Sixth Sunday In Ordinary Time – Year B

Prayer Books and Wee Boxes for Lent…Coming to you soon....

Dear Friends,

This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday and marks the beginning of Lent—a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving in preparation for the celebration of our Lord’s Passion, Death and Resurrection. While we are not yet able to come together for Mass, I want to let you know of an outreach we are making to all of our registered parishioners. In the coming days, you will be receiving a phone call from us to check in with you and also to check that your address has not changed. Then, each of you will be receiving a packet of Lenten materials including a prayer book prepared by the Archdiocese and one of the SCIAF Wee Boxes. If you are not yet registered with our parish, I encourage you to take a moment to complete this online form and you will be included in our mailing. We hope to see you soon, but in the meantime, this is one way we can prepare for Lent together!

Fr Pat

You can also phone or email the parish office with your information: cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk, Tel: 0131 556 1798.

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting and abstinence for all Catholics. What this means is that all of us are obliged to abstain from meat on Wednesday and all who are able are obliged to fast (which means eating only one meal). Even though we are unable to come together for Mass – it is important that we keep this day holy.

Friday Noon Stations of the Cross During Lent

A beautiful Lenten tradition is to follow the footsteps of the Lord on the way to Calvary, meditating on his suffering and death for our salvation. This year, the readers and singers from the parish are providing an online version of this devotion, together with images from the Cathedral, which you can watch or listen to with your family in your own home. These will be posted on the website and on Facebook at 12noon every Friday, as well as on the Cathedral podcast page: https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/podcasts. This would be a great way to pray together as a parish for all those who are suffering at this time - please consider this as a Lenten exercise!

Lenten Preparation  Schedule a Time for the Sacrament of Confession

The holy season of Lent begins this week! Have you been to Confession recently? A Cathedral priest is available every day to hear confessions. Contact the Cathedral Office: 0131 556 1798, cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Archbishop Cushley Invites You to a Series of 30-Minute Sunday Talks: “Faith in the Time of Covid”

Archbishop Cushley invites you to a series of free, online 30-minute Sunday talks from distinguished speakers who will offer their thoughts and approach to the Covid pandemic.

Sunday Talks — 5:00pm-5:30pm

14th February —Professor John Haldane, Emeritus Professor of Moral Philosophy, University of St Andrews, “Finding Faith, Hope & Charity in Times of Desperation” Register bit.ly/FaithCovid-Haldane

21st February — Rt Hon Gordon Brown, United Nations Special Envoy for Global Education and former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom  Register bit.ly/FaithCovid-Brown

Daily Mass Livestreamed from Cathedral House

Livestreamed Mass from Cathedral House is available at 10am Monday-Saturday on our Facebook page and website https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/filming; Sunday Mass available on the website on Sunday from 10am.

Donations Needed for Major Fabric Expense to Repair Cathedral Chandeliers

As you heard last week, a major mechanical breakdown has happened in the motors of the winching system to lower the Cathedral chandeliers, leaving one of the heavy chandeliers stuck in place. We are still seeking quotes for the repair, particularly exploring if a mechanical solution is available. All 4 motors of the system have failed and must be replaced at an estimated cost of around £50K. Your help towards this expensive repair cost would be greatly appreciated! Donations can be made at: https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/donate If anyone knows of these systems in place, feel free to contact Andy Hilton, complexmanager@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Abortion and Poverty in Scotland: The Reality  Monday, 15th February, 7:45 pm-8:30pm

The Archdiocesan Pro-Life Office invites you to an online seminar on Abortion and Poverty in Scotland on Monday, 15th February, 7:45 pm-8:30pm. Register online here.

National Day of Prayer for Those Who Have Suffered Abuse – Friday, February 19th

The Friday after Ash Wednesday is the National Day of Prayer for Those Who Have Suffered Abuse. The Bishops Conference of Scotland has provided a resource for prayers at home for all in the Catholic Church throughout Scotland to pray for people in our families and communities who carry within themselves the deep and traumatic wounds of abuse in any way inflicted by the Church.

Marriage Preparation Courses in the Archdiocese: 26-27th March, 23-24th April, 21-22nd May

If you are getting married at a church in the Archdiocese, you must give the parish priest at least six months’ notice and attend a marriage preparation course, currently taking place on Zoom:

March - Friday/Saturday 26/27.

April - Friday/Saturday 23/24

May - Friday/Saturday 21/22.

Spaces are filling up fast, so please register now in consultation with the parish priest. Download an application on the Archdiocese website (pdf). Alternatively, email irene.furlong@staned.org.uk (0131 623 8900).

World Day of Prayer

This annual ecumenical event takes place on Friday, 5 March, 2021 and the theme is “Build on a Strong Foundation” (Matthew 7: 24-27). For more information please visit: http://www.wdpscotland.org.uk/ or contact Marjorie Paton for details.

INSPIRE - Lent Talks – Tuesday Evenings 7:00pm-8:00pm Beginning 16th February

Register now for the Archdiocese’s INSPIRE talk series for Lent. Guest speakers will guide you prayerfully through the season. All talks on Zoom, 7-8pm.

Becoming Saints Today: Unlocking the Present Moment

with Sister Anna Marie McGuan, RSM. 7pm, Tue 16 Feb. Register: bit.ly/LentMcGuan

Songs of the Redemption: The Benedictine Liturgy of the Hours

with Brother Joseph Carron, OSB. 7pm, Tue 02 Mar. Register: bit.ly/LentCarron

Prayer as a Relationship Reflected in St Teresa of Avila

with Sister Sally Rollo, OCD. 7pm, Tue 16 March. Register: bit.ly/LentRollo

Praying the Passion According to St Mark

with Archbishop Leo Cushley. 7pm, Tue 23 March. Register: bit.ly/LentCushley

Twice a Week Free Meals to Over 65s in North Edinburgh - LifeCare’s Meals on Wheels

LifeCare’s Meals on Wheels service is delivering fresh, nutritious meals, hot and ready to eat to over 65s in North Edinburgh, twice a week. If you know of anyone who would benefit from the service please do get in touch 0131 343 0940, www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk/services/meals-on-wheels. Free of charge, this project is currently fully funded thanks to Barclays 100x100 UK Covid-19 Community Relief Programme.

LINKnet Mentoring: Assisting Ethnic Minorities with Job-Seeking and Education

LINKnet Mentoring is the only mentoring organisation in Edinburgh and the Lothians that helps minority ethnic individuals in their pursuit of employment, education and personal development in order to improve their quality of life. LINKnet can help you develop your CV and complete a job application, prepare you for job interview and offer advice on job seeking. If you are looking for help, please contact–Afaf Azzahari, linknet2@linknetmentoring.com, 07447228686/0131 261 4463, http://www.linknetmentoring.com/

Mary’s Meals: Emergency Appeal for Aid for Tigray, Ethiopia

Mary’s Meals has launched an emergency appeal for aid for Tigray, Ethiopia where millions of people have been displaced as a result of civil conflict and are lacking food basic necessities. Please donate at https://www.marysmeals.org.uk/crisis-in-ethiopia

Clinics for Application Assistance for EU Settlement Scheme

For EU, EEA or Swiss citizens, there are less than 5 months left to apply under the EU Settlement Scheme to legally reside in the UK after 30 June 2021. Feniks, Citizens Rights Project and the Scottish Precariat Office have joined forces to deliver more clinics to provide free, multilingual and regulated support people in Edinburgh, East Lothian and the Scottish Borders applying to the EU Settlement Scheme. Help is available in English, Romanian, Spanish and Polish.

Saturday, 20 February | Dunbar, Belhaven Parish Church Hall | 11am-6pm

Saturday, 27 February | Edinburgh, St Margaret's House | 11am - 6pm

Register in advance on Eventbrite on this link: Advice for Applying for EU Settlement Scheme. For questions, contact euss@feniks.org.uk

Ask your MP to Support an Amendment to Help Stop Forced Abortion in Xinjiang, China

There is extensive evidence that many women in the Uyghur Muslim community in Xinjiang, China are being subjected to forced abortions. If you would like to email your MP asking them to support the amendment, you can do this using a tool which has been set up on the Genocide Response campaign website https://genocideresponse.org/

Fairtrade Fortnight from 22 February to 7 March 2021

For two weeks each year at the end of February and start of March, thousands of individuals, companies and groups across the UK come together to learn more about Fair Trade matters during a Fairtrade Fortnight. As Fairtrade stalls cannot take place now, one option to buy Fair Trade goods is from the One World Shop here in Edinburgh: https://www.oneworldshop.co.uk/ delivered to your door.

Read the newsletter for 14th February (pdf)

Read the newsletter for 14th February (doc)

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year B

Cathedral Chandeliers Jammed!

A major mechanical breakdown has happened in the motors of the winching system to lower the Cathedral chandeliers, leaving one of the heavy chandeliers stuck in place perilously suspended just above the centre aisle! (see photo) All 4 motors of the system have failed and must be replaced – at an estimated cost of around £50K! The motor units themselves cost £6500 each. As part of routine maintenance, the chandeliers must be lowered and raised to replace the light bulbs, however, this is not possible until the motor units are replaced. If the Cathedral reopens to the public before this is resolved, the lowered chandelier will have to be stripped into its component parts and these removed before the loose cable can be tied up safely.

Your help towards this expensive repair cost would be greatly appreciated! Donations can be made online at: https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/donate In the meantime, we are looking to see if a mechanical winch system would be possible and easier. If anyone knows of these systems in place, feel free to contact Andy Hilton, complexmanager@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Archbishop Cushley Invites You to a Series of 30-Minute Sunday Talks:

Faith in the Time of Covid

Archbishop Cushley invites you to a series of free, online 30-minute Sunday talks from distinguished speakers who will offer their thoughts and approach to the Covid pandemic.

Sunday Talks — 5:00pm-5:30pm

7th February — Dr Mary Rice Hasson

Dr Mary Rice Hasson is the Kate O'Beirne Fellow in Catholic Studies at the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C. Mary also directs the Catholic Women's Forum and is an expert on topics related to women, faith, culture, family, sexual morality, and gender ideology

Register — bit.ly/FaithCovid-Hasson

14th February —Professor John Haldane, Emeritus Professor of Moral Philosophy, University of St Andrews, “Finding Faith, Hope & Charity in Times of Desperation”

Register bit.ly/FaithCovid-Haldane

21st February — Rt Hon Gordon Brown, United Nations Special Envoy for Global Education and former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

Register bit.ly/FaithCovid-Brown

A recording of each talk will be published on the Archdiocesan YouTube channel the day following the talk at bit.ly/ArchYouTube

Lenten Preparation - Schedule a Time for the Sacrament of Confession

“Confession is an act of honesty and courage—an act of entrusting ourselves, beyond sin, to the mercy of a loving and forgiving God.” (St. John Paul II)

The holy season of Lent begins next week! Have you been to Confession recently? A Cathedral priest is available every day to hear confessions. Contact the Cathedral Office: 0131 556 1798, cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Daily Mass Livestreamed from Cathedral House

Livestreamed Mass from Cathedral House is available at 10am Monday-Saturday on our Facebook page and website https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/filming

Sunday Mass available on the website on Sunday from 10am.

INSPIRE - Lent Talks – Tuesday Evenings 7:00pm-8:00pm Beginning 16th February

Register now for the Archdiocese’s INSPIRE talk series for Lent. Guest speakers will guide you prayerfully through the season. All talks on Zoom, 7-8pm.

Becoming Saints Today: Unlocking the Present Moment

with Sister Anna Marie McGuan, RSM. 7pm, Tue 16 Feb. Register: bit.ly/LentMcGuan

Songs of the Redemption: The Benedictine Liturgy of the Hours

with Brother Joseph Carron, OSB. 7pm, Tue 02 Mar. Register: bit.ly/LentCarron

Prayer as a Relationship Reflected in St Teresa of Avila

with Sister Sally Rollo, OCD. 7pm, Tue 16 March. Register: bit.ly/LentRollo

Praying the Passion According to St Mark

with Archbishop Leo Cushley. 7pm, Tue 23 March. Register: bit.ly/LentCushley

Online Day of Recollection for Women (Ages 18-35) – Saturday, 13th February, 11:30am-2:30pm

Women ages 18-35 are invited for a free, online Day of Recollection with the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Michigan, Saturday, 13th February:

11:30am A heart for the glory of God – Sister Edith Mary, RSM

11:50am-12:15pm Guided reflection with questions – Sister Miriam Fidelis, RSM

12:15pm-1:00pm Quiet time/Fresh air

1:00pm Lunch with discussion (possibly breaking up into 2-4 groups)

1:45pm Clean up and stretch

2:00pm Getting the most out of Lent – Sister Anna Marie, RSM

2:30pm Rosary led by Sister Mary Pierre Jean, RSM

For more information and to join, please email rsm.alma.edinburgh@gmail.com

Valentine’s Retreat for Engaged and Married Couples - Saturday, 13th February, 3pm-4:30pm

Engaged and married couples are invited to a Valentine’s retreat Saturday, 13th February, 3:00pm- 4:30pm on Zoom, organised by the Archdiocesan Commission for Marriage and Family Life. It will be a time for couples to reflect together on the gift and blessing of their call from God in marriage. Canon John Udris, Spiritual Director at St Mary’s College, Oscott, has specially prepared two video reflections for the event. Register at bit.ly/CouplesRetreat2021

Abortion and Poverty in Scotland: The Reality, Monday, 15th February, 7:45 pm-8:30pm

The Archdiocesan Pro-Life Office invites you to an online seminar on Abortion and Poverty in Scotland on Monday, 15th February, 7:45 pm-8:30pm. Register online: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/abortion-poverty-in-scotland-the-reality-tickets-138948271019?aff=

Marriage Preparation Courses in the Archdiocese: 26-27th March, 23-24th April, 21-22nd May

If you are getting married at a church in the Archdiocese, you must give the parish priest at least six months’ notice and attend a marriage preparation course, currently taking place on Zoom: March - Friday/Saturday 26/27. April - Friday/Saturday 23/24 May - Friday/Saturday 21/22. Spaces are filling up fast, so please register now in consultation with the parish priest. Download an application at https://archedinburgh.org/wp-content/uploads/Marriage-Preparation-Application-Form-2021.pdf Alternatively, email irene.furlong@staned.org.uk (0131 623 8900)

“I am with you always” (Mt 28:20) - Eucharistic Adoration Every Sunday

The Religious Sisters of Mercy invite you to stop by their Convent Chapel window at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston (77 Belford Road) every Sunday afternoon 1:00pm to 3:45pm to adore Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

Mary’s Meals: Emergency Appeal for Aid for Tigray, Ethiopia

Mary’s Meals has launched an emergency appeal for aid for Tigray, Ethiopia where millions of people have been displaced as a result of civil conflict and are lacking food basic necessities. Please donate at https://www.marysmeals.org.uk/crisis-in-ethiopia

Read the newsletter for 7th February (pdf)

Read the newsletter for 7th February (doc)

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Schedule a Time for Confession, View Livestream Masses

A priest of the Cathedral is available every day to hear confessions. Please schedule a time for confession by contacting the Cathedral Office, 0131 556 1987, cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Live-streamed Mass from Cathedral House is available at 10am Monday-Saturday on our Facebook page and website https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/filming. Sunday Mass is available on the website on Sunday from 10am.

Video Tour of St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral by Deacons Bobby Taylor and Martin Eckersley

Deacons Bobby Taylor and Martin Eckersley take you on a video tour around St Mary's Catholic Cathedral. The video was organized by the Archdiocese's Catechetics Commission. Please keep Bobby and Martin in your prayers ahead of their ordination to the priesthood later this year!

A Big Thank You…

…to all who helped with the Christmas Gift Collection for children of prisoners in Edinburgh Prison. Colin O'Flaherty from the Scottish Prison Service expressed gratitude in a thank you letter to all who were involved: “Through your kindness and generosity, we were able to help eighty-eight families and one hundred and seventy-eight children. Arranging gift collections in the middle of a pandemic was I know not easy and I appreciate the extra work by everyone that went into making this year a success.” The letter is printed in full at the bottom of the newsletter.

Eucharistic Adoration Every Sunday - Stop by the Convent Chapel Window in Ravelston!

The Religious Sisters of Mercy invite you to stop by their Convent Chapel window every Sunday afternoon 1:00pm to 3:45pm at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston (77 Belford Road) to adore Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. The monstrance with the Most Blessed Sacrament can be seen through the window during the Sisters’ hours of Eucharistic Adoration.

Archbishop Cushley Invites You to a Series of 30-Minute Sunday Talks: “Faith in the Time of Covid”

Archbishop Cushley invites you to a series of free, online 30-minute Sunday talks from distinguished speakers who will offer their thoughts and approach to the Covid pandemic.

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Sunday Talks — 5:00pm-5:30pm

31st January — Bishop Philip Egan of Portsmouth, “The Role of Faith in Response to Covid”

(SOLD OUT: Webinar registration for Sunday's talk with Bishop Philip Egan has sold out, but

you can still watch the event live on the Archdiocese’s YouTube channel: bit.ly/ArchYouTube).

7th February — Dr Mary Rice Hasson, Director, Catholic Women's Forum,

Ethics & Public Policy Center, Washington, D.C.  Register — bit.ly/FaithCovid-Hasson

14th February —Professor John Haldane, Emeritus Professor of Moral Philosophy, University of St Andrews, “Finding Faith, Hope & Charity in Times of Desperation”

Register bit.ly/FaithCovid-Haldane

21st February — Rt Hon Gordon Brown, United Nations Special Envoy for Global Education and former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom 

Register bit.ly/FaithCovid-Brown

A recording of each talk will be published on the Archdiocesan YouTube channel the day following the talk at bit.ly/ArchYouTube

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Retreat for Engaged and Married Couples  Saturday, 13th February, 3pm-4:30pm

Engaged and married couples are invited to a Valentine’s retreat Saturday, 13th February, 3:00pm- 4:30pm on Zoom, organised by the Archdiocesan Commission for Marriage and Family Life. It will be a time for couples to reflect together on the gift and blessing of their call from God in marriage. Canon John Udris, Spiritual Director at St Mary’s College, Oscott, has specially prepared two video reflections for the event. Register at bit.ly/CouplesRetreat2021

Marriage Preparation Courses in the Archdiocese

If you are getting married at a church in the Archdiocese, you must give the parish priest at least six months’ notice and attend a marriage preparation course, currently taking place on Zoom: March - Friday/Saturday 26/27. April - Friday/Saturday 23/24 May - Friday/Saturday 21/22. Spaces are filling up fast, so please register now in consultation with the parish priest. Download an application. Alternatively, email irene.furlong@staned.org.uk, tel: 0131 623 8900

Vocations Mass from St. David’s, Dalkeith on Monday, 1st February, 6:30pm

Ahead of the World Day of Consecrated Life on Tuesday (2nd February) please join the monthly Vocations Mass from St. David’s Parish in Dalkeith, which will be posted on the Archdiocesan Facebook at 6:30pm on Monday, 1st February. If you are interested in the priesthood or religious life, you can have a chat with one of the Archdiocese’s vocation directors: Father Andrew Garden: 0131 663 4286 or vocations@staned.org.uk or Sr Mirjam Hugens, FSO: 0131 623 8902 or religiousvocations@staned.org.uk

Heriot-Watt University Chaplaincy Lecture
Monday, 8th Feb., 7:30pm-9pm: “Science, Faith & the Meaning of Life: Comparing Richard Dawkins and Albert Einstein”

Heriot-Watt University Chaplaincy’s 2021 Annual Public Lecture on the topic “Science, Faith & the Meaning of Life: Comparing Richard Dawkins and Albert Einstein” will be given by Professor Alister McGrath via livestream on Monday 8th February at 7.30pm-9:00pm. Professor McGrath, an Anglican priest, is the Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion and Director of the Ian Ramsey Centre for Science and Religion at the University of Oxford. This lecture will be based on his current unpublished research. Please register on Eventbrite at Science, Faith and the Meaning of Life (Heriot-Watt University Chaplaincy) If you are unable to access Eventbrite please email: chaplaincy@hw.ac.uk before Wednesday 3rd February.

St. Margaret of Scotland Lecture by Sister Catherine Droste, O.P.Wednesday, 10th February

Sister Catherine Droste, O.P., Professor of Theology and Dean of the Faculty of Theology at the Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas, Rome, will give this year's St Margaret of Scotland Lecture, ‘Catherine of Siena: A Message for Today’, on Wednesday, 10th February, 4:00pm-5:30pm. Register at https://events.st-andrews.ac.uk/events/st-margaret-of-scotland-lecture-2021/

Pro-Life Stations of the Cross 7:45pm Every Monday of Lent Starting 22nd February

Stations of the Cross, organised by the Archdiocesan Pro-Life Office, will take place each Monday evening of Lent at 7:45pm. The Stations will be followed by a short reflection by one of our priests. You can register on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/archdiocese-of-st-andrews-amp-edinburgh-18333988801

Day of Recollection for Women (Ages 18-35) – Online Saturday, 13th February

Women ages 18-35 are invited for a free, online Day of Recollection with the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Michigan, Saturday, 13th February:

11:30am A HEART FOR THE GLORY OF GOD – Sister Edith Mary, RSM

11:50am-12:15pm Guided reflection with questions – Sister Miriam Fidelis, RSM

12:15pm-1:00pm Quiet time/Fresh air

1:00pm Lunch with discussion (possibly breaking up into 2-4 groups)

1:45pm Clean up and stretch

2:00pm GETTING THE MOST OUT OF LENT – Sister Anna Marie, RSM

2:30pm Rosary led by Sister Mary Pierre Jean, RSM

For more information and to join, please email rsm.alma.edinburgh@gmail.com

Mary’s Meals - Double the Love: Donate now and your gift will go twice as far!

Through Mary’s Meals “Double The Love” campaign, donations will be doubled by the UK government, up to £2 million, until 31 January 2021. For just £15.90, two children in impoverished countries will be fed for a whole school year! To donate, please visit https://www.marysmeals.org.uk/donate

Free Online Courses: Job Seeking and Budgeting Skills

Are you looking to find work? The Mustard Seed Scottish Episcopal community in Edinburgh is sponsoring the Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Job Club course with practical help seeking employment and 1 to 1 coaching tailored to each person's needs. The course is free and will be on Zoom each Monday, 1st Feb-8th March, 1.00pm-2:30pm. Do you want to learn how to take control of your spending? Mustard Seed will also offer the first half of the CAP Life Skills course, including how to manage spending and build a simple budget, on Zoom each Monday, 1st Feb-15th, 10.00am-11.30am. The Life Skill course will be a smaller group, with just five places available. To register for either course or for more information, contact Mark Harris, markharris@capuk.org, 07519 268800 or David Strang, davidstrang@capjobclubs.org tel: 07735 513536.

Virtual Audience Seats Available for BBC's The Big Questions: Show Recording on Saturday 6th February

BBC's The Big Questions ethical and religious debate programme is inviting applications from Edinburgh and Lothians to join the virtual audience for a show recording on Saturday 6th February. At the moment, the programme expects to be debating matters of equality and poverty. Anyone interested in taking part should email audiencetbq@mentorn.tv for application instructions or call 0141 611 9634.

Read the newsletter for 31st January (pdf)

Read the newsletter for 31st January (doc)

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Thank you letter for participation in the Christmas Gift Collection for children of prisoners in HMP Edinburgh

I will begin with thanking you all personally for your help and support.

The difference the gift collection makes is impossible to measure in words. But believe me when I say, it makes a difference to the lives of so many children. Children that without your kindness and generosity, may not have had any gifts to open on Christmas morning.

That is how important the gift collection is.

The thirty fifth Edinburgh Prison Christmas gift collection, has to have been the strangest collection I have had to organise. I have to say it has to be the most satisfying collection.

Last September-October, I was not even sure if we would be able to have a gift collection.

Through your kindness and generosity, we were able to help eighty-eight families and one hundred and seventy-eight children. My thanks go to you and your congregations for the wonderful gifts that were donated. Arranging gift collections in the middle of a pandemic was.

I know not easy and I appreciate the extra work by everyone that went into making this year a success.

The gift collection was perhaps more important this year, due to the circumstance’s we all find ourselves living in. The contact between prisoners and their families has been difficult. At times visits at the prison have had to be cancelled. Virtual visits are taking place, when families cannot travel to the prison due to covid restrictions.

My very special thanks go to the staff in the visitors centre at the prison. Without their help I would not be able to organise the gift collection. They took the gifts that you very kindly donated and distributed them to the partner’s and children of those in the care of Her Majesties Prison Edinburgh. When required the visitors centre staff delivered the gifts themselves.

I would like to thank the Governor of Edinburgh Prison David Abernethy and Deputy Governor Morag Stirling for their support.

I hope you all had as pleasant a Christmas as was possible in the circumstances. I would like to take the opportunity to wish you all a very prosperous new year.

Kindest Regards

Colin O’Flaherty, Scottish Prison Service

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year B

Bishop Vincent Logan RIP

The Requiem Mass for Bishop Vincent Logan, retired bishop of Dunkeld, who died 14th January, will take place at St Andrew’s Cathedral in Dundee at midday on Tuesday, 26th January. It will be recorded and available later that day at www.dunkelddiocese.co.uk. The Reception of Remains with Vespers is at 5pm on Monday, 25th January and will also be recorded and made available thereafter to view.

Confessions, Last Rites and Availability of Livestream Masses during Church Closures

The Scottish Government has said that the present lockdown is likely to continue until mid-February. There will be another review on 2nd February. In the meantime, we will continue to livestream Mass from Cathedral House at 10am Monday-Saturday on our Facebook page and website https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/filming. Sunday Mass from the Cathedral can be viewed the website each Sunday from 10am. A priest is available every day to hear confessions. To schedule, please contact the Cathedral Office, 0131 556 1987, cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk. Also, anyone who is ill and in need of the Sacrament of the Sick should call the office. We will respond to all requests for the Last Rites.

Friendly Chat, Prayerful Support: ☎️ Telephone Apostolate ☎️ is Available to Help!

Stay connected! As lockdown continues, our parish telephone apostolate volunteers are on hand to assist you or anyone you may know who could benefit from a friendly chat and a check-in. A phone call from our volunteers can be a wonderful means of prayerful support as well as a great encouragement in the faith! Please contact the Cathedral Office, 0131 556 1987, cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Sunday Eucharistic Adoration through the Convent Chapel Window of the Religious Sisters of Mercy

The Religious Sisters of Mercy invite you to stop by outside their Convent Chapel window on Sunday afternoons 1:00pm to 3:45pm at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston (77 Belford Road) to Adore the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. The Blessed Sacrament in the monstrance is beautifully visible through the window during the Sisters’ hours of Eucharistic Adoration every Sunday.

“Gathered and Sent: A Valentine's Retreat for Engaged and Married Couples”, Saturday, 13th February, 3pm-4:30pm

Engaged and married couples are invited to a Valentine’s retreat Saturday, 13th February, 3:00pm- 4:30pm on Zoom. Canon John Udris, Spiritual Director at St Mary’s College, Oscott (Birmingham), has specially prepared two video reflections for the event which offer couples the opportunity to reflect on the joy, beauty and purpose of marriage and family. There will be time for each couple to reflect together on these themes and a time of guided prayer together. This is a free event organised by the Archdiocesan Marriage Commission. Register at bit.ly/CouplesRetreat2021

Videos and Resources for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2021

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity began Monday, 18th January and concludes on Tuesday, 25th January, the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. To encourage prayer for an end to divisions among all Christians, the Archdiocese has provided many resources and videos for this annual octave of prayer on its website: https://archedinburgh.org/event-week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity

Take Action and Ask your MSP to Oppose Introducing Assisted Suicide

The assisted suicide lobby have launched a large campaign to put pressure on the Government to reconsider the legalisation of assisted suicide. Ask your MSP to make it clear to the Government that it should not give into demands from the assisted suicide lobby to reconsider the legalisation of assisted suicide. It only takes 30 seconds to email your MSP by visiting https://beta.parliament.scot/msps/current-and-previous-msps

Speak Out to Stop ‘DIY’ Abortion Services Being Made Permanent in Scotland

The Scottish Government is currently deciding on whether to make the temporary measure allowing ‘DIY’ home abortions in Scotland permanent. It is vital that as many people as possible contact their MSPs to ask them to write to the First Minister laying out the serious dangers with ‘DIY’ home abortions and ask that the temporary order allowing ‘DIY’ home abortion be revoked and not made permanent. Contact your MSPs in less than 30 seconds at www.righttolife.org.uk/notodiyabortion

Stations of the Cross – Monday Evenings Online During Lent

The Archdiocesan Pro-Life commission is organising an online Stations of the Cross that will take place each Monday evening throughout Lent on Zoom. Details to follow soon.

New Address for Catholic Parliamentary Office

As of Thursday, 21st January, the Catholic Parliamentary Office has move from its previous location in St Patrick’s, Edinburgh to a new address: 64 Aitken Street, Airdrie, ML6 6LT. View latest news at https://rcpolitics.org/latest-news/ or sign up for their newsletter using the form at the bottom their homepage https://rcpolitics.org/ The Catholic Parliamentary Office is an agency of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland established in 1999 to aid the Church in contributing to the work of both Government and Parliament in accordance with the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.

Free Online Courses: Job Seeking and Budgeting Skills

Are you looking to find work? The Mustard Seed Scottish Episcopal community in Edinburgh is sponsoring the Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Job Club course with practical help seeking employment and 1 to 1 coaching tailored to each person's needs. The course is free and will be on Zoom each Monday, 1st Feb-8th March, 1.00pm-2:30pm. Do you want to learn how to take control of your spending? Mustard Seed will also offer the first half of the CAP Life Skills course, including how to manage spending and build a simple budget, on Zoom each Monday, 1st Feb-15th, 10.00am-11.30am. The Life Skill course will be a smaller group, with just five places available. To register for either course or for more information, contact Mark Harris, markharris@capuk.org, 07519 268800 or David Strang, davidstrang@capjobclubs.org, 07735 513536.

Online Talks in January and February

Monday, 25th Jan., 7:30pm: Rediscover the Power of Baptism and Confirmation: “Fire & Water” Talk

The final online talk of the Archdiocese’s “Fire & Water” series, covering Confirmation and Baptism, takes place on Monday, 25th Jan at 7:30pm on Zoom. This 45-minute session, given by Archdiocesan Catechetics Advisor, Sister Anna Marie McGuan, RSM, will be followed by a brief question and answer period. Parents whose children are being prepared for Baptism or Confirmation will find this talk helpful,. Sign up by emailing sranna.marie@staned.org.uk

Tuesday, 26th Jan, 7:00 pm “Are Science and Religion Compatible?”

The Thomistic Institute at the University of Edinburgh presents a lecture by Fr. Michael Dodds, O.P. of the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology at the Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, California. The event will be held on Zoom on Tuesday, 26th January 26 at 7:00pm. To register in advance, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/are-science-and-religion-compatible-tickets-132851800311

Four Consecutive Sundays (31st Jan., 7th Feb., 14th Feb., 21st Feb.): Faith in the Time of Covid Talks

Archbishop Cushley invites you to join a series of Sunday online talks from distinguished speakers who will offer their thoughts and approach to the pandemic. Each event is free and lasts 30 mins.

Bishop Philip Egan, 5pm, 31 Jan. Register bit.ly/FaithCovid-Egan

Dr Mary Rice Hasson, 5pm, 07 Feb. Register bit.ly/FaithCovid-Hasson

Professor John Haldane, 5pm 14 Feb. Register: bit.ly/FaithCovid-Haldane

Rt Hon Gordon Brown, 5pm, 21 Feb. Register bit.ly/FaithCovid-Brown

“Science, Faith & the Meaning of Life: Comparing Richard Dawkins and Albert Einstein”, Monday, 8th Feb.

Heriot-Watt University Chaplaincy’s 2021 Annual Public Lecture on the topic “Science, Faith & the Meaning of Life: Comparing Richard Dawkins and Albert Einstein” will be given by Professor Alister McGrath via livestream on Monday 8th February at 7.30pm-9:00pm. Professor McGrath, an Anglican priest, is the Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion and Director of the Ian Ramsey Centre for Science and Religion at the University of Oxford. This lecture will be based on his current unpublished research. Please register on Eventbrite at Science, Faith and the Meaning of Life (Heriot-Watt University Chaplaincy) If you are unable to access Eventbrite please email: chaplaincy@hw.ac.uk before Wednesday 3rd February.

Read the newsletter for 24th January (pdf)

Read the newsletter for 24th January (doc)

Second Sunday In Ordinary Time – Year B

Archbishop Tartaglia RIP

By now you will have heard of the death of Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of Glasgow on 13th January, Feast of St Mungo, the Patron Saint of Glasgow. The Archbishop, as well as being a leader of great significance for the Church in Scotland, also took care of our own Archdiocese as Apostolic Administrator in a most difficult period, and we all owe him a deep debt of gratitude. May the good Lord welcome him into paradise, and into the company of St Mungo and all the saints. Here is the statement from the Archdiocese of Glasgow: http://www.rcag.org.uk/index.php/item/1003-archbishop-philip-rip

Church Closures

There are no recent updates regarding church closures, though it’s expected churches will have to remain closed for public worship throughout January. Below are guidelines from the Archdiocese on funerals and weddings which give information on the current rules:

Funerals: A funeral can take place in your parish with a maximum of 20 participants, including the priest. Post funeral gatherings cannot take place. Face coverings do not need to be worn by the priest leading a funeral service.

Weddings: These can take place with a maximum of five participants, including the celebrant (six if translator required). Face coverings must be worn by those attending a wedding, except for the couple and the priest.

Daily Mass in the Cathedral

Mass is live-streamed on the Cathedral’s Facebook page and on the website: https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/filming at 10am Monday - Saturday. Holy Mass can be viewed in the website from 10am every Sunday and is sent to you on this mailing list. Tell everyone you know!

Summary of Feedback from the Open Parish Meeting on 2nd November 2020

A summary of feedback from our Open Parish Meeting on 2nd November 2020 is now available on our website: https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/parishmeeting. Our meeting was all about discernment: we wanted to know what you thought God is calling us to do, both individually and as a parish, in this time of pandemic. Please read through this summary and continue to ponder on the issues raised – so that, as soon as some sort of normality returns, we will be in a position to move forward with faith and enthusiasm!

`Fail! Life Lessons from Losers, Has-Beens, Nobodies, and Other Great Saints’

On Monday, 18th Jan, 6:30pm, Fr Augustine Wetta, OSB, a Benedictine monk in St Louis, Missouri, hosts a talk titled ‘FAIL! Life Lessons from Losers, Has-Beens, Nobodies, and Other Great Saints’ about the fascinating stories of saints who were seen as failures in the eyes of the world, but who rose to glorious sainthood! It takes place on Zoom at 6:30pm, Monday, 18th Jan. Watch a preview here. No registration required, join the talk from 6:20pm using this link: bit.ly/ArchEvent_Fail

Talk on the Sacraments by Sr. Anna Marie – Monday 18th at 7.30pm

Rediscover the power of the sacraments in a new series of talks hosted by the Archdiocese! The first talk, “Fire & Water,” will be given by Sister Anna Marie McGuan, RSM, Archdiocesan Catechetics Advisor, Monday, 18th Jan 7:30pm on Zoom. This 45-minute session covers the sacraments of Confirmation and Baptism and will be followed by a brief question and answer period. Parents whose children are being prepared for Baptism or Confirmation will find this talk helpful, as well as anyone interested in learning more about the sacraments. Our Catholic faith teaches us that the grace of Baptism is completed in Confirmation, and the gift of the Holy Spirit is given to strengthen us to be mature witnesses of Jesus Christ. Sign up by emailing Sister Anna Marie: sranna.marie@staned.org.uk

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2021 -- Zoom meeting Wednesday, 20th January at 7.30pm

A meeting for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (18th-25th January) will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, 20th January at 7.30pm. The theme is 'Abiding in Christ' and this year is prepared by the Monastic Community of Grandchamp in Switzerland (https://www.grandchamp.org/en/unite2021), a religious community of women who come different Christian churches, countries and cultures. To register, please visit: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0sfuGgqzIjHt3WoK0qCrJtTNkg8WAh6qtZ

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

“Are Science and Religion Compatible?” -- Tuesday, 26th January 26 at 7:00 pm

The Thomistic Institute at the University of Edinburgh presents a lecture by Fr. Michael Dodds, O.P. of the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology at the Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, California. The event will be held on Zoom on Tuesday, 26th January 26 at 7:00pm. Fr. Dodds is the author of The Unchanging God of Love: Thomas Aquinas and Contemporary Theology on Divine Immutability (2008), and Unlocking Divine Action: Contemporary Science and Thomas Aquinas (2012). To register in advance, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/are-science-and-religion-compatible-tickets-132851800311

Have You Received the Sacrament of Confirmation?

If you are an adult baptized Catholic who has never received the Sacrament of Confirmation, do consider joining the Cathedral’s preparation course during Lent this year with a view to Confirmation at the Easter Vigil on Saturday, 3rd April 2021. To register, please contact the Parish Office, cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Telephone Apostolate – A Friendly Call to You or Someone You Know!

Our telephone apostolate volunteers have continued to reach out to many people throughout the pandemic. Do consider participating in or inviting others to welcome this opportunity for a friendly chat and a check-in on general well-being during these times! If you or someone you know might benefit from call from one of our parish volunteers, please contact the Parish Office, cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Read the newsletter for 17th January (pdf)

Read the newsletter for 17th January (doc)

The Epiphany Of The Lord – Year B

New Booking System for Sunday Mass

As we begin a new year, we’re moving to a new platform for booking for Sunday Mass. You can now book for Mass directly on the Cathedral website at www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/reserve or on our Eventbrite page https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/st-marys-cathedral-32121770367 You can continue to reserve places for Mass by calling the parish office on 0131 5561798. Reservations open at 9am on Monday mornings.

Daily Mass at 10am

In order to ease the pressure on the numbers attending the 12.45 Mass we have decided to move the 8am daily Mass at the Cathedral to 10am. From Monday, therefore, there will be no 8am Mass at the Cathedral.

“Do you want to learn how to pray…” Seminar

As I said to those of you who tuned in to my talks on prayer before Christmas – I feel that we are being given time during this Pandemic to deepen in our relationship with the Lord. If you would like to learn how to pray more deeply I am inviting you to participate is an on-going seminar on “How to Pray”. My idea will be to divide those who are interested into small zoom groups – which can meet with me at various times during the day or the evening – over the next weeks. If you would like to participate – please send an email to Sr. Miriam Fidelis at the Cathedral House email and we will send you a link where you can register for whichever group you would like to join.

Talk on the Sacraments by Sr. Anna Marie – Monday 18th at 7.30pm

Rediscover the power of the Sacraments in a new online talk on Zoom titled “Fire & Water” by Sr. Anna Marie McGuan, on Monday 18th Jan 7:30pm. Sign up by emailing sranna.marie@staned.org.uk

Have You Received the Sacrament of Confirmation?

If you are an adult who has never received the Sacrament of Confirmation, do consider joining the Cathedral’s preparation course during Lent this year with a view to Confirmation at the Easter Vigil on Saturday, 3rd April 2021. To register, please contact the Parish Office at cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Take Action and Ask your MP to Oppose Introducing Assisted Suicide

The assisted suicide lobby have launched a large campaign to put pressure on the Government to reconsider the legalisation of assisted suicide. Right To Life UK have set up and easy to use tool which will enable you to email your MP asking them to make it clear to the Government that it should not give into demands from the assisted suicide lobby to reconsider the legalisation of assisted suicide. It only takes 30 seconds to email your MP by visiting https://righttolife.org.uk/StopAssistedSuicide

Telephone Apostolate Update

Our telephone apostolate volunteers have continued to reach out to the lonely and the vulnerable throughout the pandemic. If, at this time of increasing isolation and fear, you know of anyone who would benefit from a call from one of our volunteers then please contact Deacon Peter at the Cathedral Parish Office with the details.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

The presence of our SSVP Conference during these COVID restricted times has not been as visible as usual. In spite of this we have been able to continue our work through telephone calls and by the Conference meeting virtually. We are always here to help, supporting individuals and families as we would support a friend. Please let us know if you become aware of ways in which our support would be welcome or needed by contacting the Parish Office, cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk. Donations we have received during recent months have been very welcome—a grateful and heartfelt thank you to all for remembering the Conference.

360 Degree Virtual Tour of the Cathedral

To see a 360-degree virtual tour of our beautiful Cathedral visit https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/gallery

Cathedral and Archdiocesan Updates by E-mail

Cathedral News: Stay in touch with the Cathedral through the weekly e-newsletter. Sign up at the ‘Stay in Touch’ section on the bottom of any page of www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Archdiocesan News: To receive a monthly e-mail update from the Archdiocese, subscribe at https://archedinburgh.org/news-events (scroll to bottom of page) or email matthew.meade@staned.org.uk and put ‘subscribe me’ in the subject bar.

There will be a Second Collection this weekend for Church’s Justice and Peace Work

Many Options Available to Support St. Mary’s Cathedral

We are very grateful to all our parishioners who generously donate to help St. Mary’s Cathedral. We have a variety of options available for supporting the Cathedral:

Contactless: We now have two contactless donation devices in the Cathedral, which you may prefer to use instead of handling notes and loose change at this time.

Gift Aid: Gift Aid is a government-led initiative whereby UK taxpayers may register for Gift Aid with the Cathedral and/or with St Andrew’s such that the Government will give an additional 25% of the value of donations made during the year to the charity, at no additional cost to the donor. Many of you are already registered, but if not, do contact our finance officer, Caroline on finance@stmaryscathedral.co.uk if you are interested.

Cathedral Website ‘Donate’ Button: The Cathedral website has a ‘donate’ button in our website navigation bar. Using the ‘donate’ button has the added advantage of allowing you to select ‘I would like to Gift Aid this donation,’ thereby the Government will give an additional 25% of the value of your donation.

Easyfundraising: Turn everyday shopping into free donations!: We have reactivated our page on the ‘easyfundraising’ website www.easyfundraising.org.uk through which you can shop online at various retailers while simultaneously raising a small percentage for your chosen charity at no additional cost to you! Just register as a supporter of St Mary’s Metropolitan Cathedral, search for your chosen retailer and shop on their website as normal.

Did you know… It costs £1000 a day to run the Cathedral, which our weekly collections don't quite cover. If you wish to give regularly, you could contact the finance office finance@stmaryscathedral.co.uk to set up a standing order to the Cathedral. Others who have a standing order have increased the amount in response to the challenging times the Cathedral faces with no weekly collections at Mass.

Catechism Classes for First Confession, First Holy Communion and Confirmation

In light of recently re-introduced Level 4 restrictions, we are currently reviewing the children’s Catechism Class at St Andrew’s, Ravelston. Parents of children already registered will be contacted directly – watch this space! In the meantime, it seems sensible that we postpone the Rite of Illumination scheduled for First Reconciliation children on 10th of January.

Thanks from Fr. Binu!

Fr. Binu sent the following message in gratitude for the donation received for the Rosminian Mission:

Dear Mgr. P Burke,

Hope you are keeping well and having a blessed time regardless of Covid pandemic! Thanks for the letter dated 8/12/2020, which I have received via email. I am really grateful to receive the generous gift of £2,100 from the parish of St Andrew’s, Ravelston towards the Rosminian Mission in India. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the parishioners of Ravelston, and especially to you dear father for your constant encouragement and support to me personally and to our little Religious Congregation. The Ravelston parish is in our constant prayer and once in a month we celebrate a Mass for them and their needs here in our community. Please do convey our thanks to parish at Ravelston and if it is possible via their Newsletter! We take this hopeful season of Advent and Christmas, amidst the Covid-19 uncertainties, to wish all of you peace and joy beyond our human reckoning. May the ‘Light of the World’ dispel all the darkness of doubts and fears from our lives and may He grant all of us a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!

With love and prayers, Fr. Binu Palakapally IC, The Rector, Rosmini Nikethan

St Andrew’s Online

Have you seen the new Ravelston section on the Cathedral website? Have a look here: www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/st-andrews-church You can also find regular updates on our (long-dormant) Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/standrewsravelston. Do check these out and spread the word!

Read the newsletter for 3 January (pdf)

Read the newsletter for 3 January (doc)

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Happy Christmas!

On behalf of the whole Pastoral team – Fr. Jamie, Fr. John Peter, Fr. Jinse, Sr. Miriam Fidelis and Deacon Peter – I would like to wish you and all your loved ones a very happy and holy Christmas. This has been such a strange year – let us hope and pray that God will grant us a more peaceful and more serene year in 2021.

Whatever you are doing we wish you all a very Happy Christmas!

Fr. Patrick

Read the newsletter for 20th December (pdf)

Read the newletter for 20th December (doc)

Third Sunday Of Advent – Year B

Short Talks on Prayer by Fr. Patrick – Every Monday at 7pm

It was great to see so many who joined in for the second instalment of Fr Patrick’s Advent talks on prayer. Please do join us for the third talk on Monday, 14th December… Just email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk and you will receive the link for the next talk. You can listen to the first two talks at https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/advent-prayer

‘Be Still’: Zoom Talk by Sister Anna Marie McGuan, RSM – Monday, 14th December, 7:30pm

Following Fr. Patrick’s talk, you can join in for Sr. Anna Marie’s talk on prayer, `Be Still’. How can we cut through the cacophony of consumerism to ensure prayer is the priority in your preparations to celebrate the birth of Christ? This Zoom event takes place at 7:30pm on Monday, 14th December. Join using this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83439280614

Prepare for Christmas with Sacrament of Reconciliation

On Saturday, 19th December, two priests will be hearing confessions in the Sacrament of Reconciliation at the Cathedral, 10:30am-12:00pm and 5:00pm-5:45pm. Prepare for Christ’s coming at Christmas through this sacrament of the Lord’s healing and mercy.

Last Two Advent Candlelit Masses – 7pm Wednesday at Ravelston, 7pm Thursday at Cathedral

Do make an effort to come our beautiful candlelit Rorate Masses this week - in Ravelston on Wednesday and in the Cathedral on Thursday. They are a lovely way to prepare for Christmas and offer a little peace and quiet amidst the rush of Christmas preparations. During Advent in St Andrew’s, Ravelston ,the regular Wednesday evening Mass will be the beautiful Rorate Mass - celebrated at 7pm (rather than 6pm). There is also no Mass on Thursday as this is the day for the Rorate Mass in the Cathedral.

Christmas Masses in the Cathedral

St Andrew’s Church, Ravelston

Christmas Eve: 5pm; 6pm; 7pm

Midnight (Extraordinary Form)

Christmas Day: Friday 25th December

9am, 10am, 11am,

12noon (Extraordinary Form)

St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral

Christmas Eve: 3pm; 4pm; 5pm; 6pm; 7pm;

8pm; 9pm in Polish; 10pm; 11pm; Midnight

Christmas Day: Friday 25th December

8am; 9am; 10am in Polish;

11am; 12noon; 6pm in Polish

Only 50 people can attend each Mass. Please be sure to book your seats starting 9:00am on Monday, 14th December here or phone the Parish Office.

Light Shines in Darkness’: Bishops’ Conference of Scotland Pastoral Letter on the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland has issued a pastoral letter on the Covid-19 pandemic titled ‘Light Shines in Darkness’. You can find it on the Covid-19 section of www.bcos.org.uk. Copies are available at the back of church.

Pro-Life Advent Rosary – Each Monday at 7:30pm

Join people across the Archdiocese on Zoom to pray for unborn children, their mothers and all Pro-Life intentions. Each Monday at 7:30pm in Advent. To register for each week’s event visit bit.ly/AdventRosary3

Christmas CD Sale!

Thanks to everyone who bought ‘With Angels and Archangels’, the newly released CD by our Cathedral choir. If you missed out, you can still buy the CD online here. Inspired by 800 years of sacred music, it is the perfect Christmas Gift. The CD costs a very reasonable £12.99 and all proceeds from the CD will go directly towards ensuring the future of our Cathedral music!

Warm Christmas Gifts – Knitted Goods to Support the Cathedral

Knitted goods for Christmas made by our own wonderful parishioners Joanna Kopystynska and Anne MacAulay will be available for sale in the Octagon after Masses on Sunday morning. The knitted dolls by Joanna are also available at https://www.kathedralknits.etsy.com. All the profits from all sales are very generously donated by Joanna and Anne to the Cathedral.

Friday Morning Prayer and Eucharistic Adoration with the Religious Sisters of Mercy

The Religious Sisters of Mercy pray their Friday morning prayer in the church at St Andrews and invite you to join them! They begin with the Liturgy of the Hours at 5:45 am. An hour for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament begins around 6:30 am. Stop in for five minutes, or for longer. Any questions contact Sr Miriam Fidelis at the parish office: cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Thank You for Donations for Fr Binu and Rosmini Seminary!

We have now collated all the donations made to Fr Binu and the Rosmini Seminary, Bangalore. A total of £2,100 has been raised which has now been transferred to the Rosminian Mission account. Thank you for your generosity!

There are many options available to Support St. Mary’s Cathedral

We are very grateful to all our parishioners who generously donate to help St. Mary’s Cathedral. We have a variety of options available for supporting the Cathedral:

Contactless: We now have two contactless donation devices in the Cathedral, which you may prefer to use instead of handling notes and loose change at this time.

Gifts: We are very grateful to you for purchasing diaries and CDs either in person or on our website, both of which have helped to raise valuable funds for the parish.

Gift Aid: Gift Aid is another way of raising money for the parish. It is a government-led initiative whereby UK taxpayers may register for gift aid with the Cathedral and/or with St Andrew’s such that the Government will give an additional 25% of the value of donations made during the year to the charity, at no additional cost to the donor. Many of you are already registered, but if not, do contact our finance officer, Caroline on finance@stmaryscathedral.co.uk if you are interested.

Online: The Cathedral website also has a ‘donate’ button on our website navigation which has the added advantage of allowing you to ‘gift aid’ any donations you make at the time that you make them.

New ways to give: We have also now reactivated our page on the ‘easyfundraising’ website which was set up a few years ago. www.easyfundraising.org.uk is a website through which you can shop at various retailers online while simultaneously raising a small percentage for your chosen charity at no additional cost to you! By registering as a supporter of a particular charity (we are listed as St Mary’s Metropolitan Cathedral), you can then search for your chosen retailer and, if listed, open their website and shop as normal. With Christmas just around the corner, many retailers are offering ‘double-donations’, increasing their usual percentage donation to the selected charity.

Read the newsletter for 13th December (pdf)

Read the newsletter for 13th December (doc)

Second Sunday Of Advent – Year B

Short Talks on Prayer by Fr. Patrick – Every Monday at 7pm

It was great to see such a great number tune in online for the first instalment of Fr Patrick’s Advent talks on prayer. But there is always room for a few more. Just email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

You can listen to last week’s first talk on the Cathedral podcast page or watch on the website

Advent Candlelit Masses – 7pm Wednesday at Ravelston, 7pm Thursday at Cathedral

Our beautiful, candlelit Rorate Masses booked out last week in record time! If you’d like to come along this coming week, don’t forget to register online here beginning 8:00am on the Monday of each week. Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped to light all the candles (no small task!) and clear them all away at the end of the night, much appreciated!

‘Be Still’: Zoom Talk From Sister Anna-Marie McGuan RSM

How can we cut through the cacophony of consumerism to ensure prayer is the priority in your preparations to celebrate the birth of Christ? Sister Anna-Marie can help. This Zoom event takes place at 7:30pm on Monday 14 December. No registration required - join using this link: bit.ly/BeStillWebinar

IMPORTANT – PLEASE SIGN UP FOR WEEKEND MASSES

As you know, the government’s requirement of churches keeping a temporary register of all who attend Mass is still in effect at this time, for which reason it is very important that you register for one of the Masses before you arrive. Please use the online booking system on our website or call the parish office. Thank you!

Stewarding Volunteers needed for Christmas Masses and beyond

The Cathedral is in need of more stewarding volunteers, not only for the Christmas Masses, but also to help cover the various shifts throughout the days and weeks going forward. Stewards are on duty to ensure that visitors to the Cathedral are following the Government’s COVID-19 regulations relating to face coverings, hand sanitising, social distancing and cleaning of surfaces as required. If you would like to assist, please sign up on sheets with the volunteers at the back of the church. Alternatively, you can contact Elizabeth directly.

St Andrew’s, Ravelston, also needs more volunteers. Sign up at the back of the church to help.

Join Archdiocesan Pro-Life Office Against DIY Home Abortions - Tuesday, 8th December, 7:30pm

Join Paul Atkin on Tuesday, 8th December, 7:30pm in a Zoom session to learn how to make to make the best response to the Scottish Government’s questionnaire to stop DIY home abortions. Register here. The government’s consultation ends on 5th January 2021.

Annual Mass Attendance Census

The Archdiocese’s Annual Mass Attendance Census will be taken this weekend Sat., 5th Dec. and Sun., 6th Dec.

Christmas CD Sale!

Thanks to everyone who bought ‘With Angels and Archangels’, the newly released CD by our Cathedral choir. If you missed out, you can still buy the CD online here.

Inspired by 800 years of sacred music, it is the perfect Christmas Gift. The CD costs a very reasonable £12.99 and all proceeds from the CD will go directly towards ensuring the future of our Cathedral music!

Warm Christmas Gifts – Knitted Goods to Support the Cathedral

Knitted goods for Christmas made by our own wonderful parishioners Joanna Kopystynska and Anne MacAulay will be available for sale in the Octagon after Masses on Sunday morning. The knitted dolls by Joanna are also available here

Anne will have available hats, headbands, tea cozies, and babywear of various colours and sizes. All the profits from all sales are very generously donated by Joanna and Anne to the Cathedral. Please support the Cathedral by buying some of these beautiful Christmas gifts!

Hand on the Faith to Others! Archdiocesan Diploma in Catechetics

One-Year Online Course in 2021 – Begins January 14, 2021

Grab your laptop, put the kettle on and join people across the Archdiocese on Zoom each week to learn about our Catholic faith and earn an Archdiocesan Diploma in Catechetics to prepare you to hand on our Catholic faith to others! The Archdiocese is offering a new one-year course via Zoom taught in weekly 45-minute lectures (Thursday evenings at 7:30pm) beginning January 14, 2021.

Topics will include ‘The Lay Vocation in the Church’, `What is Revelation? How does Scripture fit into Revelation? How do I read and pray with Scripture?’, `The Existence of God’, `The Nature of Man’, `The Dignity of the Human Person, Subsidiarity and Solidarity: The 3 Principles of Catholic Social Doctrine’ and much more!

For more info email: sranna.marie@staned.org.uk. Please take a brochure in the back of church with all the Course Module dates and details.

Wednesday Evening Mass in St Andrew’s Ravelston

During Advent the regular Wednesday evening Mass will be celebrated at 7pm (rather than 6pm) and you must register in advance for it as a candlelit, Rorate Mass. The Thursday evening Masses will be cancelled during Advent.

Catechism Classes for Children

In January 2021, Catechism classes in St Andrew’s, Ravelston, will begin for those children (P4 and above) who have registered for First Holy Communion in 2021, and those children (P7 and above) who have registered for Confirmation in 2021. It’s not too late to register! Please contact the parish office.

Friday Morning Prayer and Eucharistic Adoration with the Religious Sisters of Mercy

The Religious Sisters of Mercy pray their Friday morning prayer in the church at St Andrews and invite you to join them! They begin with the Liturgy of the Hours at 5:45 am. An hour for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament begins around 6:30 am. Stop in for five minutes, or for longer. Contact Sr Miriam Fidelis, RSM at the Cathedral office for more information.

Conductor Sir James MacMillan: Catholicism and Music, Wed., 9th Dec 2020 6:00pm-7:15pm

Scottish composer and conductor Sir James MacMillan will discuss the relation between Catholicism and music in an online lecture Wed., 9th Dec 2020 6:00pm-7:15pm co-hosted by the Centre for Catholic Studies at Durham University and The Institute for Theology, Imagination and the Arts at the University of St Andrews. He will discuss his own music, music from previous centuries which has been employed in liturgy, and the religious traditions and heritage of Catholicism. To register, please visit here.

“From The Holy Land: Faith and Art” – Online Course Wednesdays in Advent

A new online course sponsored by Pilgrimage People will be held on Wednesdays in Advent, 3pm-4pm. The course will look at the history, architecture and art of churches in the Holy Land. All the talks will be recorded. Cost is £60 and all profits go to support Christians in the Holy Land. The course dates are 2nd December: The Basilica of the Annunciation; 9th December: The Church of the Visitation; 16th December: The Shepherds Fields; 23rd December: Church of the Nativity. To register, please email info@pilgrimagepeople.org or call 0800 612 3423.

Mary’s Meals, Double the Love

Through Mary’s Meals’ Double The Love campaign, donations will be doubled by the UK government, up to £2 million, until 31 January 2021. For just £15.90, two children in impoverished countries will be fed for a whole school year! To donate, please visit https://www.marysmeals.org.uk/donate

Read the newsletter for 6th December here (pdf)

Read the newsletter for 6th December here (doc)

First Sunday Of Advent – Year B

ADVENT 2020

After such a strange and perplexing year, it will be good for us to use the beautiful and peaceful season of Advent to ponder on the last nine months and on our faith as we move into an uncertain future. In order to help us reflect and enter into the spirit of Advent, we have organised a number of special events:

Four Short Talks by Fr. Patrick – Every Monday at 7pm

This year, more than ever, I have felt that God is calling all of us into a deeper and more real life of prayer. In order to help you – I am offering a short series of 10-minute talks on prayer. Each one will be at 7:00pm every Monday in Advent: Nov. 30th, Dec. 7th, 14th, 21st. E-mail cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk to register.

Advent Candlelit Masses

As in previous years, during Advent we will have our special Candlelit Masses at both the Cathedral and at Ravelston. The Masses will be at 7pm on Wednesday in Ravelston and on Thursday at the Cathedral. Seats will be available for online reservation here beginning 8:00am on the Monday of each week. Or phone the Parish Office at 0131 556 1798.

Advent with the Archbishop – Sunday, 29th November at 7pm

Archbishop Leo will give a talk entitled ‘Unwrapping Christmas’ on Zoom on Sunday 29 November at 7pm. The event is open to all. Please register at bit.ly/UnwrappingAdvent

IMPORTANT – PLEASE SIGN UP FOR WEEKEND MASSES

As you know, the government’s limit of 50 people per Mass is still in effect at this time for which reason it is very important that you register for one of the Masses before you arrive. Please use the online booking system on our website (on the homepage, scroll down to ‘Reserve a place for Sunday Mass’ or click on the button below) or call the parish office. Thank you!

St. Andrew’s Day

His Grace the Archbishop will celebrate the 12.45pm Mass on Monday in honour of our National Patron.

Stewarding Volunteers needed for Christmas Masses and beyond

The Cathedral is in need of more stewarding volunteers, not only for the Christmas Masses, but also to help cover the various shifts throughout the days and weeks going forward. Stewards are on duty to ensure that visitors to the Cathedral are following the Government’s COVID-19 regulations relating to face coverings, hand sanitising, social distancing and cleaning of surfaces as required. If you would like to assist, please sign up on sheets with the volunteers at the back of the church. Alternatively, you can contact Elizabeth or sign up on the sheet at the back of the church to help out at St Andrew’s, Ravelston.

First Saturday Devotions – Next Saturday

Devotions to Our Lady of Fatima will be held in the Cathedral on Sat 5th December at 9:30am. All welcome.

Advent Rosary for Life – Monday, 30 November, 7:00pm

Join with the unborn Christ and His Mother on the journey to Bethlehem through praying the rosary with others during the weeks of Advent. Each rosary will last about 30 minutes, starting at 7pm. Register here.

Annual Mass Attendance Census

The Archdiocese’s Annual Mass Attendance Census will be taken next weekend Sat., 5th Dec. and Sun., 6th Dec.

Many Thanks for Donated Gifts to Prisoners’ Children!

We received a large quantity of beautifully wrapped Christmas gifts both at the Cathedral and St. Andrew’s for distribution to for the children of prisoners in Edinburgh (Saughton) Prison. Thank you very much to everyone who donated gifts! Your continued kindness and generosity are very much appreciated!

Music for the 12 noon Mass

Hills of the North Rejoice
Creator of the Stars of Night
Organ Voluntary: Jean Langlais Incantation pour un jour saint

Black Sunday – Christmas CD Sale!

This Christmas why not give the gift of Sacred Music? Our own wonderful Cathedral Choir will be selling their beautiful CD after all Masses this weekend. Inspired by 800 years of sacred music it is the perfect Christmas Gift. The CD costs a very reasonable £12.99 but as a special Black (Purple!) Sunday Offer we are selling 2 CD’s for only £20. All proceeds from the CD will go directly towards ensuring the future of our Cathedral music! Purchase at: https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/store/withangels

Warm Christmas Gifts – Knitted Goods to Support the Cathedral

Knitted goods for Christmas made by our own wonderful parishioners Joanna Kopystynska and Anne MacAulay will be available for sale in the Octagon after Masses on Sunday morning. The knitted dolls by Joanna are also available at www.kathedralknits.etsy.com. Anne will have available hats, headbands, tea cozies, and babywear of various colours and sizes. All the profits from all sales are very generously donated by Joanna and Anne to the Cathedral. Please support the Cathedral by buying some of these beautiful Christmas gifts!

Hand on the Faith to Others! Archdiocesan Diploma in Catechetics

One-Year Online Course in 2021 – Begins January 14, 2021

Join people across the Archdiocese on Zoom each week to learn about our Catholic faith and earn an Archdiocesan Diploma in Catechetics to prepare you to hand on our Catholic faith to others! The Archdiocese is offering a new one-year course via Zoom taught in weekly 45-minute lectures (Thursday evenings at 7:30pm) beginning January 14, 2021. Lectures will be given on the Role of the Laity in the Church, Sacraments, Scripture, Christology, Systematic Theology and Moral Theology. For more info email: sranna.marie@staned.org.uk Please take a brochure in the back of church with all the Course Module dates and details.

“From The Holy Land: Faith and Art” – Online Course Wednesdays in Advent

A new online course sponsored by Pilgrimage People will be held on Wednesdays in Advent, 3pm-4pm. The course will look at the history, architecture and art of churches in the Holy Land. All the talks will be recorded. Cost is £60 and all profits go to support Christians in the Holy Land. The course dates are 2nd December: The Basilica of the Annunciation; 9th December: The Church of the Visitation; 16th December: The Shepherds Fields; 23rd December: Church of the Nativity. To register, please email info@pilgrimagepeople.org or call 0800 612 3423.

Pilgrimage Opportunities

Need a Day Out? Explore Scotland on our many great pilgrimage trails! Routes include Rosslyn Chapel Way; Saint Margaret’s Loop, St. Andrew’s Circuit and many more! To learn more, visit here..

Read the newsletter for 29th November (pdf)

Read the newsletter for 29th November (doc)