Parish Lenten Book Club
As a new initiative this year we, (the Cathedral clergy), are inviting all of you, (the parishioners), to join us in a Parish Lenten Reading Project! During the six weeks of Lent (14 Feb – 31 March) each one of us will be leading an on-line reading group which will meet once every week during Lent to discuss our Parish Book – which this year is going to be “The Path of Life” by Cyprian Smith OSB. If you would like to participate in this “Parish Book Club” for Lent then all you need to do is contact Darleen on data@stmaryscathedral.co.uk and she will send you the various days and times that the groups will be meeting. You then pick which group you would like to join, get hold of the book (which is available in St. Pauls Book Shop), and the rest is plain sailing! I think this is a great idea!! It will give us all a simple, practical way to do something really good for Lent, it will draw us together as a parish and (hopefully) it will help us all to come closer to Christ. Why not think about it – and if you want to participate drop Darlene an email as soon as possible. Fr. Patrick
Crux Magazine on Sale Next Weekend!
Please note that the Winter issue of the Friends of the Cathedral’s Crux magazine will be on sale after Masses next weekend for just £5 per copy (i.e. remember to bring an extra fiver – ed!). Read articles on the Gospel of Mark event with Professor Edwards, the parish retreat to Kinnoull and Fr. Robert’s look at the ins and outs of the liturgical year. All proceeds support the Cathedral.
Rite of Enrolment for Confirmation
Today at 9am Mass at the Cathedral and 10:30am Mass at Ravelston, we welcome the children who are preparing to receive the sacrament of Confirmation (along with their families) as they are formally enrolled for the sacrament. Please keep them in your prayers.
Tickets on Sale Today! Adult Quiz Night Friday, 9th February
Tickets are on sale again 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. Ticket sales are brisk, and you are advised to get your tickets at your earliest opportunity, either at the Masses above or by email at cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Prof Biello to Speak at the Young Adults on Tuesday at 7pm
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.
All young adults aged 18-35 are welcome to join us.
Parish Youth Group (P3-P7)
The Youth Group meets at St Andrew’s, Ravelston tonight. All P3-7's are welcome to join the group which meets between 6 and 7.30 at St Andrew's, Ravelston. Come to learn about the faith, socialise and enjoy the tuck shop! There is a one off £1 registration fee for the year.
Friendship Group: Coffee Afternoon
The Friendship Group Coffee Afternoon is on Tuesday 30th January at 2:00pm-3:30pm in Coffee Saints. Open to all over 60, if you’re thinking of coming along, please join us.
Children’s Catechism for First Holy Communion
Classes in preparation for First Holy Communion are open to all children in Primary 4 and above who have received First Reconciliation and will begin on Sunday, 26 February. Prior registration is essential! Register online at https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/first-communion For more information contact the parish office at cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Catholic Men's Group Meeting in February
The Catenian Association invites all Catholic men, married or single, to their next monthly meeting on Wednesday, 21 February at 7:00 p.m. in 63 York Place. The Association is an international body of Catholic laymen who meet to 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 Other meetings will be 20th March, 17th April, 15th May and 19th June.
First Saturday Devotions
On Saturday, 3 February, 9:30am there will be devotions to Our Lady of Fatima here in the Cathedral, followed by 10:00am Mass. All are welcome!
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.
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.
Ravelston Parish Rooms Refurbishment Voting Slips Due Today
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 today, Sunday 28 January.
Parents’ Meeting for First Reconciliation
A reminder to parents of First Reconciliation pupils: The final parents meeting via Zoom is on Monday 29 January from 7pm. Please check your email from Fr Robert of 9 January for the link.
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.
Lourdes Mass on Sunday, 4 February
The February Mass in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes takes place at 3pm on Sunday 4 February at St John the Baptist Church, 37 St Ninian’s Road, Corstorphine, Edinburgh EH12 8AL. The Mass is organised by the Edinburgh Lourdes Pilgrimage team. Refreshments in hall afterwards. All welcome.
Free Event: 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. The event will include talks, time for couples to talk, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, and guided prayer with readings and prayers relevant to the vocation of marriage. Doors open from 1:30pm. Location is St Kentigern's, Parkgrove Avenue, Edinburgh EH4 7QR. Crèche available for children of primary school age and older. The event is organised by the Marriage & Families Commission of the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh. For more information, contact matthew.meade@staned.org.uk To register online for this FREE event please visit bit.ly/valretreat.
Join 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 today 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
Let Us Pray Scotland: Speak Out for Religious Freedom
As the Scottish Government launches a consultation on banning what it refers to as “conversion practices,” the Catholic Church has expressed serious concern at the nature and scope of any such legislation. Details at https://bit.ly/ConversionPracticeConsultation. Join over 2,000 others in signing a letter prepared by The Christian Institute to the Equalities Minister highlighting concerns that the bill threatens to criminalise aspects of the ordinary work of churches. Sign online https://letuspray.uk/take-action/scotland
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: Justice and Peace Scotland
The Bishops Conference of Scotland Justice and Peace Commission (Justice and Peace Scotland) has a job vacancy for a Campaigns, Communications and Events Coordinator. The position is 24 hours per week and will require a degree of flexibility as some travel, evening and weekend work is required. Salary is £21,000 and closing date for application is Monday 5th February 2024. To express interest in the post and for a full job description please email the Chairperson, Jill Kent, jill.kent@justiceandpeacescotland.org.uk
Job Vacancy: Cook
The Jesuit Community at Sacred Heart Church, Lauriston, is seeking to employ a cook for 2 hours a day Monday to Thursday and Sunday, 11am to 1pm. More information from ejc@jesuit.org.uk
Remembering Service
A service for those who have suffered the loss of a child, from the beginning of pregnancy onwards, together with those who wish to come in love and support, to have time in quiet surroundings to fully recognise their loss and help with healing. Sunday 3 March, 5:00pm at St John the Baptist RC Church, 37 St Ninian’s Rd, Edinburgh, EH12 8AL. Ecumenical and open to all.
Retreat for Young Adults
The ARISE retreat on Saturday 24 February, 9:00am-9:00pm is for 16-35 year-olds across Scotland to gather for a full day of faith, fun and friendship at St Albert’s Chaplaincy, George Square, Edinburgh. The day includes Mass, Adoration, talks, small group discussion, opportunities for Confession and more. Tickets are £15 which includes lunch & dinner. Questions? Contact events@youth2000.org Register online at https://www.youth2000.org/events/Edinburgh
Online Bioethics Talks for University Students of Healthcare Professions
Beginning Monday, 5 February, a seven-week series of online bioethical talks are scheduled for university students in health and social care on the Catholic response to difficult ethical issues including conscience and conscientious objection, organ donation and brain death, IVF and reproductive technology, and much more. Talks are Mondays, 7pm-8pm on MS Teams. Register with King’s Catholic Chaplain for Guy’s Campus, Laurence Jasper, at laurence.jasper@kcl.ac.uk
Colloquium: ‘The Role of Religious Experience in Interreligious Dialogue’
The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland Committee for Interreligious Dialogue hosts its Annual Colloquium Residential 5:30pm, Friday 23 February to 3:30pm on Saturday 24 February 2024 at the Conforti Centre, Calder Avenue, Coatbridge, ML5 4JS. The event is a faith-formation opportunity for Catholics interested in or active in the work of interreligious dialogue. To register, email Interfaith Officer, Joe Sikora: joseph.sikora@bcos.org.uk Visit https://www.interreligiousdialogue.org.uk/colloquium/ for details.
Order of Malta Fundraising Ball 20th April
The Order of Malta, the Catholic Church's largest and oldest charity, supports the disadvantaged in Scotland and 120 other countries. On Saturday 20th April, the Order will host a fundraising Ball at Prestonfield - dinner, reeling to the Infamous Grouse band, and opportunities to donate towards the work of volunteers in Edinburgh, Coatbridge and Falkirk, and Beregovo, Ukraine where the Order runs a centre for severely disabled children. Email antonia@philiphaugh.com for details.