First Sunday Of Advent – Year A

St Andrew’s Vigil and Feast Day at the Cathedral This Week

Join us to celebrate the feast day of our National Patron on Tuesday 29th November for the Vigil of the Feast of St. Andrew at the Cathedral. We will have Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament from 7pm which will conclude with Evening Prayer I of the feast at 8pm and Benediction. All are welcome! On the Feast Day itself, Wednesday 30th November, Archbishop Leo Cushley will celebrate 12.45pm Mass.

Young Adults: Social After St. Andrew’s Vigil, Advent Talks

All young adults ages 18-35 are welcome to join us for a social in 63 York Place following the St. Andrew’s Vigil on Tuesday, 29th November. The following week our Young Adults Advent Talks – ‘Images of Advent’ – begin on Tuesday, 6 December with Fr. Albert Robertson, OP, on The Immaculate Conception. Then on 13 December, we will have a talk on ‘John the Baptist’ by Fr. Robert and a concluding talk on 20 December by His Grace, Archbishop Cushley, ‘The Annunciation’. As always, after Night Prayer in the Cathedral we will gather at a local pub for some refreshment.

Parish Youth Group Meets Tonight

All those in P3-S1 are invited to join our Parish Youth Group tonight at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston between 6 & 7.30pm to meet new friends, play, and learn about our Catholic faith! Don’t forget some spending money for the tuck shop! The evening begins at 6pm. Any questions, please speak to Fr. Robert or email frrobert.taylor@staned.org.uk

St. Pauls Bookshop Now Open!

Our new St Pauls Bookshop is now open at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Hours are 10:00am to 5:30pm, including weekends (closed Mondays). Come and shop at the only Catholic bookshop in the East of Scotland. The shop offers a wide range of Christian literature, cards, religious objects, music, DVDs, visual resources, religious education materials and more. Find your perfect Christmas gift!

2023 Cathedral Diaries and Cathedral Schola CDs on Sale

Our 2023 Cathedral Diary is on sale after all Masses this weekend! This is a very special spiritual and practical gift for Christmas, with all the holy days marked. All proceeds support the Cathedral. Priced at a very reasonable £10 each. In addition, the CD With Angels and Archangels by the Cathedral’s Schola Cantorum is also available for a special Advent price of £10. The CD includes music by Victoria and Palestrina, Lotti, Rheinberger, Duruflé, James MacMillan, and Michael Ferguson. Both can be purchased online at https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/store

Kathedral Knits Christmas Gifts to Support the Cathedral

Knitted goods for Christmas are on sale after the Noon Mass today by parishioner Joanna Kopystynska. The items are also available at www.kathedralknits.etsy.com. All the profits from these sales are generously donated by Joanna to the Cathedral. Sales will be held after the Noon Mass on 4 December, 11 December and 18 December.

Rorate Masses by Candlelight on Mondays: 5th, 12th, 19th December

We will have our beautiful and popular candlelit Rorate Masses at the Cathedral on Monday nights at 7:00pm on 5th, 12th and 19th December. The Mass is celebrated accompanied by flickering candlelight in an otherwise dark church with beautiful music to help us lift up our hearts to God. These are lovely occasions – do bring your children and come along to prepare well for Christmas.

Outdoor Crib Blessing on Monday, 12th December

His Grace, the Archbishop, will be here on Monday, 12th December to celebrate the Rorate Mass at 7:00pm and then immediately following the Mass to bless our new outdoor Christmas crib. Mulled wine and mince pies will be on sale in Coffee Saints after the blessing. Plan to come along!

Helpers Needed: Rorate Masses & Christmas Masses

The Cathedral is in need of helpers for the 7:00pm Rorate Masses (5th, 12th and 19th December) to assist in preparing the Cathedral (laying out candles, welcoming people, etc) prior to the Masses and tidying up afterwards. You would need to be available from 6.15pm. Helpers are also needed for our Christmas Masses to welcome people, to serve as Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, Readers and taking up the collections. If you can assist for any of these Masses, then please contact Elizabeth Andrews at Elizabeth@rhandrews.plus.com or sign up on the sheets at the back of the Cathedral.

Crux Magazine of Friends of the Cathedral Available Today

Pick up your limited edition first issue copy of Crux today. At only £5, with all proceeds benefitting the Cathedral, enjoy articles and features written by Archbishop Cushley, Fr Jamie and some of our own pilgrims who journeyed to the Holy Land earlier this year. Crux is a must-read over the Christmas season for you and your family and the perfect keepsake for Cathedral visitors. Crux is the new magazine for all Friends of St Mary’s Cathedral, who receive this magazine straight their door. Join at https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/friends

Final Collection of Christmas Gifts for Prisoners’ Children

This is our last weekend for collection Christmas gifts for children of prisoners in Edinburgh (Saughton). We ask that gifts are new, wrapped in Christmas gift wrap, and with a label attached stating whether the gift is suitable for a boy or a girl and the age of the child. Gifts for older children from 11 years upwards would be most appreciated. A collection box will be at the back of both churches.

Over Sixties Club

All those 60 and over are welcome to join our Over Sixties Club. Upcoming events are Tuesday 29th November, 2.30 - 4pm Coffee Afternoon at Coffee Saints, Thursday 1st December 1.30pm, trip to Jonny Walker Experience, meet at 1:45 Princes Street (old House of Fraser at West End).

Catholic Men: Catenians’ Membership Meeting on 21st December

The Catenian Association invites all Catholic men, married or single, to a Membership meeting Wednesday 21st December, from 7.00 p.m.-9.00 p.m. in 63 York Place. The Association is an international body of Catholic laymen who meet once a month and offer friendship and support to Catholic men at all stages of their lives. We would like to extend our group, sharing friendship and faith in our community. For more information contact John Russell on 01555 728032, membership@thecatenians.com

First Saturday Devotions

Next Saturday, 3 December, 9:30am there will be devotions to Our Lady of Fatima here in the Cathedral, followed by 10:00am Mass. All are welcome!

Second Collection Today for Catholic Education

A second collection will be taken up today for the Scottish Catholic Education Service. Thank you!

Final Chance! Tickets for Supper for Feast of St Andrew at Ravelston

Come and join us for a St Andrew’s supper on the feast day of the parish patron, Wednesday 30th November in the parish rooms at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston. Celebrate this important day in the calendar of our community and country with Mass at 6pm and then join for supper at 7pm. Supper will be a sit-down meal. Bring a bottle! So we can cater correctly, please pick up your tickets after Mass this weekend. Final chance!

Rorate Masses by Candlelight on Thursdays, Crib Blessing 15th December

We will have our beautiful and popular candlelit Rorate Masses on Thursdays at 7pm at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston on 8th, 15th and 22nd December. The Rorate Mass originated during the course of the Middle Ages as one of the various popular Advent devotions to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Do come along and bring your children to these beautiful liturgies of Advent! Mark your diary – on Thursday, 15th December there will be a blessing of our beautiful outdoor crib immediately following the Mass.

Helpers Needed for St. Andrew’s Rorate Masses

We are in need of several helpers for the 7:00pm Rorate Masses on Mondays, 8th, 15th and 22nd December to set up the many candles around the church for these beautiful Masses, welcome people who attend, as well as tidy up the candles after the Mass. Families are most welcome to come along as helpers! If you can assist for any of these Masses, then please sign up on the sheets at the back of church or contact cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk. If you can help before Mass, please be available from 6.15pm, or if you can help after Mass, please plan to stay until about 8:15pm.

St Andrew’s Talks: O Antiphons –Announcing the Long-Awaited Messiah

Our next talk in our St. Andrew's Talk series will be on Monday 5th December with Sister Miriam Fidelis, RSM on the beautiful ‘O Antiphons’ that are a prominent feature of the liturgy of the Church in the days closest to Christmas. After the talk there will be soup and sandwiches and a chance to discuss. Please RSVP at cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk or phone 0131 556 1798 if you plan to attend!

Bacon Roll Charity on Sunday 4 December

Come and enjoy a late brunch, stay or take away, in the Parish Rooms at Ravelston after 10:30am Mass on Sunday, 4 December at our Bacon Roll Charity for Kindred, a charity that helps families who have a child with complex needs. Any donation on the day will be appreciated! Vegetarian option available.

Fabric Update: Side Gate

The side gate at Ravelston is fully functional again. This will only be open around Mass times. Thank you for your patience.

Sunday Holy Hours with Archbishop Cushley

Join Archbishop Cushley for Eucharistic Adoration at St Margaret’s Chapel at the Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, to pray for “insight, courage and joy in our mission,” as part of the Synod 2023. It takes place at 6pm on the following Sundays: 18 Dec, 8 Jan, 12 Feb, 12 Mar. No registration required, just turn up and pray.

Light from Light: Choral Music for Advent by Candlelight

This December be uplifted with a candlelit Advent music concert from our own Schola Cantorum of St. Mary’s Cathedral at one of three upcoming concerts in the Archdiocese:

• St Francis Xavier's in Falkirk on Wednesday 7 December

• St Patrick's in Kilsyth on Saturday 10 December

• St Margaret's in Dunfermline on Friday 16 December

All concerts 8pm. Pay at the door on the night or get your £5 ticket (family ticket £10) at https://bit.ly/3T7wRRY

‘Entering Advent with Isaiah’ with Fr Jamie McMorrin

Join an online talk titled ‘Entering Advent with Isaiah’ with Fr Jamie McMorrin of St Margaret’s in Davidson’s Mains on Monday 28 November at 7:30pm-8:30pm. Register now at http://bit.ly/enteradvent

Advent Talks with Sr. Anna Marie McGuan, RSM

Sr Anna Marie McGuan RSM will give a series of Advent talks at 7:30pm on Monday 5, 12, and 19 December. No registration required, just join any of the talks at https://bit.ly/adventtalks22

Advent Rosary for Life

Wednesday, 30th November, 7.45pm online with Fr John Deighan, Parish Priest at SS John Cantius and Nicholas in Broxburn and also Vicar Episcopal for Education. Register: https://bit.ly/archrosary1

Explore God’s Will for You: Sunday Chats for Women on Religious Life

Thinking about a vocation to the religious life? Join other young Catholic women to chat and explore God's will in five monthly get-togethers in Edinburgh. Led by Sr Mirjam Hugens FSO, the first one takes place on Sunday 29 January, 4-7pm at St Columba’s, 9 Upper Gray Street. It is a chance to pray, share and discuss in a relaxed environment, and refreshments will be served. The series continues on the last Sunday of each month at the same time/venue: 26 Feb, 26 Mar, 30 Apr, 28 May. To register or find out more, please email religiousvocations@staned.org.uk

Read the newsletter for 27th November (pdf)

Solemnity Of Our Lord Jesus Christ King Of The Universe – Year C

St. Pauls Bookshop Grand Opening next Saturday!

Our new St Pauls Bookshop will open here at St. Mary’s Cathedral this Saturday, 26 November. Come and shop at the only Catholic bookshop in the East of Scotland which will offer a wide range of Christian literature, cards, religious objects, music, DVDs, visual resources, religious education materials and more. Buy the perfect Christmas gift! Hours are 10:00am to 5:30pm, including weekends (closed Mondays). Thank you to Fr. Baji and Fr. Shinto of the Society of St Paul for all their hard work!

Young Adults Talk: ‘I Believe in the Life of the World to Come’

The final talk of our Young Adults series on the Creed will be this Tuesday, 22nd November. All those age 18-35 are very welcome. Our speaker will be Fr. Andrew Garden on ‘I Believe in the Life of the World to Come.’ We’ll meet 63 York Place at 7:00pm for teas/coffees followed by the talk at 7:30pm and a short group discussion. After Night Prayer in the Cathedral, we will gather at a local pub for some refreshment.

Young Adults Advent Talks: ‘Images of Advent’

Our Young Adults Advent Talks – ‘Images of Advent’ – begin Tuesday, 6 December with Fr. Albert Robertson, OP, on The Immaculate Conception. On 13 December, we will have a talk on ‘John the Baptist’ by Fr. Robert and a concluding talk on 20 December by His Grace, Archbishop Cushley, ‘The Annunciation’. As always, after Night Prayer in the Cathedral we will gather at a local pub for some refreshment.

Parish Youth Group Meets Tonight

Thanks to so many who joined us last week for our Youth Group visit to St. Margaret’s, Davidson’s Mains last Sunday! All those in P4-P7 are invited to join us between 6 & 7.30pm to meet new friends, play, and learn about our Catholic faith! Don’t forget some spending money for the tuck shop! The evening begins at 6pm. Any questions, please speak to Fr. Robert or email frrobert.taylor@staned.org.uk

Advent Faith Sharing Group

We are holding a small Faith Sharing Group to help us prepare for Christmas at 63 York Place on the five Saturdays before Christmas. The group will meet on Saturdays 12:30pm-2:00pm to pray together and share our Faith journey in the light of scripture readings. If interested, please contact Lis at ejherschan@aol.com

St Andrew’s Vigil and Feast Day at the Cathedral

Join us to celebrate the feast day of our National Patron next week! On Tuesday 29th November for the Vigil of the Feast of St. Andrew at the Cathedral there will be Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament from 7pm which will conclude with Evening Prayer I of the feast at 8pm and Benediction. All are welcome. On the Feast Day itself, Wednesday 30th November, Archbishop Leo Cushley will celebrate 12.45pm Mass.

2023 Cathedral Diaries on Sale Next Weekend

Our 2023 Cathedral Diary will be on sale next weekend after Masses! This is a very special spiritual and practical gift for Christmas, with all the holy days marked, and prayers and quotes from saints included in each month. All proceeds support the Cathedral. Priced at a very reasonable £10 each.

Kathedral Knits Christmas Gifts to Support the Cathedral

Knitted goods for Christmas will be available for sale after the Noon Mass next Sunday by our own wonderful parishioner Joanna Kopystynska. The items are also available at www.kathedralknits.etsy.com

All the profits from these sales are generously donated by Joanna to the Cathedral. In addition to next Sunday, sales will be held on 4 December, 11 December and 18 December.

Thank You from Fr. Jamie and Fr. John Peter

“Thank you so much for the wonderful send-off last Friday - it was lovely to be back at the Cathedral and see so many familiar faces. Thank you for your cards and kind words and for all the happy memories I take with me. Thank you in particular for the extremely generous gift. It's my intention to have a Marian vestment made which will help me to remember with sincere gratitude my time at the Cathedral and all of you. Thank you!” Fr. Jamie

“Dear All, Thanks for a lovely evening. I sincerely thank Monsignor Patrick Burke and team for arranging this wonderful surprise party and farewell gift. I have enjoyed my time at this great company – such a wonderful group of people of St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Andrew’s Ravelston. I will miss you terribly and thank you for the period we were together and ask you to keep praying for me as am praying for you. With gratitude,” Fr John Peter

Volunteers Needed: Flower Arrangers and Cleaners

We are looking to recruit more volunteers to join our flower arranging teams. There are currently four teams, who meet either mid-morning/early afternoon on a Friday and each team is led by an experienced volunteer, so lack of experience is not a barrier! In addition, we are looking for more cleaning team members for our Cathedral. The cleaning team meet every Wednesday afternoon between 2pm – 4pm to clean our lovely Cathedral. If you cannot attend every week, helping once or twice per month would be greatly appreciated! To find out more about volunteering as a flower arranger or cleaning team member, please contact Elizabeth Andrews at elizabeth@rhandrews.plus.com or sign up on the clipboards at the back of church this weekend.

Rorate Masses by Candlelight on Mondays: 5th, 12th, 19th December

We will have our beautiful and popular candlelit Rorate Masses at the Cathedral on Monday nights at 7:00pm on 5th, 12th and 19th December. The Mass is celebrated accompanied by flickering candlelight in an otherwise dark church with beautiful music to help us lift up our hearts to God. These are lovely occasions – do bring your children and come along to prepare well for Christmas.

Helpers Needed: Rorate Masses & Christmas Masses

The Cathedral is in need of helpers for the 7:00pm Rorate Masses (5th, 12th and 19th December) to assist in preparing the Cathedral (laying out candles, welcoming people, etc) prior to the Masses and tidying up afterwards. You would need to be available from 6.15pm. Helpers are also needed for our Christmas Masses, to welcome people, assist with Communion, Reading and Money collecting. If you can assist for any of these Masses, then please contact Elizabeth Andrews at Elizabeth@rhandrews.plus.com or sign up on the sheets at the back of the Cathedral.

Christmas Gifts for Prisoners’ Children – Last Collection is Next Weekend

We are collecting Christmas gifts for children of prisoners in Edinburgh (Saughton) Prison this weekend and next weekend, which will be our last collection. We ask that gifts are new, wrapped in Christmas gift wrap, and with a label attached stating whether the gift is suitable for a boy or a girl and the age of the child. Gifts for older children from 11 years upwards would be most appreciated. A collection box will be at the back of both churches both this weekend and Saturday 26th /Sunday 27th November.

Coffee Saints Receives “One to Watch” Scottish Social Enterprise Award

Earlier this month, Coffee Saints won the "One to Watch" at the Scottish Social Enterprise Awards. Catherine Jones, Social Enterprise Director also picked up the award for "Social Enterprise Champion." As Scottish award winner for the one to watch, Coffee Saints has gone through to the UK finals on 8th December in London. Visit the award-winning Coffee Saints! You can book online through itison for a Coffee & Traybake or Brunch for two or an Afternoon Tea at https://bit.ly/CoffeeSaintsDeals

Over Sixties Club: Coffee Afternoon, Cinema Outing and Book Club

We warmly welcome anyone 60 and over to join us in our Over Sixties Club. This week’s events are:

• Coffee Afternoon at Coffee Saints Tuesday 22nd November, 2.30 - 4pm

• Cinema Outing, Wednesday 23rd November. Meet upstairs at Omni Centre at 1.10pm for `The Banshees of Imisherin’

• Book Club, Thursday 24th November, 2.30 - 4pm at Coffee Saints

SSVP Christmas Mass and Lunch – RSVP by Thursday, 24 November

The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SSVP) Christmas Mass and lunch preparations are well underway.

If anyone who comes to the Over Sixties Club events would like to attend the 12Noon SSVP Mass and lunch following in Coffee Saints on Saturday, 3 December, please contact Trish on 07716963215 to get details and a sign up form. All forms must be received by Thursday 24th November.

Catholic Men: Catenians’ Membership Meeting on 21st December

The Catenian Association invites all Catholic men, married or single, to a Membership meeting Wednesday 21st December, from 7.00 p.m.-9.00 p.m. in 63 York Place. The Association is an international body of Catholic laymen who meet once a month and offer friendship and support to Catholic men at all stages of their lives. We welcome visitors to come along and join us at our meetings and take part in our informal chat with Members and visitors alike. We would like to extend our group, sharing friendship and faith in our community. You can look us up on https://www.thecatenians.com/ for more information contact John Russell on 01555 728032 or email John at membership@thecatenians.com

Parish Mass and Supper for Feast of St Andrew at Ravelston

Come and join us for a St Andrew’s supper on the feast day of the parish patron, Wednesday 30th November in the parish rooms at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston. Celebrate this important day in the calendar of our community and country with Mass at 6pm and then join for supper at 7pm. Supper will be a sit-down meal. Bring a bottle! So we can cater correctly, please pick up your tickets after Mass this weekend.

Rorate Masses by Candlelight: Thursdays, 8th, 15th and 22nd December

We will have our beautiful and popular candlelit Rorate Masses on Thursdays at 7pm at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston on 8th, 15th and 22nd December. The Rorate Mass originated during the course of the Middle Ages as one of the various popular Advent devotions to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Do come along and bring your children to these beautiful liturgies of Advent!

Bacon Roll Charity on Sunday 4 December

Come and enjoy a late brunch, stay or take away, in the Parish Rooms at Ravelston after 10:30am Mass on Sunday, 4 December at our Bacon Roll Charity for Kindred, a charity that helps families who have a child with complex needs. Any donation on the day will be appreciated!

Ravelston Friday Café Paused

Our weekly café on Fridays is now taking a break. Thanks to all who have attended over the past months.

Sunday Holy Hours with Archbishop Cushley

Join Archbishop Cushley for Eucharistic Adoration at St Margaret’s Chapel at the Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, to pray for “insight, courage and joy in our mission,” as part of the Synod 2023. It takes place at 6pm on the following Sundays: 18 Dec, 8 Jan, 12 Feb, 12 Mar. No registration required, just turn up and pray.

Light from Light: Choral Music for Advent by Candlelight

This December be uplifted with a candlelit Advent music concert from our own Schola Cantorum of St. Mary’s Cathedral at one of three upcoming concerts in the Archdiocese:

• St Francis Xavier's in Falkirk on Wednesday 7 December

• St Patrick's in Kilsyth on Saturday 10 December

• St Margaret's in Dunfermline on Friday 16 December

All concerts 8pm. Pay at the door on the night or get your £5 ticket (family ticket £10) at bit.ly/3T7wRRY

‘Entering Advent with Isaiah’ with Fr Jamie McMorrin

Join an online talk titled ‘Entering Advent with Isaiah’ with Fr Jamie McMorrin of St Margaret’s in Davidson’s Mains on Monday 28 November at 7:30pm-8:30pm. Register now at bit.ly/enteradvent

Advent Talks with Sr. Anna Marie McGuan, RSM

Sr Anna Marie McGuan RSM will give a series of Advent talks at 7:30pm on Monday 5, 12, and 19 December. No registration required, just join any of the talks at bit.ly/adventtalks22

Second Collection Next Weekend for Catholic Education

A second collection will be taken up for the Scottish Catholic Education Service next weekend.

Read the newsletter for 20th November (pdf)

Thirty-Third Sunday Of The Year – Year C

St. Pauls Bookshop

Grand Opening!

Saturday, 26 November, 10:00am

After many months of trials and tribulations I am delighted to announce the opening of our new bookshop here at St. Mary’s Cathedral. It is (more or less) the only religious bookshop in the East of Scotland and will offer a wide range of Christian literature, cards, religious objects, music, DVDs, visual resources, religious education materials and more. Shop for the perfect Christmas gift and find your perfect stocking filler! Hours are 10:00am to 5:30pm, including weekends (closed Mondays).

Advent Faith Sharing Group

We are holding a small Faith Sharing Group to help us prepare for Christmas at 63 York Place on the five Saturdays before Christmas. We will have our first meeting on Saturday, November 19th, 2022, 12:30pm-2:00pm. We will pray together and share our Faith journey in the light of scripture readings. Everyone is most welcome whatever your age or background. If interested, please contact Lis at ejherschan@aol.com.

Youth Group Tonight: Visit to St. Margaret’s, Davidson’s Mains

Tonight’s Youth Group meeting will be at St Margaret’s, Davidson’s Mains, Main Street, Davidson’s Mains, EH4 5AD. The change is venue is to do with the upcoming feast of St Margaret. This evening the young people will learn more about this great Queen and Saint of Scotland and have the opportunity to pray before her relic. The evening begins at 6pm and will finish with a pizza supper at 7.30. We look forward to seeing you there! Any questions, please speak to Fr. Robert or email frrobert.taylor@staned.org.uk.

Young Adults Talk 15th November: ‘I Believe in the Forgiveness of Sins’

All those age 18-35 are very welcome to join our Young Adults Group for our next talk this Tuesday, 15th November as we continue our series on the Creed. Our speaker will be Fr. Edward Toner on ‘I Believe in the Forgiveness of Sins.’ We’ll meet 63 York Place at 7:00pm for teas/coffees followed by the talk at 7:30pm and a short group discussion. After Night Prayer in the Cathedral, we will gather at a local pub for some refreshment. The final talk in this series will be next week, 22nd November!

Young Adults Advent Talks: ‘Images of Advent’

….and we will have a series of Young Adults Advent Talks – ‘Images of Advent’ – beginning Tuesday, 6 December with Fr. Albert Robertson, OP, on The Immaculate Conception. Then the following week on 13 December, we will have a talk on ‘John the Baptist’ by Fr. Robert and a concluding talk on 20 December by His Grace, Archbishop Cushley, titled ‘The Annunciation’. Don’t miss this opportunity to contemplate these beautiful images of Advent! As always, after Night Prayer in the Cathedral we will gather at a local pub for some refreshment.

St Andrew’s Vigil and Feast Day at the Cathedral

Make time in your diary this year to celebrate the feast day of our National Patron. At the Cathedral there will be Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on the Vigil of St. Andrew on Tuesday 29th November from 7pm which will conclude with Evening Prayer I of the feast at 8pm and Benediction. All are welcome. On Wednesday 30th November, Archbishop Leo Cushley will celebrate Mass for the Feast at 12.45. It was Andrew who, famously, brought Peter to Jesus – this feast day is your opportunity in a special way – to go to Jesus, through Andrew.

Online Talks for Advent

‘Entering Advent with Isaiah’ with Fr Jamie McMorrin

Mark the beginning of Advent with an online talk titled ‘Entering Advent with Isaiah’ with Fr Jamie McMorrin, of St Margaret’s in Davidson’s Mains, Edinburgh. It takes place on Zoom, Monday 28 November at 7:30pm-8:30pm. Register now at bit.ly/enteradvent

Advent Talks with Sr. Anna Marie McGuan, RSM

Join Sr Anna Marie McGuan RSM for a series of 30-minute Advent talks at 7:30pm on Monday 5, 12, and 19 December. No registration required, just use the following link on the night to join any of the talks: bit.ly/adventtalks22

Christmas Gifts for Prisoners’ Children – This Weekend and Next

We are collecting Christmas gifts for children of prisoners in Edinburgh (Saughton) Prison this weekend and next weekend. We ask that gifts are new, wrapped in Christmas gift wrap, and with a label attached stating whether the gift is suitable for a boy or a girl and the age of the child. Gifts for older children from 11 years upwards would be most appreciated. A collection box will be at the back of both churches for the depositing of gifts both this weekend and Saturday 19th /Sunday 20th November. Please be as generous as you have been in past years. Many thanks in advance!

Volunteers Needed!

Cathedral Flower Arranging Team

As we hope you have noticed, we always have a beautiful display of flowers in the Cathedral. These are prepared by wonderful teams of volunteers who take it in turn to meet on a Friday to arrange the flowers in preparation for the weekend Masses. We are looking to recruit more volunteers to join our teams. There are currently four teams, who meet either mid-morning/early afternoon on a Friday and each team is led by an experienced volunteer, so lack of experience is not a barrier!

Cathedral Cleaning Team

The Cathedral cleaning team meet every Wednesday afternoon between 2pm – 4pm to clean our lovely Cathedral. We are seeking to recruit more volunteers to join the group with a view to easing the burden of the current volunteers and to cover holidays/other absences. If you cannot attend every week, helping once or twice per month would be greatly appreciated!

To find out more about volunteering as a flower arranger or cleaning team member, please contact Elizabeth Andrews at elizabeth@rhandrews.plus.com or sign up on the clipboards at the back of church this weekend.

Kathedral Knits Christmas Gifts to Support the Cathedral

Over the next few weeks, Knitted goods for Christmas will be available for sale after Mass in the Cathedral and in Ravelston by our own wonderful parishioner Joanna Kopystynska. The items are also available at www.kathedralknits.etsy.com

All the profits from these sales are generously donated by Joanna to the Cathedral. Sales will be after the Noon Mass at the Cathedral, on Sunday, 27 November, 4 December, 11 December and 18 December.

Over Sixties Club: Coffee Afternoon and Dynamic Earth Outing

Anyone 60 and over is welcome to join our Over Sixties Club for coffee and cakes at Coffee Saints on Tuesday, November 15th at 2.30pm. Come along for an outing to Dynamic Earth on Friday November 18th. Please meet outside the Scottish Parliament (where the flag poles are!) at 1.30pm. No pre-booking.

Want to be Catholic?

Our Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) group is meeting weekly on Tuesdays for all those interested in learning about how to become Catholic. Join us in Cathedral House, 61 York Place each Tuesday 7:00pm-8:30pm. To register, please contact cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk.

2022-2023 Marriage Preparation Courses

The next Marriage Preparation courses are 10am-5pm on Saturday, 19th November 2022; Saturday, 28th January 2023; and Saturday, 20th May 2023. To register, email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk.

Noon Rosary at the Cathedral

Join us for a Noon Rosary at Our Lady’s Altar from Monday to Friday each week. All are welcome!

St Mary's Playgroup for Children Ages 2 to 7, Monday-Friday Mornings

St Mary's Playgroup at St Mary's RC Primary School, East London Street, Edinburgh; welcomes children from two and a half years old, up to entry to Primary school (during school holidays we can take children up to 7 years of age). Term Time & School Holidays: Monday to Friday 9:00am to 12 Noon (Playgroup closes for 2 weeks at Christmas). Price: £11 per child per day. For information contact stmarysplaygroup@aol.com, 0131 556 1634 or visit https://stmarysplaygroup.weebly.com.

‘Mercy Behind Bars’: Scottish Catholic Magazine’s 11th November Issue

The Scottish Catholic magazine’s 11th November issue has arrived, with the cover story ‘Mercy Behind Bars’ featuring our own parishioner Barbara Dickson on “the faith that inspires her fight for prisoners.” Copies are available for just £2 on the table in the Octagon. Get yours while supplies last! Please put monies in the box at the pillar after you enter the Cathedral.

Mark Your Diary! Mass and Supper for Feast of St Andrew

You are welcome to join us for a St Andrew’s supper on the feast day of the parish patron, Wednesday 30th November in the parish rooms at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston. Come along and celebrate this important day in the calendar of our community and country with Mass at 6pm and then join for supper at 7pm. Supper will be a sit-down meal. Please bring your own bottle for drinks! So we can cater correctly, please pick up your tickets after Mass this weekend.

St Andrew’s Talks

Thanks to everyone who turned out on Monday evening for our latest talk in the St Andrew’s Talks series from Sister Roseann Reddy of the Sisters of the Gospel of Life. Our next talk will be on Monday 5th December. Please do come along and hear from Sister Miriam Fidelis, RSM about and learn of the beautiful ‘O Antiphons’ that are a prominent feature of the liturgy of the Church in the run up to Christmas. After the talk there will be soup and sandwiches and a chance to discuss these beautiful antiphons which all relate to the identity of Christ.

World Day for the Poor

Today World Day for the Poor. This year’s theme is “For your sakes Christ became poor” (2 Cor 8:9). Pope Francis asks us to pray for those facing poverty in our communities and across the world. You can also show practical support by supporting a charity that serves the poor, such as the Society of St Vincent de Paul (www.ssvpscotland.com) or SCIAF (www.sciaf.org.uk), the official aid and development agency of the Catholic Church in Scotland.

Sunday Holy Hours with Archbishop Cushley

Join Archbishop Cushley for Eucharistic Adoration at St Margaret’s Chapel at the Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, to pray for “insight, courage and joy in our mission,” as part of the Synod 2023. It takes place at 6pm on the following Sundays: 18 Dec, 8 Jan, 12 Feb, 12 Mar. No registration required, just turn up and pray.

Cost of Living Help & Advice Drop-In Events, Friday 18 November

Deidre Brock MP and Ben Macpherson MSP are hosting a joint ‘Cost of Living Help & Advice Event’ in their capacity as representatives of Edinburgh North and Leith. There will be two drop-in sessions on Friday 18th November: 10.00am-12.00noon at Leith Community Centre, 12A Newkirkgate, EH6 6AD and 2.30pm-4.30pm at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre, 11 Pilton Drive North, EH5 1NF

Light from Light: Choral Music for Advent by Candlelight

This December be uplifted with a candlelit Advent music concert from our own Schola Cantorum of St. Mary’s Cathedral at one of three upcoming concerts in the Archdiocese:

• St Francis Xavier's in Falkirk on Wednesday 7 December

• St Patrick's in Kilsyth on Saturday 10 December

• St Margaret's in Dunfermline on Friday 16 December

All concerts 8pm. Pay at the door on the night or get your £5 ticket (family ticket £10) at bit.ly/3T7wRRY

Read the newsletter for 13th November (pdf)

Thirty-Second Sunday Of The Year – Year C

Rite of the Signing of the Cross

Today we celebrate the Rite of the Signing with the Cross of those children preparing to receive the Sacrament of First Reconciliation in February. Please keep them in your prayers throughout these coming months!

Farewell Celebration for Fr. Jamie and Fr. John Peter

This Friday, 11th November, Tickets On Sale After Masses Today

We will say farewell to Fr. Jamie and Fr. John Peter this Friday, 11th November at 7:00pm in Coffee Saints. Come along and join us for a festive evening with wine and delicious nibbles. Tickets are available for sale after Masses this weekend for only £5 (or £10 for a family ticket). Please put the evening aside for what will be a lovely event to express our thanks and to wish Frs. Jamie and John Peter well!

Tom Wilkinson Organ Recital & CD Sales: Today, 1:30pm

To celebrate the launch of his new CD, Bach Trio Sonatas BWV 525–530, our Cathedral Organist Tom Wilkinson will perform a short recital after the 12 noon Mass on Sunday 6 November, beginning at 1:30pm. Copies of the new CD will be available to buy. Tom's new disc is already gaining critical acclaim: ‘Organist Tom Wilkinson… does an excellent job distinguishing and delineating the three distinct contrapuntal voices at all times. The recorded sound is crisp and clean, practically sitting you at the keyboard… This recording definitely belongs in each and every organ music enthusiast’s collection.’ (Classical Music Sentinel). For a magnificent preview, listen at https://bit.ly/OrganBach-TWilkinson

Parish Youth Group Meets Tonight!

The Parish Youth Group meets tonight at St Andrew’s, Ravelston. All those in P4-P7 are invited to join us between 6 & 7.30pm for an opportunity to get together, play, and learn about our faith! Don’t forget some spending money for the tuck shop! To join, please arrive from 5.30pm for registration (cost £1.00), or collect a form from the back of the Cathedral or at St. Andrew’s. Any questions, please speak to Fr. Robert or email him at frrobert.taylor@staned.org.uk

Young Adults Talk 8th November:

‘I Believe in One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church’

For the Solemnity of All Saints our Young Adults Group will be on break this week, but we will resume meeting to continue our series on the Creed on Tuesday, 8th November. All those age 18-35 are very welcome. Our speaker will be Fr. Joseph McGill, on ‘I Believe in One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.’ Join us at 63 York Place at 7:00pm for teas/coffees followed by the talk at 7:30pm and a short group discussion. After Night Prayer in the Cathedral we will gather at a local pub for some refreshment

Catholic Men: Catenians’ Meeting on Wednesday, 9 November

The Catenian Association invites all Catholic men, married or single, to a membership meeting Wednesday 9th November, from 7.00 p.m.-9.00 p.m. in 63 York Place. The association is an international body of Catholic laymen who meet once a month and offer friendship and support to Catholic men at all stages of their lives. Visit https://www.thecatenians.com/ for more information or contact membership@thecatenians.com, 024 7622 4533.

The Crisis for the Church in East Asia

Wednesday, 9th November at 7.30pm Friends Event Open to Parish

Dr John Newton from Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) will come from London to give a talk at St Mary's Catholic Cathedral on 9th November on The Crisis in the Church in East Asia at 7:30pm in Coffee Saints. The event is hosted by Friends of St Mary's Cathedral and is a not-to-be-missed pre-Red Wednesday event. The talk is open to the whole parish. Please RSVP by 7th November to ppccathedral@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Advent Faith Sharing Group

We are holding a small Faith Sharing Group to help us prepare for Christmas at 63 York Place on the five Saturdays before Christmas. We will have our first meeting on Saturday, November 19th 2022, 12:30pm-2:00pm. We will pray together and share our Faith journey in the light of scripture readings. Everyone is most welcome whatever your age or background. If interested, please contact Lis at ejherschan@aol.com

Christmas Gifts for Prisoners’ Children – 12th-13th and 19th-20th November

As always, we will be collecting Christmas gifts for children of prisoners in Edinburgh (Saughton) Prison over the next few weeks. We ask that the gifts are new, wrapped in Christmas gift wrap, and with a label attached stating whether the gift is suitable for a boy or a girl and the age of the child. Gifts for older children from 11 years upwards would be most appreciated. There will be a collection box at the back of both churches before all Masses for the depositing of gifts over the weekends of Saturday 12th/Sunday 13th November and Saturday 19th /Sunday 20th November. Please be as generous as you have been in past years. Many thanks in advance!

Memorial Mass for Joseph Gilhooley at Noon on Saturday 12th November

His Grace, the Archbishop, will celebrate a Memorial Mass for Joseph Gilhooley here at the Cathedral at Noon on Saturday 12th November. During the Mass, the Archbishop will bless an altar crucifix that has been donated in his memory and will dedicate a plaque in his memory for the sacristy. This will be a lovely occasion and I know that many of you will want to be present to pay tribute to a man who played a huge part in the life of this Cathedral over so many decades. As many of you know, Joe dedicated almost his entire adult life to St Mary's Cathedral, serving for nearly 50 years as MC and sacristan.

No Adoration on Saturday 12 November

Please note that there will be no Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on Saturday 12 November. Confessions times will be as normal, 10:30am-12Noon.

Over Sixties Club Events

All who are 60 and over are welcome to attend our Over Sixties Club events: Tuesday 8th November, Coffee Afternoon, at Coffee Saints, 2.30 -4pm; Wednesday 9th November, cinema outing, ‘The Lost King,’ meet upstairs at Omni 1.40pm; and Thursday 10th November, book club, 2.30 -4pm at Coffee Saints.

Want to be Catholic?

Our Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) group is meeting weekly on Tuesdays for all those interested in learning about how to become Catholic. Join us in Cathedral House, 61 York Place each Tuesday 7:00pm-8:30pm. To register, please contact cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

2022-2023 Marriage Preparation Courses

The next Marriage Preparation courses will take place 10am-5pm on Saturday, 19th November 2022; Saturday, 28th January 2023; and Saturday, 20th May, 2023. The course includes presentations by married couples from the parish. To register, email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk.

Annual Mass Attendance Census

The Archdiocese’s Annual Mass Attendance Census will be taken this weekend Saturday, 5th November and Sunday, 6th November.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for Children Ages 3 to 6+

Children grow in love for Jesus, the Good Shepherd, through the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program. By developing their relationship with God through works that include guided, hands-on activities, children learn about the Bible, the Mass and the Holy Eucharist. The program is offered free of charge at St. Columba’s Parish, 9 Upper Gray St, Edinburgh EH9 1SN. Children from any parish are welcome to take part! Tuesdays: 10:30am - 12:30pm, 3-4 year olds, Fridays: 1:00pm - 2:30pm, 5-6 year olds, Fridays: 3:00pm - 4:30pm, 6+ year olds. To register, please contact Sister Anna Marie McGuan, RSM at SrAnna.Marie@staned.org.uk

St Mary's Playgroup for Children Ages 2 to 7, Monday-Friday Mornings

St Mary's Playgroup at St Mary's RC Primary School, East London Street, Edinburgh; welcomes children from two and a half years old, up to entry to Primary school (during school holidays we can take children up to 7 years of age). The playgroup has a lovely bright colourful playroom where we provide a number of activities. Term Time & School Holidays: Monday to Friday 9:00am to 12 Noon (Playgroup closes for 2 weeks at Christmas). Price: £11 per child per day. For information contact stmarysplaygroup@aol.com, 0131 556 1634 or visit https://stmarysplaygroup.weebly.com

Weekly Cathedral and Monthly Archdiocesan Updates By E-Mail

Cathedral News: 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 or bookmark the Newsletter in your browser at https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/news

Archdiocesan News: For a monthly e-mail update from the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh, subscribe at https://archedinburgh.org/news-events (scroll to bottom of page).

St Andrew’s Talks with Sr. Roseanne Reddy Tomorrow Evening!

The next talk in the St. Andrew's Talk series will be on Monday 7th November after 6pm Mass in the rooms at St Andrew’s, Ravelston. Sr Roseann Reddy of the Sisters of the Gospel of Life will join us to talk about their work creating a civilisation of love, supporting the fundamental belief that every person is a unique individual, with infinite dignity and created in the image and likeness of God. It is sure to be an interesting talk and you are all welcome. Please RSVP to cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Big Clean - Saturday 12th November

Don’t miss our busiest all-parish event! The Big Clean is happening this Saturday, 12th November, 10:00am-4:00pm and your help is needed. Please sign-up to help 'deep clean' the church and rooms before Advent and Christmas. Sign-up sheet is at the entrance to church.

Upcoming Events for Your Diary

Thanks to the social committee at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston for their efforts to develop a social calendar of events to be hosted at St Andrew’s. On Wednesday 30th November, following Mass for the Feast of St Andrew, we’ll have a social evening in the Parish Rooms. Following the Rorate Mass on 15th December, we will bless the crib, sing some carols and heat up with some festive refreshments in the Parish Rooms. That will be closely followed by a festive toast following Mass on Christmas Eve. Then, on the Feast of St. Patrick (17th March 2023), all will be welcome to a gathering in the Parish Rooms. Please mark your diary!

Sunday Holy Hours with Archbishop Cushley

Join Archbishop Cushley for Eucharistic Adoration at St Margaret’s Chapel at the Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, to pray for “insight, courage and joy in our mission,” as part of the Synod 2023. It takes place at 6pm on the following Sundays: 18 Dec, 8 Jan, 12 Feb, 12 Mar. No registration required, just turn up and pray.

Prisoners’ Week

Prisoner’s Week begins on Sunday 20 November. A launch service takes place at Bishopbriggs Community Church that day at 5pm. For full details and resources please see https://www.prisonersweek.org.uk

Read the newsletter for 6th November (pdf)

Thirty-First Sunday of the Year – Year C

Holiday of Obligation: Tuesday

On Tuesday, 1st November, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of All Saints. This is a holiday of obligation in Scotland, meaning that Catholics are obliged to attend Mass on this day. Masses will be at 8:00am, 10:00am, 12:45pm and 7.30pm in the Cathedral, and at 6:00pm in Ravelston.

Welcome to 14 Candidates for Full Communion with the Catholic Church

At the 12 noon Mass today, we will receive 14 people into the order of Catechumens! Please pray for these friends as they journey towards full communion with the Church. Over the coming months they will continue their religious instruction, preparing to receive Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation at Easter 2023. May God bless our new Catechumens!

November Lists

During the month of November, we pray especially for the faithful departed. Please take a November List from the back of church to fill out with the names of those friends and family members who have passed away and return it to the Cathedral or St Andrew’s, Ravelston by placing them to the marked box found at the back of both churches. Please try and return them before the 1st of November, but you can take them throughout the month of November.

Farewell Celebration for Fr. Jamie and Fr. John Peter

Friday, 11th November, 7:00pm

Tickets On Sale After Masses Today & Next Weekend

We will say farewell to Fr. Jamie and Fr. John Peter on Friday, 11th November at 7:00pm in Coffee Saints. Come along and join us for a festive evening with wine and delicious nibbles. Tickets are available for sale after Masses this weekend and next week for only £5 (or £10 for a family ticket). Please put the evening aside for what will be a lovely event to express our thanks and to wish Frs. Jamie and John Peter well!

Tom Wilkinson Organ Recital & CD Sales: Next Sunday, 1:30pm

To celebrate the launch of his new CD, Bach Trio Sonatas BWV 525–530, our Cathedral Organist Tom Wilkinson will perform a short recital after the 12 noon Mass on Sunday 6 November, beginning at 1:30pm. Copies of the new CD will be available to buy. Tom's new disc is already gaining critical acclaim: ‘Organist Tom Wilkinson… does an excellent job distinguishing and delineating the three distinct contrapuntal voices at all times. The recorded sound is crisp and clean, practically sitting you at the keyboard… This recording definitely belongs in each and every organ music enthusiast’s collection.’ (Classical Music Sentinel). For a magnificent preview, listen at https://bit.ly/OrganBach-TWilkinson

Parish Pilgrimage to Rome: Book by Monday, 31 October

Our Parish Pilgrimage to Rome from 12th -16th June 2023 is filling up very quickly! If you would like to come, e-mail cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk today to request a booking form, due by Monday, 31 October. To secure flights we need a final count of pilgrims by tomorrow. This will be a wonderful pilgrimage with the centrepiece being the ordination to the diaconate of Paul Henderson, on June 14th 2023 at the Basilica of St. Paul’s Outside the Walls in Rome. Paul is one of our parishioners here at the Cathedral who is studying for the priesthood. We have secured lovely accommodation in the very centre of Rome and the packed programme of sightseeing will, of course, include an audience with the Holy Father. Pilgrimage cost will be around £750 per person, (depending on the cost of flights when we book), which includes all transfers, flights from Glasgow and B&B accommodation. Join Fr. Patrick, Fr. Robert and your fellow pilgrims for these special days in the Eternal City! If you have any questions, please speak directly to Fr Robert or contact him at frrobert.taylor@staned.org.uk

Ministry Meeting for Readers on Saturday, 5th November

Our meeting for the ministry of Readers will be on Saturday, 5th November at 1:30pm. Whether you are new or have been a Reader for years in the Cathedral or Ravelston, please do come along. The meeting will be in 63 York Place. Any questions, please contact FrRobert.Taylor@staned.org.uk

First Saturday Devotions on 5th November

Next Saturday, 5th November, 9:30am there will be devotions to Our Lady of Fatima here in the Cathedral, followed by 10:00am Mass. All are welcome!

Young Adults Talk 8th November:

‘I Believe in One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church’

For the Solemnity of All Saints our Young Adults Group will be on break this week, but we will resume meeting to continue our series on the Creed on Tuesday, 8th November. All those age 18-35 are very welcome. Our speaker will be Fr. Joseph McGill, on ‘I Believe in One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.’ Join us at 63 York Place at 7:00pm for teas/coffees followed by the talk at 7:30pm and a short group discussion. After Night Prayer in the Cathedral we will gather at a local pub for some refreshment.

Want to be Catholic?

Our Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) group is meeting weekly on Tuesdays for all those interested in learning about how to become Catholic. Join us in Cathedral House, 61 York Place each Tuesday 7:00pm-8:30pm. To register, please contact cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk.

2022-2023 Marriage Preparation Courses

The next Marriage Preparation courses will take place 10am-5pm on Saturday, 19th November 2022; Saturday, 28th January 2023; and Saturday, 20th May, 2023. The course includes presentations by married couples from the parish. To register, email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk.

Tickets Available for 9th November Friends Event Open to Parish

Talk by Dr. John Newton: The Crisis for the Church in East Asia

Dr John Newton from Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) will come from London to give a talk at St Mary's Catholic Cathedral on 9th November on The Crisis in the Church in East Asia at 730pm in Coffee Saints.

The event is hosted by Friends of St Mary's Cathedral, and is a not-to-be-missed pre-#Redwednesday event. Th etalk is open to the whole parish, please RSVP by 7th November to ppccathedral@stmaryscathedral.co.uk Join Friends at https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/friends.

Parish Youth Group Meets Tonight!

The Parish Youth Group meets tonight at St Andrew’s, Ravelston. All those in P4-P7 are invited to join us between 6 & 7.30pm for an opportunity to get together, play, and learn about our faith! Don’t forget some spending money for the tuck shop! To join, please arrive from 5.30pm for registration (cost £1.00), or collect a form from the back of the Cathedral or at St. Andrew’s. Any questions, please speak to Fr. Robert or email him at frrobert.taylor@staned.org.uk.

Memorial Mass for Joseph Gilhooley at Noon on Saturday 12th November

His Grace, the Archbishop, will celebrate a Memorial Mass for Joseph Gilhooley here at the Cathedral at Noon on Saturday 12th November. During the Mass, the Archbishop will bless an altar crucifix that has been donated in his memory and will dedicate a plaque in his memory for the sacristy. This will be a lovely occasion and I know that many of you will want to be present to pay tribute to a man who played a huge part in the life of this Cathedral over so many decades. As many of you know, Joe dedicated almost his entire adult life to St Mary's Cathedral, serving for nearly 50 years as MC and sacristan.

Over Sixties Club – Visit to Royal Scottish Academy!

Tuesday 1st November , NO COFFEE AFTERNOON due to Coffee Saints being closed for electrical works.

Wednesday 2nd November, Visit to the Royal Scottish Academy for an Impressionism Exhibition. Pre booking required

Thursday 3rd November, Visit to the Scottish National Gallery, No booking required

Both the RSA and National Gallery are located at the bottom of the Mound. For both visits on the 2nd and 3rd Nov we will meet at 1.30pm in Contini's Scottish Cafe, which is situated between the RSA and the National Gallery, on the subterranean level and accessed via the Prince St Gardens. Contact Graham on 07568 202 547 for further info.

St Mary's Playgroup for Children Ages 2 to 7, Monday-Friday Mornings

St Mary's Playgroup at St Mary's RC Primary School, East London Street, Edinburgh; welcomes children from two and a half years old, up to entry to Primary school (during school holidays we can take children up to 7 years of age). The playgroup has a lovely bright colourful playroom where we provide a number of activities. Term Time & School Holidays: Monday to Friday 9:00am to 12 Noon (Playgroup closes for 2 weeks at Christmas). Price: £11 per child per day. For information contact stmarysplaygroup@aol.com, 0131 556 1634 or visit https://stmarysplaygroup.weebly.com

Annual Mass Attendance Census

The Archdiocese’s Annual Mass Attendance Census will be taken next weekend Saturday, 5th November and Sunday, 6th November.

Coffee Saints Closed This Week for Electrical Works

Please note that our Coffee Saints café is closed for electrical from today to Sunday, 6 November inclusive, and will reopen for business as usual on Monday, 7th November.

St Andrew’s Talks with Sr. Roseanne Reddy on Monday 7th November

The next talk in the St. Andrew's Talk series will be on Monday 7th November after 6pm Mass in the rooms at St Andrew’s, Ravelston. Sr Roseann Reddy of the Sisters of the Gospel of Life will join us to talk about their work creating a civilisation of love, supporting the fundamental belief that every person is a unique individual, with infinite dignity and created in the image and likeness of God. It is sure to be an interesting talk and you are all welcome. Please RSVP to cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Big Clean - Saturday 12th November

Our busiest all-parish event! The Big Clean is back and your help is needed. Please sign-up to help 'deep clean' the church and rooms before Advent and Christmas. Sign-up sheet is at the entrance to St Andrew’s Ravelston.

Upcoming Events for Your Diary

Thanks to the social committee at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston for their efforts to develop a social calendar of events to be hosted at St Andrew’s. Wednesday 30th November, following Mass for the Feast of St Andrew, we’ll have a social evening in the Parish Rooms. Following the Rorate Mass on 15th December, we will bless the crib, sing some carols and heat up with some festive refreshments in the Parish Rooms. That will be closely followed by a festive toast following Mass on Christmas Eve. Then, on the Feast of St. Patrick (17th March 2023), all will be welcome to a gathering in the Parish Rooms. Please mark your diary!

Two Talks for Catholics on Family Life: 11am-2pm Saturday 5th November

Professor Stephan Kampowski, a world-renowned expert on marriage and the family in a Catholic context, is visiting the Archdiocese from Rome to give a series of talks on Saturday, 5th November, 11:00am-2:00pm. Talk 1: To Promise & To Forgive: Establishing and Healing the Bond between Persons and Talk 2: Family Relationships and Personal Identity. All of you are invited to attend his talks at the Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh EH9 1BB . Please register at https://bit.ly/ourfamilytalks

Job Opening: Full-time Administrator

The Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh is seeking to appoint an Administrator. The position is full time (Mon-Fri) and the annual wage is £21,000 per annum. Full details at bit.ly/archadminjob

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter to recruitment@staned.org.uk by Monday 7 November.

Learn About the Catholic Media Office & Catholic Parliamentary Office

What does the work of the Scottish Catholic Media Office (SCMO) and Scottish Catholic Parliamentary Office (SCPO) involve? Find out in Catholics: Faith and Engagement in Scotland, a webinar featuring Peter Kearney of the SCMO and Anthony Horan of SCPO. Two optional dates: 1-2pm Wednesday 2 November, register at https://bit.ly/webinar2nov or 7:30-8:30pm on Thursday 3 November, register at https://bit.ly/webinar3nov_

Read the newsletter for 30th October (pdf)

Thirtieth Sunday of the Year – Year C

Noon Mass for Missio Scotland 100th Anniversary

His Grace, Archbishop Cushley, will preside today at the Noon Mass to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Missio Scotland, the official mission aid agency of the Catholic Church. Fr Vincent Lockhart, National Director of Mission Scotland, will concelebrate the Mass. The second collection today will be for the work of Missio Scotland.

Young Adults Talk 25th October: ‘I Believe in the Holy Spirit’

On Tuesday, 25 October, our Young Adults Group will meet to continue our series on the Creed. All those age 18-35 are very welcome. Our speaker will be Fr. Martin Delaney, on “I Believe in the Holy Spirit.” Join us at 63 York Place at 7:00pm for teas/coffees followed by the talk at 7:30pm and a short group discussion. We will conclude with Night Prayer in the Cathedral and then head over to a local pub.

Extra Dates for Ministry Meetings: 29th October and 5th November

Thank you to everyone who has attended the meetings for Eucharistic Ministers and Readers so far. For those who haven’t been able to make any dates yet we would like to invite you along to a meeting for Eucharistic Ministers on Saturday, 29th October at 1:30pm and for Readers on Saturday, 5th November at 1:30pm. Whether you are a new member of these groups or have been a Reader or a Eucharistic Minister for years in the Cathedral or Ravelston, please do come along. The meetings will be in 63 York Place. Any questions, please contact FrRobert.Taylor@staned.org.uk

November Lists

During the month of November we pray especially for the faithful departed. Please take a November List from the back of church to fill out with the names of those friends and family members who have passed away and return it to the Cathedral or St Andrew’s, Ravelston by placing them to the marked box found at the back of both churches. Please try and return them before the 1st November, but you can take them throughout the month of November.

Parish Pilgrimage to Rome in June 2023 – Registration By 31st October

We’ve had a great response for our Parish Pilgrimage to Rome! Thanks to so many who have already contacted us for a booking form. If you want to go, you need to get your form in very soon. To secure flights we need a final count of pilgrims by 31st October, so if you would like to come e-mail cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

As you know, on June 14th 2023, Paul Henderson, one of our parishioners here at the Cathedral, will be ordained as a deacon at the Basilica of St. Paul’s Outside the Walls in Rome. Our Parish Pilgrimage to Rome from 12th -16th June 2023 will celebrate this wonderful event. We have secured lovely accommodation in the very centre of Rome and the ordination will be the centrepiece of a packed programme of sightseeing including, of course, an audience with the Holy Father. Cost of the pilgrimage will be around £750 per person, (depending on the cost of flights when we book), which includes all transfers, flights from Glasgow and B&B accommodation – not to mention the sparkling company of Fr. Robert and myself…! If you have any questions or need any other information, please speak directly to Fr Robert or contact him at frrobert.taylor@staned.org.uk

Parish Youth Group Meets Next Sunday

We are delighted to announce that beginning next Sunday, 30th October, the Parish Youth Group will return to St Andrew’s, Ravelston. If you are in P4-P7 you are invited to join us between 6 & 7.30pm for an opportunity to get together, play, and learn about your faith! To join, please arrive from 5.30pm on 30th October for registration, or collect a form today from the back of the Cathedral or at St. Andrew’s.

Legion of Mary – Students & Professionals Group

The Legion of Mary is a lay association of Catholics which seeks to help its members grow in holiness through devotion to Our Lady and by carrying out works of mercy. Our presidium name is Our Lady Cause of our Joy. We meet every Monday at 7:00 pm at 63 York Place. We are a group of mixed male and female members, students and professionals and from different countries, cultures. For more information contact phone number: Monika - 07751213612, Atama – 07832903514

Eucharistic Adoration on Saturdays 10:30am-12Noon

As we profess in our Creed, we believe “in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God,…” Come and adore the Lord Jesus during some time of Eucharistic Adoration after the 10:00am Mass on Saturdays here at the Cathedral. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is celebrated every Saturday 10:30am-12:00pm in the Cathedral. Come for 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour…. or more. Saturday morning Confessions are from 10:30am-12:00pm.

Over Sixties Club – Coffee Afternoon, Cinema Trip, IT Clinic and more!]

The Cathedral’s Over Sixties Club welcomes all who are 60 and over to join them for this week’s events:

• Tuesday 25th October - Coffee Afternoon at Coffee Saints 2.30 - 4pm

• Wednesday 26th October - Cinema Trip “Emily.” Meet upstairs at Omni centre 2.35pm.

• Thursday 27th October - IT clinic at Coffee Saints.11.30 - 1pm, any IT issues will be looked at, please come along if you have any problems with laptops, tablets, iPads or mobile phones.

• Thursday 27th October - Book Club at Coffee Saints 2.30 - 4pm

Tom Wilkinson Organ Recital: Sunday, 6 November, 1:30pm

To celebrate the launch of his new CD, Bach Trio Sonatas BWV 525–530, our Cathedral Organist Tom Wilkinson will perform a short recital after the 12 noon Mass on Sunday 6 November, beginning at 1:30pm. Copies of the new CD will be available to buy. Tom's new disc is already gaining critical acclaim: ‘Organist Tom Wilkinson… does an excellent job distinguishing and delineating the three distinct contrapuntal voices at all times. The recorded sound is crisp and clean, practically sitting you at the keyboard… This recording definitely belongs in each and every organ music enthusiast’s collection.’ (Classical Music Sentinel). For a magnificent preview, listen at https://bit.ly/OrganBach-TWilkinson

Farewell ‘Do’ for Fr. Jamie and Fr. John Peter - Friday, 11th November

Mark your diary for our Farewell Celebration for Fr. Jamie and Fr. John Peter – which will be on Friday, 11th November at 7:00pm in Coffee Saints. Please put the evening aside for what will be a lovely community event to express our thanks and to wish them both well!

Memorial Mass for Joseph Gilhooley at Noon on Saturday 12th November

His Grace, the Archbishop, will celebrate a Memorial Mass for Joseph Gilhooley here at the Cathedral at Noon on Saturday 12th November. During the Mass, the Archbishop will bless an altar crucifix that has been donated in his memory and will dedicate a plaque in his memory for the sacristy. This will be a lovely occasion and I know that many of you will want to be present to pay tribute to a man who played a huge part in the life of this Cathedral over so many decades. As many of you know, Joe dedicated almost his entire adult life to St Mary's Cathedral, serving for nearly 50 years as MC and sacristan.

Want to be Catholic?

Our Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) group is meeting weekly on Tuesdays for all those interested in learning about how to become Catholic. Join us in Cathedral House, 61 York Place each Tuesday 7:00pm-8:30pm. To register, please contact cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Message from Alice – Our Complex Manager

“Just to keep you up to date on what is going on fabric-wise in the Cathedral:

Over the last month we have managed to complete a number of small jobs - such as the removal of the remains of the screen outside the bookshop and the installation of a new drain to prevent water ingress under that door. We have also replaced the old-style bulbs in the hanging lanterns along the two side aisles with LEDs, and we have had all the fire extinguishers in the complex serviced. And those of you who have visited the Café recently may also have noticed that work has been undertaken to make the taps in the toilets all work in a similar manner!

All in all – we are continuing the battle to keep things wind and watertight – and making some progress!

Thank you to all of you who have reported fabric issues to me. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you see anything that needs attention or if you have any brilliant suggestions!”

Alice Harrison, Complex Manager

Friends of the Cathedral

Aid to the Church in Need event on Wednesday, 9th November

The next Friends event is The Crisis for the Church in East Asia by Dr John Newton from Aid to the Church in Need on 9thNovember. Friends who wish to attend this event must RSVP by 7th November to ppccathedral@stmaryscathedral.co.uk. The talk is free for Friends of St Mary’s Cathedral. Join today at https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/friends to attend this and other events. By joining, you will be helping to ensure the future of our Cathedral and of our community. Many thanks to Melanie McDonagh who came all the way from London to give a wonderful talk on Catholic Converts: from Oscar Wilde to Muriel Spark last Friday to an audience of Friends of the Cathedral.

2022-2023 Marriage Preparation Courses

The next Marriage Preparation courses will take place 10am-5pm on Saturday, 19th November 2022; Saturday, 28th January 2023; and Saturday, 20th May, 2023. The course includes presentations by married couples from the parish. To register, email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

A Big Thank You…

...to the four wonderful young men who did an excellent job cleaning the church rafters last Saturday in preparation for our new lighting work. Special thanks, as well, to the generous donor of our new interim sanctuary curtains!

Daily Rosary After 6pm Mass in October

All are welcome to pray the Rosary with us at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston after the 6pm weekday Masses during October. As we honour our Lady in this special month of the Rosary, we join together in this prayer of meditations on the mysteries in the life of Christ.

Tell MSPs to Oppose Gender Recognition Reform Bill for Teens

A debate is set for 27th October in the Scottish Government over the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill which aims to lower the minimum age from 18 to 16 for when someone can apply for a Gender Recognition Certificate. The Bill raises serious concerns about religious freedom, the safety, health and wellbeing of children and vulnerable people, and safe spaces for women and girls. A briefing providing the Catholic perspective is available online from the Catholic Parliamentary Office at https://rcpolitics.org/gender-self-id-vote-please-contact-your-msps-today/ and further information is available from the Christian Institute at https://www.christian.org.uk/resource/sex-swaps-for-16-year-olds/ Please contact your MSPs today and tell them to oppose the Gender Recognition Reform Bill.

Two Talks for Catholics on Family Life: 11am-2pm Saturday 5th November

Professor Stephan Kampowski, a world-renowned expert on marriage and the family in a Catholic context, is visiting the Archdiocese from Rome to give a series of talks on Saturday, 5th November, 11:00am-2:00pm. Talk 1: To Promise & To Forgive: Establishing and Healing the Bond between Persons and Talk 2: Family Relationships and Personal Identity. All of you are invited to attend his talks at the Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh EH9 1BB . Please register at https://bit.ly/ourfamilytalks

2nd November All Souls’ Day Mass at Mount Vernon Cemetery

Archbishop Cushley will offer Holy Mass for the repose of all the faithful departed who have died in the Archdiocese in the last year, especially those buried at Mount Vernon Cemetery. This will take place at 10am on Wednesday 2 November (All Souls' Day) in the Mount Vernon Cemetery Chapel.

Read the newsletter for 23rd October (pdf)

Twenty-Ninth Sunday Of The Year – Year C

Pastoral Letter & Petition on Assisted Suicide

Archbishop Cushley has written a pastoral letter about the immorality and the dangers of legalising of assisted suicide in Scotland. It is available at the back of the church – please take a copy home with you.

Proposed legislation coming before the Scottish Parliament shortly seeks to legalise assisted suicide in this country and will, thereby, undermine the provision of palliative care to the terminally ill. Care Not Killing (CNK), an organization supported by the Catholic Parliamentary Office, has launched a petition which aims to stop these plans to legalize assisted suicide in Scotland. You can sign the petition which aims to stop plans to at the back of the church or sign online at https://www.carenotkilling.scot

The ‘Catenians’

This week we welcome some members of The Catenian Association – who will be making an appeal for new members at all Masses this weekend. The association is an international body of Catholic laymen who meet once a month and offer friendship and support to Catholic men at all stages of their lives. All are welcome to a membership meeting Wednesday 9th November, from 7.00 p.m.-9.00 p.m. in 63 York Place, EH1 3JD. Visit https://www.thecatenians.com/ for more information. To learn more, speak to one of the representatives after Mass or contact membership@thecatenians.com, 024 7622 4533.

Over Sixties Club – Coffee Afternoon and Gallery Visit

The Cathedral’s Over Sixties Club is hosting its weekly Coffee Afternoon on Tuesday 18th October, at Coffee Saints 2.30 - 4pm, and on Wednesday a visit to the National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street; meet at Coffee Saints at 2.30pm before walking along to the Gallery.

Farewell ‘Do’ for Fr. Jamie and Fr. John Peter - Friday, 11th November

Mark your diary for our Farewell Celebration for Fr. Jamie and Fr. John Peter – which will be on Friday, 11th November at 7:00pm in Coffee Saints. Please put the evening aside for what will be a lovely community event to express our thanks and to wish them both well!

Next Sunday’s Noon Mass for Missio Scotland 100th Anniversary

Archbishop Cushley will preside at the Noon Mass next Sunday to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Missio Scotland, the official mission aid agency of the Catholic Church. Fr Vincent Lockhart, National Director of Mission Scotland, will concelebrate the Mass. The second collection next week will be for the work of Missio Scotland. To learn more Missio’s work, please visit https://www.missioscotland.com/

Parish Youth Group

We are delighted to announce that the Parish Youth Group will return to St Andrew’s, Ravelston on Sunday evenings from the 30th October! If you are in P4-P7 you are invited to join us between 6 & 7.30pm for an opportunity to get together, play, and learn about your faith! To join, please arrive from 5.30pm on 30th October for registration, or collect a form today from the back of the Church.

Extra Dates for Ministry Meetings

Thank you to everyone who has attended the meetings for Eucharistic Ministers and Readers so far. For those who haven’t been able to make any dates yet we would like to invite you along to a meeting for Eucharistic Ministers on Saturday, 29th October at 1:00pm and for Readers on Saturday, 5th November at 1:00pm. Whether you are a new member of these groups or have been a Reader or a Eucharistic Minister for years in the Cathedral or Ravelston, please do come along. The meetings will be in 63 York Place. Any questions, please contact FrRobert.Taylor@staned.org.uk

Parish Pilgrimage to Rome in June 2023

On June 14th next year Paul Henderson, one of our parishioners here at the Cathedral, will be ordained as a deacon at the Basilica of St. Paul’s Outside the Walls in Rome. In order to celebrate this wonderful parish event and to support Paul we are organising a Parish Pilgrimage to Rome from 12th -16th June 2023. We have secured lovely accommodation in the very centre of Rome and the ordination will be the centrepiece of a packed programme of sightseeing including, of course, an audience with the Holy Father. The cost of the pilgrimage will be around £750 per person, (depending on the cost of flights when we book), which includes all transfers, flights from Glasgow and B&B accommodation – not to mention the sparkling company of Fr. Robert and myself…We need to know definite numbers by 31st October in order to secure the flights, so if you would like to come e-mail cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk to find out more and receive a booking form. If you have any questions or need any other information please speak directly to Fr Robert.

Young Adults Talk 25th October: ‘I Believe in the Holy Spirit’

Our Young Adults Group is on a midterm break this week, but do plan to join us again next week on Tuesday, 25 October as we continue our series on the Creed. All those age 18-35 are welcome. Our speaker will be Fr. Martin Delaney, on “I Believe in the Holy Spirit.” Join us at 63 York Place at 7:00pm for teas/coffees followed by the talk at 7:30pm and a short group discussion. We will conclude with Night Prayer in the Cathedral before we head over to a local pub.

Tom Wilkinson Organ Recital: Sunday, 6 November, 1:30pm

To celebrate the launch of his new CD of Bach Trio Sonatas, our Cathedral Organist Tom Wilkinson will perform a short recital after the 12 noon Mass on Sunday 6 November, beginning at 1:30pm. Copies of the new CD will be available to buy. Tom's new disc is already gaining critical acclaim: ‘Organist Tom Wilkinson… does an excellent job distinguishing and delineating the three distinct contrapuntal voices at all times. The recorded sound is crisp and clean, practically sitting you at the keyboard… This recording definitely belongs in each and every organ music enthusiast’s collection.’ Classical Music Sentinel

Friends of St Mary’s Cathedral

Aid to the Church in Need event on Wednesday, 9th November

The next Friends event is The Crisis for the Church in East Asia by Dr John Newton from Aid to the Church in Need on 9th November. Friends who wish to attend this event must RSVP by 7th November to ppccathedral@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

The talk is free for Friends of St Mary’s Cathedral. Join today at https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/friends to attend this and other events. By joining, you will be helping to ensure the future of our Cathedral and of our community.

Many thanks to Melanie McDonagh who came all the way from London to give a wonderful talk on Catholic Converts: from Oscar Wilde to Muriel Spark last Friday to an audience of Friends of the Cathedral.

Want to be Catholic?

Our Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) group is meeting weekly on Tuesdays for all those interested in learning about how to become Catholic. Join us in Cathedral House, 61 York Place each Tuesday 7:00pm-8:30pm. To register, please contact cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

2022-2023 Marriage Preparation Courses

The next Marriage Preparation courses will take place 10am-5pm on Saturday, 19th November 2022; Saturday, 28th January 2023; and Saturday, 20th May, 2023. The course includes presentations by married couples from the parish. To register, email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Join Us for the Rosary after 6pm Mass

Join us at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston in praying the Rosary after the 6pm weekday Masses during October. The Church traditionally dedicates the month of October to the holy Rosary since the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary is October 7th.

Music Day on Saturday, 22nd October at Gillis Centre

Join fellow musicians and singers from across the Archdiocese for a Music Day at 10:30am on Saturday 22 October at the Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh. The event is for anyone interested or involved in music in the liturgy. Light lunch provided. Free parking onsite. Register now at https://bit.ly/musicday2022

“To Promise and To Forgive” Lecture by Prof. Kampowski – 11am Saturday 5th November

Professor Stephan Kampowski, a world-renowned expert on marriage and the family in a Catholic context, is visiting the Archdiocese from Rome next month to give a series of talks. All of you are invited to attend his lecture entitled ‘To Promise & To Forgive: Establishing and Healing the Bond Between Persons’ at the Gillis Centre. on Saturday 5 November at 11:00am. If you would like to attend, please register at https://bit.ly/ourfamilytalks

Annual Divine Mercy Conference: Saturday, 29 October in Coatbridge

The annual Divine Mercy Conference takes place at St Augustine’s, Dundyvan Road, Coatbridge, ML5 1DQ, on Saturday 29 October from 9am-6pm. Workshops available on the Eucharist, Divine Mercy and Our Lady. To view the full schedule and to register, visit www.divinemercy.scot/conference2022

Pray, Sing, Learn: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for Children 3 to 6+

Children ages 3 to 6+ are invited to pray, sing, learn and work in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program in a child-friendly space called an atrium at St. Columba’s Parish, 9 Upper Gray St, Edinburgh EH9 1SN. By developing their relationship with God through works that include guided, hands-on activities, children learn about how much God loves them. All sessions are free of charge: 3-4 year olds on Tuesday, 10:30am - 12:30pm, and for 5-6 year olds on Fridays, 1:00pm - 2:30pm, 6+year olds at 3:00pm - 4:30pm. To register and for a schedule of dates, please contact Sister Anna Marie McGuan, RSM at SrAnna.Marie@staned.org.uk Children from any parish can attend and families are very welcome to wait in St. Columba’s parish hall while their children work in the atrium.

2nd November All Souls’ Day Mass at Mount Vernon Cemetery

Archbishop Cushley will offer Holy Mass for the repose of all the faithful departed who have died in the Archdiocese in the last year, especially those buried at Mount Vernon Cemetery. This will take place at 10am on Wednesday 2 November (All Souls' Day) in the Mount Vernon Cemetery Chapel.

Cost of Living

The Scottish Government has launched a new website that brings together in one place information on support, grants, benefits and advice, in order to help people find what support they may be entitled to. Please visit https://costofliving.campaign.gov.scot/

Job Vacancy with SPUC

The Scottish Society for the Protection of Children (SPUC) seeks an Executive Assistant (Public Affairs and Legal Services). It is an opportunity to use and develop your administrative, project management and communications skills in a dynamic, friendly, positive and fast-moving team committed to making abortion unthinkable. The role will be full-time (part-time considered) and have a salary of c.£25,000. For further information and to apply, please email jobs@spuc.org.uk

November Retreats: Craig Lodge House of Prayer

Craig Lodge is delighted to announce some wonderful weekend retreats to refresh and encourage you, including ‘Be Transformed’, Friday 11th November-Sunday 13th November to focus on the freedom and abundance the Lord wants for us as we put on the mind of Christ, and ‘By His Wounds We Are Healed’, Friday 25th November-Sunday 27th November, to encounter the healing love of Jesus as we bring our wounds to Him who was wounded for our sake. Suggested donation for each event is £145 (£160 for a single room). To book your place, email: mail@craiglodge.org. For more information, visit https://www.craiglodge.org/ Craig Lodge, Dalmally, Argyll, Scotland, UK, PA33 1AR, 01838 200216.

The Way of St. Andrews Scottish Pilgrimage

Enjoy being a pilgrim in Scotland! Try one of the eight great pilgrim ways wending their way quietly through Scotland’s diverse and scenic landscape to St Andrews. Great trails, great scenery and a great opportunity for reflection. To plan your pilgrimage route and get more information please visit http://www.thewayofstandrews.com/

Read the newsletter for 16th October (pdf)

Twenty-Eighth Sunday of The Year – Year C

Enrolment for First Confession – This Sunday at Mass

Congratulations to the children of our parish being enrolled today for preparations to make their First Confession in February 2023. Thanks to Mary, Michael and Roberto and the teachers at St. Mary’s Primary School for all their work in teaching the children. Please keep these children and their families in your prayers during these important months of preparation.

Young Adults: Jesus Christ, Ascended into Heaven, Who Will Come Again

It was a great turnout for last week’s Young Adults Group! Thanks to all who attended! As we continue our series on the Creed on Tuesday, October 11, don’t miss this week’s talk by Peter Forster on “I Believe Jesus Christ, Ascended into Heaven, Who Will Come Again.” Join us at 63 York Place at 7:00pm for teas/coffees followed by the talk at 7:30pm and a short group discussion. We will conclude with Night Prayer in the Cathedral before we head over to a local pub for a ‘refreshment’!

Readers’ Training and Refresher This Week

All new and old volunteers who are serving as Readers are invited to a short training and refresher course on Wednesday, 12th October, 7:00pm or Saturday, 15th October, 12:00pm. You only need to come to one of these dates, but please do come along when free to 63 York Place. If you can't make either, please speak to Fr Robert or one of the coordinators for each ministry. Also, thanks to so many of you who attended our recent training for Eucharistic Ministers! Any questions, please contact FrRobert.Taylor@staned.org.uk

Friends of the Cathedral Melanie McDonagh to speak on “Famous Catholic Converts” on Friday, 14th October

Melanie McDonagh, the art critic of The Evening Standard and Spectator columnist, will speak to the Friends of St Mary's Cathedral this Friday, 14th October in Coffee Saints at 7.30pm. Friends who wish to attend this event need to RSVP to ppccathedral@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

This event is free for Friends of St Mary’s Cathedral. Join today at https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/friends to attend this and other events in our super autumn/winter 2022 programme. By joining, you will be helping to ensure the future of our Cathedral and of our community. You will also receive Crux, the new Cathedral magazine, straight to your door.

Children’s Sacramental Preparation

First Reconciliation classes begin today at 9:30am in the parish rooms at St. Andrew’s, 77 Belford Road, EH4 3DS. Registration is open for classes for First Reconciliation (P3), First Holy Communion (P4) and Confirmation (P7). Catechetical preparation will be provided both at St Mary’s Primary School and at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston. To register online, visit the following links:

First Reconciliation (P3 & above): https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/sacrament-of-first-reconciliation

First Holy Communion (P4 and above): https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/first-communion

Confirmation (P7 and above): https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/sacrament-of-confirmation

First Holy Communion class starts on Sunday 26 February 2023 and Confirmation class starts on 29 January 2023. Any questions, please contact Fr. Robert at FrRobert.Taylor@staned.org.uk.

Chapter Mass – Tuesday 11th October

The Cathedral’s Chapter of Canons will gather on Tuesday, 11th October. Mass at 12.45 will be celebrated by Canon McMullan, the Chapter Provost, along with the other members of the chapter.

Parish Youth Group Returns: Sunday Evening, 30th October

We are delighted to announce that the Parish Youth Group will return to St Andrew’s, Ravelston on Sunday evenings from the 30th October! If you are in P4-P7 you are invited to join us between 6 & 7.30pm for an opportunity to learn about your faith, pray and play! To join, please arrive from 5.30pm on 30th October for registration, or collect a form today from the back of the Church. Registration fee is £1.

2022-2023 Marriage Preparation Courses

The next Marriage Preparation courses will take place 10am-5pm on Saturday, 19th November 2022; Saturday, 28th January, 2023; and Saturday, 20th May, 2023. The course includes presentations by married couples from the parish. To register, email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Over Sixties Club – Coffee Afternoon and Cinema Outing

Come along and join the Society of St Vincent de Paul and the Coffee Saints Café for the Cathedral’s Over Sixties Club: Tuesday 11th October, Coffee afternoon at Coffee Saints 2.30 - 4pm, and Wednesday 12th October, Cinema outing, meet upstairs at Omni Centre, 12.45pm. Programme is ‘Mrs Harris goes to Paris’

Catenians’ Catholic Men’s Association Recruitment Appeal

Members of The Catenian Association will make a Recruitment Appeal at all Masses next weekend, 15th-16th October. The association is an international body of Catholic laymen who meet once a month and offer friendship and support to Catholic men at all stages of their lives, whether married or single. For those who are married, their common friendship is enjoyed by their wives (whether Catholic or not), their children and continues after a member’s death, with widows involved on a continuing basis. All are welcome to a membership meeting Wednesday 9th November, from 7.00 p.m.-9.00 p.m. in 63 York Place, EH1 3JD. Visit https://www.thecatenians.com/ for more information. To learn more, speak to one of the representatives next week after Mass or contact membership@thecatenians.com, 024 7622 4533.

Care Not Killing: Say No to Assisted Suicide in Scotland

Next weekend a Petition to Stop Assisted Suicide in Scotland will be available to sign in the back of church after all the Masses. Care Not Killing (CNK), supported by the Catholic Parliamentary Office, has launched a petition which aims to stop plans to legalise assisted suicide in Scotland. This bill risks undermining the provision of palliative care and efforts to prevent suicide. It may make the most vulnerable people, including the elderly and disabled, feel like a burden. The current law is the safeguard - it prohibits assisting someone’s suicide and/or killing them by euthanasia. Please plan to sign the petition next weekend or sign online at http://www.carenotkilling.scot

Want to be Catholic?

Our Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults group has begun its weekly meetings on Tuesdays for all those interested in learning about how to become Catholic. Join us Tuesdays 7:00pm-8:30pm in Cathedral House, 61 York Place. To register, please contact cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Fabric Update

As you will see, our beautiful new bespoke canopy is now in place above the tabernacle at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston. There will eventually be a new curtain and extra lighting under the canopy. Meantime, there are interim placements. Brilliant new lighting is up in the sanctuary and choir loft. Lots more to do, but great progress!

St Andrew’s Talks’ Welcomes Sr. Roseann Reddy Monday, 7th November

Thank you to everyone who came out to the talk on `What happens at Mass' on Monday evening. The next talk in the series will be on Monday 7th November after 6pm Mass in the rooms at St Andrew’s, Ravelston. Sr Roseann Reddy of the Sisters of the Gospel of Life will join us to talk about their work creating a civilisation of love, supporting the fundamental belief that every person is a unique individual, with infinite dignity and created in the image and likeness of God. It is sure to be an interesting talk and you are all welcome. Soup and sandwiches available after the talk. Please mark your diary and RSVP to cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Join Us for the Rosary after 6pm Mass

Join us at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston in praying the Rosary after the 6pm weekday Masses during October. The Church traditionally dedicates the month of October to the holy Rosary since the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary is October 7th.

Talk with Archbishop Cushley: Holy See Diplomatic Service, 12th October

The Edinburgh Jesuit Centre at Sacred Heart Parish in Lauriston, Edinburgh, is hosting a series of conversations with people who work at the interface of faith and politics. On Wednesday 12 October at 7pm, Fr Adrian Porter SJ will be in conversation with Archbishop Leo Cushley about the work and influence of the diplomatic service of the Holy See. More at https://edinburghjesuit.org.uk/ejc

Aquinas’ 4th Proof for God’s Existence, 13th October, 7:30pm

A lecture titled ‘Aquinas & the Fourth Way’, on St. Thomas Aquinas’ fourth proof for God’s existence, takes place on Thursday 13 October at 7.30pm in Room G.04, 50 George Square, Edinburgh. The speaker is Fr Ambrose Little OP, from the Dominican House of Studies in Washington DC. The talk will last around 45 minutes followed by Q&A. Register at: https://thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events/a-lecture-on-the-fourth-way

Romero Lecture 2022, Friday 14 October at Sacred Heart

The inaugural Romero Lecture will take place at Sacred Heart Church on Friday 14 October, exploring the life and legacy of St. Oscar Romero, who served as Archbishop of San Salvador and was a champion of the poor. Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop William Nolan at 6pm, followed by the Romero Lecture by Fr Martin Maier SJ at 7pm, introduced by Archbishop Cushley. Details at https://edinburghjesuit.org.uk/ejc

Annual Divine Mercy Conference: Saturday, 29 October in Coatbridge

The annual Divine Mercy Conference takes place at St Augustine’s, Dundyvan Road, Coatbridge, ML5 1DQ, on Saturday 29 October from 9am-6pm. Workshops available on the Eucharist, Divine Mercy and Our Lady. To view the full schedule and to register, visit https://www.divinemercy.scot/conference2022

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for Children Ages 3 to 6+

Children grow in love for Jesus, the Good Shepherd, through the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program in a child-friendly space called an atrium. By developing their relationship with God through works that include guided, hands-on activities, children learn about how much God loves them. Free of charge at St. Columba’s Parish, 9 Upper Gray St, Edinburgh EH9 1SN. Children from any parish welcome! Sessions begin for 3-4 year olds on Tuesday, 13 September,10:30am - 12:30pm, and for 5-6 year olds on Friday, 16 September: 1:00pm - 2:30pm, 6+year olds at 3:00pm - 4:30pm. To register, please contact Sister Anna Marie McGuan, RSM at SrAnna.Marie@staned.org.uk

Workshop on ‘Life Before Death: The Psychology of Flourishing’

A workshop on the psychology of flourishing, faith and spirituality will be led by Fr Roger Dawson SJ at The Edinburgh Jesuit Centre at Sacred Heart Parish in Lauriston, Edinburgh, on Saturday 22 October 10am to 4.30pm. Register at https://edinburghjesuit.org.uk/ejc

Glasgow Torchlight Procession to Mark 55th Anniversary of Abortion Act

On Thursday, 27th October a torchlight procession will take place in Glasgow to mark the 55th anniversary of the 1967 Abortion Action. The UK passed 10 million abortions last month so important to come together, pray and rededicate ourselves. You meet loads of great people too!! 6.30pm, Rosary in George Square followed by procession to St Andrew’s Cathedral and Mass at 7.30pm

2nd November All Souls’ Day Mass at Mount Vernon Cemetery

Archbishop Cushley will offer Holy Mass for the repose of all the faithful departed who have died in the Archdiocese in the last year, especially those buried at Mount Vernon Cemetery. This will take place at 10am on Wednesday 2 November (All Souls' Day) in the Mount Vernon Cemetery Chapel.

OK Rehab: Drug & Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Edinburgh

OK Rehab specialises in local drug and alcohol rehab and addiction treatment via both inpatient and outpatient treatment providers. We also work with clinics that are able to facilitate treatment taking place in your own home for professional intervention and home detoxification. At OK Rehab, our aim is to help individuals break free from the shackles of addiction and find a treatment that’s ideally suited to them. Find out more about our service in Edinburgh by visiting https://www.okrehab.org/local-areas /drug-alcohol-rehab-edinburgh/. Contact Number: 0800 326 5559, Email: info@okrehab.org

Read the newsletter for 9th October (pdf)

Twenty-Seventh Sunday of the Year – Year C

Training and Refresher for Readers and Eucharistic Ministers

Following our appeal for new Readers and Eucharistic Ministers, all new and old volunteers in these ministries are invited to a short training and refresher course:

Readers: Wednesday, 12th October, 7:00pm or Saturday, 15th October, 12:00pm

Eucharistic Ministers: Thursday, 6th October, 7:00pm or Saturday, 8th October, 3:00pm

You only need to come to one of these dates, but please do come along when free to 63 York Place. If you can't make either, please speak to Fr Robert or one of the coordinators for each ministry.

Children’s Sacramental Preparation

First Reconciliation classes start next Sunday 9th October 2022 at 9:30am in the parish rooms at St. Andrew’s, 77 Belford Road, EH4 3DS. Registration is now open for classes for First Reconciliation (P3), First Holy Communion (P4) and Confirmation (P7). Catechetical preparation will be provided both at St Mary’s Primary School and at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston. To register online, visit the following links:

First Reconciliation (P3 & above): https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/sacrament-of-first-reconciliation

First Holy Communion (P4 and above): https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/first-communion

Confirmation (P7 and above): https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/sacrament-of-confirmation

First Holy Communion class starts on Sunday 26 February 2023 and Confirmation class starts on 29 January 2023. Any questions, please contact Fr. Robert at FrRobert.Taylor@staned.org.uk

Young Adults: I Believe in Jesus Christ, Crucified, Died and Risen

We welcome back Fr. Martin Eckersley to our Young Adults Group talks this Tuesday, October 4. He will continue our series on The Creed with his talk on “I believe Jesus Christ, Crucified, Died & Risen from the Dead.” Fr. Eckersley was ordained in 2021 and is assigned to St. Francis Xavier in Falkirk. We will meet at 63 York Place at 7:00pm for teas/coffees followed by the talk at 7:30pm and a short group discussion. The evening concludes with Night Prayer and the chance to meet up for a drink.

Friends of the Cathedral - Melanie McDonagh to speak on “Famous Catholic Converts” on Friday, 14th October

We are delighted that Melanie McDonagh, the art critic of The Evening Standard and Spectator columnist, is coming to speak to the Friends of St Mary's Cathedral on Friday, 14th October in Coffee Saints at 7.30pm. Friends who wish to attend this event need to RSVP to ppccathedral@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

This event is free for Friends of St Mary’s Cathedral. Join today at https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/friends to attend this and other events in our super autumn/winter 2022 programme. By joining, you will be helping to ensure the future of our Cathedral and of our community. You will also receive Crux, the new Cathedral magazine, straight to your door.

2022-2023 Marriage Preparation Courses

The next Marriage Preparation courses will take place 10am-5pm on Saturday, 19th November 2022; Saturday, 28th January, 2023; and Saturday, 20th May, 2023. The course includes presentations by married couples from the parish. To register, email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Want to be Catholic?

This year’s RCIA has started again – but it’s not too late to join. If you are not a Catholic and would like to become one, or even just know more about the Church, sign up now for the Cathedral’s RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) group for adults. The group meets Tuesdays 7:00pm-8:30pm in Cathedral House, 61 York Place. To register or for more information, email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Saturday Morning Mass & Eucharistic Adoration: Christ our God Present

“I have loved you just as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love.” (John 15:9) Join us for 10:00am Mass on Saturdays here at the Cathedral and then take some time for quiet, peaceful prayer before Jesus Christ in the Eucharist following Mass. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is celebrated every Saturday 10:30am, concluding at 12:00pm with Benediction. Saturday morning Confessions are from 10:30am-12:00pm.

Over Sixties Club – Visits to Mary King’s Close and The Kelpies

• Tuesday 4th October - Coffee Afternoon at Coffee Saints 2.30pm – 4:00pm

• Wednesday 5th October - Visit to Mary King’s Close at The Close 2:00pm. Make you own way there.

• Thursday 6th October - Visit to The Kelpies, meet at Coffee Saints at 9:00am, bus leaves 9.15am sharp.

Both Mary King’s Close and The Kelpies will need to be prebooked. Call Graham on 07568 202547

Legion of Mary – Students & Professionals Group

The Legion of Mary is a lay association of Catholics which seeks to help its members grow in holiness through devotion to Our Lady and by carrying out works of mercy. All are welcome to join. We meet every Monday at 7:00 pm at 63 York Place, Edinburgh EH1 3JD. We are a group of mixed male and female members, students and professionals and from different countries, cultures. For more information contact phone number: Monika - 07751213612, Atama – 07832903514

Volunteers Needed! Cathedral Flower Arranging Team

Our beautiful Cathedral flower arrangements are prepared by four wonderful teams of volunteers who take it in turn to meet on a Friday to arrange the flowers for the weekend Masses. We are looking to recruit more volunteers to join our teams, which meet either mid-morning/early afternoon on a Friday and are led by experienced volunteers, so lack of experience is not a barrier! Can you help? To join a team or find out more, please contact cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk or 0131 556 1798.

Join the Cathedral Cleaning Team!

Are you able to help clean our lovely Cathedral? The Cathedral cleaning team meet every Wednesday afternoon between 2pm – 4pm to clean the church. Either once a week or once or twice per month would be greatly appreciated. To join the group, or find out more, please contact cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk or 0131 556 1798.

‘What Happens at Mass’: 3rd October Talk, Soup & Sandwiches

Our St. Andrew’s Talks series begins Monday, 3 October. Fr. Robert will speak on ‘What Happens at Mass’ at 6.45pm, followed by soup and sandwiches and a discussion in the Parish Rooms. Please RSVP by Sunday, 2 October to the Parish Office so we can count you in for the talk and food afterwards, cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk 0131 556 1798.

Parish Youth Group Returns in October

Our Youth Group will return at the end of this month for young people in P4 – P7. Keep an eye on the Newsletter for details!

First Reconciliation Preparation Classes Begin Next Sunday

We welcome the children of our parish beginning their First Reconciliation preparation classes at 9:30am next Sunday, 9th October in the parish rooms. Please keep them in your prayers! Thank you to our catechists and parents who are helping to prepare the children for their first Confessions in Spring 2023.

Parish Barbecue

Thank you again to everyone who helped to make the Parish BBQ such a success. Just to let you know that after all the expenses were deducted, we raised £607.81, which will be donated to the St Andrew’s Parish Project.

Parish Community and Social Committee Volunteers Needed

Do have some suggestions to share for Ravelston community activities and are willing to volunteer to help get them going? If so, please do get in touch with Fr Robert frrobert.taylor@staned.org.uk Cathedral Office or any member of the St Andrew’s Parish Council. We look forward to hearing from you!

Month of the Rosary: Join Us for a Decade of the Rosary after 6pm Mass

The Church traditionally dedicates the month of October to the holy Rosary since the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary falls on October 7th. Join us at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston in praying a decade of the Rosary after the 6pm weekday Masses during October, beginning Monday, 3rd October.

Fr. David Cullen, MAfr, RIP

We recently learned of the death of Fr David Cullen, MAfr, who died on 10 March shortly after his 90th birthday and whose work in Zambia was supported for many years by the parishioners of St Andrew’s. If anyone would like to make a donation to the White Fathers in his memory, contributions may be sent to Missionaries of Africa, 15 Corfton Road, London W5 2HP. May Fr. Cullen rest in peace!

Thank You from Mina’s Family

We received this letter form Mina’s daughter this week. I thought I’d share it with you:

“Dear Monsignor Burke and Parishioners of St Andrew’s Ravelston, I am writing on behalf of Mum and all the family to thank you for the wonderful honour in awarding Mum the Archdiocesan Medal for Outstanding Service to the Church through her musicianship and teaching; for the beautiful and thoughtful Mass you arranged celebrated by Archbishop Cushley, in particular the wonderful organist and the delightful soloist. We thank you all most sincerely.” Maria Ahmed

Recruitment for Marriage Counselling Services

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland (BCOS) is looking to increase the provision of marriage counselling available to Dioceses in Scotland. If you are an experienced counsellor, it offers you an opportunity to broaden your professional practice (CPD training provided). BCOS hopes to expand upon a service already used in some areas of the country that supports couples married in the Catholic Church and is underpinned by the Christian tradition.

Essential criteria:

• Current registration with a professional counselling body including BACP, COSCA, UKCP or registered equivalent.

• Hold a minimum of a Diploma in Counselling or equivalent.

• Have a minimum of 450 client hours (post qualifying) experience.

Interested? Please contact us on 07706 063936 to have an initial chat.

The Ten Million: Lives Lost to Abortion Since 1967

On 23 September 2022, at 11:41am, thousands of people across the UK stopped for a minute of silence to commemorate the 10 million lives that have been lost to abortion across Great Britain since the Abortion Act was introduced in 1967. Right To Life UK have released a compelling short 2-minute video called The Ten Million. Visit https://www.righttolife.org.uk/thetenmillion for more information and watch the video.

Day for Readers and Those Wishing to Reflect on the Gospel of St. John

Do you read the Word of God at Mass? A Day for Readers takes place at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, 11am – 3pm on Saturday 8 October. It is also for anyone who wants to come and reflect on the Gospel of St John. Fr Andrew Garden of St David’s in Dalkeith will be the main speaker and there will be practical sessions. The day concludes with Mass at 2:15pm. A light lunch and refreshments will be available. Register at https://bit.ly/readersevent

Mass and Romero Lecture 2022: The Life, Loss and Legacy of Romero

The inaugural Romero Lecture will take place at Sacred Heart Church. Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop William Nolan at 6pm, followed by the Romero Lecture by Fr Martin Maier SJ at 7pm, introduced by Archbishop Leo Cushley. To register on Eventbrite, visit https://bi.ly/RomeroLecture-14Oct

Rosary Book: Mysteries Made Visible: Praying the Rosary with Sacred Art

As we enter October, the Month of the Rosary, take time to pray the Rosary for the needs of our parish, your family or other special intentions. Mysteries Made Visible: Praying the Rosary with Sacred Art, a beautiful book by Dominican Father Lawrence Lew, OP, is available with sacred art images to accompany you in praying the mysteries of the Rosary. Available for just £12.95 at Catholic Truth Society by phone 020 7640 0042 or online at https://www.ctsbooks.org/product/mysteries-made-visible/

Read the newsletter for 2 October (pdf)

Twenty-Sixth Sunday Of The Year – Year C

Parents’ Meeting for First Reconciliation, Monday, 26 September

A parents’ meeting for those whose children are preparing for First Reconciliation (P3 and above) will be held on Monday, 26 September. The meeting will on Microsoft Teams at 6.30pm (Cathedral) and 7.00pm (Ravelston). To attend please register at https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/sacrament-of-first-reconciliation

If you have already registered, you will receive the Microsoft Teams link by email. For more information, please email frrobert.taylor@staned.org.uk

Children’s Sacramental Preparation: Registration Open!

Registration is now open for sacramental preparation classes for First Reconciliation (P3), First Holy Communion (P4) and Confirmation (P7). Catechetical preparation will be provided both at St Mary’s Primary School and on Sundays at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston. To register online, visit the following links:

First Reconciliation (P3 and above): https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/sacrament-of-first-reconciliation

First Holy Communion (P4 and above): https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/first-communion

Confirmation (P7 and above): https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/sacrament-of-confirmation

First Reconciliation class starts on Sunday 9th October 2022, First Holy Communion class starts on Sunday 26 February 2023 and Confirmation class starts on 29 January 2023. Please spread the word!

Training and Refresher for New Readers and Eucharistic Ministers

Following our appeal for new Readers and Eucharistic Ministers, all new and old volunteers in these ministries are invited to a training and refresher:

Readers: Wednesday, 12th October, 7:00pm or Saturday, 15th October, 12:00pm

Eucharistic Ministers: Thursday, 6th October, 7:00pm or Saturday, 8th October, 3:00pm

You only need to come to one of these dates, but please do come along when free to 63 York Place. If you can't make either, please speak to Fr Robert or one of the coordinators for each ministry.

Young Adults: ‘I Believe in Jesus Christ, Born of the Virgin Mary’

Last week’s Young Adults Group was another great evening with our talk and discussion together. Thanks to all who joined us! This week, on Tuesday, 26 September, Sr. Anna Marie McGuan, RSM, will continue our series on The Creed with her talk on “I believe Jesus Christ, born of the Virgin Mary.” Sr. Anna Marie is the Archdiocesan Advisor on Catechetics, who is based at St Andrew's Convent in Edinburgh. We will meet at 63 York Place at 7pm for teas/coffees followed by the talk at 7:30pm and a short group discussion. The evening concludes with Night Prayer and the chance to meet up for a drink.

Open Rehearsal of the 9am Sunday Choir, Wed 28th September at 7:30pm

Please join members of the 9am Sunday choir for an open rehearsal on Wednesday 28th September from 7:30pm to 9pm in the Cathedral. If you've ever been curious about what goes on behind the scenes of this friendly group, then please come along. There's no obligation to join, but the group is looking for new singers and so now is your chance to get involved!

Extra or Broken Rosaries Collected for Royal Edinburgh Hospital

Do you have any extra or broken rosaries to donate? Please turn them in at the parish office, 61 York Place, and Deacon Peter will repair them as needed and bring them to the patients he visits at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital. Thank you for your contributions of rosaries for this important ministry to the sick.

2022-2023 Marriage Preparation Courses

The next Marriage Preparation courses will take place 10am-5pm on Saturday, 19th November, 2022; Saturday, 28th January, 2023; and Saturday, 20th May, 2023. The course includes presentations by married couples from the parish. To register, email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Friends of St Mary’s Cathedral

Melanie McDonagh to speak on “Famous Catholic Converts” on Friday, 14th October

We are delighted that Melanie McDonagh, the art critic of The Evening Standard and Spectator columnist, is coming to speak to the Friends of St Mary's Cathedral on Friday, 14th October in Coffee Saints at 7.30pm. Friends who wish to attend this event need to RSVP to ppccathedral@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

This event is free for Friends of St Mary’s Cathedral. Join today at https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/friends to attend this and other events in our super autumn/winter 2022 programme. By joining, you will be helping to ensure the future of our Cathedral and of our community. You will also receive Crux, the new Cathedral magazine, straight to your door.

Over Sixties Club - Cinema Trip and Book Club

• Coffee Afternoon, Tuesday 27th Sept 2.30 - 4pm, Coffee Saints

• Cinema trip, Wednesday 28Th Sept, “Ticket to Paradise.” Meet 12.10 pm upstairs at Omni.

• IT Clinic, Thursday 29th September, 11.30 - 1pm Coffee Saints

• Book Club, Thursday 29th sept, 2.30 - 4pm Coffee Saints

If you need any further information, contact Graham on 07568 202546.

Our Lady of Fatima First Saturday Devotions – 1st October 9:30am

On Saturday, 1st October at 9:30am there will be devotions to Our Lady of Fatima here in the Cathedral, followed by 10:00am Mass. All are welcome!

St. Andrew’s Talks: ‘What Happens at Mass’, Monday, 3 October

Our St. Andrew’s Talks series begins Monday, 3 October. Fr. Robert will speak on ‘What Happens at Mass’ at 6.45pm, followed by tea and coffee and a discussion in the Parish Rooms. Mark your diary!

Parish Community and Social Committee Volunteers Needed

Do have some suggestions to share for parish community activities and are willing to volunteer to help get them going? Following Fr Robert's request for Community and Social Committee volunteers last Sunday, please do get in touch with Fr Robert frrobert.taylor@staned.org.uk, Cathedral Office or any member of the Parish Council. We look forward to hearing from you!

Ravelston Fabric Update

Over the next two weeks, there are two key fabric installations scheduled at St. Andrew’s Church, Ravelston: a new, hand-made canopy above the tabernacle, combined with upgrades to the lighting throughout the church. These projects started many months ago and the results are affordable, properly designed solutions which will make lasting improvements to our beautiful building. Both changes are thanks to one parishioner who made a very generous donation for investment in the church. Thank you for your patience during this installation period.

Relics of St. Bernadette at Carfin Grotto Until 1 October

The relics of St. Bernadette are at Carfin Grotto, Scotland's National Shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes, from 24 September to 1 October. The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858 in Lourdes, France. All are welcome to attend the Archdiocesan Day at Carfin Grotto on Thursday 29 September, including a Mass for schools at 1pm celebrated by Archbishop Cushley, a torchlight procession at 8pm, and Mass at 9pm. For more information, visit https://www.carfingrotto.org/ Carfin Grotto is located in the village of Carfin, on the outskirts of Motherwell, at St Francis Xavier's Church, Carfin, ML1 5AJ.

Webinar on Seafarer Abandonment and Role of Stella Maris in Support

Thank you for your recent generous support for seafarers and fishers on Sea Sunday. As a follow up, Catholic charity Stella Maris invites you to join a webinar on Tuesday 27th September 7.30pm to 9pm to learn about the issue of seafarer abandonment. In recent months, crews have been stranded without wages or basic necessities, far from home, for months on end. Learn how donations to Stella Maris like yours support those in crisis. Please register in advance https://www.stellamaris.org.uk/abandonment

Day for Readers and Those Wishing to Reflect on the Gospel of St. John

Do you read the Word of God at Mass? A Day for Readers takes place at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, 11am – 3pm on Saturday 8 October. It is also for anyone who wants to come and reflect on the Gospel of St John. Fr Andrew Garden of St David’s in Dalkeith will be the main speaker and there will be practical sessions. The day concludes with Mass at 2:15pm. A light lunch and refreshments will be available. Register at https://bit.ly/readersevent

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for Children Ages 3 to 6

Children grow in love for Jesus, the Good Shepherd, through the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program in a child-friendly space called an atrium. By developing their relationship with God through works that include guided, hands-on activities, children learn about how much God loves them. Free of charge at St. Columba’s Parish, 9 Upper Gray St, Edinburgh EH9 1SN, children from any parish are welcome! Sessions begin for 3-4 year olds on Tuesday, 13 September, 10:30am - 12:30pm, and for 5-6 year olds on Friday, 16 September: 1:00pm - 2:30pm, 6+year olds at 3:00pm - 4:30pm. To register, please contact Sister Anna Marie McGuan, RSM at SrAnna.Marie@staned.org.uk

Praying for Life: 40 Days for Life Edinburgh

Pray for an end to abortion with 40 Days for Life between 28th September and 6th November on the public right-of-way outside the Chalmers Sexual Health Centre, Chalmers Street, Edinburgh. For more information, please contact edinburgh40days@gmail.com or visit https://www.40daysforlife.com/Edinburgh

Retrouvaille: A Programme for Couples Struggling in their Marriages

Help Your Marriage – Do you feel alone? Do you argue … or have you just stopped talking to each other? Retrouvaille is a programme to support couples who have difficulties in their marriage. There is no group therapy or group work.

For confidential information about ‘Retrouvaille’ or to register for the next programme commencing with a Virtual weekend on 13 - 16 October 2022 or a Face to Face weekend in Welwyn Garden City on 24 - 26 February 2023, call or text 07887 296983 or 07973 380443 or email retrouvailleukinfo@gmail.com. To learn more, visit https://www.retrouvaille.org.uk

Read the newsletter for 25th September (pdf)