22nd Sunday of the Year - Year C

Relics of St Thérèse – Next Weekend

The Relics of St Thérèse of Lisieux are coming to the Cathedral next weekend. The Archbishop will lead a Holy Hour of prayer, hymns and reflections at 7.30pm on Saturday 7th and will celebrate the Noon Mass on Sunday 8th. Huge crowds gathered in Motherwell diocese over the past few days to welcome the relics to Scotland, it would be great if she got the same reception in Edinburgh!

Diaconate Ordination - Next Saturday

Also on Saturday, the Archbishop will ordain Eddie White and David Edwardson as deacons for the Archdiocese here in the Cathedral on Saturday the 7th September at 12noon. This is an important moment in the lives of these men and their families, and a great sign of hope for the Church. All are welcome to participate in this joyous occasion!

Mary’s Meals Textile Collection – 29th September

Volunteers from Mary’s Meals will be visiting the Cathedral on the weekend of the 28th & 29th September to collect any of your unwanted textiles. Mary’s Meals works to provide a daily meal in school for some of the world’s poorest children, reaching more than 1.5 million children every school day in 18 countries. You can assist them by donating any unwanted clothing (including belts/bags/shoes) or household textiles (including curtains/bedding/soft toys) – but no duvets or pillows! A few bin bags filled with textiles could generate enough funds to feed a child for an entire school year. Please note: The van will collect textiles after the Sunday morning Masses only!

They will also be selling raffle tickets for their Annual Draw after all the Masses that weekend. Tickets cost £1 each. Thanks in advance for your generous support of this excellent charity!

Social Events

Tickets for lunch with Barbara Dickson on 30th September are selling fast. Tickets for the Cathedral’s first wine-tasting night on 4th October will be on sale next weekend. Find out more on the events page.

God bless you all,

Fr Patrick, Fr Jamie, Sr. Mary Simone and Deacon Peter

Download the newsletter for 1st September 2019 (doc)

Download the newsletter for 1st September 2019 (pdf)

21st Sunday of the Year - Year C

Sacramental Preparation for Children

We’re getting ready to begin our preparations for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation (P3) and First Holy Communion (P4). If you’d like your children to receive these Sacraments, please pick up a registration form after Mass. There will be an initial Parents Meeting on Thursday 12th September for P3 parents, and Thursday 26th September for P4 parents. These are short but essential meetings. Both start at 6.30pm in the Cathedral Café. Please put the dates in your diaries and let other parents of the class know if they are not here.

Are you interested in becoming Catholic? Or do you know someone who is?

The Cathedral’s RCIA group meets on a Tuesday evening from September to May. It is for adults who are interested in understanding more about the Catholic faith, with a view to becoming members of the Church. Those who attend have an opportunity to explore the Catholic faith with others and to meet and talk to Catholics about their beliefs. The group helps give an understanding of the fundamental beliefs of Christianity and the teaching of the Church. It’s a very supportive place for people to come together on a faith journey. Starting on 24th September, the group meets every Tuesday evening from 7.00-8.30pm.  Call the Cathedral Office for more details or to register interest.

Save the Date!

Our ever-innovative Social Committee have organized a Cathedral Wine Tasting!! The evening, on Friday 4th October, will be hosted by Lewis Renton of L’Art du Vin. The theme will be “A Tour of France: All you have ever wanted to know about French wine but were afraid to ask!” Tickets will be £20, limited to 40 people and go on sale the weekend of the 13th September.

God bless you all,

Fr Patrick, Fr Jamie, Sr. Mary Simone and Deacon Peter

Download the newsletter for 25th August 2019 (doc)

Download the newsletter for 25th August 2019 (pdf)

20th Sunday of the Year - Year C

Festival Mass Today

Today at the 12 noon Mass we welcome Cardinal Nichols, the Lord Provost and members of the City Council and Diplomatic Corps, as well as James MacMillan – the renowned composer. We are also delighted that The Sixteen will be singing at this Mass. I know you will make them very welcome.

Disabled Parking

We are currently in discussion with the Council about the provision of Disabled Parking for Mass goers. If you have a disabled badge and you use your car to come to Mass, it is imperative that you fill out one of the forms at the back of the Church and return it to the Cathedral Office as soon as possible.

Catholic Voting Rights on the Education Committee

This Thursday the City of Edinburgh Council will vote on the Green Party motion to remove the right to vote from the Church Representative on the Education Committee. The Church will be making a special deputation before the Council asking them to vote against this motion. There will also be a small peaceful demonstration outside the Council Chamber. If you would like to join this demonstration, please contact Prof. Tom Gallagher at T.G.Gallagher@bradford.ac.uk

God bless you all,

Fr Patrick, Fr Jamie, Sr. Mary Simone and Deacon Peter

Download the newsletter for 18th August 2019 (doc)

Download the newsletter for 18th August 2019 (pdf)

16th Sunday of the Year - Year C

Sunday Parking Charges

Edinburgh City Council is currently discussing the proposal to introduce Sunday parking charges in the city. This move could potentially have a devastating effect on the life and viability of the city centre churches. Specifically, it could have a terrible effect on our Cathedral. If you didn’t fill in a form last week, would you please take a couple of minutes to fill one in today and hand it back before you leave Church. You can also on our website: www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/sunday-parking

Disabled Parking

On a related issue – the Council is also planning to drastically reduce the amount of Disabled Parking around the Cathedral (to two spaces!). One of their proposals has been that parking might be provided for the disabled in the new car park under the new shopping centre (on a permit basis). If you have a disabled badge and would like to be considered in the future for a Parking Permit (for attending Mass) could you please put your name on the lists at the back of the Church.

Players wanted for Cathedral football team.

For the last five years our team have been competing in the Edinburgh Churches league. The team train on Wednesday nights at 7pm and our games kick off at 10am on Saturdays. If you are over 18 and would like to play 11-a-side, please see the newsletter for who to contact.

List of Volunteers

We have decided to try to build up a database of people who are willing to help out at events at the Cathedral on an occasional basis. If you do not have the time to sit on committees etc. but would be willing to help out from time to time at Cathedral social events or big occasions, could you please put your name and contact details on the forms at the back of the Church. The idea is that, when we have a big event on at the Cathedral and have to have people to help with handing out drinks or setting up the Hall. we would send round an email asking the people on our Volunteers list if they are free and can volunteer for that event. Do please give it a thought – it would really help!

Cathedral Fabric

The floor didn’t get finished last week after all. The contractor has had some problems, but we live in hope that this will be finished soon. More work is being done on the roof of Cathedral House, hence the scaffolding. And we are currently putting a lot of energy into the renewal of our Fire Plan.

God bless you all,

Fr Patrick, Fr Jamie, Sr. Mary Simone and Deacon Peter

Download the newsletter for 21st July 2019 (doc)

Download the newsletter for 21st July 2019 (pdf)

15th Sunday of the Year - Year C

Sunday Parking Charges

Edinburgh City Council is currently discussing the proposal to introduce Sunday parking charges in the city. This move could potentially have a devastating effect on the life and viability of the city centre churches. Specifically, it could have a terrible effect on our Cathedral. If you didn’t fill in a form last week , would you please take a couple of minutes to fill one in today and hand it back before you leave Church. It’s also on our website: www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/sunday-parking

Disabled Parking

On a related issue – the Council is also planning to drastically reduce the amount of Disabled Parking around the Cathedral (to two spaces!!). One of their proposals has been that parking might be provided for the Disabled in the new car park under the new St. James’ Centre (on a permit basis). If you have a disabled badge and would like to be considered in the future for a Parking Permit (for attending Mass) could you please put your name on the lists at the back of the Church.

List of Volunteers

We have decided to try to build up a database of people who are willing to help out at events at the Cathedral on an occasional basis. If you do not have the time to sit on committees etc. but would be willing to help out from time to time at Cathedral social events or big occasions – could you please put your name and contact details on the forms at the back of the Church. The idea is that, when we have a big event on at the Cathedral and have to have people to help with handing out drinks or setting up the Hall. we would send round an email asking the people on our Volunteers list if they are free and can volunteer for that event. Do please give it a thought – it would really help!

God bless you all,

Fr Patrick, Fr Jamie, Sr. Mary Simone and Deacon Peter

Download the newsletter for 14th July 2019 (doc)

Download the newsletter for14th July 2019 (pdf)

14th Sunday of the Year – Year C

Sunday Parking Charges

As you know, Edinburgh City Council are currently discussing the proposal to introduce Sunday parking charges in the city. This move could potentially have a devastating effect on the life and viability of the city centre churches. Specifically, it could have a terrible effect on our Cathedral.

The Cathedral Parish Council has been in touch with all four of our local Councillors to express our concerns about this proposal and we have managed to secure meetings with Cllr. Doran (Labour), Cllr. Mowat (Conservative) and Cllr. Rankin (SNP). Unfortunately, Cllr. Miller (Green) would not agree to meet with us (!)

In preparation for these meetings we would like to gather some information from you about the potential impact of the introduction of Sunday Parking Charges. Would you, therefore, please take a couple of minutes to fill in the forms that you have been given as you came in today and hand them back before you leave Church. Alternatively you can find the form on the website: https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/sunday-parking

Cathedral E-Newsletter

Keep up to date with special events in the parish by subscribing to the Cathedral’s e-newsletter. Stay connected to the Cathedral wherever you are simply by signing up at the bottom of any page on the website: www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk.

God bless you all,

Fr Patrick, Fr Jamie, Sr. Mary Simone and Deacon Peter

Read the newsletter for 6th July 2019 (doc)

Read the newsletter for 6th July 2019 (pdf)

Ss. Peter and Paul - Year C

Congratulations to Fr. Patrick Harrigan

Many sincere congratulations to Fr. Patrick who was ordained to the priesthood last Friday. It was a lovely celebration and we were very happy to present Patrick with a cheque from the parish as a sign of our love and appreciation for him. Patrick will have a few weeks holiday now and then will begin his priestly life as a curate in St. Mary’s parish in Stirling. We wish him well and assure him of our prayers for him as he begins this new stage in his life.

 Ss. Peter and Paul

In the year 395, St. Augustine of Hippo said of Ss. Peter and Paul: “Both apostles share the same feast day, for these two were one; and even though they suffered on different days, they were as one. Peter went first, and Paul followed. And so, we celebrate this day made holy for us by the apostles' blood. Let us embrace what they believed, their life, their labors, their sufferings, their preaching, and their confession of faith.”

Peter’s Pence Collection

Peter’s Pence is an annual collection taken up on the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul for those most in need. The offering is a gesture of fraternity with which each member of the faithful can participate in the Pope's action in support of the most needy who turn to the Apostolic See for help. The collection will be taken up today because this year the feast was supplanted by Sunday.

God bless you all,

Fr Patrick, Fr Jamie, Sr. Mary Simone and Deacon Peter

Read the newsletter for 30th June (.doc)

Read the newsletter for 30th June (.pdf)

Corpus Christi - Year C

Corpus Christi – Holy Hour at 4pm Today

In order to celebrate the great feast of Corpus Christi – we will have a special Holy Hour this afternoon at 4pm ending with Benediction at 5pm. Why not come and spend some quiet time in prayer with the Lord?

Deacon Patrick Harrigan’s Ordination to the Priesthood – This Friday

Just a reminder that our own Patrick Harrigan will be ordained to the priesthood this Friday 28th June (the Feast of the Sacred Heart), in the Cathedral at 7pm. All parishioners are invited to the ordination which will be followed by a reception in the Parish Hall. Please put it in your diary. There will be a second collection at the end of Masses today for a presentation for Patrick.

Safeguarding Training – 25th and 26th June

It is important that everyone in a PVG-role complete the Part 1 Safeguarding Training before assuming their new position. To catch up on the backlog of people requiring training there will be training offered on Tuesday 25th June and Wednesday 26th June. Sessions will be held in the Parish Room in St Andrew’s, Ravelston (77 Belford Road, EH4 3DS) at 7pm. To sign up, please contact Chris McCabe on cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk or 0131 556 1798. There will be a maximum of 30 places on each day.

God bless you all,

Fr Patrick, Fr Jamie, Sr. Mary Simone and Deacon Peter

Read the newsletter for 23rd June (.doc)

Read the newsletter for 23rd June (.pdf)

Holy Trinity - Year C

 “The Courage to Proclaim the Gospel in Difficult Times” – Prof. Janet Smith

Dr Janet Smith, who is Professor of Moral Theology in Detroit, will be speaking at the Gillis Center this Thursday. Book your place by visiting drjanetsmithtalk.eventbrite.co.uk or phoning 0131 623 8900.

Dementia Awareness Session - Wednesday, 19 June at 7pm in the Café

There will be a Dementia Awareness session at the Cathedral on 19th June. It is open to anyone who would like to learn more about the issues experienced by people living with dementia – but places are limited. For more information contact Elizabeth on 553 1510 or Elizabeth@rhandrews.plus.com

Safeguarding Training – 18th, 20th, 25th and 26th June

It is important that everyone in a PVG-role complete the Part 1 Safeguarding Training before assuming their new position. To catch up on the backlog of people requiring training there will be training offered on Tuesday 18th June, Thursday 20th June, Tuesday 25th June and Wednesday 26th June. Sessions will be held in the Parish Room in St Andrew’s, Ravelston (77 Belford Road, EH4 3DS) at 7pm. To sign up, please contact Chris McCabe on cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk or 0131 556 1798. There will be a maximum of 30 places on each day.

God bless you all,

Fr Patrick, Fr Jamie, Sr. Mary Simone and Deacon Peter

Read the newsletter for 16th June (.doc)

Read the newsletter for 16th June (.pdf)

Seventh Sunday of Easter - Year C

40 Hours

Please remember that the “40 Hours” at the Cathedral will take place this year on 10th-12th June. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed all day for adoration and each day will finish with a Holy Hour and Benediction at 7pm. We need to have at least two people to watch with the Blessed Sacrament at all times – so please think about when you might be able to spend some time with the Lord and sign up on the sheets at the back.

Parish Baby/Toddler Group Starting Soon!

One of our young parishioners is planning to start a parent/baby group at the Cathedral. The idea is to provide a space for Catholic parents with babies and/or toddlers to meet up and get to know each other! The group will be held in the Cathedral Cafe from 11-12 on the 1st and 3rd Friday of every month. To get up and running the group are looking for donations of: any toys (in good condition) suitable for the age group 0-3, baby mats, plastic pens, pop up playhouses, baby gyms, musical toys, foldable baby walkers, plastic bowls, spoons, cups, folding booster seats. If you could donate any of these or if you want to know more search on Facebook for St Mary's RC Cathedral Parent/Baby group.

Flower Arranger Volunteers Needed

Would you like to help arrange the beautiful flowers in the Cathedral? We are currently looking for more volunteers who would be able to give some of their time on Friday afternoons. Please talk to Valerie Ball or contact the Parish Office for more information.

God bless you all,

Fr Patrick, Fr Jamie, Sr. Mary Simone and Deacon Peter

Read the newsletter for 26th May (doc)

Read the newsletter for 26th May (pdf)