Congratulations to Fr. Peter and Fr. Paul!
As you all know, this weekend the Archbishop ordained our two parishioners, Peter Shankland and Paul Henderson, to the priesthood – and at the 12noon Sunday mass Fr. Paul Henderson will celebrate his first Mass – which will be followed by First Blessings. Then next Sunday Fr. Peter Shankland will celebrate his first Mass here at the Cathedral and give his first blessings. We rejoice with them on this wonderful occasion, and we pray that they will both be good and faithful priests of our Lord Jesus Christ.
New Edition of Crux Magazine
An “eminent” (!) visitor to the parish recently commented to me in passing that he thought our Cathedral Magazine was “really excellent” – as in, of a way higher quality than these things usually are - and I must say that I agree! This latest edition of Crux Magazine includes a fascinating interview with Fr. Vasyl Kren about his work as the Prison Chaplain at HMP Edinburgh and an absorbing article by Fr. Kevin Dow about his spiritual journey to becoming an army chaplain. Copies will be on sale (for £5 – cheap! – Ed) will be available to purchase after all masses next weekend.
Five-Day Summer Session for Young Adults: ‘Reasons for Believing’
Time is running out to signup for the Faith Summer Session and spaces are limited! All Catholics ages 16-30·are invited to, ‘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.
Friendship Group: Coffee Afternoon
The Friendship Group Coffee Afternoon is on Tuesday 2 July 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!
Save the Dates:
Festival Mass
Please note that His Grace, Archbishop Cushley, will celebrate the annual Festival Mass on Sunday, 11 August at Noon at the Cathedral.
Altar Server Day
There will be a day for altar servers at the Gillis Centre on the 31 August. If you would like to attend the event or you are interested in becoming an altar server, please speak with Fr. Robert or email him at FrRobert.Taylor@staned.org.uk Anyone interested in becoming an altar server must have made their First Communion.
Young Adults Ceilidh
It is never too early to put this event in your diary. On 16 November, the Young Adults Group will be hosting a Ceilidh for young adults from across Scotland. Doors open at 7pm at Central Hall at the top of Lothian Road. Tickets will be available through Eventbrite in the near future.
Marathon T-Shirts
Thank you to all those who purchased a replica Marathon runners T-shirt to support the fundraising efforts of the Young Adults. The T-Shirts are now available to collect, please speak to Fr Robert after Mass this weekend. Alternatively, you can come to Cathedral House during the week to collect between 9am-3pm. Thanks again for the support in raising nearly £9,000 for the roof fund.
Swing with the Spirit: Sacred Jazz with the Schola Cantorum on Monday 12 August at 7:30pm
As part of this year's Edinburgh Festival of the Sacred Arts, the Schola Cantorum choir will perform an innovative concert of sacred jazz music in the Cathedral. The performance will feature Scottish jazz legend Richard Michael, and young jazz pianist Ben Shankland, winner of the BBC Scotland Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2023. Music will include Bob Chilcot’s 'A Little Jazz Mass' and Richard Michael’s swinging 'Jubilate Deo' and 'Te Deum'. Save the date for what is sure to be an unforgettable evening! Tickets are available now from Eventbrite or at the door: https://bit.ly/SacredJazz2024
Altar Servers
We are always looking to welcome new servers to the serving team in the Cathedral and at St Andrew’s, Ravelston. If you are interested then please pick up a flyer available in both churches or speak to Fr Robert directly. Serving is open to all Catholics who have received their First Holy Communion. You can also e-mail to register your interest, frrobert@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Edinburgh: City of Faith. A walking tour
This year marks the start of celebrations to mark the 900th birthday of Edinburgh. King St David – son of St Margaret – issued the charter to create the royal burgh in 1124. The foundation of the city was closely linked to David’s establishment of monasteries, one of which was in this city at Holyrood. This walking tour will journey around some of the key sites in the centre of Scotland’s capital, that have been centres of the worship of God. The tour will leave from St Mary’s Cathedral at 9.30am and include Mass with the Archbishop at St Patrick’s, Cowgate at 12.30pm before concluding at St Cuthbert’s on Lothian Road.
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. This opportunity to pray before Our Lord continues throughout the summer, so don’t miss the chance to spend time with Jesus.
Volunteers Needed for Ravelston Parish Barbecue!
Please consider volunteering for the annual St Andrews parish barbecue on Sunday September 1st at 1:30pm. We will have games for kids, a book stall, plant stall, bric a brac stall and bottle tombola. Helpers for various jobs are needed including organisation, setup and clean up. Add your name and contact details to the list at the back of church or email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Come and Pray with the Sisters at Saturday and Sunday Holy Hours
All are welcome to come to join the Religious Sisters of Mercy at St. Andrew’s Convent for their Holy Hours at 5:10pm on Saturdays and at 3:55pm on Sundays. Please do contact the Sisters beforehand at edinburgh@almamercy.org or call 01313433380 to allow for sufficient seating. Holy Hour includes, silent Adoration, recitation of the rosary, and chanted Vespers. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn how to pray the Divine Office, which is the prayer of the Church! The Sisters are happy to answer any questions you may have about praying the Divine Office. Do come along and bring your family and friends.
St Andrew’s Groups
Here is something to think about over the summer holidays. 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 more involved with the work of the Catholic Church. One example could be, following the recent talk from Justice and Peace Scotland that you would be interested in forming a Justice and Peace Group. Maybe you’d like to form a group that supports other parts of the social teaching of the Church – if so, please e-mail or speak to Fr Robert frrobert@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
General Election
The Bishops of Scotland have published a letter ahead of the General Election on 4 July. It highlights issues to help Catholics reflect on how they will vote. Please pick up a copy from the back of the Church. There is also a copy of questions for candidates. Visit the website of the Catholic Parliamentary Office for more information and resources: https://rcpolitics.org/general-election-2024
African & Caribbean Community
The next Mass with the African & Caribbean community in the Archdiocese is at St Cuthbert’s Church, 104 Slateford Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1PT at 2pm on Sunday 7 July.
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).
Columba Trust
The Columba Trust provides funding to organisations and individuals to support projects which promote the Roman Catholic faith, its ministry and values. The deadline for applications this year is 31 July 2024. Further details about the Trust and how to apply for a grant can be found at: https://columbatrust.org.uk/
SCIAF School Volunteers
SCIAF is looking for volunteers to support its work in schools across the Archdiocese. You’ll receive training, travel expenses and a fulfilling role that uses your gifts to serve God and others. To find out more email schools@sciaf.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. 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
Be a Mentor with LINKnet
We all have expertise in one field or another and may be able to help someone. Be a Mentor! LINKnet in Edinburgh can connect you with someone in need of mentoring to find a job or educational opportunities, grow in personal development or gain English language skills. As a mentor, you will meet or talk online with your mentee once a week for 1 to 2 hours for about three to four months. To help, please e-mail Afaf at Linknet2@linknetmentoring.com by email with your phone number. For details visit https://www.linknetmentoring.com/
Personal Word of Thanks…
Can I just say a heartfelt and deep word of thanks to all of you who handed in gifts and cards for my 60th Birthday. I was overwhelmed by your generosity and kindness. Also a huge thank you to Michael and the Choir for the wonderful concert that they put together on Wednesday. I am more grateful than I can adequately express. Thank you so much….Fr. Patrick
Second Collection This Weekend
There is a second collection today at all Masses for Peter’s Pence