Welcome to Fr. John McFadden CSsP
I know you will give a very warm welcome to Fr. John McFadden who will be conducting the annual mission appeal here this weekend on behalf of the Holy Ghost Fathers. Fr. John will speak at all Masses at the Cathedral this weekend and at Ravelston next weekend. The second collection will go towards the work of the Holy Ghost Fathers across the world.
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 (the Assumption) on 15th August in the season of Edinburgh’s International Festival.
Monday, 14 August: The 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.
Parish Retreat 22-24 September
There are still a few places available for the Parish retreat in September. The Friends of the Cathedral have organised the retreat for the whole parish on 22-24 September in the idyllic surroundings of 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. Why not devote some real time to getting to know the Lord better. To book please email: ppccathedral@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
2023 Marriage Preparation Courses
Our next Marriage Preparation courses are Saturday 2nd September and Saturday 18th November at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston, 10am-5pm, with presentations by married couples from the parish. Please email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk to register.
Parent & Baby Group
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
Confirmation Classes for Adults Beginning on 16th August
If you are you an adult who has not yet received the Sacrament of Confirmation, or have you been baptised but have not received First Confession or First Holy Communion why not join 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
No July Meeting for the Cantenians
The Cantenians will not meet during the month of July. Their next meeting is scheduled for August 16. 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
Legion of Mary – Students & Professionals Group
The Legion of Mary is a lay association of Catholics which seeks to help its members grow in holiness through devotion to Our Lady and by carrying out works of mercy. All are welcome to join. Our presidium name is Our Lady Cause of our Joy. We meet every Monday at 7:00 pm at 63 York Place, Edinburgh EH1 3JD. We are a group of mixed male and female members, students and professionals and from different countries, cultures. For more information contact phone number: Monika - 07751213612, Ammy – 07879074240.
‘Searching for Jesus in the Gospel of Mark’
If you would like to learn more about the Gospel you can now get tickets for our October Scripture Event with Prof. James Edwards during the week of 23-27th October here in the Cathedral 7-9pm.
Visit https://bit.ly/Jesus-in-GospelofMark book your place today!
Volunteer Continuity at St Andrew’s
As in any parish there are lots of areas where help is greatly appreciated. St Andrew’s is blessed to have had such great volunteers for such a long time – many of whom continue to give of their time and energy so willingly - but it is important to pass-on the baton to the next generation. Our congregation is changing from local to multi-national parishioners. Please do think about giving of your time to help with the operational continuity of our lovely church. There are many 'behind the scenes' roles such as sacristan, altar linens, fire warden and committee work along with the better-known and more visible roles. The parish needs you, so please speak to Mary Buchan before / after Mass about helping out. If you can offer some of your valuable time, together we will find a role to fit your availability. Thank you.
Each Wednesdays 5:00pm Adoration & Confession
On Wednesday evenings Eucharistic Adoration and Confessions are available at St Andrew’s. Adoration begins at 5:00pm, concluding at 5:45pm, with Mass at 6:00pm.
Save the Date: Ravelston Parish Barbecue
The annual St Andrews parish barbecue will take place on Sunday September 3rd this year, 12:30pm.
It's always a very enjoyable afternoon and a great opportunity to get involved and meet fellow parishioners both old and new. We will of course need volunteers on the day. More details will follow over the summer, but in the meantime.... save the date!
Voting Rights
Edinburgh City Council is considering a proposal to remove voting rights of Church Representatives on its Education, Children and Families Committee. If passed, it means school reps won’t have a say in decisions affecting faith schools. Contact your councillor ahead of the vote, which is now on 3 August. Postcards are available at the back of the church. Find out who your councillor is at https://bit.ly/edinburghcouncillors
Study Theology in Edinburgh
The MA in Applied Catholic Theology is offered by St Mary’s University in Scotland and begins in September 2023. The course provides a thorough grounding in key aspects of Catholic theology and develops the skills to apply that theology to the challenges and opportunities of the contemporary world. Visit https://www.stmarys.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/applied-catholic-theology
Summer Retreat at Pluscarden Abbey
This summer, why not plan a time of prayerful retreat at beautiful, historic Pluscarden Abbey? Reservations available for individuals or groups. The normal monastic day provides an excellent framework, with the 8 services of praying the Office and the daily Mass open to all. All of the services at Pluscarden Abbey are sung in Latin using Gregorian Chant. The monastery is surrounded by forest, hills, moors and fields, and enjoys a natural environment for prayer. Women retreatants are accommodated in St. Scholastica's Retreat. Men are accommodated in St Benedict’s guest house. No charge is made to retreatants; but if you wish to make a donation, this will be gratefully received. For details and online booking visit https://www.pluscardenabbey.org/retreats Pluscarden Abbey, Elgin IV30 8UA
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
Rachel's Vineyard Retreats
For spiritual and emotional healing after abortion will be held on 28-30 July 2023 in Midlands and 6-8 October 2023 in 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 in the Midlands retreat, please call or email Rachel at 07734 059 080 or rachelmackenzie1@hotmail.co.uk, and for the Glasgow retreat please call or email Sr. Andrea at 07816 942 824 or sisterandrea@rachelsvineyard.org.uk. Further details at https://rachelsvineyard.org.uk
New Rosaries and Devotional Prayer Books at St Pauls Bookshop
Looking for a gift for a loved one? The St Paul Bookshop has received a new stock of beautiful rosaries and devotional prayer books, as well as a resupply of statues of Jesus and Mary. These are all very popular items and there are many to choose from! You can always shop the second-hand bookshelf, too, and find a treasure to enjoy for your spiritual reading this summer. Donations of used Catholic books in good condition are welcome! Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm (closed Mondays), 0131 510 4260, edinburgh@stpauls.org.uk