Roof Update
Just to let you all know that since the end of the Advent Appeal a great deal of work has been going on behind the scenes to move the first phase of the roof repairs to the Cathedral forward. Given the extremely generous response to the Appeal, this first phase will encompass more than originally envisaged and the intention is to carry out all the works needed to Sacristy 1 and the area around it. A project team has now been formed, which will be led by Lorcan Mooney, Director of Property for the Archdiocese, with Chris Prentice of Adams Napier (Chartered Building Surveyors) acting as project manager. They are joined on the team by a number of other external professionals. Meanwhile I am working hard on accessing additional grant funding. The next stage is the development of a scope of works followed by a tendering process. It is difficult at this point to be precise about timings, but we hope to be underway by the Summer. Phase two is likely to be the area of small-pitched roofs over Sacristy 2. Completion of all the works needed seems likely to be the work of years. The works will bring significant challenges to how the Cathedral operates and require careful planning, but it is good to be underway and will be a pleasure to say goodbye to the first of the buckets!
Rite of Election at Noon Mass Today
His Grace, the Archbishop, will celebrate the Noon Mass today with the Rite of Election in which he will accept those preparing to be received into the Church at Easter. Please keep all of them in your prayers.
Friends Event with Prof. Stephany Biello
Divine Sight, Sisterhood, and Courage: Women's Stories in the Old Testament
The Old Testament is full of stories of remarkable women, join Friends of the Cathedral on Wednesday, 21st February, 7.30pm in Coffee Saints to hear Prof Stephany Biello talk about their courage. There are a limited number of places available, please contact ppccathedral@stmaryscathedral.co.uk to let Friends know you would like to come. You can find out more about and join Friends of St Mary's Cathedral at https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/friends
Lenten Eucharistic Adoration and Stations of the Cross
Every Friday during Lent, Eucharistic Adoration will be held in the Cathedral from 10:30am-12:30pm, followed by the 12:45pm daily Mass and afterwards we will pray the Stations of the Cross.
Adult Confirmation Classes Begin Wednesday
This Lent, the Cathedral will run a six-week course for adults to prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation at the Easter Vigil on Saturday 31st March. Classes start this Wednesday 21st February at 7pm with an in-person meeting at 61 York Place, followed by four on-line meetings and concluding with the last meeting on Wednesday, 27th March at 7pm. If you have not received the Sacrament of Confirmation and would like to register, contact cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Fr. Jonathan Whitworth to Speak at the Young Adults on Tuesday at 7pm
All young adults ages 18-35 are welcome to come along to our Young Adults talk on Tuesday, 20th February. We will welcome Fr. Jonathan Whitworth who will speak on ‘What is Man? Created in the image and likeness of God.’ Come for teas and coffees at 7:00pm and then the talk at 7:30pm, and Night Prayer and pub discussion to conclude.
Children’s Catechism for First Holy Communion
Classes 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. Please note that the First Holy Communion parents meetings will take place just after mid-term on Mon 19th Feb. Those parents who have registered their child for First Holy Communion will receive an email with details and the online link for the meeting.
Sacrament of Confession in Lent
Please take the time in Lent to go to Confession to help you prepare for Easter. Remember that it is a Precept of the Church that all Catholics should go to Confession at least once a year, at Easter or thereabouts. Priests are available to hear confessions Monday-Friday after the 12:45pm Mass and Saturdays 10:30am-12Noon and 5:00-5:45pm. ‘How to Go to Confession’ cards are available by the Confessionals or at https://bit.ly/HowtogotoConfession. For further information on the Sacrament of Confession, visit https://goodconfession.com/
Help Needed: Passkeepers for All Masses and 7:30pm EMHC and Readers
We are in need of Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and Readers for 7:30pm Sunday Mass, and passkeepers for all Masses to help greet people. If you can help, please contact Elizabeth Andrews at Elizabeth@rhandrews.plus.com
Altar Servers Needed
All those who have made their First Holy Communion are encouraged to consider becoming an altar server. The Cathedral needs more altar servers for all Sunday Masses, but especially at the 9:00am Mass. If you would like to learn more about altar serving and want to sign up, speak to Fr. Robert or Wojtek.
Friendship Group: Coffee Afternoon and Cinema Outing
The Friendship Group Coffee Afternoon is on Tuesday 20th February at 2:00pm-3:30pm in Coffee Saints. Open to all over 60, if you’re thinking of coming along, please join us. Cinema outing Wednesday 21st February, film is ‘The Zone of Interest,’ showing at 1.20pm, meet upstairs at Omni, Greenside. Cheapest way to book is online. Trish has booked 6 seats via online, text her to reserve 07541 552070.
Catholic Men’s Group Meeting
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.
Thank You for Woolly Hat Donations
The Stella Maris organisation is very grateful to the parish for a generous response to the woolly hats appeal. Thank you! Warm hats are much appreciated by seafarers! The donated hats will be passed on to the seafarers by chaplains and ship visitors. Learn more about how Stella Maris supports seafarers, fishers, and their families around the world at https://stellamaris.org.uk/
Wednesday Adoration, Confession and Stations of the Cross
Every Wednesday we have Eucharistic Adoration and Confessions 5:00pm-6:00pm, followed by 6:00pm Mass. Immediately after Mass, we will pray the Stations of the Cross 6:30pm-7:00pm. Come and join us!
Justice and Peace Scotland at February St. Andrew’s Talk
The next St Andrew’s Talk will take place in the Parish Rooms on Monday 26th February from 6.45pm. Anne-Marie Clements, the Catholic Social Teaching Engagement Officer for Justice and Peace Scotland will speak about the work of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland Commission and how it is all underpinned by the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. This is a great opportunity to find out more about how we can enact the words of Pope St Paul VI, “If you want peace, work for justice”. The talk will be followed by some light refreshments.
Ask Your MP to Support the Abortion Time Limit Reduction Amendment
Support an amendment to reduce our abortion time limit from 24 weeks to 22 weeks. Research indicates that a significant number of babies born at 22 or 23 weeks can now survive outside the womb, leaving a contradiction in our abortion law. Take action: Collect a postcard today from the back of the church and post it to your MP urgently in support of this amendment!
Youth 2000 Edinburgh 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
Explore the Vocation to 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 next meeting takes place Sunday 25 February, 4-7pm at St Columba’s, 9 Upper Gray Street. To register email religiousvocations@staned.org.uk
Archdiocesan Day for Catechists
If you are involved with RCIA, children’s liturgy, sacramental preparation or any other catechist role, register for the Archdiocesan Day for Catechists at Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB, Saturday 9 March, 10:30am-3:00pm. In workshops and talks, we will highlight baptismal and sacramental preparation, children's liturgy, lesson plans and resources...and lots more! There will be a bookstand featuring titles for children & adults. Visit https://bit.ly/dayforcatechists
Pathways of Hope: Catholic Social Teaching
A forum on Catholic Social Teaching and Poverty titled ‘Pathways of Hope’ takes place on Saturday 16 March 10:30am-3:00pm at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB. Register at https://bit.ly/pathwaysofhopeevent
Called to be Saints - Youth Day for S1-S4
A day of inspiration, friendship and prayer for S1-S4 pupils that asks the question 'what does it to be a saint in the modern world?' Run by Fr Robert Taylor and Fr Martin Eckersley, it features talks from guests including Judith Ralston, BBC Scotland weather presenter. It takes place on Saturday 23 March, midday to 4:00pm at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB. Register your child for this FREE event at https://bit.ly/calledtobesaints
Job Vacancy: Estates Surveyor
The Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh is seeking to appoint an Estates Surveyor to support the Director of Property in all aspects of property management, development, letting, acquisitions, and sales of property. The role holder should have significant property related experience and ideally be RICS qualified. Salary: £31.5-35K dependent on qualifications/experience. To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter detailing how your skills and experience make you suitable for this role to recruitment@staned.org.uk by Friday 1 March 2024.
Support Church in the Holy Land
Aid to the Church in Need is working with Church partners to help Christians in the Holy Land receive water, food, medicine, rent and other essentials as families in the region face desperate need amid the ongoing conflict. To donate, please visit https://acnuk.org/our-campaigns/holy-land/
Remembering Service for Those Suffering Loss of a Child
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.
June 2024 Brecbannoch Pilgrimage: Walk from Oban to Iona Abbey
This year's, Brecbannoch Pilgrimage, a walking pilgrimage from Oban to Iona Abbey is 7 to 10 June 2024. The purpose of the pilgrimage is to pray and do penance for the evangelisation of Scotland and for the sanctity of her priests. Pilgrims will walk for 3 days, carrying the relics of St Columba across the Isles, until they reach Iona Abbey, where Holy Mass and a Solemn Procession will take place on the Solemnity of St Columba. Booking online at https://www.brecbannoch.org/ Deadline is 29 February 2024.