Thank You from Deacon Peter and Deacon Paul
Deacon Peter has written to thank you all for the very generous gifts sent on the occasion of his ordination: Dear Friends, Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and best wishes on the occasion of my ordination. It was truly a blessing to have the pilgrimage group there and I know that those who could not attend are and always have been praying for me. Please be sure that I will continue to keep you all in my prayers.
And Deacon Paul writes:
Dear Fr. Patrick, could I ask you to please pass on my sincere thanks to the parishioners of St Mary's and St. Andrew’s, Ravelston on the occasion of my ordination. I was completely overwhelmed by everyone's generosity. I would also like to thank Michael Ferguson, the Schola Cantorum, and all the parishioners that came to Rome for the ordination. This was also a gift that touched me deeply.
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
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
‘Searching for Jesus in the Gospel of Mark’
With Professor James Edwards, 23-27th October
If you haven’t signed up yet – why not think about it? Register for our mini-course on Eventbrite at https://bit.ly/Jesus-in-GospelofMark, If you want to know more - watch a 30-minute preview about the event with Fr. Patrick and Sr. Anna Marie on the Archdiocese’s YouTube channel at https://bit.ly/PreviewGospelofMark
Over Sixties Coffee Afternoon and Cinema Outing
Please join the Over Sixties group for our Coffee Afternoon in Coffee Saints on Tuesday 11th July, 2pm-4pm and our Wednesday 12th July Cinema outing to see ‘Chevalier,’ the true story of composer Joseph Bologne, showing at 4pm. For those who’d like refreshments, meet at 2.30pm in Coffee Saints or go straight to Omni, meeting upstairs at 3.55pm.
Saturday Morning Eucharistic Adoration
Take some time for quiet, peaceful prayer before Jesus Christ in the Eucharist here at the Cathedral. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is celebrated every Saturday 10:30am-12:00pm in the Cathedral. Come for 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour…. or more. You may want to pray the Rosary or read the Scriptures, mediating on the readings for Sunday Mass. Saturday Confessions are from 10:30am.
Bookshop: Plan Your Next Pilgrimage with 'Every Pilgrim's Guide' Books
Thinking about planning your next pilgrimage? Shop the series of ‘Every Pilgrim’s Guide’ books in St. Pauls Bookshop to get information about making a pilgrimage to Lourdes, Assisi, Santiago de Compostela, Celtic Britain, Rome and even the Journeys of the Apostles including Greece, Turkey, the Holy Land and more! The bookshop is open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00am to 5:00pm.
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.
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
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
Second Collection Today for Sea Sunday
Today is Sea Sunday, when the Church prays for all those who earn their living from the sea and for their families. There will be a second collection after Mass for Stella Maris, the Church’s Maritime welfare agency, which supports seafarers both spiritually and practically through its network of chaplains and volunteers. Anne Marie Stephen, a volunteer for Stella Maris, will give a short report at Masses on the work of this organisation. Learn more about Stella Maris at https://www.stellamaris.org.uk/
Holy Ghost Fathers Missions Appeal This Sunday at Ravelston
Fr. John McFadden will be conducting the annual mission appeal at Ravelston this weekend – I know you will make him very welcome. The second collection will go towards the work of the Holy Ghost Fathers across the world. 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.
Volunteers Needed – Many Roles Available!
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 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. If you can offer some of your valuable time, together we will find a role to fit your availability. Thank you.
Save the Date: Ravelston Parish Barbecue – 3rd September
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!
Ask Your MP to Stop Abortion Up to Birth
The abortion lobby is running a campaign to fully ‘decriminalise’ abortion, which would introduce abortion up to birth! Right To Life UK has launched an easy-to-use tool on its website which makes it simple for you to send an email to your MP asking them to oppose the introduction of abortion up to birth. Please visit http://www.righttolife.org.uk/noabortionuptobirth to contact your MP now. It takes 30 secs!
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 next month, 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://bit.ly/findacouncillor
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
Rachel's Vineyard Retreats
A retreat for spiritual and emotional healing after abortion will be held 28-30 July 2023 in Midlands and 6-8 October 2023 in Glasgow area. These confidential, supportive retreats are 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
Shalom World Free Catholic Movies, News, Shows and More
Shalom World is a Catholic, commercial-free, 24/7, HD family entertainment channel. “Change what you watch and watch the world change!” https://www.shalomworld.org/
Young Adult Catholics Pilgrimage to Iona, 15 to 18 September
Don’t miss a chance to visit the Hebrides with YouCAN UK, a religious group for practicing young Catholic adults in the UK, from 15 to 18 September, a beautiful island group off the west coast of Scotland. 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/
Catholic Union 13th July Webinar with UK’s Ambassador to the Vatican
The Catholic Union is delighted to host a webinar with the UK’s Ambassador to the Holy See, His Excellency Chris Trott, Thursday 13 July, 6.30-7.30pm. The event will give people the opportunity to hear about the work of our Embassy in the Vatican and the life of an Ambassador. The event will be hosted by Catholic Union Deputy Director, James Somerville-Meikle. The event is free but people need to register join the meeting. All are welcome. Register on Eventbrite at https://bit.ly/CU13July