No 10am Mass Monday-Friday This Week
The work on the large window on the right of the sanctuary is finally done and so they will be re-installing the window next week. To enable them to get a good run at this work each morning (before stopping for the 12.45 Mass and confessions) there will be no 10am Mass next week Monday to Friday. This is a one-off thing – so many thanks for your understanding. 10am Mass will resume as normal next week.
“Festival Mass” Next Sunday at Noon
The 12noon Mass next Sunday is our Annual Festival Mass – attended by members of the City Council and the Consular Core. This year we are particularly honoured to welcome the new Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía, as the principal celebrant along with Archbishop Cushley. If you can, please do make the effort to come along to welcome our many guests.
Festival Music Event – Monday 14th at 7.30pm
Then on Monday 14th, as part of the Festival of Sacred Music, there will be a unique performance of Paul Mealor’s sacred choral music here in the Cathedral 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.
Over Sixties Coffee Afternoon on Tuesday at 2pm
Why not join the “Over Sixties Group” for our Coffee Afternoon in Coffee Saints on Tuesday 8th August, 2pm-4pm. Meet new friends and join us for a cuppa and a chat!
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
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
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
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, Atama – 07832903514
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 this page.
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).
Note from Fr. Patrick
I have now finished my “road show” around the parishes of Edinburgh – which was both interesting and encouraging. Many people from other Edinburgh parishes have already signed up for the Scripture Event – but we are still waiting for the “rush” from Cathedral parishioners!! This week I am in Ravelston to bid farewell to Sr. Mary Pierre who very sadly (for us) is leaving the Diocese for pastures new in Arizona. Then after the Festival Mass next weekend, I will be taking a fortnight of (well earned – Ed!) holiday. I will be back on 31st August at which point, please God, our normal rhythm of life will return at the Cathedral.
There will be Second Collection This Weekend
For Peter’s Pence, The Communications Office and the Day for Life. Thank you!
Cathedral Flower Arranging Team
To ease the burden of the current volunteers and to cover holidays/other absences, we are looking to recruit more volunteers to join our flower arranging teams. There are currently four teams, who meet mid-morning on a Friday and each team is led by an experienced volunteer, so lack of experience is not a barrier if you are interested in providing this ministry. If you would like to join team of flower arrangers, or find out more, please contact Elizabeth Andrews at Elizabeth@rhandrews.plus.com
Farewell to Sr. Mary Pierre Jean
Sr. Mary Pierre (as we call her) has become so much part of our parish and of the Diocese that it is difficult to imagine life here without her. Yet sadly (for us) this is her last week with us before she sets out for pastures new. This is part of the life of a religious Sister, and we understand – but we will still miss her very much. At the end of Mass in St Andrew’s today, there will be a presentation to Sister on behalf of the parish and then please join us for a special Coffee Morning in the Parish Rooms to say goodbye. We will keep Sister in our prayers and pray that she will come back and visit us again in the not-too-distant future.
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!
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: Barbeque 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.
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/
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 www.rachelsvineyard.org.uk.
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.
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/
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/.