Cathedral Lenten Appeal – Gift Aid Envelopes Available
This week we begin our Lenten Appeal to repair the windows in the Cathedral. We will do this primarily through a second collection each week during Lent. Remember that a very generous parishioner has offered to double whatever we raise through these second collections. I know how difficult things are these days for many people – so please give only as generously as you can. Any little will help.
As you know, if you are a UK taxpayer, you should be eligible to Gift Aid any amounts that you give to this appeal. A supply of Gift Aid envelopes are available at the back of the church. If you complete the back of the envelope and place your donation inside before putting it into the collection basket, we will be able to reclaim 25% of the amount given from HMRC after the end of the tax year, which will of course raise further funds for this appeal. If you have any questions or would like to enquire about other ways to give to this appeal, please contact Caroline Reid, our Finance Officer, at finance@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Rite of Election at Noon Mass Today
His Grace, the Archbishop, will celebrate the Noon Mass today with the Rite of Election in which he will accept those preparing to be received into the Church at Easter. Please keep all of them in your prayers.
Friday Eucharistic Adoration, Confession and Stations of the Cross
Every Friday during Lent, Eucharistic Adoration will be held in the Cathedral from 10:30am-12:30pm, followed by the 12:45pm daily Mass and afterwards we will pray the Stations of the Cross. The sacrament of Confession is also available after the 12:45 pm Mass.
Adoration, Confession and Prayer Books at St. Pauls Bookshop
Want to advance in your spiritual life? Commit to regular spiritual reading this Lent and pick up some good resources in St Pauls Bookshop on Adoration, Confession and Prayer, such as Holy Hour, Meditations for Lent, 40 Reflections for 40 Days of Lent, A Lenten Journey with Mother Mary, The Sacrament of Confession, Why Go to Confession?, St Paul Prayer Book, and Praying a Scriptural Rosary. Or for excellent year-round spiritual reading, shop for a Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
‘Christ’s Prayerbook’: New Series of Young Adults Talks Begins Tuesday
Join us for our new series of Young Adults talks on ‘Christ’s Prayerbook’ about the Psalms! This is a great opportunity to learn more about the Psalms that Christ Himself prayed. Our first talk will be on Psalm 32 by Fr. Matthew Carlin. All young adults aged 18-35 are welcome to join us in 63 York Place. 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.
Thank You for your Generosity to the Earthquake Victims
Daniel Adams, Executive Director, Mary’s Meals UK, wrote a note of thanks for our parish’s response to support those affected by the earthquakes in Syria — an incredible total of £4,935.99 was raised from the Cathedral and St. Andrew’s, Ravelston: “A heartfelt thank you for your precious donation … This is helping us to deliver much-needed food aid to children in Syria, following two devastating earthquakes. Many of those who have survived these earthquakes have lost their loved ones and their homes, and they have very little access to food and shelter. Conditions in and around the city of Aleppo are very difficult – roads are damaged, and our partner organisation has seen heavy damage to its buildings. Despite these challenges, we are already reaching many vulnerable children with essential food supplies. Our emergency response is providing urgent support to children in desperate need. On behalf of the families affected by this terrible situation, I thank you with all my heart for your kindness.”
SCIAF Lenten Wee Box Appeal for Hungry in Zambia
This Lent, SCIAF’s Wee Box appeal is focusing on communities in Zambia where families are suffering from devastating hunger. Your donations will help provide families training and tools to grow food. Take a Wee Box at the back of church today. Visit http://www.sciaf.org.uk for details.
Youth Group Returns on sunday night!
The Youth Group meets on Sunday evenings from 6pm to 7.30pm in the Parish Rooms at St Andrew’s, Ravelston. All young people from P3 are welcome! Tonight we will be talking about prayer and in the coming weeks the other Lenten practices of fasting and almsgiving. We will have games, discussions on prayer and activities to learn more about the faith, and we will have the tuck shop – so don’t forget spending money! The registration fee is just £1 on the first night for new registrations. Please pick up a registration form that can be found in the Cathedral or St Andrew’s or contact Fr Robert for more information.
Adult Confirmation Classes Begin in March
This Lent, the Cathedral will run 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
Marriage Preparation Courses
Marriage Preparation courses will take place 10am-5pm on the following Saturdays: 20th May 2023, 2nd September 2023, 18th November 2023, 2nd March 2024 and 25th May 2024. The course includes presentations by married couples from the parish. Email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk to register.
Over Sixties Coffee, March Trip to Doocot Studios
The Over Sixties Club Coffee Afternoon will be on Tuesday 28th February at Coffee Saints, 2.30pm - 4pm. ADVANCE NOTICE: Trip to Doocot Studios, a renowned tapestry studio in central Edinburgh, 1pm Thursday 9th March. Exhibition is ‘Knitwear Chanel to Westwood.’ Spaces are limited and must be prebooked. Call Trish on 07716 963215. To learn more, visit https://dovecotstudios.com/
No Flowers During Lent
During the season of Lent, we respectfully ask that you do not leave flowers or plants in any area of the Cathedral. Thank you for your co-operation.
Wednesday in Lent: Adoration, Confession and Stations of the Cross
Draw closer to Christ in Lent! At St. Andrew’s on Wednesdays during Lent, beginning 1st March, we will have Eucharistic Adoration and Confessions 5:00pm-6:00pm, followed by 6:00pm Mass. We will pray the Stations of the Cross 6:30pm-7:00pm. You are also very welcome to visit the outdoor Stations of the Cross at Ravelston anytime to walk and pray the around the peaceful and lovely garden path.
Fundraising Run (Or Walk!) Sundays in Lent: Windows Appeal & SCIAF
All are welcome to join Fergus Christie for a charity run/walk starting at 11:30am today from St. Andrew’s, Ravelston to St. Mary’s Cathedral and return (approx. 5 km) beginning today and continuing every Sunday during Lent. Funds raised will be donated to the Cathedral stained-glass window repair appeal & SCIAF. If you don’t want to take part, please consider donating/sponsoring. Any queries please contact Fergus Christie at Fergus.Christie@bckm.co.uk
World Day of Prayer Service on Friday 3 March
St. Andrew’s will host a World Day of Prayer service for the city centre group of churches on Friday 3rd March at 3:00pm followed by tea and home baking. All welcome!
St. Andrew’s Talk: Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund
The next St Andrew's talk will be on Monday, 6 March at 6:45pm with Penelope Blackwell from the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund, better known as SCIAF, who will talk about the Lenten appeal and the work of the charity. After the talk there will be soup and sandwiches and a chance to discuss. To learn more, visit http://www.sciaf.org.uk
Discerning a Call to be a Religious Sister? Come for our Chat Today!
Join other young Catholic women today, Sunday, 26 February, 4-7pm at St Columba’s, 9 Upper Gray Street, EH9 1SN to explore God's will as we chat about discerning a call to be a religious Sister. We will meet in monthly get-togethers in Edinburgh. The meetings will be led by Sr Mirjam Hugens FSO, director for religious vocations in the Archdiocese. Share and discuss in a relaxed environment, and enjoy refreshments. The series continues on the last Sunday of each month. Contact Sr. Mirjam for more information at religiousvocations@staned.org.uk
Lenten Online Talks: Jesus in the Servant Songs of Isaiah
Discover Jesus Christ in the Servant Songs of Isaiah with four online talks from the Archdiocese this Lent. The talks are hosted by Fr Jamie McMorrin of St Margaret’s, Davidson’s Mains, and Sr Anna Marie McGuan, RSM and take place at 7:30pm on Wednesday 1, 8, 15, 22 March. Register at http://bit.ly/lenttalks2023
‘Listening in Lent’ Talks on YouTube
Prepare for each Sunday in Lent with a reflection from Canon Hugh White, a retired priest of the Archdiocese. The ‘Listening in Lent’ talk is posted each Tuesday on the Archdiocesan YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/ArchYouTube
Mass for Vocations at St. Albert’s Chaplaincy on 6th March
The Archdiocesan Mass for Vocations is a chance to pray that more young people answer God’s call to the priesthood and religious life. The next one takes place at 5:15pm on Monday 6 March at the St Albert’s Chaplaincy, 24 George Square, EH8 9LD, near the University of Edinburgh’s Main Library. Refreshments served after Mass.
Catenians Meeting, Wednesday, 15th March, at 7.00 p.m.
The Catenian Association invites all Catholic men, married or single, to a meeting on Wednesday, 15th March, 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
Encountering Jesus Retreat: St. Kentigern’s, 24 March to 26 March
An ‘Encountering Jesus’ retreat takes place at St Kentigern’s Church, Parkgrove Avenue, Barnton, Edinburgh, EH4 7QR from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 March. It is led by Fr Bart Parys, A Divine Word Missionary based in Ireland. The retreat is open to all to find time in Lent to enter into or renew a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We will explore Gospel stories about people encountering Christ, with space for silent prayer, time for fellowship, and an opportunity to listen to testimonies and attend Holy Mass. Times: Friday 24 March 7:30pm-8:30pm, Saturday 25 March 10:00am-3:00pm, Sunday 26 March 9:30am-11:00am. All welcome! No registration required.
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, 12th May - Sunday, 14th May (Glasgow area). 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
Archdiocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage July 2023
The Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, France takes place 7th-14th July 2023. The Pilgrimage package is now available from the Tangney Tours. Visit www.edinburgh-lourdes.com to book online; 7 Nights from £919 by air from Edinburgh. Helpers are needed to assist sick pilgrims. Details about various helper roles, and the Helper Declaration Form are on the website. The organising committee requires at least 3 months to arrange for the processing of checks for new helpers, so please complete the helper form early.
Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine & Co. Mayo, Ireland in 18-22 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: £699.00 per person sharing. Contact Patricia 01268 762 278, 07740 175557 or knockpilgrimages@gmail.com.
Want to Volunteer at Stronghold Festival?
Do you want to step out in Christian ministry? Craig Lodge Family House of Prayer is looking for young volunteers to help lead Stronghold Festival, its annual festival of prayer and worship, May 26-29. If you would like to volunteer, please sign up for a training weekend 31 March-2 April at Craig Lodge in the highlands, Dalmally PA33 1AR. Email mail@craiglodge.org to book your ticket today, £50 food and board.