Save the Date: October 23-27, 2023
Scripture Event!
In order to help you (and people across the Diocese) to come to know Jesus better through the Gospel, I have invited Prof. James Edwards to come from the USA to present a short course on the Gospel of Mark in October this year. The “mini course” will take place each evening of the week 23-27th October here in the Cathedral from 7-9pm. It will be open to all and will be a wonderful opportunity to get to know the Scriptures better, but also hopefully to get to know Jesus better. There will be a lot more information about this event coming out soon – but I just want to you note the dates at this stage and to begin to think if this is something you would benefit from.
Special Collection for Presentation to Peter and Paul
As you know, next week on June 14th two of our parishioners will be ordained to the Diaconate. Fr. Robert and I are going to Rome for the ordination with a group of 50 parishioners. At the reception afterwards, I would like to be able to present the two with a gift from the parish. The norm is, of course, a cheque. To this end, we will have a retiring collection at the end of all Masses this weekend for a presentation to the two new Deacons. Thank you so much, in advance, for your kindness!
Windows Repairs begin this Week,
No 10:00am Mass
Due to the start of the windows repairs in the Cathedral this week, the 10am Mass is cancelled while workers carry out repairs during the mornings. Thank you for your patience during this time of repairs!
Vincent Wallace Memorial Concert next weekend
On Saturday 10 June at 7:45pm St Andrew Camerata will perform a special concert in the Cathedral to celebrate the life of former St Mary's choir director Vincent Wallace. The evening will feature a performance of Gabriel Fauré's Requiem and Cantique de Jean Racine, plus other assorted Camerata favourites conducted by Roderick Bryce. Entry by donation.
Youth Group Outing to Carfin and Coatbridge on Saturday 10th June
Thank you to all those who came along to the Youth Group meetings this month. The Sunday evening meetings have now finished for the summer. However, there is still time to register for the Youth Group outing on Saturday 10th June to Carfin Grotto. All children Primary 3 – S1 are welcome. After lunch, the group will then make a stop at Hollywood Bowl in Coatbridge! You can register via the QR code or e-mail Fr. Robert today, frrobert.taylor@staned.org.uk. Places are limited and filling up fast, so first come first served!
Parent & Baby Group: Wednesday 12.45pm Mass, Then Coffee Saints
Are you a new parent looking to meet fellow Catholic parents to socialize and share our faith? Join us for 12.45pm Mass on Wednesday, followed by coffee and a chat at Coffee Saints next door. All parents and babies welcome, particularly those on maternity or paternity leave. If you would like to be involved, email Angus Hawkins (angus.f.hawkins@gmail.com) or Antonia Shack (afmshack@gmail.com).
Summer Sacraments Classes for Adults Begin 16th August
Are you an adult who has not yet received the Sacrament of Confirmation, or have you been baptised but have not received First Confession, First Holy Communion or Confirmation in the Catholic Church? Consider joining us this August, when the Cathedral will be offering a sacraments course for adults. Meetings will be held weekly in Cathedral House on Wednesdays at 7:00pm from 16th August to 27th September (Zoom meetings on 30th August and 20th September). Those participating will be prepared to receive the sacraments they need. Adult Confirmation will take place at Mass on Saturday, 30th September at 10am Mass in the Cathedral. To register or for more information, contact cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Over Sixties Coffee Afternoon & Dovecot Studios Trip
Our over Sixties Club Coffee Afternoon will be Tuesday 6th June, 2.30pm - 4pm at Coffee Saints. Wednesday 7th June, visit to Dovecot Studios, Infirmary Street, Kaffe Fassett collection guided tour. Tickets are £9.50 reduced to £6 if enough of us sign up. If you’re not a Coffee Afternoon regular, please consider coming along! You'd be most welcome. Meet outside Studio at 10.45 for prompt start at 11am. Call or text Trish on 07716963215 to reserve a space.
Young Adults Day Trips to Abbotsford, St Andrews
Come along on a day trip to places of significance for the Catholic faith in Scotland. Both trips will be by train from Edinburgh Waverley. Join us for our trip to Melrose and Abbostford on Saturday 24th June. On the day, meet at the top of platforms 5 and 6 for 9.30am. Then we will walk from Tweedbank station to Melrose Abbey, Abbotsford – where we will celebrate Mass in the chapel used by St John Henry Newman, and then onto Galashiels. Please bring sensible footwear and a rain jacket- it is Scotland after all! Train departs Waverley at 9.43am, returns to Waverley for 5.15pm. For more information and to register, please contact Fr. Robert Taylor, FrRobert.Taylor@stan.ed.org.uk
Parish Retreat 22-24 September 2023 at St Mary’s Monastery, Kinnoull
We will have a Parish retreat in September and many have already signed up. Spaces are still available! The Friends of St Mary’s Cathedral have organised the retreat for the whole parish on 22-24 September this year in the idyllic St Mary’s Monastery in Kinnoull (near Perth). The theme of the retreat is Allowing Jesus to Love You, and it will be led by Fr Charlie Corrigan CSsR. Places are limited so please book now. The all-inclusive price is £200 (this includes a £50 non-returnable deposit). To book please email ppccathedral@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Brilliant Summer Reading: Catholic Books at St Pauls Bookshop
Thinking about your summer spiritual reading? Want to deepen your knowledge of Church teaching and the lives of the saints? Browse the wide array of books and periodicals in St Pauls Bookshop including Bibles, the Catechism, books on the saints, prayer, Our Lady, and more! Holy cards, saints medals, bookmarks and a variety of gifts are also on sale. Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm (closed Mondays), 0131 510 4260, edinburgh@stpauls.org.uk.
Tuesday 7:30pm Online Talk on the Holy Trinity
If you missed the last session of the ‘Prepare for Pentecost’ six-week series, you can watch it on the YouTube Channel of the Archdiocese at bit.ly/ArchYouTube. Join the talks on Tuesdays at 7:30pm
(1 hour) with Sister Anna Marie McGuan RSM and Fr Kevin Douglas as they look at the Holy Trinity through the writings of St Thomas Aquinas. Register at https://bit.ly/prepareforpentecost
Save the Dates: Festival Mass and Sacred Arts Concert
Sunday, 13 August: His Grace, Archbishop Cushley, will celebrate the annual Festival Mass at Noon at the Cathedral. Join us for this beautiful celebration of our Sunday Liturgy at the start of the week of our Cathedral’s patronal feast of the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 15th August in the season of Edinburgh’s International Festival.
Monday, 14 August: Acclaimed composer Paul Mealor will join us at St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral for a special performance of his music by the Schola Cantorum, in partnership with Edinburgh Festival of the Sacred Arts. As one of the world’s most performed living composers, Paul will talk to director of music Michael Ferguson about the sources of inspiration for his music, and the process of composing his works. It’ll be a unique opportunity to hear not only Paul’s stunning choral music, but also from the man himself.
Adoration & Confession on Wednesdays
On Wednesday evenings Eucharistic Adoration and Confessions will continue to be available at St Andrew’s. Adoration will begin at 5:00pm, concluding at 5:45pm, with Mass at 6:00pm.
Ravelston Afternoon Tea with Gary Coupland on Friday, 9 June
Musician Gary Coupland will join us for our parish afternoon tea at Ravelston this Friday! Gary is an all-round musical entertainer well known in Scotland and beyond. He was a major part of the Singing Kettle, a very popular children’s entertainment show, and also created Fun Box, another children’s show. Come along from 2pm-4pm in the parish rooms on Friday 9th June. Tickets: Adults £5.00, Children £2.50. Tickets available from Pat Hernandez at the end of Mass or phone on 0131 332 1249. All funds raised will go towards the renovation of the parish rooms.
Corpus Christi Procession in Falkirk – 11th June
Celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi with Archbishop Cushley who will lead a Corpus Christi procession through Falkirk town centre at 2:30pm on Sunday 11 June. The procession will head to St Francis Xavier’s Church for Benediction followed by refreshments in the church hall. Altar Servers can wear their altar robes, those who have recently received First Holy Communion wear their dresses/suits.
St Margaret’s Pilgrimage to Dunfermline – 18th June
St Margaret’s Pilgrimage returns to Dunfermline on Sunday 18 June. Mass is at 2:30pm in St Margaret’s Memorial Church in East Port, with Archbishop Cushley as principal celebrant. Ecumenical service at 12:30pm in Dunfermline Abbey, followed by prayers at the tomb of St Margaret.
Run Alpha: Help Others Learn About Jesus and the Basics of Christianity
The Archdiocese will host a ‘Run Alpha’ training day for parishes interested in trying Alpha, an evangelisation opportunity in which anyone can come to learn about Jesus and the basics of Christianity. Alpha is used by many churches and denominations throughout the world and can be utilised in a Catholic context. The hospitality and welcome offered by the facilitators is a key component to making your Alpha run well! Join us to learn more about Alpha and learn how to run the most effective Alpha you can. Event is on Saturday 10 June, from 9:30am to 3:30pm at the Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB. Please bring a packed lunch. Register on Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/archedventbrite
Vocations Discernment Retreat for Young Adults Ages 18-35
A Vocations Discernment Retreat, “Discerning and Responding to the ‘Voice’ of Christ,’’ takes place at Pluscarden Abbey, Elgin, from 9-11 June 2023 for Catholics aged 18 to 35, both men and women. The retreat will include a talk by Aberdeen Bishop Hugh Gilbert, OSB, ‘What is the ‘voice’ of Christ: how do I know that He is speaking to me?’ and talks by other speakers, and will conclude with a panel discussion on how to discern and respond to Christ. To book, contact rina@youngcatholicadultnetwork.uk
YouCAN Summer BBQ in the Lake District, 14th-16th July
All young Catholic aged 18+ are very welcome to spend a weekend networking with other young Catholic adults from all across the UK, July 14 - July 16, cost £110. What’s included? Walks, BBQ, live band of talented YouCAN musicians, Mass, picnic, swimming and more! We are also very privileged to have with us for the weekend the Bishop of Lancaster who will be leading us on one of the hikes! To book or for more information, contact rina@youngcatholicadultnetwork.uk
St. Dominic and His Preachers of Grace: Friday 23 June – Saturday 24 June
Come and explore what lies at the heart of being a Dominican! The Dominicans will host a two-day conference in Edinburgh in June to share what they have done, are doing and could do in the future. Speakers include Fr Timothy Radcliffe, OP as well as other Friars, Sisters and Lay Dominicans. The event includes a Noon Mass on Saturday 24 June at the Cathedral, celebrated by His Grace, Archbishop Cushley. Book at https://scotland.op.org/preachersofgrace/
Compassion to Hope: Celebrating Migrants, Refugees & Asylum Seekers
An event to celebrate the lives of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in Scotland, with ‘music, poetry, silence and celebration’. This event takes place in the hall of Sacred Heart Church, 28 Lauriston Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9DJ on Tuesday 20 June at 4:30pm.