First Holy Communion This Weekend
Congratulations to all of the children of our parish receiving their First Holy Communion this weekend both at Ravelston on Saturday, 8 June, and on Sunday, 9 June at the 9:00am Mass at the Cathedral. A big thank you to their teachers and parents for preparing them to receive our Lord Jesus in the Holy Eucharist for the first time. Please keep the children in your prayers!
Young Adults Talks by Young Adults: ‘Figures of My Faith’
In the Young Adults Group talk series, ‘Figures of My Faith,’ young adults themselves share stories of their faith journeys speaking about figures who have helped their own growth in our faith. Join us, for the final talk of the year, on Tuesday, 11 June as Daniel Kerr speaks about St Columba. 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!
Tickets on Sale: 'An Evening of Summer Music' with the Schola Cantorum: Wednesday 26 June at 7pm
Tickets will be sold after all Masses this weekend for the Evening of Summer Music concert with the Schola Cantorum choir. 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 on sale today, from Eventbrite or on the door. Book at https://bit.ly/CathedralSummerMusic2024
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. 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 from 7pm, led by the two men being ordained. Thanks to all who have signed up so far! We require a minimum of two people to take an hour to watch the Blessed Sacrament on both of these days. Please sign up today on the sheets at the passkeepers’ table or email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk with the hour you would like to take for Adoration.
Legion of Mary – Students & Professionals Group
The Legion of Mary is a lay association of Catholics which seeks to help its members grow in holiness through devotion to Our Lady and by carrying out works of mercy. All are welcome to join. Our presidium name is Our Lady Cause of our Joy. We meet every Monday at 7:00 pm at 63 York Place, Edinburgh EH1 3JD. We are a group of mixed male and female members, students and professionals and from different countries, cultures. For more information contact phone number: Monika – 07751213612, Emmy – 07879074240.
Friendship Group: Coffee Afternoon & Theatre Visit Planned
The Friendship Group Coffee Afternoon is on Tuesday 11 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 this Friday, 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. Anyone in the Parish can request a ticket, you don’t have to take part in the Friendship Group sessions.
Festival Mass on Sunday 11th August
His Grace, Archbishop Cushley, will celebrate the annual Festival Mass at Noon at the Cathedral on Sunday 11 August. Join us for this beautiful celebration in the presence of the Lord Provost of Edinburgh during the 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 on 15th August in the season of Edinburgh’s International Festival.
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
Catechisms, Bibles and Children’s Books at St Pauls Bookshop
Try reading a few pages a day of the Catechism of the Catholic Church this summer! You can do it — and you’ll know more about our Catholic faith, too! Or, find your very own Bible, so you can take a few minutes every day to read the Scriptures and draw closer to the Lord and His infinite wisdom and love. Find both in the St Pauls Bookshop here at the Cathedral. The shop has plenty of gift ideas for loved ones and a range of Cathedral items for sale. You will find beautiful rosaries and many children’s books on Jesus and the saints, as well as statues and paintings of Jesus and Mary. Visit the second-hand bookshelf, too, and discover a treasure to enjoy for your spiritual reading this summer. Donations of used Catholic books in good condition are welcome! Open daily 10am-5pm. 0131 510 4260, edinburgh@stpauls.org.uk
Wednesday Adoration and Confession
Every Wednesday at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston, we have Eucharistic Adoration and Confessions 5:00pm-5:45pm, 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!
Thanks to all who have signed up so far to volunteer for our Parish Barbecue on Sunday, 1st September! More volunteers are needed to make this event happen. Please sign up on the sheet 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.
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.” (Mark 4:30-32) Please RSVP by Monday, 10 June at edinburgh@almamercy.org or call 01313433380.
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.
Workshop: Key Concerns About the Assisted Dying Bill
The Assisted Dying Bill could come into law in Scotland in soon. The Archdiocese is hosting a workshop in the Gillis Centre in Edinburgh on Tuesday 18 June at 7:30pm to show how to engage with, and inform others, about concerns arising from this proposed law. The workshop will be supported by the Campaign Against Assisted Dying group (CAAD), who have experience in such development work. CAAD will also provide materials to support engagement and information sharing. They’ll also provide ongoing advice and support. Free event. Register at https://bit.ly/calledtocarenotkill
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 bit.ly/godsmercyandyours If you can please help with costs by making a donation at the booking link.
Catholic Schools’ Community Mass
The annual Edinburgh Catholic Schools’ Community Mass takes place at St. Catharine’s Convent, Lauriston Gardens, Edinburgh, EH3 9HH, on Thursday 20 June at 7.00pm. All welcome.
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/
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
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, visit https://www.faith.org.uk/events See Fr. Robert for more details.
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 1838 200216, Craig Lodge, Dalmally, Argyll, Scotland, UK, PA33 1AR.