Nice Clean Octagon!!
I hope that you will have noticed how wonderfully clean the outside of the Octagon is now – this is because we finally had the stonework cleaned this week and it has made a huge difference. We have also re-sprayed the façade of the Cathedral with fungicide this week. This is about all we are allowed to do to clean the façade – but it has made quite a difference – if you look carefully! The next thing to be tidied up will be the steps in front of the Cathedral. Thank you to all of you whose generous contributions have made this important work possible.
Festival Mass at Noon Sunday 13th August
The new Apostolic Nuncio, HE Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía, will be the main celebrant at the annual Festival Mass at Noon on Sunday 13 August 2023 at St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh. Archbishop Cushley will concelebrate and preach the homily.
Festival Music Event – Paul Mealor’s Sacred Choral Music
Join the Schola Cantorum of St Mary's Cathedral in Edinburgh on Monday 14 August at 7:30pm for a unique performance of Paul Mealor’s sacred choral music along with an interview with the man himself. It's a unique opportunity to hear from one of the world's most performed living composers. Tickets £16 (under 16s £5) available from the Fringe Box Office, Eventbrite, or on the door.
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 frrobert@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Want to Meet Jesus? Come to Eucharistic Adoration
If you always wanted to meet Jesus, take some time to visit the Lord during Eucharistic Adoration at the Cathedral. The same Jesus who Mary laid in the manger at Bethlehem, John the Baptist baptized in the Jordan, who at the Last Supper said “This is my Body…this is my Blood”, who was arrested, condemned to death, was crucified, died, was buried and rose again from the dead, is fully present to us in the Holy Eucharist. Take some time for quiet, peaceful prayer before Jesus Christ and encounter Him in Person. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is celebrated every Saturday 10:30am-12:00pm in the Cathedral. Saturday Confessions are 10:30am-12:00pm.
Over Sixties Coffee Afternoon
Please join the Over Sixties group for our Coffee Afternoon in Coffee Saints on Tuesday 1st August, 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 for our 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
Parish Retreat 22-24 September
There are still a few places available for the Parish retreat in September. To book please email: ppccathedral@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
First Saturday Devotions
Next Saturday, 5th August, 9:30am there will be devotions to Our Lady of Fatima here in the Cathedral, followed by 10:00am Mass. All are welcome!
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.
‘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
Second Collection Next Week
There will be a second collection next weekend at all Masses for Peter’s Pence, The Communications Office and the Day for Life. Thank you!
BBQ Stall Donations Needed: Book, plant, bric a brac & bottle tombola
In advance of our Parish Barbeque on Sunday 3 September, we are looking for donations for our book stall, plant stall, bric a brac stall and bottle tombola. On the day itself, donations of cakes of all kinds for those who want a slice with a cuppa would be most welcome. For the bottle tombola, donations of anything in a bottle would be gratefully received: wine, whisky, sauce, jam, etc. At the BBQ, draw a number and win anything in a bottle. Donations can be left in the parish room before or after Mass. Alternately speak to Phil, or email philg0dfrey@hotmail.com to arrange collection.......and remember...save the date! Please note: barbecue starting time will now be 1:30pm, not 12:30pm.
Save the Date: St. Andrew’s Talks Restart in August
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.
Help Needed!
Our congregation at St. Andrew’s 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
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!
OK Rehab: Drug & Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Edinburgh
OK Rehab specialises in local drug and alcohol rehab and addiction treatment via both inpatient and outpatient treatment providers. We also work with clinics that are able to facilitate treatment taking place in your own home for professional intervention and home detoxification. At OK Rehab, our aim is to help individuals break free from the shackles of addiction and find a treatment that’s ideally suited to them. Find out more about our service in Edinburgh by visiting https://www.okrehab.org/local-areas/drug-alcohol-rehab-edinburgh/ Contact Number: 0800 326 5559, Email: info@okrehab.org.
African & Caribbean Mass
The next African & Caribbean Mass takes place at St Cuthbert’s, 104 Slateford Road, Edinburgh at 2pm on Sunday 6 August.
Voting Rights for Church Representatives
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. The vote on this issue was postponed and is expected to take place in August, so there is still time to contact your councillor to help ensure the Church has a voice in Catholic schools. Postcards are available at the back of the church. Find your councillor: https://www.writetothem.com/
Live Online Coverage of World Youth Day in Lisbon
World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal will be held 1-6 August where millions of young people will gather with Pope Francis. Live coverage of the event will be broadcast on http://shalomworld.org/wyd2023
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. 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.
Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat: Spiritual and Emotional Healing After Abortion
A Rachel's Vineyard retreats for spiritual and emotional healing after abortion will be held 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 please call or email Sr. Andrea at 07816 942 824 or sisterandrea@rachelsvineyard.org.uk Further details at http://www.rachelsvineyard.org.uk
Young Adult Catholics Pilgrimage to Iona, 15 to 18 September
Don’t miss a chance to visit the Hebrides, a beautiful island group off the west coast of Scotland, with YouCAN UK, a religious group for practicing young Catholic adults in the UK, from 15 to 18 September. Based on the Isle of Mull, this weekend will offer the opportunity to visit the island of Iona, and Iona Abbey, which was a centre of Gaelic monasticism for three centuries. Departing from Oban, the pilgrimage includes accommodation at Craignure Bunkhouse in Mull, a day visit to Iona, reflections on Celtic Saints, prayer and fellowship. The price is for £150 full board. To book email rina@youngadultcatholicnetwork.uk. For more information visit https://youngcatholicadultnetwork.uk/