Young Adults Group on Tuesday, 24 January
This Tuesday evening the Cathedral’s Director of Music, Michael Ferguson, will speak on “The Place of Sacred Music in the Church”. All young adults aged 18-35 are welcome to join us in 63 York Place on Tuesday, 24 January. The last two talks in the series will be on ‘Sacred Spaces’ on 31 January and ‘The Eucharist’ on 14 February. 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.
Sacrament of Confirmation for Children
There will be a parents’ meeting on Zoom on Monday evening – 23rd January at 7pm – for the parents of those children who have registered for the Sacrament of Confirmation this year. Please check your e-mails for the Zoom meeting details. If your child is not yet registered, there is still time! Google ‘St Mary’s Cathedral Edinburgh Sacrament of Confirmation’ to register today.
Adult Confirmation Classes Begin in March
This Lent, the Cathedral will be offering a course for adults to prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation at the Easter Vigil on Saturday 8th April. Classes start on Wednesday 1st March at 7pm. If you are interested and would like to register, contact cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
2023 Archdiocesan Directories on Sale
Just what you have all been waiting for – the must-read book of 2023!!… Packed with information on parishes, schools, organisations and groups, the new edition of the Archdiocesan Directory is on sale after Masses for only £3.00 each. Get your copy today!
Youth Group
The Youth Group will return on Sunday 26th February between 6 and 7.30pm in the Parish Rooms at St Andrew’s, Ravelston. Young people from P3 are welcome. The meetings include some game time, discussions and activities to learn more about the faith, prayer and the tuck shop – so don’t forget spending money! The registration fee is just £1 on the first night, so please pick up a registration form that can be found in the Cathedral or St Andrew’s or contact Fr Robert for more information.
Message from Alice: Thank you!
A huge thank you to all those who have expressed interest in helping out at the big Cathedral clean next Saturday, 28th January. The response has been overwhelming! I have had to take names in the order they appear on the sign-up list and have been in touch with all those whose email addresses I could read to let them know if there is space available. I appreciate your support! Thank you! Alice
Catenians Meeting, Wednesday, 15th February, at 7.00 p.m.
The Catenian Association invites all Catholic men, married or single, to a meeting on Wednesday, 15th February, at 7.00 p.m. in 63 York Place. The Association is an international body of Catholic laymen who meet once a month and offer friendship and support to Catholic men at all stages of their lives. For more information contact John Russell at 01555 728032 or membership@thecatenians.com
Ecumenical Prayer Service for Peace in Ukraine
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 for peace.
Parish Safeguarding Training Dates
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. Safeguarding Training Part 1, Face-to-face Training, is offered at the Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh EH9 1BB. Available dates are Friday 27th January at 1pm, Friday 24th February at 1pm and Friday 31st March at 1pm. To register, please email elaine.anderson@staned.org.uk providing details of your name, parish and role.
Over Sixties Club Coffee Afternoon, Cinema Outing and Book Club
The Over Sixties Club Coffee Afternoon will be on Tuesday 24 January at Coffee Saints, 2.30pm - 4pm.
A group cinema outing is on Wednesday 25 January: ‘A Man Called Otto,’ viewing starts at 2.30pm. If you can buy your tickets online please do so as it’s the cheapest option. If you do not have access to the internet or a smart phone, just turn up 10mins before the start time and book in the foyer. The book club has restarted and the group name is The Welcome. The first book will be Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart. Pick up a copy at McDonald Road Library (nine copies set aside). Next meeting is 16 February, TBC.
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!
Burns Night is Back at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston!
By popular demand, we will have a Burns Night on Friday 17th February, 6.30 for 7pm in the Ravelston parish rooms. Tickets are available from today priced at £15 to include bubbly on arrival and wine / soft drinks with your meal. If you would like to volunteer for any of the following, please speak with Judy or Marie (0131 332 6028): pipe in the haggis; address the haggis; toast the lassies; reply for the lassies; give the immortal memory; sing a song or recite a poem
St. Mary’s Cathedral Featured in The Scottish Catholic Magazine
St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral is featured in The Scottish Catholic magazine’s January issue (page 25). For just £3, pick up your copy on the table in the Octagon. Please put monies in the box at the pillar after you enter the Cathedral. Thank you! For more information, visit https://www.scottishcatholic.com/
Day of Prayer 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
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 at Gillis Centre, Sunday, 12th Feb., 6:00pm
"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 next 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.
‘Here I am, send me’: Answering God’s call to Serve as a Sister!
Have you considered following the Lord in a life of prayer and service to the Church as a religious 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. Share and discuss in a relaxed environment, and enjoy refreshments. The series continues on the last Sunday of each month. Contact Sr. Mirjam at religiousvocations@staned.org.uk for more information. “I then heard the voice of the Lord saying: 'Whom shall I send? … And I said, ‘Here am I, send me.’” (Isaiah 6:8)
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 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 http://rachelsvineyard.org.uk
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
From Peru to Mars: Talk by Director of Vatican Observatory
Brother Guy Consolmango, SJ, Director of the Vatican Observatory, will speak on “From Peru to Mars: New Worlds and Jesuit Science” at the James Watt Centre at Heriot-Watt University, 3 Heriot Watt University, Robin Smith Hall Res, Currie EH14 4AS on Monday, 6 February, 7:00pm. Register at https://bit.ly/PerutoMars by Thursday, 2 February or contact chaplaincy@hw.ac.uk, 01314514508.
Choir Event at Sacred Heart, Lauriston
The Knabenchor Bremen will be visiting Edinburgh and performing at the Jesuit Church of the Sacred Heart, Lauriston Street, Edinburgh, on Saturday at 7pm. Founded in the early 16th century, this boys’ choir is one of the oldest in Europe. The 60-minute programme includes: Byrd, Mass for four voices, Ave verum, Schütz, and Ich ruf zu dir, mein Herr und Gott (Psalm 120). All welcome.
Family Retreats
Craig Lodge in Dalmally has announced dates for its family retreats. These are 3-7 July, 17-21 July and 31-4 July/August For details and to book visit https://www.craiglodge.org/events
Catechism in a Year Podcast
Did you ever want to read the Catechism of the Catholic Church, but haven't found the time? Now you can listen to the Catechism in a Year podcast with Fr. Mike Schmitz. To sign up to listen, visit https://ascensionpress.com/pages/catechisminayear