Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ – Year B

Young Adults Talks by Young Adults: ‘Figures of My Faith’

In our new series of Young Adults Group talks, ‘Figures of My Faith,’ young adults themselves will share stories of their faith journeys speaking about figures who have helped their own growth in our faith. Join us on Tuesday, 4 June as Michael Okoro speaks about how Nietzsche made him more faithful. Come along at 7:00pm for teas/coffees in 63 York Place 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!

'An Evening of Summer Music' with the Schola Cantorum: Wednesday 26 June at 7pm

Join the Schola Cantorum choir for a concert of summer music. The performance will feature Vivaldi's famous Gloria in D, accompanied by a chamber orchestra — a first for the choir! The evening will conclude with a drinks reception in the Octagon. Tickets are £10 (including a glass of prosecco) and are available from Eventbrite or on the door. Book at https://bit.ly/CathedralSummerMusic2024

Tickets will be sold after Masses beginning the weekend of 8th-9th June.

Raise the Roof! Pledge Collections and T-Shirt Sales

Congratulations and thank you to all those who took part in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival raising funds for the Cathedral roof fund. As a group they clocked up 202 miles between them over the festival weekend, which is more than four times the journey between here and St Andrew’s Cathedral in Glasgow. Thank you for your generosity so far with various donations and pledges made. This weekend the runners will be at all of the Masses to collect your generous pledges and also give you the opportunity to get a memento of the occasion. You can buy a replica of the eye-catching T-Shirts that they ran in for £15 – another ‘fashionable’ way to contribute to their fundraising efforts. Please fill in an order form with one of the runners – this offer is only available this weekend!

Ordinations and Holy Hours for Vocations to Priesthood & Religious Life

This month the Cathedral will host the priestly ordinations of Deacons Peter Shankland and Paul Henderson, who were both active parishioners in the Cathedral before they left for seminary studies in Rome. Archbishop Cushley will ordain them on Saturday 29th June at 12 Noon, and on Thursday, 27 June and Friday, 28 June, we will have some extended time of Eucharistic Adoration, praying for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Adoration will run from the end of the daily lunchtime Mass –1.15pm until 8pm – with a Holy Hour led by the two men being ordained from 7pm. We require a minimum of two people to take an hour to watch the Blessed Sacrament on both of these days. Please sign up on the forms that are available on the passkeepers table today.

Friendship Group: Coffee Afternoon & Theatre Visit Planned

The Friendship Group Coffee Afternoon is on Tuesday 4 June 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! A theatre visit is planned for Willy Russell’s ‘Blood Brothers.’ Showing at the Playhouse Theatre 2.30pm Wednesday 25th September. If you’d like to reserve a ticket call Trish on 07541 552070. Let us know by 14th June if you’d like a ticket. The cost will depend on the volume of tickets purchased but will be between £25 and £40 per person.

Festival Mass on Sunday 11th August

Just advance notice that His Grace, Archbishop Cushley, will celebrate the annual Festival Mass at Noon at the Cathedral. Join us for this beautiful celebration of our Sunday Liturgy at the start of the week of our Cathedral’s patronal feast of the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 15th August in the season of Edinburgh’s International Festival.

Disabled Parking for Blue Badge Holders

If you have a Blue Badge for disabled parking, drive to Mass and would like to use the St. James’ Car Park for Sunday morning Mass, please fill out a form at the back of Church and return it to the Office, with your name, phone number, email address, parking permit number, expiry date and car registration number or email your details to cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk. The Car Park offers free disabled parking on Sundays, 8:30am-1:30pm. Outside of those hours, normal parking fees will apply.

Brilliant Summer Reading: Catholic Books at St Pauls Bookshop

Thinking about your summer spiritual reading? Want to deepen your knowledge of Church teaching and the lives of the saints? Browse the wide array of books and periodicals in St Pauls Bookshop including Bibles, the Catechism, books on the saints, prayer, Our Lady, and more! Holy cards, saints medals, bookmarks and a variety of gifts are also on sale. Hours: 10am-5pm, 7 days a week, 0131 510 4260, edinburgh@stpauls.org.uk.

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.

Parish Barbecue Volunteers Needed!

Don’t forget to save the date! Sunday, 1st September is the date for the Ravelston Barbecue this year. To make this event happen though we need volunteers. Please sign up after Mass today to assist in the organisation of the event and the running of the day itself. If you have any questions, please speak to Fr Robert.

St Andrew’s Groups

In the past couple of years, as part of the series of St Andrew’s Talks, we have heard of various ways in which the community at St Andrew’s can get involved with the work of the Catholic Church. If you are interested in forming a Justice and Peace Group, for example, after the talk on Monday evening, please e-mail or speak to Fr Robert (frrobert@stmaryscathedral.co.uk).

Save the Date: Scripture Reflection Evening for Women

All women in the parish are 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, 13 June, beginning at 5:30pm with Vespers, followed by 6pm Mass at the church. Then after dinner there will be a time of reflection and discussion together on the Gospel of Mark reading for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time: “What can we say the kingdom of God is like? … It is like a mustard seed which at the time of its sowing in the soil is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet once it is sown it grows into the biggest shrub of them all and puts out big branches so that the birds of the air can shelter in its shade.” (Mark 4:30-32) Please RSVP by Monday, 10 June at edinburgh@almamercy.org or call 01313433380.

Corpus Christi Mass and Procession Today at St. Patrick’s

St Patrick’s, Cowgate, Edinburgh, EH1 1TQ, on Sunday 2 June, beginning with Mass celebrated by Archbishop Cushley at 11:00am, followed by a procession. All are welcome to this special event. First Holy Communicants are encouraged to wear their First Holy Communion outfits. Route details are posted at https://archedinburgh.org/corpus-christi-procession-in-edinburgh/

Next Saturday: Learn About the Bible and 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 next 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. Come along and treasure the gift! Register at https://bit.ly/treasuringthegift

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 www.retrouvaille.org.uk

St Margaret’s Pilgrimage – Sunday, 23rd June

Gather in faith and thanksgiving to celebrate one of Scotland's patron saints 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.

“God’s Mercy and Yours” Conference Hosted by Edinburgh Dominicans

The Edinburgh Friars are holding a conference, “God’s Mercy and Yours”, on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th June at Assembly Hall, Mound Place Edinburgh EH1 2LU. The conference seeks to explore the theme of mercy. Full details of talks and speakers are at https://scotland.op.org/gods-mercy-and-yours. This is a public event and there is no charge. However, because of catering, we ask that, if you wish to eat or drink either on Friday or Saturday, you book online. To view the full programme and book for the conference visit https://bit.ly/godsmercyandyours If you can please help with costs by making a donation at the booking link.

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.

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

Rachel's Vineyard Retreat in June

A retreat for spiritual and emotional healing after abortion will be held 26-28 June 2024 (mid-week) in the Glasgow Area. These confidential, supportive retreats are for anyone who has been affected by their own or someone else’s abortion experience. Participants who have often experienced deep anger towards themselves or others, experience forgiveness; peace is found and a sense of hope and meaning for the future is discovered. For more information please call or email Sr. Andrea at 07816 942 824 or sisterandrea@rachelsvineyard.org.uk More details at https://www.rachelsvineyard.org.uk

Summer Family Retreats at Craig Lodge House of Prayer, Dalmally

Families have always held a special place in the life of Craig Lodge and we love welcoming them into our House of Prayer. From 8-12 July we are running 3 weeks for young families. We will pray together, adore Jesus together and have fellowship. Book your place at https://www.craiglodge.org/events Adults and over 16s: £270; aged 11-16: £100; under 11: donation.All meals included. Contact mail@craiglodge.org 01838 200216, Craig Lodge, Dalmally, Argyll, Scotland, UK, PA33 1AR.

Bishop Barron Video Series on The Mass

Learn how the Mass “brings us out of the fallen world and into the heavenly realm,” and how we are truly united with God Himself in Christ through the Holy Eucharist, in a beautiful 6-part video series on the Mass by Bishop Robert Barron. Each video is about 25 minutes. Watch at https://videos.wordonfire.org/themassepisode1

Read the newsletter for 2nd June here (pdf)