1:30pm on Sunday Request Recital and Demonstration of the Organ by Cathedral Organist, Tom Wilkinson
Have you ever wondered how the Cathedral organ works? And do you have a favourite piece that you would like to hear played on the Cathedral organ? If so, this event is for you. Join us at 1.30pm today, Sunday, 21 April, for a Request Recital and Demonstration of the Organ by Cathedral Organist Tom Wilkinson who will explain and demonstrate what the mighty machine can do. A video link will enable you to see Tom’s fingers and feet in action. Duration: Approximately 1 hour. Retiring collection in aid of Tom’s attendance at an international conference on the music of J. S. Bach, at which he is presenting some of his research into the composer.
Sir James MacMillan talk: “Chant, the Music of Faith, and Its Influence on the History of Music”, Tuesday 23 April, 7:30pm, in the Cathedral
Join Friends of St Mary’s Cathedral for a rare opportunity to hear insights from the Cathedral’s Patron of Music, Sir James MacMillan, one of the world’s most acclaimed composers, and one of the Church’s great musicians. All are welcome! There is entry at the door or you can book free tickets to attend this popular event here: https://bit.ly/StMarysM
Friends of the Cathedral should have received an invitation and are to confirm by emailing ppccathedral@stmaryscathedral.co.uk Thank you!
Saturday Morning Mass, Adoration and Confession
In this Eastertide season, take some time for quiet, peaceful prayer before Jesus Christ in the Eucharist here at the Cathedral on Saturday mornings. Come for 10:00am Mass, followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every Saturday 10:30am-12:00pm, with Confessions from 10:30am-12:00pm.
“Anyone who does eat my flesh and drink my blood has eternal life, and I shall raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink.” (John 6:54-55)
Friendship Group: Coffee Afternoon
The Friendship Group Coffee Afternoon is on Tuesday 23rd April at 2:00pm-3:30pm in Coffee Saints. Open to all over 60; enjoy a 20% discount during the session time. Please come along and join us!
Young Adults Talk on the Prophet Daniel by Fr. Robert
Fr. Robert will speak about the prophet Daniel in our next Young Adults Talk this Tuesday, 23 April. Join us from 7:00pm for teas/coffees in 63 York Place followed by the talk at 7.30pm. We will conclude with Night Prayer and time to discuss in the pub. All young adults age 17-35 are welcome!
Next Weekend: Get to Know the Society of St Vincent de Paul
The parish Society of St Vincent de Paul will tell us about their work and the many ways you can contribute to the service of the SSVP at the end of all Cathedral Masses next weekend 27th/28th April. Following the Masses, please do visit their stand in the Octagon to speak to SSVP members to ask questions and find out how to join. SSVP will visit St Andrew’s in Ravelston on a future date.
Marriage Preparation Courses
Our next Marriage Preparation courses will be on the following Saturdays: 1st June, 24th August and 23rd November. The courses are at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston, 10am-5pm, with presentations by married couples from the parish. Please email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk to register.
Parish Youth Group: Afternoon of Faith and Fun on Sunday 28th April!
As promised, some more information about the return of the Youth Group! It returns on Sunday 28th April between 2pm and 4pm when our group will host the group from St Margaret's, Davidson's Mains here at St Andrew's, Ravelston. Please note the change in time for the Youth Group meeting. All young people P3-P7 are very welcome to join! The afternoon will be full of fun activities – both inside and outside – as well as a visit to the Religious Sisters of Mercy where there will be a chance to find out more about their work, the anniversary they celebrate this year and the plenary indulgence granted by the pope. Refreshments will be available throughout the day. During May the group will meet on the 5th and 19th May before our final meeting on the 2nd June — all of those at the usual time 6:00pm-7.30pm.
St. Pauls Bookshop: First Communion & Confirmation Gifts
The season of First Communions and Confirmations is coming up in the weeks ahead and you’ll find a wide variety of lovely gifts, books and cards in the St Pauls Bookshop for those you love who are receiving these sacraments. Contact 0131 510 4260, edinburgh@stpauls.org.uk The shop is open daily 10am-5pm.
Save the Date: Organ Performance of L’Ascension
On the Solemnity of the Ascension, Thursday, 9 May, at 8:15pm Cathedral Organist Tom Wilkinson will perform L’Ascension (1934) a meditation on Christ’s Ascension, by arguably the greatest twentieth-century composer of organ music, Olivier Messiaen. Duration: 30 minutes. Retiring collection for Cathedral music.
Wednesday Adoration and Confession
Every Wednesday we have Eucharistic Adoration and Confessions 5:00pm-6:00pm, followed by 6:00pm Mass. Come and spend some quiet time in prayer with our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament and take the opportunity for Confession.
Thursday Scripture Reflection Meeting for Women
All women in the parish very welcome to a special evening of Scripture reflection at the convent of the Religious Sisters of Mercy at St. Andrew's, Ravelston on Thursday, 25 April, beginning at 5:30pm with Vespers, then 6pm Mass at the church, a light supper at the convent, followed by a time of reflection and discussion together on the Gospel of John reading for the upcoming Fifth Sunday of Easter: “I am the vine, you are the branches.” (John 15:5) Please RSVP by Monday, 22 April at edinburgh@almamercy.org or call 01313433380.
Save the Dates: St. Andrew's Talks in April and May
The St Andrew’s Talks will return at the end of April. Darlene Newman will speak on 29th April about how liturgical reforms over the years have led to changes in church architecture -- for good or bad! The final talk will be 27th May when Anne-Marie Clements will join us for the delayed talk on the work of the Justice and Peace commission in Scotland. Talks begin at 6.45pm with refreshments available afterwards.
Procession and May Crownings at Ravelston Sunday 5th May
Join us Sunday 5th May before 10:30am Mass as we have a procession and May crownings of the statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the garden (weather permitting) and in the church at Ravelston. It is a lovely way to honour our Blessed Mother as we approach the Marian month of May. Children are especially welcome!
World Day of Prayer for Vocations Today
Today, Sunday 21 April, is World Day of Prayer for Vocations. Please pray especially for all men and women who are actively considering their call to the priesthood or religious life, that they will always be strengthened by the Holy Spirit in discerning how God is calling them to serve in the Church. Remember in your prayers our Archdiocesan seminarians: Deacon Peter Shankland and Deacon Paul Henderson (Beda College, Rome), and Gerard Holden and Matthew McCafferty (Scots College, Rome). If you think God may be calling you to the priesthood, please speak to Fr. Patrick or Fr. Robert. If you are discerning a call to the religious life, contact Sr. Mirjam Hugens, FSO,director for Religious Vocations, at 0131 623 8902 or religiousvocations@staned.org.uk
Come Along for Our Chat About Women’s Religious Life
Thinking about a vocation as a religious Sister? Come along to our chat today, Sunday 21 April, with other young Catholic women for prayer and discussion led by Sr Mirjam Hugens FSO from 4pm-7pm at St Columba’s, 9 Upper Gray Street, EH9 1SN. We will meet again on Sunday, 12 May and Sunday, 22 June. To register or find out more, please email religiousvocations@staned.org.uk. Watch Sr. Mirjam’s short video, “'How do I discover God's plan for me?” at https://bit.ly/GodsCallforYou
Next Saturday: Archdiocesan Event on Catholic Devotions
Explore the rich history of Catholic Devotions at a special event on Saturday 27 April 11:00am-3:00pm at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB. Deeply Devoted features inspiring talks and a free light lunch. Details and registration at https://bit.ly/deeplydevoted
Pray and Witness to the Sanctity of Human Life
An opportunity to pray, witness and celebrate the goodness of all human life. Please join Fr Gerard Hatton in praying the rosary at Sacred Heart Church, Lauriston, EH3 9DJ (10am) followed by a Pro-Life Chain at 11:00am on Lothian Road. Refreshments afterwards.
Synod Conversation: Role of the Laity in the Context of Our Archdiocese
The Archdiocesan Synodal Team invites you to Spiritual Conversation, an event at Ss John Cantius & Nicholas in Broxburn EH52 5RJ, on Saturday 4 May at 10:30-13:00. The theme is ‘The Role of the Laity in the Context of Our Archdiocese.’ To read the Event Guide and discussion questions, and to book your place, please visit https://bit.ly/archsynod
Webinar on MA in Theology Programme
Join a webinar about the MA in Applied Catholic Theology course offered by St Mary’s University in partnership with the Archdiocese at the Gillis Centre in Edinburgh. The webinar is Wednesday 29 May (6-7pm). To book, visit https://www.stmarys.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/applied-catholic-theology scroll down to “Upcoming Event” and select Book Now. SAAS funding is available from April for all Scottish students taking the MA in Applied Catholic Theology course 2024/25.
Save the Date: Mass at the Cathedral for Married & Engaged Couples
The annual Mass for Married and Engaged Couples is at 7:15pm on Wednesday 29 May 2024 at St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh. Come and celebrate the gift of marriage, renew your commitment and receive God's blessing upon your love. Requests for special invitations for couples celebrating significant anniversaries can be made at vemarriage@staned.org.uk or by calling 0131 334 1693.
Pregnancy Support
There are a number of free, confidential, and non-judgemental resources available to women with unplanned pregnancies, or women who have had an abortion. To find out more or get involved, consider connecting with Stanton Healthcare (https://www.stantonscotland.org/), St. Margaret’s Children and Family Care Society https://stmargaretsadoption.org.uk/ or Abortion Recovery Care and Helpline (https://www.archtrust.org.uk/).
Salamanca Pilgrimage in October with St. Mary’s, Stirling
St Mary's Parish in Stirling invites people from across the Archdiocese to join them on pilgrimage to Salamanca, Spain, from 12-19 October 2024. Includes trips to Avilla and Segovia, staying at the Royal Scots College (twin rooms only). Contact: admin.stmarystirling@staned.org.uk or 01786 473749.
Assisted Pilgrims for Lourdes Pilgrimage in July
Do you know someone who is ill or infirm and would enjoy the opportunity to experience a life-changing trip to Lourdes? The Archdiocese is seeking Assisted Pilgrims to join them on the pilgrimage in July. They will receive 24hr support from the brilliant doctors, nurses and volunteers in the Medical/Helper Team and stay in specially equipped accommodation. It will be an unforgettable week with a full spiritual and social programme. Please contact Bernadette on 0131 441 1939 or visit www.edinburgh-lourdes.com/lourdes24
Please Pray for Mr. Siluvappan
Just to let you know that Fr. John Peter’s dad died peacefully on Friday and poor Fr. JP (who had flown back from India on Wednesday) has now gone back to India for his funeral. Please pray for the repose of his soul and for Fr. JP and his whole family.