Where is Fr Patrick?
A number of you have noticed that I have not been around over the last few weekends. So, the answer to the question is: No! I am not on an extended break in the Caribbean! I am actually going to different parishes in the city each weekend to promote our forthcoming Scripture Event. So last week I was in Slateford and this weekend I’m in Sighthill. It’s very interesting seeing the diversity of our city parishes – but I am missing you all and hope that you are missing me too!! Talking of the Scripture Event – very few of you have actually signed up as of yet! I know it’s a long way off – but do think about it… Details below…
Searching for Jesus in the Gospel of Mark’ With Professor James Edwards, 23-27th October
Get to know Jesus better in our mini-course on the Gospel of Mark! The event will be 7pm-9pm in the Cathedral from 23rd October to 27th October. If you haven’t signed up yet – why not think about it? Register on Eventbrite at https://bit.ly/Jesus-in-GospelofMark. Learn more about it in a 30-minute preview with Fr. Patrick and Sr. Anna Marie on the Archdiocese’s YouTube channel at https://bit.ly/PreviewGospelofMark.
Over Sixties Coffee Afternoon
Please join the Over Sixties group for our Coffee Afternoon in Coffee Saints on Tuesday 18th July, 2pm-4pm. Meet new friends and join us for a cuppa and a chat!
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.
Young Adults Summer Event: Pilgrimage to St Andrews
The next Young Adults pilgrimage will be to St Andrews on Saturday 19 August. This trip will again be by train. Meet at Edinburgh Waverley outside WHSmith at 0915 for the train departing at 0930. We will walk to the ruins of the Cathedral where will celebrate Mass. Then, after lunch and a chance to explore the town some more we will return for the train back to Edinburgh, returning to Waverley for 1725. For more details e-mail frroberrt@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Parish Retreat 22-24 September: Last Few Places Remaining
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? Friends have sent booking information to all of those who have booked so far. To book please email: ppccathedral@stmaryscathedral.co.uk.
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.
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, Emmy – 07879074240.
New Stock in the St Pauls Bookshop
A range of “Cathedral stock” is now available in the St Pauls Bookshop. The range of items includes everyday biro pens or fountain pens for the special occasions. There are notebooks and keyrings, a water bottle keeps your hot drinks hot or your cold drinks cool – by means of some sort of new-fangled technology which nobody understands, but it does work! As well as these new items, don’t forget the range of six Cathedral notecards with beautiful images of the church available for £2.99, or the latest copy of the Friends of the Cathedral magazine, Crux. The history of the Cathedral book published on the 200th anniversary of the Cathedral has been reprinted following high demand and is now available along with copies of the incredible CD from our Schola Cantorum, With Angels and Archangels. Visit the shop, open Tuesday to Sunday 10.00am to 5.00pm.
Volunteers Needed! Help with Cathedral Cleaning and Flower Arranging
To help our current volunteer cleaners and flower-arranger volunteers to cover holiday and absences, we are looking to recruit new volunteers to help. Even if you cannot attend every week, helping once or twice per month would be greatly appreciated! To join either or both, or to find out more, please contact Elizabeth Andrews, Elizabeth@rhandrews.plus.com, 0131 553 1510.
Thank You from the Holy Ghost Fathers
Fr. John McFadden writes:
Greetings from Carfin. Just a short note to say thank you for giving us the appeal in the Cathedral and Ravelston parishes over the last two weekends. Please would you let your parishioners know of our sincerest thanks and gratitude for their support of our missionary endeavours, which we greatly appreciate. With every best wish, John McFadden, CSSp
Welcome to Jamie Cherrie of the Knights of St. Columba
Who will be speaking briefly at the end of the 12noon Mass about the work of the Knights of St. Columba.
Each Wednesday 5.00pm Adoration & Confession
Don’t forget to make some time to come before Our Lord in Eucharistic Adoration at St Andrew’s, Ravelston, every Wednesday evening from 5pm. Confession is available too. This is an opportunity to allow yourself some quiet, peaceful time to pray. Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament can take many forms, you might want to pray the rosary or read and meditate on Scripture, it can even just be a brief visit as you pass by. Our Lord is waiting for you, so come and see Him!
Save the Dates: Upcoming Events at Ravelston
The popular St Andrew’s Talks will return in August. The talks will be moving to the last Monday of every month and the first one, on 28th August will be entitled, ‘Roamin’ Catholics’. The talk will be by Fr Robert and Matthew McCafferty, a seminarian for the archdiocese, and will look back on the Rome pilgrimage from June of this year, with a recap of the places we visited and an insight into some of the other treasures of the Eternal City. Come to Mass at 6pm and then join the talk from 6.45 in the Parish Rooms. Soup and sandwiches will follow afterwards when you can discuss and share your own memories.
Then on Sunday September 3rd at 12:30pm, join us for our annual Parish Barbeque. It's always a very enjoyable afternoon and a great opportunity to get involved and meet fellow parishioners both old and new. We will need volunteers on the day. More details will follow, but in the meantime.... save the date!
Help Needed!
St Andrew’s is blessed to have had great volunteers for a long time – many of whom continue to give of their time and energy so willingly - but it is also important to pass-on the baton to the next generation. Our congregation is changing and we need new volunteers. Please do think about giving of your time to help with the smooth running 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 or email the Parish Office at cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk.
Study Theology in Edinburgh, Bursary Available
The Applied Catholic Theology MA programme at St Mary's University's Gillis Centre Campus provides a thorough grounding in key aspects of Catholic theology while developing the necessary skills and aptitudes to apply Catholic theology to the challenges and opportunities of the contemporary world. A generous donation has led to the launch of a new bursary that will contribute £500 towards fees on the two-year Master’s Degree. The University itself will match each successful bursary application with a further £500. To apply for the course visit https://www.stmarys.ac.uk/edinburgh/about.aspx or contact Susan Longhurst, Course Lead, susan.longhurst@stmarys.ac.uk, 07773 689535.
Pregnancy Support
There are a number of free, confidential, and non-judgemental resources available to women with unplanned pregnancies, or women who have had an abortion. To find out more or get involved, consider connecting with Stanton Healthcare (https://www.stantonscotland.org/), St. Margaret’s Children and Family Care Society (https://stmargaretsadoption.org.uk/), or Abortion Recovery Care and Helpline (https://www.archtrust.org.uk/).
Catholic School Job Openings in Scotland
Are you think of a career in Catholic education? Visit the Scottish Catholic Education Services website at https://sces.org.uk/ to view a list of job openings at Catholic schools in Scotland. There has never been a better time to consider a job in teaching and Catholic schools are looking for committed and dedicated new teachers. You can be a vital part of a community of faith and learning, making a real difference and helping future generations to grow in their faith and achieve their potential.
Weekly Cathedral and Monthly Archdiocesan Updates by E-Mail
Cathedral News: Receive the Cathedral newsletter straight into your inbox! Stay in touch with the Cathedral through the weekly e-newsletter. Sign up at the ‘Stay in Touch’ section on the bottom of any page of this website, or bookmark the Newsletter in your browser at https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/news. Archdiocesan News: For a monthly e-mail update from the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh, subscribe at https://archedinburgh.org/news-events (scroll to bottom of page).
The Way of St. Andrews Scottish Pilgrimage
Enjoy being a pilgrim in Scotland! Try one of the eight great pilgrim ways wending their way quietly through Scotland’s diverse and scenic landscape to St Andrews. Great trails, great scenery and a great opportunity for reflection. To plan your pilgrimage route and get more information please visit http://www.thewayofstandrews.com/.