Messe en Français
Mass will be offered in French on Tuesday, 24 January at 6.15pm at St Albert’s Catholic Chaplaincy at the University of Edinburgh, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9LD (entrance via George Square Lane). French university students will lead music and refreshments will be served afterwards. All welcome.
Lay Dominicans Come and See Day
Lay Dominicans are men and women who live the Dominican charism in their daily lives. On Saturday 4 February the Edinburgh group will be holding a day for those interested in finding out more about the Lay Dominicans. It begins with Mass at St Albert's Chapel, at 12noon (entry via George Square Lane). More information is available at https://www.laydominicans.org.uk/fraternities/edinburgh-fraternity
Pregnancy Support
Do you know anyone who may need help during pregnancy? Stanton Healthcare offers free pregnancy testing, advice, support baby materials & equipment. Support is by appointment so call, text or WhatsApp 07526 480 578, email: office@stantonscotland.org or visit https://stantonscotland.org for more information and to arrange an appointment.
Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat: Spiritual and Emotional Healing After Abortion
A Rachel's Vineyard retreat for spiritual and emotional healing after abortion will be held on Friday 17th – Sunday 19th February. This confidential, supportive retreat is powerful for anyone who has been affected by their own or someone else’s abortion experience. For more information, please call or text Sr Andrea on 07816 942824 or email sisterandrea@rachelsvineyard.org.uk. Further details at https://rachelsvineyard.org.uk
Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine & Co. Mayo, Ireland in April 2023
A pilgrimage to Knock Shrine is being organized in April for parishes in Scotland. It will include day trips to Westport, Ballintubber Abbey, Croagh Patrick, Fr. Peyton Centre & National Museum. Cost is £699.00 per person sharing. Price includes flight, all transfers, 4 nights in Knock House Hotel with full board. Contact Patricia on 07740 175557 or email knockpilgrimages@gmail.com
St Mary's Playgroup for Children, Monday-Friday Mornings
St Mary's Playgroup at St Mary's RC Primary School; welcomes children from two and a half years old, up to entry to Primary school (during school holidays we can take children up to 7 years of age). Term Time & School Holidays: Monday to Friday 9:00am to 12 Noon. Price: £11 per child per day. For information contact stmarysplaygroup@aol.com, or visit https://stmarysplaygroup.weebly.com