Message for Lent from Archbishop Leo
My dear friends, Ash Wednesday is this week and marks the beginning of Lent. It is a day of fasting and abstinence as we head into six weeks of spiritual preparation for Easter Sunday. I want to offer three things we can do in Lent.
1. Receive your Ashes. Make every effort to get your ashes on Ash Wednesday and embrace this day of prayer and fasting. The ashes signify repentance and death. When the priest places the ashes on your forehead, he says: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return”. Or he will say: “Repent and believe the Gospel”. So, it is a chance to come before God in humility and to say sorry for our sins.
2. Take time out for private prayer. Pope Francis has suspended his busy schedule for the first week of Lent to dedicate himself to private, prayerful spiritual exercises. He is putting prayer first, and we can follow that example. Whether that means getting up a little earlier to spend time with God, or switching off the TV or radio, let us prioritise prayer each day in Lent.
3. Make sacrifices. Often, we resolve to ‘give up’ something in Lent, such as chocolate, alcohol, caffeine. Done in the right spirit, with an intention to get closer to God, this is a good thing. Let us also make small sacrifices for others, to help them, especially when it may be inconvenient to ourselves. That way we can imitate Jesus who sacrificed His life for us all. Please also read the Holy Father’s message for Lent 2024 at https://bit.ly/popelent24. God bless you!
Ash Wednesday Mass Times
Cathedral
8.00am
10.00am
12.45pm
6.00pm (Polish)
7.30pm
Ravelston
6.00pm
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.
Woolly Hat Donations Collected Today for Stella Maris Appeal
Anne Marie Stephen will be in the Octagon after all Masses this weekend to collect either new or lightly used woolly hats to be given to seafarers, men and women, who come to our shores without warm clothing. The Stella Maris charitable organisation does its best to supply them but needs your help! If you can donate a woolly hat, please do so today. Learn more about how Stella Maris supports seafarers, fishers, and their families in the UK and around the world at https://stellamaris.org.uk/.
World Day of the Sick
Today, Sunday, 11 February, the Church marks the World Day of the Sick which was introduced by St John Paul II to help us remember to pray for all those who are ill and for their caregivers. He chose this day because it coincides with the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, Lourdes being a place of pilgrimage renowned for healing. Please pray for the sick of our parish and the family members, friends and professionals who help them.
Parish Lenten Book Club
Take up some good spiritual reading this Lent and join us for a Parish Lenten Reading Project! During the six weeks of Lent (14 Feb – 31 March) each one of us clergy will be leading an on-line reading group which will meet once every week during Lent to discuss our Parish Book – “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 Darlene 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 Bookshop). Fr. Patrick
Fr. Jean Gové to Speak at the Young Adults on Tuesday at 7pm
Our new series of Young Adults talks begins Tuesday, 13th February on “What is Man?” when we welcome Fr. Jean Gové who will speak on ‘What is Man? Faith and AI.’ 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.
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 to hear Prof Stephany Biello talk about their courage. There are a limited number of places available at the event on Wednesday, 21st February, 7.30pm in Coffee Saints, 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
Adult Confirmation Classes Begin 21st February
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 on 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
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. 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.
Friendship Group: Coffee Afternoon
The Friendship Group Coffee Afternoon is on Tuesday 13th February at 2:00pm-3:30pm in Coffee Saints. Open to all over 60, if you’re thinking of coming along, please join us.
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.
SCIAF Lenten Wee Box Appeal for Communities in Rwanda
SCIAF’s Wee Box appeal this Lent is for communities in Rwanda where people are still recovering from the 1994 genocide that afflicted their country and the trauma it left behind. Your donations help provide communities with needed resources. Pick up a Wee Box today at the back of church.
Christian Meditation During Lent
During the solemn season of Lent, Christian Meditation offers us a profound way to deepen our relationship with God, drawing closer to the Divine through the silence and simplicity of contemplative prayer. This practice encourages us to quiet our minds and hearts, making space for the Holy Spirit to speak within us, thus fostering a more intimate experience of God's presence and love. We meditate in person at 63 York Place, Edinburgh EH3 5AD, on Fridays at 7.30 p.m. Afterwards you are welcome for refreshments and to socialize. On Wednesdays at 7 p.m. we meditate online on Zoom and you can join from anywhere. The up-to-date schedule is here: https://www.meetup.com/Christian-Meditation-Group/events/ Contact info - mobile: 0771 777 2614 Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1cuO5QJ
Wednesday Adoration, Confession and Stations of the Cross
Draw closer to Christ in Lent! At St. Andrew’s on Wednesdays during Lent, beginning on 14 February, we will 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! You are also welcome to walk and pray the outdoor Stations of the Cross around the lovely garden path at Ravelston anytime.
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.
Stand Up for Religious Freedom: Just Say ‘No’ to Buffer Zone Bill
Gillian Mackay MSP has published a Bill which would introduce ‘safe access zones’, or buffer zones, around abortion centres in Scotland. The law, if passed, will be the most extreme of its kind in the world. The Bill proposes a jail sentence of up to 2 years for anyone who even silently prays near an abortion clinic. Catholics in England have already been arrested under similar laws there. If the principle is established in this Bill, it could easily be applied to Corpus Christi processions or other forms of Catholic social justice work if politicians decide they don't agree with what is happening. It is vital that as many Catholics, and all concerned for freedom of speech and assembly, make a response to this dangerous Bill. Take a leaflet at the back of church and write your MSP today at https://www.writetothem.com/
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
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
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 bit.ly/calledtobesaints
‘Beginning Experience’ Weekend for Those Suffering Bereavement
The Beginning Experience are holding a weekend for those who find themselves suffering bereavement through divorce, separation or widowhood. The weekend will take place from 5th-7th April 2024 at St. Mary’s, Kinnoull, Perth. For details contact: Louise on 07926 571004 or email: louisep398@gmail.com Completed Applications must be returned by 22nd March 2024.
Archdiocesan Online Stations of the Cross
Join people across the Archdiocese each Monday throughout Lent for our annual Stations of the Cross. It takes place on Zoom at 7:45pm, beginning on 19 February, and lasts around 30 minutes. We will be praying for unborn children, their mothers and all pro-life intentions. Register at bit.ly/lentstations
Is God Calling Me? 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
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.
Lourdes Pilgrimage – 5-12 July, 2024
The Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from 5-12 July 2024. To find out more visit https://www.edinburgh-lourdes.com/lourdes24. If you would like to be on the helper team of doctors, nurses, male helpers, lady helpers and youth, please visit https://www.edinburgh-lourdes.com/helpers