Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year B

Young Adults Group Talks Series Returns on Tuesday: ‘The Language of the Church’

The Young Adults Group will meet again from Tuesday, 17th September with a new series of talks on ‘The Language of the Church.’ Join us for our first talk by Fr. James Cadman on ‘Give us this day our daily bread.’ All those between the ages of 18-35 are welcome to the weekly meetings. As usual, we meet at 63 York Place at 7:00pm for teas/coffees and for the talk at 7.30pm, followed by a short group discussion. Each session concludes with Night Prayer and the chance to meet up at a local pub. Come along!

Barbara Dickson Concert, Thursday, 3 October

Join us for an evening with Barbara Dickson, Thursday 3 October, 7:30pm at the Cathedral, with Nick Holland, plus support from Anthony Toner. Proceeds to the Cathedral Raise the Roof Campaign. Doors open 7:00pm. Tickets £30, pre-concert canapes option available. Visit bit.ly/raisetheroofshow

Red Mass Next Sunday at Noon

His Grace, the Archbishop, will celebrate the annual Red Mass at Noon next Sunday 22 September here at the Cathedral. The Mass will see members of Scotland’s legal fraternity come together for the Mass, marking the start of the new legal year.

Registration for Children’s Sacramental Preparation

Registration is now open for catechism classes for children to receive the Sacraments of First Reconciliation (P3), First Holy Communion (P4) and Confirmation (P7). Catechetical preparation will be provided both at St Mary’s Primary School and on Sundays at 9:30am at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston. To register your child, please visit the following links: First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion Confirmation:

If you have questions or need any other information contact Fr. Robert: frrobert@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Parish Youth Group

It was great to see so many young people at the return of our parish youth group last week! The group meets on the first Sunday of every month 2.30-4pm. Our next meeting is Sunday 6th October at the Parish Rooms in St Andrew’s, Ravelston. All are welcome from Primary 3 upwards. Come along for plenty of fun activities, to learn something of the faith and to make new friends. Register at https://bit.ly/ParishYouthGroup-Registration or email frrobert@stmaryscathedral.co.uk and cost just £1. Tuck shop to finish, so don’t forget the spending money!

Friendship Group: Coffee Afternoon

The Friendship Group Coffee Afternoon is on Tuesday 17 September 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!

Readers Needed for the 10am Weekday Mass

We are still in need of volunteers to read at the 10am weekday Mass. Ideally if we could get a handful of volunteers, we would be able to create a rota. If you are a current reader and are able to help out, or if you would like to become a reader, contact: Darlene archivist@stmaryscathedral.co.uk.

Want to Become Catholic? RCIA Begins on Tuesday

If you or someone you know would like to become Catholic, you can sign up to learn about the teachings of the Catholic Church in preparation for receiving the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at Easter 2025. Invite a friend to join you! The Cathedral’s Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) group meets weekly beginning this Tuesday, 17th September at 7:00pm in 61 York Place. For more information and to register, call the parish office at 0131 556 1798 or email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Catenians Meeting on 18th September

The Catenian Association invites all Catholic men, married or single, to a meeting on Wednesday, 18th September, 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

Each Wednesday 5.00pm Adoration & Confession

Stop in at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston on Wednesdays and spend some time with Jesus Our Lord in Eucharistic Adoration. Beginning from 5pm, we have Eucharistic Adoration, and a priest is available to hear Confessions, too. This is an opportunity to allow yourself some quiet, peaceful time to pray. Our Lord is waiting for you, so come and meet Him!

St Andrew’s Needs You!

We are actively looking for new volunteers in St Andrew’s. There are many jobs that help our community continue to function, so there is a job for you! Please do look at the lists which are posted in the church and in the parish rooms and when Fr Robert asks you to help with a certain role please respond generously! St Andrew’s is a small but lively community. It covers all age ranges, but the vast majority of the volunteers have been doing their work for a long time and whilst we are keen and they are able to keep on going, we must support each other to ensure the future of St Andrew’s by doing our fair share. Please sign up for your new role throughout September. Training sessions will be organised from October onwards. If you’d like to enquire further, e-mail frrobert@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

St Andrew’s Talks

The next talk in our St Andrew’s Talk series will be given by Fr Basil Clark on St. Padre Pio: ‘Wounds of love’ on Monday 23rd September at 7:00pm in the Parish Rooms, followed by some refreshments and a chance to discuss the subject. Please note the slightly later start time. Join us for 6:00pm Mass in the Church followed by the talk.

Season of Creation

A Season of Creation online event will take place on Thursday 19 September with Fr Joshtrom Kureethadam at 7:00pm. Register at https://bit.ly/hopeactcreation. Event hosted by The Bishops' Conference of Scotland’s Care of Creation Office.

Scottish National Youth Pilgrimage, Saturday 21 September

Young adults from ages 18-35 are welcome to attend the Scottish National Youth Pilgrimage on Saturday, 21 September in Glasgow. Archbishop Cushley will join Archbishop Bill Nolan for Holy Mass to conclude the pilgrimage at Glasgow’s St Andrew's Cathedral. For those in our Archdiocese, meet outside the City Chambers in George Square at 12:15pm. If you are travelling from Edinburgh, a group from the Archdiocese will be getting the 11:15am train from Waverley Station to Queen Street. The pilgrimage includes a walking tour through the streets of Glasgow City Centre, recalling the saints that walked them before us! This is a free event. Just bring a packed lunch. Please register with Fr Robert Taylor at frrobert.taylor@staned.org.uk

Venerable Margaret Sinclair Pilgrimage

The annual Venerable Margaret Sinclair Pilgrimage takes place at St Patrick’s Church in The Cowgate, Edinburgh, EH1 1TQ on Sunday 22 September. Schedule: 1:30pm – Holy Hour; 2:45pm – individual blessings at Shrine; 3:30pm – Reflection, Novena Prayers, presentation from Sinclair Academy; 4:30pm Holy Mass with Archbishop Cushley. More at https://stpatricksedinburgh.com/margaret-sinclair/

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a children's catechetical programme aimed at fostering your child's vital relationship with God and life in the Church, is commencing again as of Tuesday, 24th September at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB. Sessions are Fridays 1:30-3:00pm for 3-6 year-olds & Tuesdays 4:00-5:30pm for 6-9 year-olds. Contact brodie.douglas-young@staned.org.uk for registration details. Give your child the space to pray, seek God, and wonder.

Assisted Suicide

Please contact your MSPs today to stop assisted suicide becoming legal in Scotland. Visit the Write to Them website at https://writetothem.com

Beginning Experience: A Time to Heal

The Beginning Experience are holding a weekend Friday 4th October to Sunday 6th October at Conforti Centre, Coatbridge for those suffering through divorce, separation or widowhood. The weekend will be presented by team who have suffered the loss of a loved one themselves. Contact Louise on 07926517004 or louisep398@gmail.com to register. Applications must be returned by Friday, 20th September 2024.

The New Lectionary Event: ‘Celebrating the Gift’

The Lectionary used at Mass and for the Sacraments is changing this Advent. Join us for an event on Saturday, 5 October, 10:00am-3:00pm at the Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road Edinburgh EH9 1BB. This free event will explain why the Lectionary is being changed and what you need to know. Free on-site parking and light lunch. Register with QR code or at https://bit.ly/Lectionary05Oct

Save the Date: 250th Anniversary of St. Patrick's Church, Cowgate

In celebration of the 250th Anniversary of St. Patrick's, Cowgate, the parish will celebrate Vespers at 6:00pm on Wednesday, 9 October. All are welcome!

National Young Adults Ceilidh Ball

The national Young Adults’ Ceilidh Ball that takes place at Central Hall, 2 West Tollcross, Edinburgh, EH3 9BP on Saturday 16 November at 7:00pm. Includes live band and buffet. Details and Tickets (£40) at https://bit.ly/edinburghceilidh Queries: Fr Robert Taylor frrobert.taylor@staned.org.uk

Save the Date – Archdiocesan Youth Day

The Archdiocese is hosting a youth day for P3-P7 children at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB, on Saturday 16 November to coincide with the Feast of St Margaret. Details to come.

‘Bridge to Freedom’ Recovery Programme in City Centre

Based on the 12 Steps, ‘Bridge to Freedom’ looks at what the Bible has to say about key aspects of our recovery journey, exploring topics such as forgiveness, identity, honesty and trust, and how to deal with emotions like fear, anger and shame. ‘Bridge to Freedom’ comprises a weekly 2-hour group session, with 1-2-1 follow-up support. Anyone who has a willingness to get well and break free from substances is welcome.

An Edinburgh City Centre group launches this month on Tuesday afternoons. To join, please contact Joe McCormack for an initial chat: 07458016976, joemccormack@bethanychristiantrust.com

Read the newsletter for 15th September (pdf)