Take Action! MPs Vote Wednesday on Two Pro-Life Amendments
On Wednesday, MPs will vote on two pro-life changes to the law: One amendment lowers the abortion time limit from 24 weeks to 22 weeks. The other would bring the abortion time limit for babies with Down’s syndrome in line with the time limit for babies that do not have disabilities (as you likely know, abortion for Down’s syndrome is currently legal right up to birth). Take action: Collect a postcard today from the back of the church and post it to your MP in support of this amendment! Email your MP by visiting righttolife.org.uk/littlefighters and https://dontscreenusout.org/timeforchange before Wednesday 15 May.
Confirmations at 9:00am Mass Next Sunday
His Grace, Archbishop Cushley, will celebrate the 9:00am Mass next Sunday at which children from our parish will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Please keep them in your prayers!
Marathon Pledge Collection: Raise the Roof
This weekend, members of the Young Adults Group will be at all the Masses to gather your pledges ahead of their running in the Edinburgh Marathon festival at the end of the month. This is a great chance to meet some of those who have been going through their paces training for the event on the 25th and 26th May. They are looking forward to receiving your pledge of support in this effort to raise funds for the roof project, which will also serve as a gentle encouragement when the legs start wearying!
Rosary & Reflection on Our Lady – Tuesdays 6:30pm Holy Hour
In this month of Our Lady, we will have Tuesday Holy Hours in the Cathedral 6:30pm-7:30pm with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, praying of the Rosary and a reflection on Our Lady. Come and spend some time in prayer before Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. This Tuesday, 14th May we will have a reflection by Fr. Ajeesh. All are invited to join us! Also, St. Paul’s Bookshop has many books to help you grow in your devotion to Our Lady, including introduction to praying the Rosary books, as well as many other books in the Mariology section, including The Secret of the Rosary by St. Louis de Monfort and books on various Marian apparitions, too. The shop is open daily 10am-5pm. Contact 0131 510 4260, edinburgh@stpauls.org.uk
Young Adults Talk at Ravelston: The Prophet Miriam
Our Young Adults Group talk will be at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston (77 Belford Road, EH4 3DS) this Tuesday, 14 May when Sr. Miriam Ruth, RSM will speak about the prophet Miriam. Join us from 7:00pm for teas/coffees in the parish rooms followed by the talk at 7.30pm. We will conclude with Night Prayer and discuss in a local pub. All young adults 17-35 are welcome! Please note change of location this week.
Friendship Group: Coffee Afternoon
The Friendship Group Coffee Afternoon is on Tuesday 14 May 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!
Catenians Meeting This Wednesday
The Catenian Association invites all Catholic men, married or single, to a meeting this Wednesday, 15th May, at 7.00 p.m. in 63 York Place. The Association is an international body of Catholic laymen who meet once a month and 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
St. Mary’s School 150th Anniversary Concert on Thursday
This Thursday, 16 May come along for the St. Mary’s School 150th Anniversary Concert here at the Cathedral at 1:30pm.
Young Adults Pentecost Vigil Conference, Mass and Barbecue on 18 May
There will be a spiritual conference for Young Adults at St Andrews, Ravelston next Saturday 18th May starting at 4pm. From 5pm, you're welcome to join for adoration and confessions before the Pentecost Vigil at 6pm and a barbecue from 7pm. Please register to attend. See the posters, visit, https://bit.ly/YAPentacostVigil2024
Friends of the Cathedral Event: God in Number 10, Fr Mark Vickers, Tuesday, 21st May, Coffee Saints, 7.30pm
Friends of the Cathedral will host Fr Mark Vickers speaking about his book God in Number 10: The Personal Faith of the Prime Ministers from Balfour to Blair on Tuesday, 21st May at 7.30pm in Coffee Saints. There are a limited number of extra places available, if you would like to attend, please email ppccathedral@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Rosary After Weekday Masses in May
All are invited to join praying the Rosary during May after 6:00pm weekday Masses at St. Andrew’s.
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.
Save the Date: St. Andrew's Talk on Justice and Peace
Our final St. Andrew’s talk will be on Monday, 27th May when Anne-Marie Clements will join us to speak about the work of the Justice and Peace Commission in Scotland. Talk begins at 6.45pm with refreshments available afterwards.
Pray & Discuss Sacred Scripture – Treasure the Gift!
Do you want to learn more about the Bible? The translation of the Bible that we hear at Mass is changing this Advent. The Archdiocese has organised a day of prayer, study and discussion to learn more about this and to reflect on the gift of the Word of God for the Church. Come along to this free event! Treasuring the Gift takes place on Saturday 8 June 10:00am-3:00pm at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB. The day includes Mass, talks from invited speakers, light lunch, a panel of testimonies from lay people from across the Archdiocese, and Eucharistic Adoration.
Register at bit.ly/treasuringthegift or use the QR code. Come along and treasure the gift!
Assisted Suicide – Called to Care, Not to Kill
Please contact your MSP today to stop assisted suicide becoming legal in Scotland. Guidance on contacting your MSPs is available at www.rcpolitics.org/assistedsuicide or email office@rcpolitics.org
Marriage Counselling
If you are concerned about your relationship and feel as a couple that you are unable to reach a conclusion alone, it is likely that you will benefit from marriage counselling. The Archdiocese has an arrangement with a qualified Catholic marriage counsellor who may be able to help you. For information or advice or to arrange counselling sessions please email in confidence marriage.counsellor@staned.org.uk or phone 07511928621 (Please note that counselling fees apply).
Help for Marriages: Online Retrouvaille Programme Begins 19th June
Retrouvaille is a programme to support couples who have difficulties in their marriage. It brings a positive focus, new hope and helps nourish and grow your marriage. Learning how to communicate effectively and clearly can be a key element in saving a troubled marriage. Retrouvaille England and Wales is delighted to offer a Virtual Retrouvaille programme 8pm to 10pm on Wednesday 19th June and every Wednesday, ending on the 4th September 2024. Please call or email in confidence and without obligation. + 44 788 729 6983 / + 44 797 338 0443, retrouvailleukinfo@gmail.com To learn more, visit http://www.retrouvaille.org.uk
Funding for Teachers
Are you a teacher considering studying for the Catholic Teacher's Certificate to teach Religious Education? The Archdiocese will pay half the cost of this course for 20 teachers working in our Archdiocese. For an application form please email kay.leslie@staned.org.uk
29 May Webinar on MA Theology Programme
Join a 29 May webinar, 6-7pm offering everything you need to know about the forthcoming MA in Applied Catholic Theology Course at St Mary's University's campus in Edinburgh. Register at https://bit.ly/theologywebinar. SAAS funding is available for all Scottish students taking the MA in Applied Catholic Theology course 2024/25. The course is offered by St Mary’s University in partnership with the Archdiocese at the Gillis Centre in Edinburgh. To register for the programme, visit https://www.stmarys.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/applied-catholic-theology
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.
Five-Day Summer Session for Young Adults: ‘Reasons for Believing’
All Catholics ages 16-30·are invited to the Faith Summer Session, ‘Reasons for Believing’, at Ampleforth Abbey, York, Monday, 29 July-Friday, 2 August 2024. The focus of the week will be a series of talks, each building on one another to develop a coherent, dynamic vision of the faith. The event includes daily Mass, morning and night prayer, Adoration and Confession, plus social activities including a Ceilidh and a quiz night! Cost: £180 / Concessions: £160. Registration deadline is 2 July 2024. To book your place, use the QR code or visit https://www.faith.org.uk/events See Fr. Robert for more details.
St Margaret’s Pilgrimage – Sunday, 23rd June
Gather in faith and thanksgiving to celebrate Scotland's patron saint in Dunfermline on Sunday 23 June 2024. The procession to St Margaret’s Church takes place from the Glen Gates in Bridge Street to the Church at 2:00pm, followed by Mass at 3:00pm. Ecumenical Prayers at the tomb of St Margaret at Dunfermline Abbey is at 12:30pm. All welcome. No registration required.
Assisted Pilgrims for Lourdes
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 http://www.edinburgh-lourdes.com/lourdes24
CAFOD Pilgrimage for Young Adults to Fundraise for Sudan Crisis
Over the weekend of 12-14 July CAFOD (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development) is running a residential pilgrimage in Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire for young adults aged 18-40. The pilgrimage walk is a scenic 13.5-mile route from the picturesque village of Olney to Bedford via Turvey Monastery of the Olivetan Benedictines. The event includes a CAFOD workshop, to explore and engage with CAFOD's heart, mission and values. Cost £100 includes meals, accommodation at Frontier Centre, Northamptonshire, and coach travel to and from the pilgrimage. All participants will be asked to help fundraise towards the Sudan Crisis Appeal. To register, visit https://cafod.org.uk/news/events/young-adults-residential-pilgrimage For more information contact cafod@cafod.org.uk
August: Monastic Experience Weekend for Men at Pluscarden Abbey
The community of Benedictine monks at Pluscarden offer a special opportunity for men to experience what monastic life is all about Friday 16th-Monday 19th August. This opportunity is suitable for single men who are Catholic, practise their faith, are aged 18-40, and at least open to the possibility of considering a monastic vocation. Participants will join the monks in their daily prayer and work, and will be offered a close-up insight into some of the treasures of the monastic tradition. The event may be of assistance in the process of discerning one's vocation in life. There will be no charge for the weekend. Register at https://www.pluscardenabbey.org/monastic-experience-weekend
Events in the Archdiocese
For a full list of forthcoming events in the Archdiocese visit https://archedinburgh.org/news-events/
Pentecost Novena Prayer
It is a very ancient tradition among Catholics to pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit during the nine days between the Ascension and Pentecost! Why not think about praying this Novena either by yourself or with your family this year? Goodness knows the world needs an outpouring of the Spirit!
Lord Jesus Christ
Who, before ascending into heaven promised to send the Holy Spirit to finish your work in the souls of your Apostles and disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul the work of your grace and your love.
Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world
and aspire only to the things that are eternal,
the Spirit of Understanding, to enlighten my mind with the light of your divine truth,
the Spirit of Counsel that I may choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven,
the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with you and that I may overcome with courage
all the obstacles that I encounter in life,
the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect,
the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable,
the Spirit of Fear of the Lord that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God,
and may dread in any way to displease Him.
Mark me, dear Lord, with the sign of your true disciples and animate me in all things with your Holy Spirit. Amen.