Obligation for the Fourth Sunday of Advent
Please note that next Sunday (24 December, Christmas Eve) is the Fourth Sunday of Advent and all Catholics are obliged to attend Mass for that Sunday as well as for Christmas. Mass times for next Sunday will be as normal except that (obviously) there will be no 6:00pm Mass in Polish and no 7.30pm Mass on Sunday evening.
Christmas Masses 2023
St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral
Christmas Eve, Sunday 24th December:
6:00pm Mass
9:00pm Mass (Polish)
11:15pm Carols and Readings
Midnight Mass
Christmas Day, Monday 25th December:
10.00am Mass
12noon (Polish) Mass
6:00pm (Polish) Mass
St Andrew’s Church, Ravelston
Christmas Eve, Sunday 24th December:
5:30pm Carols & Readings
6:00pm Mass
Christmas Day, Monday 25th December:
10.00am Mass
Cathedral Roof Appeal
A massive thank you to all of you who have responded so generously to our roof appeal! To date, we have raised an astonishing £12,000 – and please remember that we have a very generous donor who has offered to double everything that is donated for this appeal. Again, this week, we will have a second collection at all Masses today. If you would like to donate online please visit https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/roof, or contact our Finance Office, finance@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Rorate Masses
Our beautiful Advent Rorate Masses conclude this week on Monday at 7pm at Ravelston and on Thursday at 7pm at the Cathedral. These are candlelit Masses and are the perfect way to prepare spiritually for Christmas. The Cathedral bookshop will also stay open until 8pm on the evenings of the Rorate Masses at the Cathedral.
Confessions During Advent
Make time to receive the Lord’s healing and forgiveness this Advent. Going to Confession is a wonderful way to prepare for Christmas. Two priests will be available for Confession at the Cathedral every day next week at 1.15pm and on Saturday 23 December from 10:30am until 12:00pm and from 5pm until 6pm. Please note, there will be no Confessions next Sunday, 24 December.
Volunteers required for Christmas and New Year Masses
We are still looking for volunteers to assist at our Christmas and New Year’s Day Masses. If you are staying in Edinburgh and would be able to help at any of the Masses please contact Elizabeth Andrews at Elizabeth@rhandrews.plus.com
Kathedral Knits on Sale Today
There are still some beautiful, knitted goods available from Joanna and these will be on sale (for the last time this year) in the Octagon after all Masses today. Also available at www.kathedralknits.etsy.com
Catenians Meeting
The Catenian Association invites all Catholic men, married or single, to a meeting on Wednesday, 20th December, at 7.00 p.m. in 63 York Place. Informal chat to follow in a local pub. Join us! 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 information 01555 728032 or membership@thecatenians.com
Friendship Group Coffee Afternoon Resumes 9th January
The Friendship group will resume as normal on Tuesday 9th January 2024. A huge thank you to the wonderful staff at Coffee Saints for making us feel welcome for our coffee afternoons. See you all in the New Year.
2024 Marriage Preparation Courses
Our next Marriage Preparation courses will be in 2024 on the following Saturdays 2nd March, 1st June 24th August and 23rd November at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston, 10am-5pm, with presentations by married couples from the parish. Please email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk to register.
Cathedral Flower Arranging
We are still short of Flower Arrangers!! If you are interested in flowers and would like tom join one of our teams, or just find out more, please contact Elizabeth Andrews at Elizabeth@rhandrews.plus.com
Children’s Catechism Classes: Dates for your 2024 Diary
For children registered for First Reconciliation in 2024:
Sunday, 7 Jan - First Reconciliation Classes at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston recommence
Sunday, 14 Jan - Rite of Illumination: 9am Mass (Cathedral); 10:30am Mass (St. Andrew’s, Ravelston)
Monday, 29 Jan, 7pm - Final Parents Meeting on Zoom
Sacrament of First Reconciliation services:
Monday, 5 Feb after 6pm evening Mass (St Andrew’s, Ravelston)
Tuesday, 6 Feb at 6pm (Cathedral)
For children registered for First Holy Communion in 2024:
Monday, 19 Feb, 7pm - Initial Parents Meeting on Zoom
Sunday, 25 Feb, 9:30am - First Holy Communion Classes start at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston
Enrolment Mass: 9am Mass (Cathedral)
10:30am Mass (St. Andrew’s, Ravelston)
Sacrament of First Holy Communion Masses:
Saturday, 8 June - 11:00am Mass, St. Andrew’s, Ravelston
Sunday, 9 June - 11:00am Mass, Cathedral
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
Christmas Mass Times
Christmas Day and Vigil Mass times for our parish and all churches in the Archdiocese can be viewed at www.archedinburgh.org/christmas-day-mass-times/
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.
‘Buffer Zone’ Bill Consultation: Deadline for Responses 20th December
A new bill proposes criminalising prayer and offers of help to women in designated ‘buffer zones’ around abortion centres in Scotland, including inside private homes within a 200m zone. Please respond to the government consultation which ends on 20 December at bit.ly/f2pshortsurvey. Please also write to your MSP to express your concerns. Visit https://rcpolitics.org/buffer-zones for more information on what you can do to stop this disproportionate and intolerant law being introduced, including help with responding to the consultation and writing to your MSP.
Donations for Holy Land
Archbishop Cushley is encouraging us to consider donating to Friends of the Holy Land in Advent. A donation page has been set up for the Archdiocese at bit.ly/archholyland. Find out more about its work at www.friendsoftheholyland.org.uk/about-us
SCIAF Real Gifts for Christmas
Real Gifts donated through the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) make a world of difference! Unique and impactful, they’re the gifts that keeps on giving, supporting those most in need in communities around the world. No fancy frills: watering can, soap, counselling for survivors, wheelchair, sewing machine, and loads more practical gifts to help support people during emergencies, to grow food and earn money to support themselves and their families. Shop today at https://www.sciaf.org.uk/
St Pauls Bookshop
For Christmas gift ideas, crib sets, Christmas cards, Bibles, prayer books, rosary beads, holy images, calendars and lots more, visit St Pauls Bookshop. The shop is open seven days a week 10:00am to 5:00pm.
Catholic Families for Life
The first issue of the newsletter from the Bishops’ Commission for Marriage, Family & Life can be downloaded at www.marriagefamilyandlife.org.uk
Mass with Archbishop for Feast of the Holy Innocents
Join Archbishop Cushley, priests and people of the Archdiocese to celebrate the Feast of the Holy Innocents at midday Mass on Thursday, 28 December at St Margaret’s Chapel, The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road Edinburgh, EH9 1BB. Complimentary refreshments and social afterwards. Please register to attend at bit.ly/archprolifeevents
Explore God’s Will: Monthly Chats About Women’s Religious Life
Thinking about a vocation to the religious life? Join other young Catholic women to chat and explore God's will in monthly get-togethers in Edinburgh. Led by Sr Mirjam Hugens FSO, the first one takes place on Sunday 28 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 same time/venue: 25 Feb, 17 Mar, 21 Apr, 12 May and 22 June. To register email religiousvocations@staned.org.uk
Archdiocesan Music Day
The Archdiocesan Music Day is on Saturday 27 January 2024 at The Gillis Centre in Edinburgh. It is for those who contribute to the liturgy in their parish through music and/or singing, as well as for anyone interested in finding out more about sacred music. Details to follow soon.
Save the Date: Valentine’s Retreat for Married and Engaged Couples
The Archdiocesan Valentine’s Retreat for Married and engaged couples will take place at St Kentigern’s Church, Parkgrove Avenue, Barnton, Edinburgh, on Saturday 10 February 2024. Details to follow soon