Solemnity of Christ the King
This Sunday is the Feast of Christ the King and marks the end of the liturgical year. At the end of each Mass, we will solemnly dedicate ourselves, our parish and our world to the Lord – especially this year imploring Him for peace in the world and particularly in Ukraine and the Holy Land.
Thursday – Solemnity of St. Andrew
This week, we celebrate the feast day of our National Patron whose relics are preserved here in the National Shrine of St. Andrew. On the Vigil of St. Andrew, Wednesday 29th November, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will begin at 7.30pm, concluding with sung Evening Prayer at 8.15pm and Benediction. On Thursday 30th November, the first Mass will be at 10am, followed by Mass celebrated by Archbishop Cushley at 12:45pm, and evening Masses will be 7:30pm at the Cathedral and 6pm at Ravelston. After every Mass, there will be an opportunity for veneration of relics. It was Andrew who, famously, brought Peter to Jesus – this feast day is your opportunity in a special way – to go to Jesus, through Andrew.
Cathedral Advent Appeal Begins Next Weekend
As you know from last week’s newsletter, we will begin our Advent Appeal for the Roof Restoration next week. I am delighted to inform you that, once again, a very generous donor has offered to match fund whatever we manage to raise in this short appeal. This makes it even more important that we do all we can to capitalise on this incredible opportunity. I want to thank all those who were in touch over the last week with ideas and suggestions. We will, of course, be looking into grants to help us with this work, but whatever grants we are able to secure will almost always be dependent on proof that we ourselves have undertaken substantial fundraising in advance.
I have put out a few copies of the original 88-page Adams Napier Report for those who are interested, and there is also a very well complied summary of the report in pamphlet form available for people to take away. If you would like to donate please visit https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/roof or contact our Finance Office, finance@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Kathedral Knits on Sale Today
Today after the Noon Mass, knitted goods for Christmas will be available for sale by our own wonderful parishioner Joanna Kopystynska. The items are also available at www.kathedralknits.etsy.com
All the profits go to the parish! Sales will also be on 3rd December, 10th December and 17th December.
Blessing of the Cathedral Crib on 7th December
Archbishop Leo will celebrate the Cathedral Rorate Mass at 7:00pm on Monday, 7th December, at the end of which he will bless the outdoor crib. Do come along!
Cathedral Schola Candlelit Advent Concert at Ravelston 8th December
A week from Friday is the Cathedral's Schola Cantorum’s special candlelit concert on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Friday 8 December at 8:00pm, in the warmth and intimacy of St Andrew's Church in Ravelston, reminiscent of the crib in Bethlehem. The group will sing a one-hour programme of Advent and Christmas music. Tickets are £6 standard or £12 family and are available from Eventbrite or on the door. Space is limited in St Andrew's Church, and tickets have been selling well, so advanced booking is advised! Book here: https://bit.ly/ScholaAdvent2023
Friendship Group Coffee Afternoon
Join us for our Coffee Afternoon, old and new friends welcome, Tuesdays 2.00pm till 3.30pm at Coffee Saints, with 20% discount on food and drink bought during the meeting time.
Archbishop Leo to Speak to Young Adults Group on Tuesday
This week, His Grace, Archbishop Leo, will speak about “Sacred Tradition: What is our Contribution to Be?” at our Young Adults Group. All those between the ages of 18-35 are welcome to the weekly meetings. We meet at 63 York Place at 7:00pm for tea and coffee followed by the talk and discussion at 7.30pm. Each session concludes with Night Prayer and the chance to socialise at a local pub.
Volunteers Needed!
Cathedral Flower Arranging
We ask that you please consider volunteering to assist with arranging of flower displays around the Cathedral. We are very much in need of additional volunteers. Four two-person teams meet once every four weeks, mid-morning on a Friday. Lack of experience is not a barrier if you are interested, as one of the two-person team is an experienced volunteer. To join a team of flower arrangers, or find out more, please contact Elizabeth Andrews at Elizabeth@rhandrews.plus.com; telephone: 0131 553 1510.
Cathedral Rorate Masses
Volunteers are needed to assist in preparing the Cathedral (laying out candles, welcoming people, etc) prior to the candlelit Rorate Masses and tidying up afterwards. The Rorate Masses will be celebrated on Thursdays 7th, 14th and 21st December. The Masses start at 7pm. You would need to be available from 6pm. If you can assist, then please e-mail Elizabeth Andrews at Elizabeth@rhandrews.plus.com with a note of your availability.
Congratulations! One-Year Anniversary of St. Pauls Bookshop
We are happy to announce the one-year anniversary of the grand opening of our beautiful St Pauls Bookshop — the only Catholic bookshop in all of east Scotland! Just one year ago today, 26 November 2022, His Grace, Archbishop Leo, blessed St Pauls Bookshop and the shop opened its doors – now open daily, 10am-5pm. Thank you Fr. Alex, Fr, Jereus and Emma for all of your hard work!
A Big Thank You to Fabric Helpers!
A new carpet has been installed across all carpeted areas in St Andrew’s, Ravelston The statues have been cleaned and tired wood refreshed. An extra special thank-you to those who volunteered their time and skills to enable this transformation! Thank you!!
Children to Help with Christmas Crib after Mass this week
After Mass today, the children of the parish are invited to join us to set up our outdoor Christmas crib. Come along and lend a hand! Then, before 10:30am Mass next Sunday, 3rd December, the children are invited to help us place the statues of Mary, Joseph, the shepherd and the empty manger in the crib. Adults and children please practice singing 'Away in a Manger' for 3rd Dec!
St. Andrew’s Talk: Scriptures Pointing to the Coming of Jesus Christ
The final St Andrew’s talk of the year will be tomorrow evening straight after 6pm Mass. In preparation for the start of Advent, Sister Miriam Ruth RSM and Sister Paul Miriam RSM will present the Messianic prophecies, Scriptural texts that point to the coming of Jesus Christ. The talk will provide a fascinating insight as we begin the season of preparation for Our Lord’s coming at Christmas. As usual, soup and sandwiches will be provided afterwards so you can sit and chew over the significance of these prophecies.
Ravelston Bacon Roll Morning Sunday 3rd December
Come along to our bacon roll morning after Sunday Mass on 3rd December in aid of the homeless at Christmas. Donations for a charity that feeds them will be collected. Please support this effort for a vulnerable group of people.
Parish Mass and Supper for Feast of St Andrew on Wednesday
A few tickets are remaining for our St. Andrew’s supper! Come and join us on the feast day of our patron this Wednesday 30th November in the church rooms at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston. Join us for Mass at 6pm and then supper at 7pm. Supper will be a sit-down meal. Bring your own bottle! For catering purposes please pick up your tickets – one per person – after Mass this weekend. Cash or cheque donations welcome at the supper with all funds raised going to the Parish Rooms project.
3rd December Christmas Run: From the Pew to the Track - for All Ages!
Join us for the St. Andrew’s, Ravelston Christmas Run on Sunday 3rd December at 11:30am – for all ages! Come along after Mass and choose from three options: 1) Walk round the grounds, 2) Dean Gallery circuit or 3) Ultimo – Cathedral and back (approx. 5 km) Funds raised will be divided equally between Marie Curie and Bethany Christian Trust. Donations sought (£20 suggested). St Andrews Church, Sort code 83-06-08, Account number 10402444. Thank you in advance for your generous participation!
Helpers Needed: Setup and Clean-up for Ravelston Rorate Masses
Please consider helping us to setup and clean-up for the beautiful candlelit Rorate Masses at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston, scheduled for 7pm on Mondays, starting 4 December and concluding 18th December. We need helpers for each Mass to set up the candles around the church and to tidy them up after the Mass! If you can assist for any of these Masses, please contact cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
St Andrew’s, Ravelston Parish Project
As most of you will know, Ravelston’s current ‘Parish Project’ is the Rosminian Mission, Fr Binu’s seminary in India. It is, however, time for this to be reviewed such that either Fr Binu’s seminary will continue as our Parish Project for three more years (commencing 1st Jan 2024) or that another charity will take its place after the end of this year.
As before, the Parish Council would like the parish to vote on this and therefore, next weekend, voting forms will be handed out at Sunday Mass allowing you, our parishioners, to vote. Brief details of the charities that have been put forward by members of the Parish Council that you may consider voting for will be on the noticeboard in the Parish Rooms. These will be listed on the voting slip next week, along with Fr Binu’s seminary if you would like to vote to continue the seminary as our Parish Project for a further three years.
Become an Altar Server
We have a dedicated group of servers in St Andrew’s, but we are always looking for more to join our ranks. If you have made your First Holy Communion, please speak to Father Robert about serving at the altar during Mass. Adults as well as children are welcome!
Diploma in Catechetics 2024
Explore the richness and depth of our Catholic faith – all from home – with the Diploma in Catechetics from the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh, led by Sr Miriam Ruth Ryan RSM. Tune in each Thursday at 7:30pm for an expert-led Zoom Webinar (or watch the recording at your convenience), and further enjoy guided readings, regular one-to-one support, and an in-person retreat. The Diploma in Catechetics begins on Thursday 25 January 2024. Concessions available. Registration and info at bit.ly/archdiploma2024 Questions? Email srmiriam.ruth@staned.org.uk
Faith Winter Conference for Young Adults: ‘The God Who Speaks’
This new year Fr. Robert will be taking a group of young adults to the Faith Winter Conference from Tuesday 2nd January to Thursday, 4th January. The conference will be held at the Emmaus Youth Village, Consett, and the theme is “The God Who Speaks: ‘This is my beloved Son. Listen to Him.’” Fr. Patrick will also be going, as will Sr. Miriam Fidelis, RSM. The conference is open to anyone between the ages of 16 and 25 and attracts scores of young Catholics from all over Britain with a unique blend of catechetical, spiritual and social activities in a relaxed holiday atmosphere. The cost of the conference for students is £110. If you are interested – please speak to Fr. Robert or Fr. Patrick.
Mary’s Meals: Your Donations to Help Hungry Children Doubled!
From now until 22 January 2024, donations made to Mary’s Meals will be doubled by a group of generous supporters, up to £1 million. Thanks to Double the Love, your donations bring hope to desperately hungry children and their families around the world. There are many ways to give, including gift cards and e-cards. Donate or find out more at www.marysmeals.org.uk