Overwhelming Generosity!!
My Dear Friends,
After totalling up a flurry of large donations at the end of the year/start of the New Year, together with Christmas donations, which far exceeded what we could have imagined, the final figure for the Roof Appeal is an astounding £42,149.54! This response to our Appeal is an enormous testimony to your generosity and also to the value you place on our Cathedral as a place of peace and prayer at the very centre of the city. As you know, the amount will be match funded by a very generous benefactor – which means that not only can we press ahead with the replacement of the roof of Sacristy One but we can also address the roof issues over the St. Andrews Altar as well. I am, for once (!), slightly dumbfounded and find myself searching for superlatives to express my thanks to all of you. Suffice it to say that I m truly grateful and will ensure that this money spent judiciously and well for the future of the Cathedral. Fr. Patrick
“Lord, teach us to pray….”: Prayer mini-course begins Thursday
Many people have already signed up so far for our short and simple 3-week mini-course on prayer– but there is no limit so there is still plenty of time to register. The course will happen on Zoom and will take place at 7pm on three consecutive Thursdays before the beginning of Lent: Thursday 25th January, Thursday 1st February, and Thursday 8th February. Each meeting will have a different theme and will build up week on week. Each meeting will last about an hour. If you would like to join – then just email Darlene on Data@stmaryscathedral.co.uk and she will send you the link. Fr. Patrick
Tickets on Sale Today! Adult Quiz Night Friday, 9th February
Tickets are on sale today after the 9am and Noon Masses for our Adults Quiz Night in Coffee Saints on Friday 9th February at 7pm with a cash bar and nibbles provided. Tickets are £10 per person with all proceeds to Cathedral funds. Our quizmaster has compiled cunning questions on categories including literature, film, science, history, music and more! Come as a team (up to a max of 6 persons) or play it solo and win undying glory. Buy your tickets today or email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Saturday Morning Eucharistic Adoration
“I am the living bread which has come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live for ever; and the bread that I shall give is my flesh, for the life of the world.” (John 6:51)
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is a time for peaceful prayer and quiet before Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, every Saturday from 10:30am-12:00pm. Saturday Confessions are from 10:30am-12:00pm.
Confirmation Classes and Parents’ Meeting
Tomorrow, Monday 22 January, a short Zoom meeting will be held for the parents of those children who are enrolled to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation in 2024. The classes begin, for those who do not attend St Mary’s Primary School, next Sunday, 28 January at 5pm in the Parish Rooms at St Andrew’s, Ravelston. Please keep an eye on your e-mails for the Zoom link to join the meeting.
Parish Youth Group (P3-P7)
The Youth Group meets at St Andrew’s, Ravelston on Sunday night. All P3-7's are welcome to join the group which meets between 6 and 7.30 at St Andrew's, Ravelston. As always come to learn about the faith, socialise and the tuck shop! There is a one off £1 registration fee for the year.
Tuesday Young Adults Talk on Christian Friendship
Our series of talks on Christian Friendship in a secular world continues this week on Tuesday, 23 January when we welcome Professor Stefany Biello from University of Glasgow who will speak on ‘Community: The setting of true friendship.’ Professor Biello is Professor of Neuroscience and Biopsychology. Come for teas and coffees at 7:00pm and then the talk at 7:30pm, and Night Prayer and pub discussion to conclude.
Friendship Group: Coffee Afternoon
The Friendship Group Coffee Afternoon is on Tuesday 23rd January at 2:00pm-3:30pm in Coffee Saints. Open to all over 60, if you’re thinking of coming along, please join us.
SSVP Burns Supper
A reminder to all those who have signed up for this event in Coffee Saints café on Saturday 27th January, 1.30pm till 4pm. The event includes a piper, recitals, and traditional Burns Fayre. If you’d like to sing or recite a piece, let us know on the day. Looking forward to seeing you all.
2024 Marriage Preparation Courses
Our next Marriage Preparation courses will be in 2024 on the following Saturdays 2nd March, 1st June 24th August and 23rd November at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston, 10am-5pm, with presentations by married couples from the parish. Please email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk to register.
2024 Archdiocesan Directories
A few copies of the Archdiocesan Directories are still available! Packed with information on parishes, schools, organisations and groups, the new edition of the is available for only £3.00 each.
No Wednesday 10am Mass Until 13th March
Due to electrical circuit safety testing within the Cathedral, café and bookshop area, there will be no 10:00am Mass on Wednesdays until 13th March, except for Ash Wednesday on 14 February.
6:00pm Mass Cancelled on Monday
Due to unavoidable circumstances, I am afraid we just can’t do the 6:00pm Mass tomorrow, Monday, 22 January, at Ravelston. Mass will be as usual the rest of the week.
Each Wednesday at St. Andrew’s 5:00pm Adoration
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.
Become an Altar Server
We have a dedicated group of servers in St Andrew’s, but we are always looking for more to join our ranks. If you have made your First Holy Communion, please speak to Father Robert about serving at the altar during Mass or email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk Adults and children are welcome!
Ravelston Parish Rooms Refurbishment Voting Slip
The parish rooms at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston are due to be refurbished. Please complete a voting slip to provide your input on the refurbishment and return it to the back of church by Sunday 28 January.
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
During this week of Prayer for Christian Unity we are asked to meditate on this year’s theme: ‘You shall love the Lord your God… and your neighbour as yourself’ (Lk 10:27) and ensure we extend the hand of friendship and hospitality to our brother and sisters of different Christian denominations, as well as those of all faiths and none, in our community.
2024 Diploma in Catechetics Starts Thursday: Sign Up Today!
This coming year, why not make a resolution to learn more about your Catholic faith and discover its treasures? A wonderful way to do this would be sign up for the Archdiocesan Diploma in Catechetics. Sister Miriam Ruth Ryan, RSM and a range of guest speakers bring you online lectures each Thursday, guided reading, one-to-one support, retreats and supplementary courses on Zoom and YouTube. All sessions are recorded so you can watch at your convenience! The Diploma in Catechetics lasts one year, begins this Thursday, 25th January 2024 at 7:30pm and costs £200. Bursaries are available. Registration is now open at https://bit.ly/archdiploma2024 Questions? Email srmiriam.ruth@staned.org.uk
Calling All Singers and Musicians!
The Archdiocesan Music Day is on Saturday 27 January 2024 at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh. It is a free event for those who contribute to the liturgy in their parish through music and/or singing, as well as for anyone interested in finding out more about sacred music. Register at https://bit.ly/musicday2024
Soprano and Bass Wanted
Our Cathedral is seeking a soprano and a bass to sing in the Schola Cantorum octet. The choir sings weekly at the 12 noon Mass in the Cathedral, and at other services and concerts throughout the year. Alongside its core liturgical singing, recent highlights for the group have included singing as part of the Cathedral's pilgrimage to Rome in 2023, "Light from Light" candlelit concerts in the Archdiocese in 2022, and singing at the Festival Mass of the Cumnock Tryst in 2023. To apply or for more information, please contact Michael Ferguson, Director of Music, by 29 January: DirectorOfMusic@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Job Vacancy: Archdiocesan Finance Officer
The Archdiocese is looking to recruit a Finance Officer (full-time). The role holder should have accountancy experience with relevant qualifications and training. For details and how to apply visit https://archedinburgh.org/vacancy-finance-officer/ Closing date is Friday 26 January.
Is God Calling Me?: Women’s Chat About Religious Life
Thinking about a vocation to the religious life? Join other young Catholic women to chat and explore God's will. Led by Sr Mirjam Hugens FSO, the first one takes place on Sunday 28 January, 4-7pm at St Columba’s, 9 Upper Gray Street. The series continues same time/venue: 25 Feb, 17 Mar, 21 Apr, 12 May and 22 June. To register email religiousvocations@staned.org.uk
Valentine's Day Mini-Retreat for Married & Engaged Couples
A Valentine's mini-retreat for married couples and those preparing for marriage will take place on Saturday 10 February, 2pm-5pm. It will be held at St Kentigern's church, Parkgrove Avenue, Edinburgh EH4 7QR. (St John the Baptist & St Kentigern RC Parish, Edinburgh). It is an ideal way for couples to spend time together in quiet reflection and prayer, in thanksgiving to God for each other and all the positive things that spring from your relationship. Crèche available for children of primary school age and older. For more details and to register for this FREE event please visit https://bit.ly/valretreat
Pregnancy Support Available
Do you know anyone who may need help during pregnancy? SHE Pregnancy Care gives support and confidence to expectant mothers. Baby materials & equipment are available. Text / WhatsApp: 0752 648 0578 or email: office@stantonscotland.org. For a list of pro-life and pregnancy support organizations, visit https://marriagefamilyandlife.org.uk/prolife/
Starting at School
A reminder for parents of children who will start school August 2024: If you intend for your child to go to a Catholic school, they should be baptised before registration takes place. If you have already registered them, it is not too late to have them baptised. This will ensure they are given a place. Where places are limited, baptised Catholic children will take priority. For Catholic Secondary, this is also the case.
Free Places at Young Pro-Lifers Annual Conference in Staffordshire
SPUC's Youth Conference is a weekend which brings together 200 like-minded young pro-lifers to learn effective strategies and fuel your passion for defending the most vulnerable among us – unborn children and their mothers. The Conference runs 23 - 25 February at Yarnfield Park Training Centre in Stone, Staffordshire, ST15 0NL. The Archdiocese has five fully funded places available, including travel. To apply: http://bit.ly/youthconference24 or contact the Pro-Life Office: prolife@staned.org.uk. Application deadline is 5th February.
March Pilgrimage to Knock and County Mayo
Knock Pilgrimages is hosting an escorted tour to Knock & Co Mayo, departing Edinburgh 10th March 2024 and returning on 15th March. Cost is £899.00 pps. including flights, 5 nights’ in 4-star Castlecourt Hotel, Westport with dinner, bed & breakfast. Visit Knock, Galway City, Kylemore Abbey, Croagh Patrick & Ashford Castle. Contact 01268 762 278, 07740 175557 or email knockpilgrimages@gmail.com