Sixth Sunday Of Easter– Year B

Return to Normal Sunday Mass Schedule as of Next Weekend!

We will be back to our normal Mass schedule from next weekend 15th-16th May. The normal Sunday Mass times are 6:00pm (Vigil), 9:00am, 10.30am (Polish), 12noon, 6:00pm (Polish) and 7:30pm.

Pray for Young People to be Confirmed Next Sunday, 16th May

Young people in our Cathedral parish will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation next Sunday afternoon. Archbishop Cushley will administer the sacrament to them following their completion of a time of spiritual preparation and study. Please pray for them that they will “share more completely in the mission of Jesus Christ and the fullness of the Holy Spirit” (Catechism of Catholic Church, 1294).

In St Andrew’s, Ravelston, please pray for all the young people who have taken part in our first ever online Confirmation course with Sister Anna Marie and Fr Jamie. Archbishop Cushley will confirm them at St. Andrew’s next Saturday morning. May each of them be filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and be strengthened in the service of the Church!

Congratulations Deacon Joshua Moir!

Congratulations to Deacon Joshua Moir, 27, a seminarian in Rome studying for our Archdiocese, who was ordained Deacon on Sunday last by Archbishop Arthur Roche in the Scots College Chapel, Rome. God willing, he will be ordained a priest next year. Deacon Joshua will be arriving here at the Cathedral for a summer placement on Monday, 17th May! We look forwarding to welcoming him next week!

Booking for Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, Thursday, 13th May and Sunday Masses for Weekend of 15th-16th May

Thursday, 13th May is the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. In ordinary times, this feast would be a holiday of obligation – please make every attempt to attend Mass, if you can. In addition to our usual Mass times of 10am, 12:45 and 6pm (Ravelston), there will be an additional 7pm at the Cathedral. To save time at the door, please book online in advance in the usual way (https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/reserve). If you need to cancel a booking for a Mass, you can do so from your email receipt. Scroll to the bottom and click on “View and manage your order online.”

Bookings may also be done by calling the parish office, 0131 556 1798. For Extraordinary Form (Old Rite) liturgies, contact Fr. John Emerson, 0131 332 3750 or jfe1@mac.com. For Polish Mass booking, visit: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/polishcatholicchurchedinburgh

In St Andrew’s, Ravelston, Please pray for all the young people who have taken part in our first ever online Confirmation course with Sister Anna Marie and Fr Jamie. Archbishop Cushley will confirm them at St. Andrew’s next Saturday morning. May each of them be filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and be strengthened in the service of the Church!

Parish Bible Study – Mondays at 7.00pm on Zoom

Our Parish Bible Study resumed last Monday – it was great to see some new faces and old friends! Still space for more: email frjamie@stmaryscathedral.co.uk to sign up. Each week, you will receive a short and accessible commentary for the coming Sunday’s Gospel in preparation for the Bible study, which takes place online on Zoom at 7pm every Monday and involves discussion, prayer and reflection. Do join!

Young Adults Group - Tuesdays at 7.30pm

For the Tuesdays of May, there will be a Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration for young people, with guided meditations on the mysteries of the Rosary. This Tuesday, we'll pray the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary. The Holy Hour will conclude with Benediction and a trip to the pub (weather permitting!). All young adults aged 18-35 will be very welcome.

Degrees in Theology or Education at St. Mary's University Edinburgh

This September, St Mary’s University in Twickenham, a leading Catholic university in the UK, will open a campus at the Gillis Centre in Edinburgh in conjunction with the Archdiocese. This is an excellent opportunity with post-graduate MA courses in Theology and Education offered, giving you the flexibility to study in the evening and at weekends. Register at www.stmarys.ac.uk/edinburgh

Marriage Preparation

Are you planning to get married next year? Please contact Fr Jamie (frjamie@stmaryscathedral.co.uk) as soon as possible to make arrangements for Marriage Preparation. The Archdiocesan Marriage Preparation Course for May is now fully booked, but we hope to run our own, regular parish-based courses after the summer.

Special Collection Next Sunday, 16th May for World Communications Day

Next Sunday, 16th May, the Catholic Church celebrates World Communications day in which we highlight the importance of communications media in spreading the Good News of the Gospel. There will be a second collection to support the Church’s communications work in Scotland.

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

It was great to welcome 16 adults into the fulness of the Catholic faith last Sunday at Mass. If you – or someone you know – was inspired by their example, this would be a great time to sign up for the Cathedral’s RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) group, for adults who are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith, with a view to becoming members of the Church. For more information, contact the parish office at 0131 556 1798 or cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Laudato Si’ Event Monday, 24th May, 7pm: `Everything and Everyone is Connected’

Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) and Justice & Peace Scotland host an online event titled ‘Everything and Everyone is Connected’ at 7pm on Monday 24 May, “an evening of reflection on Laudato Si’ and the climate crisis”. Laudato Si’ Week takes place 16-24 May as part of the anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical on caring for our common home.

Sign Petition to Protect Freedom to Pray

City of Edinburgh Council is petitioning COSLA, the Scottish local authorities’ organisation, in favour of ‘buffer zones’ at all Scottish abortion facilities. It means peaceful pro-life prayer vigils, a lifeline to vulnerable women considering abortion, are under threat. To protect the freedom to pray you can sign the SPUC (Society for the Protection of Unborn Children) online petition: https://citizengo.org/en-gb/201800-protect-freedom-pray-scotland It takes 30 seconds!

Many Options Available to Support St. Mary’s 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 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 which has the added advantage of allowing you to ‘gift aid’ any donations you make at the time that you make them.

Music for the 12noon Mass at the Cathedral

Schubert Ave Maria

This Joyful Eastertide

Organ voluntary: Herbert Howells Paean

Read the newsletter for 9th May (pdf)

Fourth Sunday Of Easter– Year B

Two Exciting New Projects at the Cathedral

My Dear Friends,

As we (hopefully!) near the end of the current Covid restrictions, I would like to share with you news of two exciting developments that the Parish Council has been working on.

The first is a joint venture with the Grassmarket Community Project (GCP) to open a wonderful new bistro café that will provide breakfasts, light and full lunches, teas, coffees and delicious cakes here in the Cathedral Hall. This will be a stunning environment, leafy, light and spacious yet bustly, with conversation and brimming with the aroma of coffee and home cooking. The prices will be city-centre but lower end, the menu will appeal to almost everyone and loyalty discounts and offers will be made for St Mary’s worshipers and visitors. The Café will be called “Coffee Saints” and is an ecumenical project between ourselves and the Greyfriar’s Kirk – which is the spiritual home of the GCP. It will be the only social enterprise café of its kind in this otherwise commercial area and will give people a real choice but without any compromise to quality and having a lovely space to eat and drink in with friends and family. We are currently finalising contracts and arrangements, and we are hoping that Coffee Saints will open later this summer.

The second project is a joint venture with the Society of St. Paul (a Catholic Religious Order who specialise in promoting the Gospel though multimedia publications) to open a Bookshop here at the Cathedral. Since the closure of Harkins, there has been no outlet for religious books and publications on this side of Scotland – so the Brothers of St. Paul have made us an attractive offer to provide such a shop. Running such a shop is a complicated business – which is why we are delighted that the Brothers have agreed to take on this project. We are hoping that this too will open later on this summer.

Both projects are the fruit of much thought and negotiation – and in both projects the Cathedral will be protected from any possible financial loss.

In due course I will invite both the leaders of the GCP and the Brothers of St. Paul to come and speak to the Parish to explain their plans but, in the meantime, we hope that you share our excitement at this new development which sends a message to the city of hope and community.

Fr. Patrick

For more information about either Organisations see: Grassmarket Community Project https://grassmarket.org or Society of St. Paul https://www.stpauls.org.uk/who-we-are

Sunday Morning Mass Schedule Changes

Please note that the 8am Mass on Sunday mornings has been discontinued due to low attendance, however the other Sunday morning Masses at 9am, 10am (Polish) 11am remain as scheduled, as do the 12noon, 4:00pm and 7:30pm Masses.

From Sunday, 2nd May Cathedral Mass Booking Available for up to 150 People

Please book a seat in advance for all Sunday Masses or phone the parish office (0131 556 1798). Seats for up to 150 will be open for Sundays Masses from 2nd May.

Special Collection Today: Ecclesiastical Students

Please note that there will be a Special Diocesan Collection today for those studying for the priesthood.

Today is World Day for Prayer for Vocations

Today the Church celebrates Good Shepherd Sunday, when we are encouraged to pray for vocations to the priesthood and the religious life. For information the priesthood, contact Fr. Andrew Garden at vocations@staned.org.uk, or for religious life, Sister Mirjam Hugens at religiousvocations@staned.org.uk.

Exterminating poverty, or the poor? A Scottish doctor's story: Mon, 26 April, 7:45pm

The book Exterminating Poverty (2020) tells the ‘David & Goliath’ story of how Dr. Halliday Sutherland, a Scottish doctor, took on Marie Stopes 100 years ago against a plan for eugenic breeding in Britain. Mark Sutherland, grandson of Dr. Sutherland, will share the story in a talk Mon, 26 Apr 2021 7:45pm. Register at https://standrewsandedinburgh.eventbrite.co.uk

2021 Election: Ask MSP Candidates to Sign the Both Lives Pledge!

Right To Life UK has set up an tool to contact your local candidates to ask them to sign the Both Lives Pledge to support policies to protect the lives of both mother and child. It takes 30 seconds! https://righttolife.org.uk/BothLivesScotland

SCIAF Boxes Need to be Returned Today

Please drop off your Wee Boxes today at the passkeepers’ table if you want the Cathedral to send in your donation, or use the Freepost envelope (no stamp needed!) provided with your Wee Box and write “Wee Box appeal” under “Freepost SCIAF” so SCIAF can claim the £1 for £1 matching from the Government. To Gift Aid your donation, please fill in form on the base of the Wee Box.

Cathedral Chandeliers Effort Update

Currently, we are awaiting proposals for the work of securing the Cathedral chandeliers to the roof prior to the installation of a new mechanical winching system. We will keep you informed.

First Confessions

Please pray for children at St Andrew’s, Ravelston, who will make their First Confession on Tuesday, 27th April. They are looking forward to receiving the graces from this sacrament, having waited patiently for the churches to reopen.

Bookings for Sunday Masses

St Andrew’s passkeepers are doing a great job in keeping our small & beautiful church open during these challenging times. To assist the process and keep the operation running smoothly, we respectfully request that anyone attending Mass on a Sunday books a seat in advance via the online booking system or by phoning the parish office (0131 556 1798). Thank you.

St Mary's University Edinburgh Campus Opening in September!

This September, St Mary’s University in Twickenham, a leading Catholic university in the UK, will open a campus at the Gillis Centre in Edinburgh in conjunction with the Archdiocese! Archbishop Cushley has written a pastoral letter about this exciting initiative and copies are available at the back of church or you may read it online at bit.ly/PastoralLetter240421. This is an excellent opportunity with post-graduate MA courses in Theology and Education offered, giving you the flexibility to study in the evening and at weekends. Read more about the courses and register at www.stmarys.ac.uk/edinburgh. A short video on this marvellous educational opportunity is available at https://youtu.be/0c6ARTEQWks

Read the newsletter for 25th April (pdf)

Third Sunday Of Easter – Year B

Sunday Evening Mass Schedule Changes

Please note that the 5pm Mass on Sunday evenings has been discontinued due to low attendance, however the other two later Masses on Sunday, 4:00pm and 7:30pm remain as scheduled. Do take note of this change in our Mass schedule. Thank you!

Sign-up by Monday, 19th April for FREE Online Course: “Grace: The Church’s Hidden Treasure”

Over 100 people have already signed up for a free, six-week online course titled “Grace: The Church’s Hidden Treasure”! The course begins Monday, 19th April, 7:30pm. Hurry and register now if you want to attend since registration closes on Monday morning! Register at bit.ly/GraceCours2021. The course will focus on grace according to the teaching of Saint Thomas Aquinas in the Summa Theologica. The webinar will be led by Fr Kevin Douglas (St Peter’s & St Columba’s, Edinburgh) and Sr Anna Marie McGuan, RSM (Archdiocesan Advisor on Catechetics). Sessions will be recorded. To learn more, visit https://archedinburgh.org/qa-register-for-our-free-course-on-grace/

Feast of the Dedication of the Cathedral - Monday

This Monday, 19th April we celebrate the Solemnity of the Dedication of the Cathedral! This year is the 43rd anniversary of the Cathedral’s solemn dedication by Cardinal Gray on 18th April 1978, 164 years since its foundation in 1814. Bishop Cameron opened the Chapel of St Mary's in 1814, and on 5th July 1886, at the request of Archbishop William Smith, it was named the Metropolitan Cathedral. You can read more about the history of our Cathedral

2021 Archdiocesan Directories - on Sale while Supplies Last!

I know that many of you have been waiting with impatience for the publication of this year’s Archdiocesan Directory. Packed with fascinating information – it is a real page turner… And at only £3 it’s a bargain as well! We will be selling them after Mass – resistance is futile...

Cathedral Fabric Update

Our attempt to sort the problem with the Chandeliers this week ran into technical problems and so, as you can see, we have had to pause operations. Andy Hilton, our Complex Manager, however made good use of the cherry picker while it was on site and used the opportunity to install three new, modern, energy-efficient LED floodlights on the pole at the front of the Cathedral, replacing the old sodium floodlights. The long-term plan is to put additional less powerful LED floodlights at the base and around the Octogan for more even light. Thank you, Andy! More updates to come soon on the chandeliers repair effort!

St. Andrew’s Fabric Update

A permanent solution to the leaking lower roof at the rear of the parish house has been completed. The roof of the church has been inspected and maintained. Work on the badly blocked downpipes and drains at the rear of the church is ongoing.

Pastoral Letter on the Election

The Bishops of Scotland have urged Catholic voters to consider the following key areas when selecting a candidate for the Scottish Parliament Election on 6th May. Copies of the letter are available at the back of the Church:

• Beginning and end of life

• Family and work

• Poverty, human trafficking and modern slavery

• Environment

• Free speech, free expression, and freedom of thought, conscience and religion

• Catholic schools

Additional resources are available at https://rcpolitics.org/scottish-parliament-election-2021/. A site for finding your candidates is: https://whocanivotefor.co.uk/. The deadline to register to vote is midnight 19th April; voter registration is available at https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

First Holy Communion and Confirmation Classes

The classes for First Holy Communion and Confirmation preparation at St Andrew;s, Ravelston, have proceeded very well during lockdown by going online. Many thanks to the children and parents for your faithful attendance and engagement. Special thanks to Fr Jamie and his hard work in enabling this move to online safely. First Holy Communion will be held on Saturday, 5th June and Confirmation will be held on Saturday, 15th May. As with last year's children's sacramental celebrations, the attendee numbers will need to be strictly limited to comply with government caps on public worship, 50 people maximum. Children, you and your families are inspirational to the whole parish in these challenging times!

SCIAF Boxes Need to be Returned by Next Sunday

Please return all SCIAF boxes before next Sunday so that SCIAF can claim the additional donation from the government.

Second Sunday Of Easter (Divine Mercy) – Year B

Parking Controls in Effect in City Centre from Sunday, 11th April, 12:30pm and 6:30pm

The City of Edinburgh Council has put Sunday parking controls in the City Centre from Sunday, 11 April 2021. The restrictions apply between 12:30pm and 6:30pm.

Work on Cathedral Chandeliers Winching System Encounters Complications

Upon closer inspection, the work involved for the installation of the new mechanical winching system for the Cathedral chandeliers is even more complicated and expensive than originally anticipated. The work will be delayed a few weeks. Thank you to all parishioners who have so generously contributed to the repair effort so far! Please donate to help meet this expense: https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/donate

Gift Aid Envelopes 2021 – 22 Available for Collection

Gift Aid envelope sets are now available for collection from the back of the Cathedral.

Due to the pandemic, many parishioners who had envelope sets last year, have very kindly moved to standing order over the last 12 months. In most cases, envelope sets for 2021-22 have therefore only been allocated to parishioners where this is not the case. If any parishioners have any queries about Gift Aid envelopes for 2021-22, or any other Gift Aid matters, please contact Caroline Reid by email at finance@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

“Grace: The Church’s Hidden Treasure”: Mondays at 7:30pm Beginning 19th April

A new six-week course titled “Grace: The Church’s Hidden Treasure” will be hosted by the Archdiocese on Mondays at 7:30pm, starting 19th April. Sessions will focus on grace according to the teaching of Saint Thomas Aquinas in the Summa Theologica. The webinar course is organised by the Catechetical Commission of the Archdiocese and led by Fr Kevin Douglas (St Peter’s & St Columba’s, Edinburgh) and Sr Anna Marie McGuan, RSM (Archdiocesan Advisor on Catechetics). Register now at bit.ly/GraceCours2021

Weekly Cathedral and Monthly Archdiocesan Updates by E-mail

Receive the Cathedral newsletter straight into your inbox! 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 this website.

To receive a monthly e-mail update from the Archdiocese, subscribe at https://archedinburgh.org/news-events (scroll to bottom of page)

Return Wee Boxes to SCIAF or Leave with Passkeepers by Sunday, 25th April

If you have collected money in a SCIAF Wee Box this year, please note that the UK Government have committed to match (£1 for £1) all donations raised through the 2021 Wee Box appeal, provided that SCIAF receive the money by 11th May 2021. You can send your donations directly to SCIAF using the contact details on your Wee Box, or you may leave your Wee Box with the passkeepers on or before Sunday, 25th April 2021. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee to send Wee Box donations received after this date to SCIAF in time for the 11th May deadline. If you are eligible to Gift Aid your donation, remember to complete the Gift Aid declaration on the base of the Wee Box!

Many Options Available to Support St. Mary’s 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 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 menu that has the added advantage of allowing you to ‘gift aid’ any donations you make at the time that you make them.

Scottish Election 2021 – What you can do to defend human life?

In preparation for the Scottish Election on 6th May, the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children has produced a briefing resource on life issues including DIY abortion, ‘buffer zones’ around abortion providers (making it illegal for pro-life vigils to happen), and assisted suicide. More information can also be found at https://www.spuc.org.uk/Get-Involved/Campaigns/2021-Scottish-Election

To check your candidates’ voting intentions, contact SPUC Scotland on 0141 221 2094 election2021@spucscotland.org. A site for finding your candidates is: https://whocanivotefor.co.uk/

Music for the 12noon Mass

Handel 'Come onto Him' from Messiah

Murry Battle is o'er, hell's armies flee

Organ Postlude: Walton Crown Imperial

Read the newsletter for the 11th April (pdf)

Easter Sunday Of The Resurrection Of The Lord – Year B

Happy Easter!

On behalf of the whole Cathedral Team, I would like to wish you all a happy and truly blessed Easter. I hope that you will be able to celebrate somehow with your loved ones and I would like to thank all those who have handed in cards and gifts to Cathedral House. We are very grateful indeed!

“Grace: The Church’s Hidden Treasure”: Mondays at 7:30pm Beginning 19th April

Easter is a season of grace, so register now for a six-week course titled Grace: The Church’s Hidden Treasure. It is hosted by the Archdiocese and takes place on Mondays at 7:30pm, starting 19th April.

Sessions will focus on grace according to the teaching of Saint Thomas Aquinas in the Summa Theologica. It will include an introduction on how to read the Summa, its structure, and how to go through one of Saint Thomas’ articles.

The webinar course is organised by the Catechetical Commission of the Archdiocese and led by Fr Kevin Douglas (St Peter’s & St Columba’s, Edinburgh) and Sr Anna Marie McGuan, RSM (Archdiocesan Advisor on Catechetics). Register here

Exterminating Poverty or the Poor? A Scottish Doctor’s Story: 7:30pm, 26th April

Mark H Sutherland & Neil Sutherland, authors of ‘Exterminating Poverty’, will tell the true story of how a Scottish doctor took on Marie Stopes 100 years ago, and why this matters today. This webinar will inform and inspire those who take up the pro-life fight today. It takes place at 7:45pm on Monday 26th April. Register now on Eventbrite bit.ly/ExterminatingPovertyOrThePoor

Booking Opens Monday, 5th April, 9:00am for Masses for Sunday, 11th April

On Monday, 5th April at 9:00am, booking for seats for Masses for Sunday, 11th April will open on the Cathedral website.

If you need to cancel your booking for a Mass, you can do so from your confirmation email receipt! Scroll to the bottom and click on “View and manage your order online.” Bookings may also be done by calling the parish office, 0131 556 1798. For Extraordinary Form (Old Rite) liturgies, please contact Fr. John Emerson, 0131 332 3750 or jfe1@mac.com. For Polish Mass booking, visit: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/polishcatholicchurchedinburgh

Many Options Available to Support St. Mary’s 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 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 menu that has the added advantage of allowing you to ‘gift aid’ any donations you make at the time that you make them.

Other: 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.

Parking Controls Begin in City Centre from Sunday, 11th April, 12:30pm and 6:30pm

The City of Edinburgh Council has announced Sunday parking controls will start in the city centre from Sunday, 11 April 2021. The restrictions will apply in Zones 1 to 4 between 21.30pm - 6.30pm.

Cathedral Chandeliers Winching System Installation Begins 6th April

From Tuesday, 6th April the work will begin for the installation of the new mechanical winching system for the Cathedral chandeliers. Thank you to all parishioners who have so generously contributed to the purchase of the new winching system repair effort so far! Please donate to help us meet this expense here

Easter Knitted Goods to Support the Cathedral

Support the Cathedral with purchase of knitted gifts at https://www.kathedralknits.etsy.com

All the profits from all sales are very generously donated by our own wonderful parishioner Joanna Kopystynska to the Cathedral. Thank you for your support!

Weekly Cathedral and Monthly Archdiocesan Updates by E-mail

Cathedral News: Receive the newsletter straight into your inbox 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 this website.

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. Here’s the April update.

Gift Aid Envelopes 2021 – 22

Gift Aid envelope sets are now available for collection from the back of St Andrew’s church. Due to the pandemic, many parishioners who had envelope sets last year, have very kindly moved to standing order over the last 12 months. Envelope sets have therefore only been allocated to parishioners where this is not the case. If any parishioners have any queries about Gift Aid envelopes for 2021-22, please contact Caroline Reid by email at: finance@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Edinburgh Locals Needed for Refugee Community Sponsorship Group

A group of 8-20 Edinburgh local volunteers is being formed, aimed at resettling a refugee family in the UK through Community Sponsorship, “a refugee resettlement programme with local people at its heart.” This effort is a practical way of assisting refugees to safely resettle to the UK through community groups which help the family find a home, secure employment, learn English and access the NHS. If you are interested in this 1+ year volunteering commitment to be part of the core group or to help out on an ad-hoc basis, please contact Orla Hadjisophocleous at orla.hadjisophocleous@gmail.com

For more information, visit https://resetuk.org/community-sponsorship

Home Delivery Available for Catholic Universe Newspaper

The Catholic Universe newspaper can be delivered direct to your home every week, POST FREE. Please visit https://thecatholicuniverse.com/or call 0161 820 5722 and they will arrange for you. Your weekly newspaper can drop through your letterbox for just £99 a year. Or it can download weekly to your tablet or smartphone for just £55 a year.

Read the newsletter for 4th April (pdf)

Happy Easter to you all! Fr. Patrick

Palm Sunday Of The Passion Of The Lord – Year B

Welcome Back to Mass Message from Archbishop Leo Cushley

Archbishop Cushley has welcomed church re-openings and thanked clergy and volunteers in this video message for parishioners in our Archdiocese.

Watch “Praying the Passion According to St. Mark” by Archbishop Cushley

In case you missed it on Tuesday, 23rd March, you can still watch Archbishop Cushley’s INSPIRE Lenten Prayer Talk, “Praying the Passion According to St. Mark,” at bit.ly/ArchYouTube

Booking Opens Monday, 29th March, 9:00am for Holy Week and Easter

On Monday, 29th March at 9:00am, booking for seats for Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter will open on the Cathedral website https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/. You may also call the parish office 0131 556 1798. For Extraordinary Form (Old Rite) liturgies, please contact Fr. John Emerson, at 0131 332 3750 or jfe1@mac.com. Book for Polish Mass at https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/masstimes, under ‘Mass in Polish’

Easter Triduum from the Cathedral with Archbishop Cushley on YouTube

The following liturgies will be available on the Archdiocese’s YouTube channel: Holy Thursday, 7pm | Good Friday 3pm | Easter Sunday 9am. All celebrations with Archbishop Cushley from St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh. Online at bit.ly/ArchYouTube

Cathedral Stations of The Cross – Online: Fridays of the Weeks of Lent

The beautiful Lenten tradition of praying the Stations of the Cross is available from the Cathedral online. By 12noon every Friday, the recordings of the Stations are posted on the website https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/ and on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/edinburghcathedral/ as well as on the Cathedral podcast page: https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/podcasts

Cathedral Holy Week And Easter Schedule

Holy Thursday, 1st April: 7pm

Good Friday, 2nd April: 3pm Passion of the Lord; 7pm Stations of the Cross

Holy Saturday, 3rd April; 8pm Easter Vigil

Easter Sunday, 4th April

8am, 9am, 10am (Polish\, 11am, 12pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6pm (Polish), 7.30pm

Confessions: After 12:45pm Mass on Monday-Wednesday of Holy Week

Ravelston Holy Week And Easter Schedule

Holy Thursday, 1st April: 7:30pm (Old Rite)

Good Friday, 2nd April: 3pm Passion of the Lord; 5pm (Old Rite)

Holy Saturday, 3rd April: 7:30pm (Old Rite)

Easter Sunday, 4th April: 9am, 10am, 11am, 12noon (Old Rite)

Tenebrae Online 5:30am Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday

Tenebrae, meaning darkness or shadow in Latin, will be chanted at 5:30am on the mornings of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday by the Religious Sisters of Mercy at St Andrew’s, Ravelston. Register here

The whole service lasts a little more than an hour. This centuries-old rite, which combines the Liturgy of the Hours and Lamentations of the Prophet Jeremiah, begins in darkness, except for the light of 15 candles. Between the psalms and lamentations, one by one the candles are extinguished. As the light of dawn appears, the only candle still lit is the centre candle, symbolising Christ conquering the darkness of sin and death in the world. This candle is carried out of the chapel, after which those remaining in darkness begin to beat on the pews to symbolically represent the earthquake at the Resurrection, and the candle is brought back into the chapel as the Light of Christ appears

St. Joseph Family Prayer Books and WEE BOXES Available This Weekend

The new, pocket-sized St. Joseph’s Family Prayer Book – a “spiritual toolbox” and a treasure filled with prayers for the whole family – and SCAF Wee Boxes – from the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) to collect donations to help children with disabilities in South Sudan– will be available – as long as supplies last! – at the passkeepers’ table this weekend! This year £1 = £2! Your SCIAF Wee Box donation will make twice the difference to 11th May, with all public donations to be doubled by the UK government!

Pro-Life Stations of the Cross: Monday, 29th March, 7:45pm-8:15pm

Archbishop Cushley will give a reflection at the online Stations of the Cross, organised by the Pro-Life Office, this Monday at 7:45pm. Register at http://standrewsandedinburgh.eventbrite.com

Cathedral Chandeliers Winching System Installation Begins 6th April

From Tuesday, 6th April the work will begin for the installation of the new mechanical winching system for the Cathedral chandeliers. Thank you to all parishioners who have so generously contributed to the purchase of the new winching system repair effort so far! Please donate to help us meet this expense at: https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/donate

Easter Knitted Goods to Support the Cathedral

Please support the Cathedral by buying some Easter-themed knitted gifts at the table in the Octagon this weekend or online at https://www.kathedralknits.etsy.com

All the profits from all sales are very generously donated by our own wonderful parishioner Joanna Kopystynska to the Cathedral.

Craig Lodge Events and Family Retreats

Craig Lodge is a house of prayer and home to a Catholic lay community. To see a list of upcoming events, including Family Retreats especially tailored to parents & young families in July, August and October visit: https://www.craiglodge.org/events or contact mail@craiglodge.org, Craig Lodge, Dalmally, Argyll, Scotland, PA33 1AR.

Read the newsletter for 28th March (pdf)

Fifth Sunday Of Lent – Year B

The Cathedral and St. Andrews will Open Again on Friday 26th March

Daily Masses will be at 10am, 12.45, 6pm (Polish) and 6pm (Ravelston)
Sunday Masses will be at 5pm (Vigil), 6pm (Vigil)
8am, 9am, 10am (Polish), 11am, 12pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6pm (Polish), 7.30pm
Ravelston: 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm (Old Rite), 5pm (Old Rite)

Booking Opens on Monday, 22nd March, 9am for Vigil & Sunday Masses of March 27-28

As you know, the government’s limit of 50 people per Mass will be in effect as of Friday, 26th March, so it is important that you register for one of the weekend Masses before you arrive. Once you do have a place reserved, please make every attempt to attend your chosen Mass. On Monday, 22nd March at 9:00am, booking for seats for Saturday Vigil and Sunday Masses of March 27-28 will open on the Cathedral website:

You may also call the parish office 0131 556 1798.

Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter booking opens Monday, 29th March, 9:00am.

Cathedral Stations of The Cross – Fridays of the Weeks of Lent

The beautiful Lenten tradition of praying the Stations of the Cross is available from the Cathedral online. By 12noon every Friday, the recordings of the Stations have been posted on the website. Each Friday in Lent, on the website and on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/edinburghcathedral/ as well as on the Cathedral podcast page: https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/podcasts

Lenten Talk: “Praying the Passion According to St. Mark” by Archbishop Leo Cushley

Tuesday, 23 March, 7:00pm-8:00pm

Register here bit.ly/LentCushley

This is the final event in the Archdiocese’s series of INSPIRE talks to guide you prayerfully through Lent. The talks are organised by the Catechetics Commission of the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh.

Watch earlier INSPIRE Lent Talks:

Br. Joseph Carron, OSB  Songs of the Redemption: The Benedictine Liturgy of the Hours

https://archedinburgh.org/watch-the-prayer-life-of-a-benedictine-monk/

Sr. Anna Marie McGuan, RSM  Becoming Saints Today: Unlocking the Present Moment

https://archedinburgh.org/watch-lenten-prayer-talk-with-sr-anna-marie/

Sister Sally Rollo, OCD  Prayer as a Relationship Reflected in St Teresa of Avila

https://archedinburgh.org/watch-let-sr-sally-inspire-you-to-prayer/

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Cathedral Holy Week And Easter Schedule

Palm Sunday, Sunday, 28th March: 5pm (Vigil), 6pm (Vigil), 8am, 9am, (Polish) 10am, 11am, 12pm, 4pm, 5pm, (Polish) 6pm, 7.30pm

Holy Thursday, 1st April: 7pm

Good Friday, 2nd April: 3pm Passion of the Lord; 7pm Stations of the Cross

Holy Saturday, 3rd April: 8pm Easter Vigil

Easter Sunday, 4th April: 8am, 9am, (Polish) 10am, 11am, 12pm, 4pm, 5pm, (Polish) 6pm, 7.30pm

Confessions: after 12:45pm Mass on Monday-Wednesday of Holy Week

Ravelston Holy Week And Easter Schedule

Palm Sunday, Sunday, 28th March: 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm (Old Rite), 5pm (Old Rite)

Holy Thursday, 1st April: 7pm (Old Rite)

Good Friday, 2nd April: 3pm Passion of the Lord

Holy Saturday, 3rd April: 8pm (Old Rite)

Easter Sunday, 4th April: 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm (Old Rite), 5pm (Old Rite)

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Your “Spiritual Toolbox”: St. Joseph Family Prayer Book is a Treasure!

A wealth of prayers awaits you in just 35 little pages! The new, pocket-sized St. Joseph’s Family Prayer Book is a “spiritual toolbox” and a treasure filled with prayers for the whole family. To get your copy, please contact cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk or 0131 556 7798.

SCIAF Wee Box Donations Doubled through 11th May by UK Government

This year £1 = £2! Your SCIAF Wee Box donation will make twice the difference to 11th May, with all public donations to be doubled by the UK government. Your contributions to the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) help children with disabilities in South Sudan access the education and support they need. Wee Boxes are still available at Cathedral House. To collect a Wee Box, please contact cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk or 0131 556 7798.

New Winching System to be Installed for Cathedral Chandeliers

Sometime after Easter, a new mechanical winching system for the Cathedral chandeliers will be installed. Thank you to all parishioners who have so generously contributed to the purchase of the new winching system repair effort so far! Please donate at https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/donate

Easter Knitted Goods to Support the Cathedral

Please support the Cathedral by buying some Easter-themed knitted gifts! Easter items are for sale from £10 at https://www.kathedralknits.etsy.com

All the profits from all sales are very generously donated by our own wonderful parishioner Joanna Kopystynska to the Cathedral.

Marriage Preparation Courses in April and 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: 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).

Pro-Life Stations of the Cross: Monday, 22nd March, 7:45pm-8:15pm

Join us every Monday in Lent to pray for unborn children, their mothers and all Pro-Life intentions. This week, we will pray the stations of the cross together followed by a reflection from Fr Andrew Kingham, Parish Priest at Our Lady & St Andrews, Galashiels. Book your space online: https://standrewsandedinburgh.eventbrite.co.uk

Ask your MP to Attend Tuesday, 23rd March Event on the Dangers of DIY Abortion

To ensure that politicians are aware of the negative impact of ‘DIY’ home abortions, the All-Party Parliamentary Pro-Life Group will be hosting a parliamentary event on Tuesday, 23rd March where experts will cover the latest evidence on how ‘DIY’ home abortions are placing women at risk. As your MP to attend! Please visit: www.righttolife.org.uk/DIYabortionMeeting

Equally Human: Sign Petition to Stop Abortion for Babies with Disabilities

On 15 March, Northern Ireland Assembly passed the Severe Fetal Impairment Abortion (Amendment) Bill by 48 votes to 12. The bill proposes removing the current provision in the abortion regulations that allows abortion for ‘severe fetal impairment’ up to birth for babies with disabilities including Down’s syndrome, cleft lip and club foot. The bill now goes to Committee Stage so please sign the petition and pray for its success! Take 30 seconds to sign the petition: https://citizengo.org/en-row/signit/200634/view

Outdoor Stations of the Cross at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston

The Lord’s Passion is beautifully depicted in 14 outdoor Stations of the Cross at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston (77 Belford Road) along the walking path. Prayers to carry with you are provided near the First Station, or bring along the podcast of the Stations of the Cross by our Cathedral readers and singers: https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/podcasts

Voter Registration for EU Nationals Resident in Scotland

All EU Nationals resident here in Scotland can vote in the Scottish Parliamentary Election on the 6th of May. Registration must take place by 15th April, via the website www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. Also, all EU nationals of the UK must apply for Settled Status before the 30th of June 2021, for themselves and their children, even if they are married to a UK national and regardless of how long they have been here. More information is available www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families

Read the newsletter for 21st March (pdf)

Fourth Sunday Of Lent – Year B

Public Worship to Resume 26th March

With churches reopening from Friday, 26th March, we look forward to seeing you all soon! Booking for the Saturday vigil and Sunday Masses of March 27-28 will open on the website, as usual, from the previous Monday (22nd March). Daily Masses will not require booking. Stay tuned for our Holy Week and Easter schedule and information about booking for those liturgies and for the schedule for Confessions.

Cathedral Stations of The Cross – Fridays of the Weeks of Lent

The beautiful Lenten tradition of praying the Stations of the Cross is available from the Cathedral online. By 12noon every Friday, the recordings of the Stations are posted on the website and on Facebook as well as on the Cathedral podcast page

“Spiritual Toolbox” to Help You Build the Habit of Daily Prayer

Don’t want to forget your daily prayers? Carry your “spiritual toolbox” with you! A new pocket-sized St. Joseph’s Family Prayer Book is available to help you grow in the habit of daily prayer. It is filled with all kinds of prayers: Morning Offering, Mysteries of the Rosary, Prayers for the Dead and many more. To get your copy, please contact cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk or 0131 556 7798.

INSPIRE Lent Talks on Prayer– Tuesdays, 16th & 23rd March – 7:00pm-8:00pm

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.

Prayer as a Relationship Reflected in St Teresa of Avila

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

Praying the Passion According to St Mark

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

Watch earlier INSPIRE Lent Talks here:

Br. Joseph Carron, OSB  Songs of the Redemption: The Benedictine Liturgy of the Hours

Sr. Anna Marie McGuan, RSM  Becoming Saints Today: Unlocking the Present Moment

Cathedral Fabric Repairs

Repairs to keep dampness out of the Cathedral have been completed with coping fixed with above the sacristies and St. Andrew’s altar. The joint where Cathedral Lane touches the church also has been repaired. The Cathedral burglar alarm has been repaired and upgraded, in preparation for the future Café/Bookshop and to ensure protection of the relics of St. Andrew. Repairs to the floor of the future Café floor have begun.

Also, we are almost at the point of concluding negotiations for the installation of a new mechanical winching system for the Cathedral chandeliers. Thank you to all parishioners who have so generously contributed to the chandelier winching system repair effort so far! Donations for this significant expense are most welcome

Easter Knitted Goods to Support the Cathedral

Please support the Cathedral by buying some Easter-themed knitted gifts! Easter items are for sale from £10 at https://www.kathedralknits.etsy.com

All the profits from all sales are very generously donated by our own wonderful parishioner Joanna Kopystynska to the Cathedral.

Marriage Preparation Courses

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).

10:00am Daily Mass Livestreamed from Cathedral House

Livestreamed Mass from Cathedral House is available at 10am Monday-Saturday posted on the website and on Facebook. Sunday Mass available on the website on Sunday from 10am.

Sacrament of Confession Available Daily

In this grace-filled season of Lent, prepare for the Sacrament of Confession by making a good examination of conscience using the guide for “How to Go to Confession” is available on the website or visit https://goodconfession.com/

A Cathedral priest is available every day to hear confessions. To schedule a time for Confession, contact the Cathedral Office: 0131 556 1798, cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Pro-Life Stations of the Cross  Monday, 15th March, 7:45pm-8:15pm

Join the Archdiocesan Pro-Life Office to pray the Stations of the Cross for unborn children, their mothers and all Pro-Life intentions. The Stations of the Cross will be followed by a reflection from Fr Kevin Dow, Parish Priest at Most Holy Trinity, Fife. To register visit https://standrewsandedinburgh.eventbrite.co.uk A priest has described how his mother's "act of faith and love" saved his life as she resisted pressure to abort him following an unplanned pregnancy. Fr John McInnes, of Our Lady & St Bernadette's in Larbert, gave a poignant testimony during his reflection at the 8th March Pro-Life Stations of the Cross

Ask your MP to Attend a Parliamentary Event on the Dangers of DIY Abortion

Governments are currently deciding on whether to make permanent the temporary measure allowing ‘DIY’ home abortions in England, Wales and Scotland. To ensure that politicians are aware of the negative impact of ‘DIY’ home abortions, the All-Party Parliamentary Pro-Life Group will be hosting a parliamentary event on Tuesday, 23rd March where experts will cover the latest evidence on how ‘DIY’ home abortions are placing women at risk. Right To Life UK has set up an easy-to-use tool that will enable members of the public to easily contact their MPs asking them to attend this event. It only takes 30 seconds! Please visit: www.righttolife.org.uk/DIYabortionMeeting

SCIAF Wee Box Donations Doubled through 11th May by UK Government

This year £1 = £2! Your SCIAF Wee Box donation will make twice the difference to 11th May, with all public donations to be doubled by the UK government. Your contributions to the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) help children with disabilities in South Sudan access the education and support they need. Wee Boxes are still available at Cathedral House. To collect a Wee Box, please contact cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk or 0131 556 7798.

Outdoor Stations at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston

Walk and meditate prayerfully on the Lord’s Passion as you move along the 14 outdoor Stations of the Cross at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston (77 Belford Road). Prayers to carry with you are provided near the First Station, or bring along the podcast of the Stations of the Cross by our Cathedral readers and singers

Read the newsletter for 14th March (pdf)

Read the newsletter for 14th March (doc)

Third Sunday Of Lent – Year B

Cathedral Stations of The Cross – Fridays of the Weeks of Lent

Each week of this holy season of Lent, watch and listen with your family in your own home and join in this beautiful Lenten tradition of praying the Stations of the Cross from the Cathedral, meditating on Jesus’ suffering and death for the world’s salvation. By 12noon every Friday, the recordings of the Stations are posted on the website and on Facebook as well as on the Cathedral podcast page.

St. Joseph’s Family Prayer Book – A “Spiritual Toolbox” for the Entire Family!

“Family prayer is something young people never forget…” ~ St. Joseph’s Family Prayer Book

Filled with basic prayers to help the entire family build good praying habits, the St. Joseph’s Family Prayer Book is a “spiritual toolbox” for a lifetime of prayer for your family, beginning in this special Year of St. Joseph. A copy of the prayer book was included in your hand-delivered packet of Lenten materials, and if you want more copies, please contact cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk or 0131 556 7798.

10:00am 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 – Tuesdays, 16th & 23rd March – 7:00pm-8:00pm

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.

Prayer as a Relationship Reflected in St Teresa of Avila

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

Praying the Passion According to St Mark

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

Watch earlier INSPIRE Lent Talks here:

Br. Joseph Carron, OSB Songs of the Redemption: The Benedictine Liturgy of the Hours

https://archedinburgh.org/watch-the-prayer-life-of-a-benedictine-monk/

Sr. Anna Marie McGuan, RSM Becoming Saints Today: Unlocking the Present Moment

https://archedinburgh.org/watch-lenten-prayer-talk-with-sr-anna-marie/

Experience God’s Infinite Mercy in Sacrament of Confession!

A Cathedral priest is available every day to hear confessions. To schedule a time for Confession, contact the Cathedral Office: 0131 556 1798, cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk A guide for “How to Go to Confession” is available on the website.

Chandeliers Update!

Thank you to all parishioners who have so generously contributed to the chandelier winching system repair effort so far! Our stuck chandelier has been removed temporarily from the Cathedral, while we near agreement for the installation of a mechanical winching system with a company that has specific experience in installing these systems into churches. We anticipate this will be a cheaper solution than a motorized system. The mechanical winches will likely sit at the back of the organ platform, out of view. We hope installation can start within the next several weeks. Donations for this significant expense are most welcome: https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/donate

Archdiocesan Presentation: “Abortion and Poverty in Scotland: The Reality”

In case you missed it, a video is available of the 15th February presentation by Paul Atkin, Director of the Archdiocesan Pro-Life Office, reviewing abortion statistics as they are linked to poverty in Edinburgh and Glasgow, and looking into the locations of abortion clinics in the poorest areas of both cities. To watch the presentation, visit https://youtu.be/ZP48LKoUzxM

Pro-Life Stations of the Cross Monday, 8th March, 7:45pm-8:15pm

The Archdiocesan Pro-Life Office is hosting an online Stations of the Cross and reflection every Monday in Lent to pray for unborn children, their mothers and all Pro-Life intentions. Join the event this Monday, 8th March to pray the Stations of the Cross, followed by a reflection from Fr John McInnes, Parish Priest at Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Bernadette, Larbert. Book at https://standrewsandedinburgh.eventbrite.co.uk

Easter Knitted Goods to Support the Cathedral

Easter themed knitted items made by our own wonderful parishioner Joanna Kopystynska, including Easter bunny egg cozies, knitted sheep, chickens and long-eared rabbits, are for sale from £10 at https://www.kathedralknits.etsy.com All the profits from all sales are very generously donated by Joanna to the Cathedral. Please support the Cathedral by buying some of the Easter-themed gifts!

Marriage Preparation Courses

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).

Walk and Pray the Stations of the Cross at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston

“Christ died for us while we were still sinners.” (Romans 5:8)

Visit the 14 outdoor Stations of the Cross displayed along the path at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston (77 Belford Road), to walk and meditate prayerfully on the Lord’s Passion. Use the laminated cards with prayers provided near the First Station, or bring along the podcast of this week’s Stations of the Cross by our Cathedral readers and singers and pray with them.

New Dawn in Scotland Lenten Healing Service Friday, 12th March

New Dawn in Scotland will host a Lenten Healing Service on Friday, 12th March, 7:30pm-9:00pm on Zoom. Fr Stefan Park, OSA will lead the service at Clare Priory in Suffolk, with the theme “‘Repent and Believe the Good News”. Visit https://newdawninscotland.com/ to join the service.

Mary’s Meals: Emergency Appeal for Aid for Displaced People in Ethiopia

Mary’s Meals has launched an emergency appeal for aid for Ethiopia where millions of people have been displaced as a result of brutal conflict. Please donate at https://www.marysmeals.org.uk/crisis-in-ethiopia

Home Delivery Available for Catholic Universe Newspaper

The Catholic Universe newspaper can be delivered direct to your home every week, POST FREE. Please visit https://thecatholicuniverse.com/or call 0161 820 5722 and they will arrange for you. Your weekly newspaper can drop through your letterbox for just £99 a year. Or it can download weekly to your tablet or smartphone for just £55 a year.

Twice a Week Free Meals to Over 65s in North Edinburgh

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.

Read the newsletter for 7th March (pdf)

Second Sunday Of Lent – Year B

A Big Thank You….

…to our incredible parish volunteers who this week have delivered packets of Lenten materials to our registered parishioners and will continue to make still more deliveries in the coming days. The packet includes the St. Joseph’s Family Prayer Book prepared by the Archdiocese, and one of the 2021 SCIAF Wee Boxes to collect your contributions to help children with disabilities in South Sudan access the education and support they need. This year £1 = £2 for Wee Box contributions because from 12 February to 11 May, all donations to the Wee Box Appeal will be doubled by the UK government. Please be generous!

More WEE BOXES and St. Joseph’s Family Prayer Books Available!

If you would like more WEE BOXES or additional copies of the St. Joseph’s Family Prayer Book, please contact the parish office at cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk or 0131 556 7798 and we can arrange for you to pick them up.

Stations of the Cross Parish Readers and Singers Contribute Their Voices!

While we look forward to gathering again in Church sometime in the future, a wonderful way this Lent to come together as a parish is to pray the Stations of the Cross with prayers read by familiar voices of our parish readers and hymns sung by our own Cathedral singers. Do take time to watch or listen with your family in your own home and join in this beautiful Lenten tradition of praying the Stations of the Cross, meditating on Jesus’ suffering and death for the world’s salvation. This is a great way to pray for all those who are suffering at this time.

By 12noon every Friday, the recordings of the Stations are posted on the website and on Facebook, as well as on the Cathedral podcast page

INSPIRE - Lent Talks – Tuesdays, 2nd, 16th, 23rd March – 7:00pm-8:00pm

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.

Songs of the Redemption: The Benedictine Liturgy of the Hours

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

Prayer as a Relationship Reflected in St Teresa of Avila

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

Praying the Passion According to St Mark

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

Daily Mass Livestreamed from Cathedral House

Livestreamed Mass from Cathedral House is available at 10am Monday-Saturday on our Facebook page and website.

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

Lenten Preparation  Schedule a Time for the Sacrament of Confession

Make time this Lent to participate in the Sacrament of Confession and receive God’s healing forgiveness. A Cathedral priest is available every day to hear confessions. Contact the Cathedral Office: 0131 556 1798, cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

A guide for “How to Go to Confession” is available on the website.

Cathedral Chandeliers – Donations Needed for New Mechanical Winching System

While we are anticipating moving to a new mechanical winching system to raise and lower the Cathedral Chandeliers, we are still very much in need of donations to support this significant expense. If you would like to donate please visit: https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/donate

Thank you to all parishioners who have so generously contributed to the repair effort so far! I will keep you informed of progress.

Easter Knitted Goods to Support the Cathedral

Easter themed knitted dolls made by our own wonderful parishioners Joanna Kopystynska will be for sale at https://www.kathedralknits.etsy.com All the profits from all sales are very generously donated by Joanna to the Cathedral. Please support the Cathedral by buying some of the Easter-themed gifts!

Thomistic Institute at the University of Edinburgh Online Lecture

“Christian Politics in the Public Sphere - The View from St Augustine" by Fr. Robert Dodaro, OSA

Tuesday, 2nd March, 7:30pm

Fr. Dodaro is a specialist in the writings of St. Augustine of Hippo. Until 2016, he served as the president of the Patristic Institute Augustinianum in Rome, where he was also on faculty as professor of theology until 2018. He was also a professor of Patristic theology at the Pontifical Lateran University. To register, visit www.tinyurl.com/25j8b8co

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 at marjoriepaton.wdp@btinternet.com for details.

Marriage Preparation Courses

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).

Outdoor Stations of the Cross at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston

In this holy season of Lent, please take the opportunity to come and walk with our Lord, praying the 14 Stations of the Cross along the walking path at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston (77 Belford Road).

Justice and Peace Scotland : Poverty & Pandemic Discussion Online

Sunday 7th March (4.30pm – 6pm)

The last year has exposed the deep divides in our society, with inequalities and vulnerabilities exposed by the COIVD-19 pandemic. Schools and churches have seen the impacts of this on the most vulnerable and forgotten in our society. Justice and Peace Scotland invites you to a discussion of the impact of the pandemic to start to identify how the Church can be ready to meet the challenges which remain.

The panel includes:

Prof. Stephen McKinney (University of Glasgow)

Fr. Basil Clark VE (Archdiocese of St. Andrews & Edinburgh)

Danny Collins (National President, Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Scotland)

Martin Johnstone (Poverty Truth Network / At the Edge)

Please book to join the event at Poverty & Pandemic, Sun 7 Mar 2021 at 4:30pm-6:00pm

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.

Ask your MP to Support a NEW 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. Lord Alton is currently championing a new amendment to the Trade Bill, to help put international pressure on the Chinese Communist Party to stop the practice of forced abortions and wider human rights abuses against the Uyghur community. The amendment passed in the Lords on 23 February by 367 votes to 214, and is likely to be voted on in the Commons shortly. Email your MP asking them to support the amendment by visiting https://genocideresponse.org/

Mary’s Meals: Emergency Appeal for Aid for Displaced People in Ethiopia

Mary’s Meals has launched an emergency appeal for aid for Ethiopia where millions of people have been displaced as a result of civil. A video message on the crisis from Magnus MacFarlane-Burrow, founder of Mary's Meals, is available at https://youtu.be/Vk03Mi4m32M He says, “The city of Mekelle is being overwhelmed by displaced people arriving with nothing at all. Many of them are unaccompanied children who have lost their parents.” Please donate at https://www.marysmeals.org.uk/crisis-in-ethiopia

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.

Aid to the Church in Need Online Event to Help Christians in Lebanon – Sunday, 21st March, 1:00pm

You are invited to join Aid to the Church in Need benefactors and parishes all across the UK for a virtual Sunday Lunch, on 21 March 2021, 1:00pm, in aid of the St. John the Merciful Table, an initiative that serves daily meals to over 1,500 struggling Christians in Lebanon. You will have an opportunity to make a donation to support the life-changing work of the St John the Merciful Table. All you need to attend this event is an internet connection and a device on which you can access YouTube. For more info, visit https://acnuk.org/event/acn-virtual-sunday-lunch/

Home Delivery Available for Catholic Universe Newspaper

The Catholic Universe newspaper can be delivered direct to your home every week, POST FREE. Please visit https://thecatholicuniverse.com/or call 0161 820 5722 and they will arrange for you. Your weekly newspaper can drop through your letterbox for just £99 a year. Or it can download weekly to your tablet or smartphone for just £55 a year. Or have both and save 25% off the digital edition and get that edition free till Easter. Visit the online Shop for a huge selection of gifts and cards, including cards for St. Patrick’s Day and Easter.

Job Opportunity: Benefits, Budgeting and Debt Adviser for Edinburgh Food Project

Edinburgh Food Project, which provide emergency food supplies and support to people in crisis, is seeking a Benefits, Budgeting and Debt Adviser whose duties will include providing advice to people who are using a foodbank and delivering ongoing support to clients. Full job details are available here.

Read the newsletter for 27 February (pdf)

Read the newsletter for 27 February (doc)