Fifth. Sunday of Lent - Year C

From the Holy Father’s Message for the Jubilee Year of Hope

“Inclusive attention should also be given to all those in particularly difficult situations, who experience their own weaknesses and limitations, especially those affected by illnesses or disabilities that severely restrict their personal independence and freedom.” (Bull of Indiction of the Ordinary Jubilee of the Year 2025, Spes Non Confundit, 11)

All are encourage to visit the Jubilee Cross here at the Cathedral, at the National Shrine of St Andrew. The Holy See has granted that the Jubilee Cross carry a plenary indulgence. 

Holy Week and Easter MASS TIMES

Mass and Confession times for the Cathedral and St Andrew’s Ravelston can be found here.

A Message to Parents from Archbishop Leo:

“Dear Parents, As we prepare to celebrate Palm Sunday and the sacred days of Holy Week, I invite you to register your child(ren) at a special youth event at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB, on Saturday 12 April, 11am-3pm. The day will be filled with games, inspiring workshops, and dedicated time for prayer. This event is not just about fun and learning; it's about building relationships—both with Christ and with each other. By attending, your child will be strengthened in their faith as we prepare spiritually in the days leading up to Easter. Let’s inspire our young people to live out the joy and hope of the Resurrection. Thank you for your continued support of your child's faith journey. I look forward to seeing them at the event and sharing this blessed time together. Register at bit.ly/youthpalm (event includes sessions for primary pupils (8+) and sessions for high school pupils).”

Friday Eucharistic Adoration and Stations of the Cross

Every Friday during Lent, Eucharistic Adoration will be held in the Cathedral from 10:30am-12:30pm, followed by the 12:45pm daily Mass and afterwards we will pray the Stations of the Cross.

Invite Others to Good Friday and Easter – Postcards Available

Please take the Easter postcards at the back of church and share them with your neighbours, family and coworkers, inviting them to come back to church this Holy Week and Easter

This Sunday 6 April after the 12 noon Mass: Solo Song Recital

Today at 1:30pm (after the 12 noon Mass), soprano Emily Zehetmayr will perform a solo recital in the Cathedral. The concert will last around 30 minutes and will include pieces by Mozart, Fauré, Purcell, Howells, and others. Many of you will know Emily as one of our two Schola Cantorum sopranos, and the recital is a good opportunity to hear Emily's beautiful solo singing in a concert performance. Entry is free with optional retiring donation to support the Schola Cantorum's Rome fundraising campaign

Pergolesi Stabat Mater on Monday of Holy Week

On Monday of Holy Week, 14 April at 7:30pm, the Schola Cantorum's Genevieve Evans (soprano), Emma Hocking (alto), and Tom Wilkinson (organ), will perform Pergolesi's famous Stabat Mater in the Cathedral. The work depicts the suffering of the Virgin Mary and is traditionally performed during Holy Week. Entry is free, and the performance will last around 45 minutes, with optional retiring donations to support the Schola Cantorum's singing in Rome in May 2025.

Young Adults Group with Archbishop Leo

His Grace, Archbishop Leo, will speak to the Young Adults Group on Tuesday, 8th April for our final talk in our series on The Teachings of St. Paul. His Grace will speak on “Philippians.” All those aged 18+ are welcome to the weekly meetings. As usual, we meet at 63 York Place at 7:00pm for teas/coffees and for the talk at 7.30pm, Each session concludes with Night Prayer and the chance to meet up at a local pub.

Parish Pastoral Council Meeting

The next meeting of the Parish Pastoral Council is this Thursday, 10th April. To contact the Parish Council with any comments or suggestions, please email parishcouncil@stmarycathedral.co.uk

Holy Week Volunteers Needed

If you are a current registered volunteer and would like to assist with Holy Week Masses, please let us know about your availability. If you can help with any of the following Ministries: Passkeeping, Welcoming, Reading or Money Collecting and attending any of the Masses during Holy Week, including the Easter Vigil, please sign up on the sheets at the back of the Cathedral if you are willing to help in any of the aforementioned ministries. Alternatively, e-mail Elizabeth@rhandrews.plus.com

Can You Lend a Hand in the Jubilee Year?

The support of our parishioners in this Jubilee Year is needed more than ever: Eucharistic Ministers, Readers, Altar Servers, Passkeepers, Catechists, Money counters, St. Andrew’s rooms team, Choir, Cleaners, Flower arrangers, Youth Group leaders and Events helpers. Please take one of the blue postcards, tick the boxes of areas where you can help, include your email address, fold the card and place it in the marked box at the back of church and we will be in touch! Thank you in advance for your help!

Gift Aid Envelopes – 2025/26

If you currently use weekly Gift Aid envelopes, please remember to collect your set for the new tax year from the back of the church, if you have not already done so. Thank you!

SCIAF Wee Boxes

Please remember to send the contents of your Wee Box directly to SCIAF, 196 Clyde Street, Glasgow G1 4JY, or online at www.sciaf.org.uk/weebox If posting, fill in and enclose the Gift Aid form on the box.

Volunteers Needed for Playground Project at St. Mary’s Catholic School

Volunteers are needed Friday 2 May to Tuesday, 6 May at St Mary’s Catholic School, 63 East London Street, EH7 4BW to build a playground castle in the small playground. Sign up to help at https://bit.ly/Playground-fort-volunteering.

Save the Date: Celebration of Fr. Tommy Greenan on Thursday, 8 May

The extraordinary story of Fr. Tommy Greenan, the Edinburgh priest who served the poor in war-torn El Salvador, will be shared at St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh, on Thursday 8 May at 7:00pm. Speakers will share memories and tell the story of how his acclaimed book The Song of the Poor came to be published following his death. Book available for purchase at the event. No registration required. All welcome!

Wednesday Adoration, Confession and Stations of the Cross

As we enter Passiontide and look forward to Holy Week next week, all are especially are encouraged to come for Wednesday Eucharistic Adoration and Confessions 5:00pm-6:00pm, followed by 6:00pm Mass and then Stations of the Cross, or pray the outdoor Stations of the Cross.

Easter Knitted Goods on Sale

Before and after 10:30am Mass today, Sunday, 6 April, Easter-themed knitted gift item will be on sale! All the profits from sales are generously donated to the parish by Joanna Kopystynska.

Youth Group Returns

Youth Group (P3-P7) returns today Sunday, 6th April from 2:30pm-4:00pm, St. Andrew’s, Ravelston, and thereafter on 4th May. Join us for fun activities and learn about our faith! Register at https://bit.ly/ParishYouthGroup-Registration Cost £1.

St Andrew’s Lenten Fundraising Run/Walk for Parish Project Today!

Join in after the 10:30am Mass for our Lenten Run/Walk to the Cathedral and back. All funds go to the Parish Project, SCIAF. Donate by cash or cheque (payable to ‘St Andrew’s Parish’) using the box at the back of the church. For bank details, email Caroline Reid at finance@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Tickets on Sale: Steak Pie Night SCIAF Fundraiser

Steak Pie Night at St Andrew’s Rooms will be Friday, 25 April. Tickets are on sale today Sunday, 6th April: £30 per family or £15 single. Bring your own bottle. Join us for this fundraiser for our Parish Project, SCIAF.

Save the Date: Bacon Roll Morning on 4 May

We will have a bacon roll morning in aid of SCIAF on Sunday 4th May. Save the date!

Upcoming St. Andrew's Talks

Save the dates for our upcoming talks: Monday 28th April on Marian Devotions: Celebrating Our Lady in May with Sr Karin and Sr Mirjam Hugens FSO, and Monday 26th May on the Acts of the Apostles with Fr Andrew Garden. Each talk will begin after 6:00pm Mass, with a time for discussion and refreshments.

Young Adults Event: Recollect, Pray, Celebrate Your Catholic Faith

A Young Adults (18+) event to prepare for Holy Week is Saturday 12 April, 11:30am-3:00pm at The Gillis Centre, Edinburgh, with talks including from Fr David Stewart SJ and Mass with Archbishop Cushley. Email frrobert.taylor@staned.org.uk to register

Ask MSPs to Say No to Assisted Suicide

On Friday 25 April, MPs are expected to vote again on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill to legalise assisted suicide. The bill will put vulnerable people at risk of coming under pressure to end their lives prematurely. Learn how you can help defeat this bill at the Assisted Suicide Meeting on Tuesday, 8 April, 7:00pm-8:30pm, Canon Hoban Hall, 34 W Main St, Broxburn EH52 5RJ. The meeting is sponsored by the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children’s Lives Worth Living campaign. Register for this free event at https://spuc.org.uk/event/assisted-suicide-meeting-broxburn/ Contact your MSP online at https://www.writetothem.com/

Read the newsletter for 6 April (pdf)

Fourth Sunday of Lent – Year C

From the Holy Father’s Message for the Jubilee Year of Hope

“Signs of hope should also be shown to the sick, at home or in hospital. Their sufferings can be allayed by the closeness and affection of those who visit them.”

(Bull of Indiction of the Ordinary Jubilee of the Year 2025, Spes Non Confundit, 11)

The Jubilee Cross is at the National Shrine of St Andrew here at the Cathedral. The Holy See has granted permission for the Jubilee Cross to carry a plenary indulgence. Prayer cards are available at the cross.

Holy Week and Easter MASS TIMES

Mass and Confession times for the Cathedral and St Andrew’s Ravelston can be found here.

Easter Postcards: Invite Others to Good Friday and Easter

Reach out to your neighbours, family and coworkers to come back to church this Holy Week and Easter. Take along some postcards from the back of church and give them to anyone you think might be interested in or just put them into the letter boxes of any people who may appreciate an invitation. At this most important time of the Church year, we can all do more to reach out to people who have perhaps, for one reason or another, stopped coming to Mass and to invite them to return. Consider who you might be able to reach out to this year, pray for them and invite them!

Friday Eucharistic Adoration and Stations of the Cross

Every Friday during Lent, Eucharistic Adoration will be held in the Cathedral from 10:30am-12:30pm, followed by the 12:45pm daily Mass and afterwards we will pray the Stations of the Cross.

Holy Week Volunteers Needed

If you are a current registered volunteer and would like to assist with Holy Week Masses, please let us know about your availability. If you can help with any of the following Ministries - Passkeeping, Welcoming, Reading or Money Collecting and attending any of the Masses during Holy Week, including the Easter Vigil, please sign up on the sheets at the back of the Cathedral if you are willing to help in any of the aforementioned ministries. Alternatively, e-mail Elizabeth@rhandrews.plus.com with a note of your availability.

Young Adults Group: The Teachings of St. Paul with Fr. Jamie

The Young Adults Group meet up again on Tuesday, 1st April with Fr. Jamie McMorrin, who will speak about “Ephesians.” All those aged 18+ are welcome to the weekly meetings. As usual, we meet at 63 York Place at 7:00pm for teas/coffees and for the talk at 7.30pm, followed by a short group discussion. Each session concludes with Night Prayer and the chance to meet up at a local pub. Email Fr. Robert, frrobert@stmaryscathedral.co.uk for more details.

Thursday, 3 April: Edinburgh’s Housing Emergency Awareness Event

The parish council has invited Cyrenians to speak about homelessness in Edinburgh and how we can help. They write "There is a huge shortage of suitable housing for people in crisis, and even emergency accommodation struggles to keep up with demand. Cyrenians has been supporting people experiencing homelessness in Edinburgh since it was founded by Christian students in 1968. Join us at 63 York Place on Thursday, 3 April, 7:00pm to learn more about Edinburgh’s Housing Emergency and how you can get involved with Cyrenians work to tackle the causes and consequences of homelessness."

Edinburgh Seven Hills Pilgrimage This Saturday – Join Us!

Thank you to the more than 80 people who have signed up for our Edinburgh Seven Hills Pilgrimage on Saturday 5th April! Come along and join us as we take in the summits of Castle Rock, Corstorphine Hill, Criaglockhart, Braid Hills, Blackford, Arthur’s Seat, and Calton Hill. The full route is around 27km (16.8 miles) starting and finishing at St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral. Walk whole route or meet the group along the way. This is a perfect opportunity to offer Lenten penance, pray for the city of Edinburgh and conclude at the Cathedral with the 6pm Vigil Mass and prayers at the Jubilee Cross. Register your interest at bit.ly/sevenhillsapril Meet at 9.45am at the Cathedral steps for a prompt 10.00am start. Any items you don't want to carry on the walk can be left at No. 63 York Place from 9.30am.

2025/26 Gift Aid Envelopes

Weekly Gift Aid envelope sets for all current users are now available for collection at the back of the church. If you are a UK taxpayer, please consider registering for Gift Aid with the Parish if you have not already done so. Gift Aid is a simple and effective way to maximise your donations to the church, at no additional cost to you. Please see the enclosed flyer for details or contact our Finance Officer, Caroline Reid, at finance@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Next Sunday, 6 April: Solo Song Recital by Emily Zehetmayr of the Schola Cantorum

Next Sunday 6 April at 1:30pm, soprano Emily Zehetmayr will perform a solo recital in the Cathedral, accompanied on the piano by Stuart Hope. The 30-minute concert will include pieces by Mozart, Fauré, Purcell, Howells, and others. Many of you will know Emily as one of our two Schola Cantorum sopranos, and the recital is a good opportunity to hear Emily's beautiful solo singing in a concert performance. Entry will be free with optional retiring donation to support the Schola Cantorum's Rome fundraising campaign.

Easter Knitted Goods to Support the Cathedral on Sale Today

Easter-themed knitted gift item will be on sale today in the Octagon before and after the 9am and Noon Masses. All the profits from sales are generously donated to the parish by Joanna Kopystynska. Knitted items are also available online at https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/KathedralKnits

Icons on Ammo Boxes: Transforming Death into Life

A charity art exhibition by Ukrainian artists Oleksandr Klymenko and his wife Sofia Atlantova of icons hand-painted on ammo boxes is on display in the Octagon from Saturday 29 March to Sunday 6 April. The ammo boxes are from the front line in Ukraine. This project is a collaboration between Sunflower Scotland, a charity which provides food and other assistance in Ukraine, and Spiders 4 Ukraine, a group of international volunteers who make camouflage nets to help protect Ukrainians in the most endangered zones. To purchase an icon or to make a donation, please email info@spiders4ukraine.org.uk. A free showing of a 2024 documentary film “The Saints Are Watching” which follows Oleksandr and volunteers as they accompany paramedics and officers, and observe the conditions in Ukraine, is on Wednesday, 2 April, 2pm-4:30pm at Old College, University of Edinburgh. Reserve a seat on Eventbrite at https://bit.ly/SaintsWatching Watch a trailer at https://bit.ly/Trailer-SaintsWatching

Parish Programme to Introduce Charities for Homeless

This is to thank all those who have kindly responded to the request for help to contribute to a future event by providing information about charities which deal with homelessness. If you have any further ideas or suggestions, these are most welcome and can be sent to Louise Gardiner at louise_e_gardiner@hotmail.com

Volunteers Needed for Playground Project at St. Mary’s Catholic School

Volunteers are needed at St Mary’s RC Primary School, 63 East London Street, EH7 4BW to build a playground castle in the small playground. Sign up to help during mornings or afternoons Friday, 2 May to Tuesday, 6 May at https://bit.ly/Playground fort-volunteering or scan the QR code. Feel free to attend multiple sessions!

Special Collection This Weekend for Papal & Episcopal Charities

This weekend there will be a special collection for Papal & Episcopal Charities, including SCIAF, Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund: 75 per cent of the collection goes to SCIAF and 25 per cent to the Archdiocesan Care Fund. Thank you for your generosity in almsgiving this Lent.

St. Andrew's Talk Tomorrow: Lenten Devotions

Join us tomorrow, Monday 31 March, for our St. Andrew's Talk with our own Deacon Peter Traynor on Lenten Devotions. The talk will begin after 6:00pm Mass, with a time for discussion and refreshments.

Wednesday Adoration, Confession and Stations of the Cross

Draw closer to Christ in Lent! At St. Andrew’s on Wednesdays during Lent, we will have Eucharistic Adoration and Confessions 5:00pm-6:00pm, followed by 6:00pm Mass and then Stations of the Cross. You are also welcome to pray the outdoor Stations of the Cross in our lovely garden on the parish grounds.

Youth Group Returns Next Sunday

The Youth Group (P3-P7) returns next Sunday, 6th April from 2:30pm-4:00pm, St. Andrew’s, Ravelston, and thereafter on 4th May. Join us for fun activities and learn about our faith! Register at https://bit.ly/ParishYouthGroup-Registration Fee: £1.00.

St Andrew’s Fundraising Run/Walk for Parish Project Today!

We have now completed 3 weeks of our parish Lent Fundraising Run/Walk. Join in after the 10:30am Mass — even for a short walk to the Cathedral and back (5k). It's good exercise, fresh air and makes you feel great. WHY NOT walk for a part of the route? — just start walking and the runners will meet up with you. All funds go to the Parish Project, SCIAF. Donate by cash or cheque (payable to ‘St Andrew’s Parish’) using the box at the back of the church. For bank transfers, please use your surname and the word ‘RUN’ in the payment reference. For bank details, email Caroline Reid at finance@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Save the Date! Steak Pie Night

We will have a Steak Pie Night at St Andrew’s Rooms on Friday, 25 April. Tickets on sale from Sunday, 6th April. Join us for this fundraiser for our Parish Project, SCIAF. Save the date!

Easter Knitted Goods on Sale at Ravelston Next Sunday

Before and after 10:30am Mass next Sunday, 6 April, Easter-themed knitted gift item will be on sale! All the profits from sales are generously donated to the parish by Joanna Kopystynska.

Holy Week Events for Young Adults and Youth

A Young Adults (18+) event to prepare for Holy Week is on Saturday 12 April, 11:30am-3:00pm at The Gillis Centre, Edinburgh, with talks including from Fr David Stewart SJ and Mass with Archbishop Cushley. Email frrobert.taylor@staned.org.uk to register. Also from 11:00am-3:00pm there will be an event for primary school pupils (8+) and sessions for high school pupils. Youth event registration: bit.ly/youthpalm

Read the newsletter for 30 March (pdf)

Third Sunday of Lent – Year C

From the Holy Father’s Message for the Jubilee Year of Hope

“May the Jubilee remind us that those who are peacemakers will be called ‘children of God’ (Mt 5:9). The need for peace challenges us all, and demands that concrete steps be taken. May diplomacy be tireless in its commitment to seek, with courage and creativity, every opportunity to undertake negotiations aimed at a lasting peace.” (Bull of Indiction of the Ordinary Jubilee of the Year 2025, Spes Non Confundit, 8) The Jubilee Cross is at the National Shrine of St Andrew here at the Cathedral. The Holy See has granted permission for the Jubilee Cross to carry a plenary indulgence. All are encouraged to visit the cross in this Jubilee Year. Prayer cards are available at the cross, as well as a QR code for ‘Click to Pray’ for the Prayer Intentions of the Holy Father, also available at https://clicktopray.org/

A Message from Archbishop Cushley

On Sunday 30 March there will be a special collection at all parishes for Papal & Episcopal Charities (including SCIAF, Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund). 75 per cent of the collection goes to SCIAF and 25 per cent to the Archdiocesan Care Fund. Last year £38,000 was raised from this collection; £28,500 went to SCIAF and £9,500 went to the Archdiocesan Care Fund. With your kind donations, Care Fund grants went to: Bethany Care Trust (Homeless support), Ukraine Project (rehabilitation centre in Ukraine), Across (Pilgrimages for people with severe disabilities) and FAFCE (Promoting Family Life at the UN, EU and Council of Europe). We pray for all those involved in charities which help those in need in the Archdiocese and across the world, including the good work of SCIAF. Thank you for your generosity in almsgiving this Lent.

Young Adults Group: The Teachings of St. Paul

The Young Adults Group meet up again on Tuesday, 25th March for our talks on The Teachings of St. Paul, this week with Fr. Josh Moir, who will speak about “Philemon.” All those aged 18+ are welcome to the weekly meetings. As usual, we meet at 63 York Place at 7:00pm for teas/coffees and for the talk at 7.30pm, followed by a short group discussion. Each session concludes with Night Prayer and the chance to meet up at a local pub. Email Fr. Robert, frrobert@stmaryscathedral.co.uk for more details.

Solo Song Recital by Emily Zehetmayr of the Schola Cantorum

On Sunday 6 April at 1:30pm (after the 12 noon Mass), soprano Emily Zehetmayr will perform a solo recital in the Cathedral. The concert will last around 30 minutes and will include pieces by Mozart, Fauré, Purcell, Howells, and others. Many of you will know Emily as one of our two Schola Cantorum sopranos, and the recital is a good opportunity to hear Emily's beautiful solo singing in a concert performance. Entry will be free with optional retiring donation to support the Schola Cantorum's Rome fundraising campaign.

For those who wish, there is an opportunity to make a donation towards helping the choir to sing at the Scots College Ordinations in Rome in May, when the singers will represent St Mary's Cathedral and the Archdiocese. Look out for other events where you can lend your support in the coming months!

Thank You for Your Patience

I am happy to announce that all the asbestos works have been completed this week and we are able to return to business as usual. Thank you for your patience and understanding while these important works were being completed in preparation for the major Sacristy 1 roof project which will start in June. More information on that after Easter! - Darlene

Friday Eucharistic Adoration and Stations of the Cross

Every Friday during Lent, Eucharistic Adoration will be held in the Cathedral from 10:30am-12:30pm, followed by the 12:45pm daily Mass and afterwards we will pray the Stations of the Cross.

Friendship Group Three-Year Anniversary

The Friendship Group Coffee Afternoon has reached a landmark anniversary: At the end of February, we celebrated three years of the group meeting every Tuesday! The Coffee Afternoons have led to the monthly Book Club, cinema outings, visits to places of interest and, most importantly, many great friendships. Join us on Tuesdays at Coffee Saints from 2:00pm till 3.30pm. Open to all over 60; enjoy a 20% discount during the Friendship Group meet time. Please come along and join us. We’d love to see you!

Registering for Gift Aid

If you are a UK taxpayer, please consider registering for Gift Aid with the Parish. Gift Aid is a simple and effective way to maximise your donations to the church, at no additional cost to you. If you would like more details or would like to register, please contact our Finance Officer, Caroline Reid, at finance@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

2025/26 Gift Aid Envelopes

Weekly Gift Aid envelope sets for all current users are available for collection at the back of the church from this weekend. If you are new to the parish and/or would like to request a set of weekly envelopes for the new tax year, please contact our Finance Officer, Caroline Reid, at finance@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

One-off Gift Aid Envelopes

These are available for visitors to the Cathedral. If you use these on a more regular basis (i.e., more than a couple of times a year), please contact Caroline to help you register for Gift Aid and allocate to you your own personal set of Gift Aid envelopes. This will not only ensure we are able to include your donations in our Gift Aid rebate claim, but will also save you from having to complete the back of the envelope each time you give!

Parish Programme to Introduce Charities for Homeless

The motto of the Jubilee Year is ‘Pilgrims of Hope.’ Let us try and make a small contribution by helping those who are in particular need of hope because they have nowhere to live. But how do we best do that? Have you ever dealt with a charity, which specifically supports homeless people? Or are you looking for a ‘homeless’ charity to support? The Parish would like to organise an evening event during which parishioners have the opportunity to introduce others to a charity for the homeless, which they have dealt with in the past. If you would be happy to talk about such a charity, and tell others what your experience has been, could you please let Louise Gardiner know at louise_e_gardiner@hotmail.com, so that we can put an interesting and varied programme together! We look forward to hearing from you!

St. Pauls Bookshop: Books for Lent

In this holy season of Lent you will find a wide variety of Lenten books, including the Way of the Cross, on sale in the St Pauls Bookshop, along with many lovely gifts, Bibles, prayer books, cards for sacraments and other occasions. Contact 0131 510 4260, edinburgh@stpauls.org.uk The shop is open daily 10am-5pm.

Next Sunday: Easter Knitted Goods to Support the Cathedral

Easter-themed knitted gift item will be on sale next Sunday, 30 March in the Octagon. All the profits from sales are generously donated to the parish by Joanna Kopystynska. Knitted items are also available online at https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/KathedralKnits. Support the Cathedral and give a lovely Easter gift!

Save the Date: Mass for Married & Engaged Couples

The Archdiocesan Mass for Married Couples (and those preparing for marriage) is Tuesday 27 May, 7:15pm at St Mary's Cathedral. Please join us for this special occasion when we celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage. Archbishop Cushley will be the principal celebrant and will give a blessing to couples.

Edinburgh’s Housing Emergency – Awareness Event

In this Jubilee Year we are asking what more we can do to help others in need. The parish council has invited Cyrenians to come and raise our awareness about the issue of homelessness in Edinburgh and how we can help. They write "In a city like Edinburgh there should be a place for everyone to sleep safely. But right now people experiencing homelessness can expect to wait up to two years for a stable place to call home. There is a huge shortage of suitable housing for people in crisis, and even emergency accommodation struggles to keep up with demand. Cyrenians has been supporting people experiencing homelessness in Edinburgh since it was founded by Christian students in 1968. Join us at 63 York Place on Thursday, 3 April, 7:00pm to learn more about Edinburgh’s Housing Emergency and how you can get involved with Cyrenians work to tackle the causes and consequences of homelessness."

St. Andrew's Talks: Lenten Devotions

What are some good Lenten Devotions to do in this holy season? Come along and find out at our next St. Andrew's Talk on Monday, 31st March with our own Deacon Peter Traynor. Whilst we will already be well into Lent, it is a chance, as we approach Passiontide, to renew these devotions before Easter. The talk will begin after 6:00pm Mass, with a time for discussion and refreshments following the talk.

Birthday Thank You

Thank you to all for the lovely flowers and wonderful birthday celebration last Sunday! It was very thoughtful and greatly appreciated! – Nancy McDermott

Wednesday Adoration, Confession and Stations of the Cross

Draw closer to Christ in Lent! At St. Andrew’s on Wednesdays during Lent, we will have Eucharistic Adoration and Confessions 5:00pm-6:00pm, followed by 6:00pm Mass and then Stations of the Cross. You are also welcome to pray the outdoor Stations of the Cross in our lovely garden on the parish ground.

Youth Group

The Youth Group returns on Sunday, 6th April from 2:30pm-4:00pm here St. Andrew’s, Ravelston, and thereafter on 4th May. All P3-P7’s are welcome! Join us for an afternoon of fun activities and learning about our faith! Don’t forget some spending money for the tuck shop. Parents please register children at https://bit.ly/ParishYouthGroup Registration. Fee: £1.00.

St Andrew’s Fundraising Run/Walk for Parish Project Today!

Join us after the 10:30 am Mass for our 5-kilometre Fundraising Run/Walk to the Cathedral and back for the Parish Project, Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund. Please join us or be a sponsor! See Fergus Christie for details or email ferguschristie7@gmail.com

Save the Date! Steak Pie Night

We will have a Steak Pie Night at St Andrew’s Rooms on Friday, 25 April. Tickets on sale from Sunday, 6th April. Join us for this fundraiser for our Parish Project, SCIAF. Save the date!

Young Adults' Holy Week Event

The Archdiocese invites young adults (18+) to prepare for Holy Week and Easter on Saturday 12 April at St Margaret's Chapel at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB, 11:30am-3:00pm with talks from speakers including Fr David Stewart SJ. The event concludes with Mass celebrated by Archbishop Cushley. Register by emailing frrobert.taylor@staned.org.uk

Children’s Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for Ages 2-9

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd teaches children to pray, wonder, and work while nurturing their relationship with Jesus. Spaces are available in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd atrium at The Gillis Centre in Edinburgh EH9 1BB. Sessions are Fridays 1:30-3:00pm for 3-6 year-olds & Tuesdays 4:00-5:30pm for 6-9 year-olds. A group for 2-3 year olds, 1:45-2:45pm Fridays begins after Easter. For more information, or to register, please contact brodie.douglas-young@staned.org.uk

Spring Recital of the Scottish Polish Cultural Association

The Scottish Polish Cultural Association invites you to a recital on the Yaniewicz & Green Square Piano

(c. 1810), featuring soprano Magdalena Durant and pianist John Kitchen, on Sunday, 30th March, 3:00pm at the General Maczek Polish House (former Polish Ex-Combatants' House), 11 Drummond Place, EH3 6PJ. The programme will include music by Handel, Mozart, Clementi, Yaniewicz, Chopin and Moniuszko. Tickets are £13.00, including a glass of wine. Book online at https://www.scotpoles.co.uk/recital_25/ ]There will be no tickets at the door as venue space is very limited.

Read the newsletter for 23 March (pdf)

Second Sunday of Lent – Year C

Update to Main Sacristy Works: 10:00am Weekday Mass Cancelled 10th-19th March

Due to an unknown amount of asbestos found during initial works, the timeline for work in Sacristy 1 has had to be extended. We apologise for the added inconvenience which includes the cancellation of the 10am Mass until Thursday, 20 March, the noise from works during Confession times as well as our inability to do our normal cleaning duties. This project will be completed this week, but please bear with us as we hope to return to normality as soon as possible. Thank you. - Darlene

Schola Cantorum – New Recordings

The Schola Cantorum of St Mary's Catholic Cathedral has recorded new audio tracks — the first professional recordings of the choir since 2020. Visit www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/scholainrome to listen online for free and make an optional donation towards helping the choir sing at the Scots College Ordinations in Rome in May, when the singers will represent St Mary's Cathedral and the Archdiocese.

SCIAF Wee Boxes

Please remember to send the contents of your Wee Box directly to SCIAF! You can send your monies to SCIAF, 196 Clyde Street, Glasgow G1 4JY, or by logging on to their website www.sciaf.org.uk/weebox. If you send your monies by post, please do remember to complete the Gift Aid declaration on the base of the box, if applicable, and enclose this part of the box with your monies!

Friday Eucharistic Adoration and Stations of the Cross

Every Friday during Lent, Eucharistic Adoration will be held in the Cathedral from 10:30am-12:30pm, followed by the 12:45pm daily Mass and afterwards we will pray the Stations of the Cross.

Daily Rosary for Holy Father

During this time of illness of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, we will have a daily Rosary for the Pope after the 12:45pm Mass. Please join us in prayer at the Lady Altar.

Young Adults Group: The Teachings of St. Paul

The Young Adults Group meet up again on Tuesday, 18th March for our talks on The Teachings of St. Paul, this week with Fr. Paul Denney, who will speak about “Corinthians.” All those aged 18+ are welcome to the weekly meetings. As usual, we meet at 63 York Place at 7:00pm for teas/coffees and for the talk at 7.30pm, followed by a short group discussion. Each session concludes with Night Prayer and the chance to meet up at a local pub. Email Fr. Robert, frrobert@stmaryscathedral.co.uk for more details.

Parish Programme to Introduce Charities for Homeless

The motto of the Jubilee Year is ‘Pilgrims of Hope.’ Let us try and make a small contribution by helping those who are in particular need of hope because they have nowhere to live. But how do we best do that?

Have you ever dealt with a charity, which specifically supports homeless people? Or are you looking for a ‘homeless’ charity to support? The Parish would like to organise an evening event during which parishioners have the opportunity to introduce others to a charity for the homeless, which they have dealt with in the past. If you would be happy to talk about such a charity, and tell others what your experience has been, could you please let Louise Gardiner know at louise_e_gardiner@hotmail.com so that we can put an interesting and varied programme together! We look forward to hearing from you!

Marriage Preparation Courses

The next parish Marriage Preparation Courses are Saturday 31st May and Saturday, 23rd August, both at St Andrew’s, Ravelston (EH4 3DS), with presentations by married couples. Please email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk to register.

Edinburgh Seven Hills Pilgrimage

Join us for the Edinburgh Seven Hills Pilgrimage on Saturday 5th April. Taking in the summits of Arthur's Seat, Blackford Hill, the Braids, Easter Craiglockhart Hill, Corstorphine Hill, Castle Rock and Carlton Hill, the whole route is around 27km starting and finishing at St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral. Whether you want to join us for the whole event or meet the group along the way, this is a perfect opportunity to offer Lenten penance, pray for the city of Edinburgh and conclude with worship together at the 6pm Vigil Mass and prayers at the Jubilee Cross at the Cathedral. More details to be confirmed soon, but register your interest now at bit.ly/sevenhillsapril

Catenians Meeting This Week

The Catenian Association invites all Catholic men to their regular meeting on Wednesday, 19 March, at 7.00 p.m. in 63 York Place. The Catenians are an international body of Catholic laymen who meet once a month and offer friendship and support to Catholic men and their families at all stages of their lives. For information 01555 728032 or membership@thecatenians.com

Registration Open: Children’s First Holy Communion & Confirmation

Registration is open for First Holy Communion classes and Confirmation classes. Please register online at

First Communion registration (P4): www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/first-communion

Confirmation registration (P7): www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/confirmation

If you have already registered, you do not need to re-register. All classes held at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston (EH4 3DS). First Holy Communion classes from today, Sunday, 9 March, 9:30am; Confirmation classes from Sunday, Sunday, 16 March, 4:30pm-5:30pm. Questions? Fr. Robert at frrobert@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

From the Holy Father’s Message for the Jubilee Year of Hope

“In addition to finding hope in God’s grace, we are also called to discover hope in the signs of the times that the Lord gives us. As the Second Vatican Council observed: ‘In every age, the Church has the responsibility of reading the signs of the times and interpreting them in the light of the Gospel. In this way, in language adapted to every generation, she can respond to people’s persistent questions about the meaning of this present life and of the life to come, and how one is related to the other.’”(Bull of Indiction of the Ordinary Jubilee of the Year 2025, Spes Non Confundit, 3) The Jubilee Cross is at the National Shrine of St Andrew here at the Cathedral. The Holy See has granted permission for the Jubilee Cross to carry a plenary indulgence. All are encouraged to visit the cross in this Jubilee Year. Prayer cards are available at the cross, as well as a QR code for ‘Click to Pray’ for the Prayer Intentions of the Holy Father, also available at https://clicktopray.org/.

Edinburgh’s Housing Emergency – Awareness Event

In this Jubilee Year we are asking what more we can do to help others in need. The parish council has invited Cyrenians to come and raise our awareness about the issue of homelessness in Edinburgh and how we can help. They write "In a city like Edinburgh there should be a place for everyone to sleep safely. But right now people experiencing homelessness can expect to wait up to two years for a stable place to call home. There is a huge shortage of suitable housing for people in crisis, and even emergency accommodation struggles to keep up with demand. Cyrenians has been supporting people experiencing homelessness in Edinburgh since it was founded by Christian students in 1968. Join us at 63 York Place on Thursday, 3 April, 7:00pm to learn more about Edinburgh’s Housing Emergency and how you can get involved with Cyrenians work to tackle the causes and consequences of homelessness."

Wednesday Adoration, Confession and Stations of the Cross

Draw closer to Christ in Lent! At St. Andrew’s on Wednesdays during Lent, we will have Eucharistic Adoration and Confessions 5:00pm-6:00pm, followed by 6:00pm Mass. After Mass, we will pray the Stations of the Cross. Come and join us, or walk and pray the outdoor Stations of the Cross.

St Andrew’s Fundraising Run/Walk for Parish Project Today!

Join us after the 10:30 am Mass for our Fundraising Run/Walk for the Parish Project, Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund. We will walk/run 5 kilometres to the Cathedral and back. Please support this event as we fundraise for SCIAF, or be a sponsor for our runners and walkers! See Fergus Christie for details or email ferguschristie7@gmail.com.

St. Andrew's Talks: Lenten Devotions

What are some good Lenten Devotions to do in this holy season? Come along and find out at our next St. Andrew's Talk on Monday, 31st March with our own Deacon Peter Traynor. Whilst we will already be well into Lent, it is a chance, as we approach Passiontide, to renew these devotions before Easter. The talk will begin after 6:00pm Mass, with a time for discussion and refreshments following the talk.

Lent Stations of the Cross

Join Catholics from across Scotland online each Monday evening in Lent for the national Stations of the Cross. Continues at 7:45pm on Monday 17 March and includes a reflection from Fr Paul Henderson, a priest of our Archdiocese. The event is to pray for the unborn, their mothers and all pro-life intentions. Register at bit.ly/Stations25

Lourdes 2025

The Archdiocesan pilgrimage flight for the summer Lourdes pilgrimage is fully booked but there is still the possibility to take part. Tangney Tours is reviewing options for pilgrims to join the pilgrimage. Please call 01732 886666 and let them know if you'd like to go.

Next Saturday: ‘Catholic Conversations’ for Women

Women 18-45 are invited to ‘Catholic Conversations’ on Saturday 22 March, 3:45pm-4:45pm, at St Andrew’s, Ravelston, Edinburgh, EH4 3DS hosted by the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma. There will refreshments, a video-input, conversation, and a look at the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The event will be held monthly and the conversation topic for this first event is 'The Mass'. Afterwards, all are also welcome to Holy Hour with Vespers 5:10pm-6:10pm. To register, email edinburgh@almamercy.org.

Spiritual Exercises

Silent retreats following the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola are offered by the Religious Family of the Incarnate Word at the Benedictine Monastery, 5 Mackerston Place, Largs, KA30 8BY. Retreat for Men: 20th-23rd March, Retreat for Women: 2nd-5th May. Suggested donation £120. To register, contact Mother Ostrabrama, SSVM at 07717 793486 or register online at https://bit.ly/SE-Largs2025

Explore the Vocation to the Religious Life

Young Catholic women considering a vocation to the religious life are invited to come along for an evening of prayer, discussion and sharing with others on Sunday, 30 March, from 4:00pm-7:00pm at St Columba's, 9 Upper Gray Street, Edinburgh, EH9 1SN. Retreat from Friday, 4 April – Monday, 7 April. Email Sr. Mirjam Huges, FSO at religiousvocations@staned.org.uk to register or for more details.

Caritas, Justice & Peace Annual Mass

The annual Caritas, Justice & Peace Mass takes place at 7:00pm on Wednesday 2 April at St Margaret’s, East Port, Dunfermline, KY12 7JB. Fr Tom Magill of Motherwell Diocese will preach. All welcome.

Palm Sunday Youth Day

Let your children know about this day of games and inspiring talks hosted by the Archdiocese at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB on Saturday 12 April from 11am-3pm. Includes sessions for primary school pupils (8+) and sessions for high school pupils. Register at bit.ly/youthpalm

Fuel Vouchers for Those on a Pre-Payment Meter

A limited number of fuel vouchers of £40 for those in fuel poverty on a pre-payment meter and struggling to top up are available until the end of March. This service is for anyone in need. Please send your name, address and contact number to support@hope4u.co.uk. Hope4U aims to eradicate poverty and improve financial sustainability, offering a wide range of services including food support. For details contact 0330 320 2140 or visit https://www.hope4u.co.uk/

Grief to Grace Retreat

Grief to Grace is a specialised five-day programme of spiritual and psychological healing for anyone who has suffered from sexual, physical, or emotional abuse or neglect in childhood, adolescence or adulthood, including those abused by a religious/member of the clergy. Please contact Margaret Clarke at margaret.clarke@grieftograceuk.org if you are interested in attending this confidential healing retreat from 29 April to 4 May in Perth. To learn more, visit https://www.grieftograceuk.org/

Coffee Saints: www.coffeesaints.co.uk, 0771 970 5809, hello@coffeesaints.co.uk 8.30am to 4.00pm, 7 days a week

St. Pauls Bookshop www.stpauls.org.uk 0131 510 4260 edinburgh@stpauls.org.uk 10:00am to 5:30pm, 7 days a week

Read the newsletter for 16th March (pdf)

First Sunday of Lent – Year C

Rite of Enrolment for First Holy Communion

Today at 9am Mass at the Cathedral and 10:30am Mass at Ravelston, we welcome the children who are preparing to receive their First Holy Communion, along with their families, as they are formally enrolled for the sacrament. Please keep them in your prayers.

Rite of Election at Noon Mass Today

His Grace, the Archbishop, will celebrate the Noon today, with the Rite of Election in which he will accept those preparing to be received into the Church at Easter. Please keep them in your prayers!

Main Sacristy Works: 10:00am Weekday Mass Cancelled 10th-19th March

In anticipation of the roof repairs to the Sacristy this summer, we need to remove the asbestos found in several places within the Cathedral complex. Work in the Sacristy will commence tomorrow Monday, 10 March and is scheduled to be completed on Wednesday, 19 March. From Monday, 10 March to Wednesday, 19 March, the 10:00am weekday Mass will be cancelled. The Saturday 10:00am Mass will be as normal. The Main Sacristy and the Sacristy behind the St. Andrew’s Altar will be off-limits to parishioners and volunteers due to the health and safety protocols of the works being done. Mass will still be offered weekdays at 12.45pm with Confessions to follow. Once the St. Andrew's Shrine work begins on the Monday, 17 March through Wednesday, 19 March, Confessions will be held in the Main Sacristy, just as they were during Covid. Thank you for your cooperation and patience.

Lenten Book Club: Faith, Hope & Charity

Thanks to so many who have signed up for our Lenten Book Club! Groups begin meeting this week. Spaces are still available for the group meeting 7pm Thursday Online. Join us for a unique opportunity to grow in our knowledge together as we go deeper in reading about the theological virtues of faith, hope and charity that we receive in our Baptism. We will meet weekly as we read Faith, Hope, & Charity by Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, Preacher to the Papal Household. The book is on sale now in St. Pauls Bookshop! To register for the book club, visit: https://bit.ly/LentBook2025 If you would like more information, please email archivist@stmaryscathedral.co.uk.

Friday Eucharistic Adoration and Stations of the Cross

Every Friday during Lent, Eucharistic Adoration will be held in the Cathedral from 10:30am-12:30pm, followed by the 12:45pm daily Mass and afterwards we will pray the Stations of the Cross.

Daily Rosary for Holy Father

During this time of illness of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, we will have a daily Rosary for the Pope after the 12:45pm Mass. Please join us in prayer at the Lady Altar.

Young Adults Group: The Teachings of St. Paul

The Young Adults Group meet up again on Tuesday, 11th March for a new series of talks on The Teachings of St. Paul, beginning with Sr. Miriam Ruth Ryan, RSM who will speak about “Who was Paul?” All those aged 18+ are welcome to the weekly meetings. As usual, we meet at 63 York Place at 7:00pm for teas/coffees and for the talk at 7.30pm, followed by a short group discussion. Each session concludes with Night Prayer and the chance to meet up at a local pub. Email Fr. Robert, frrobert@stmaryscathedral.co.uk for more details.

Marriage Preparation Courses

The next parish Marriage Preparation Courses are Saturday 31st May and Saturday, 23rd August, both at St Andrew’s, Ravelston (EH4 3DS), with presentations by married couples. Please email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk to register.

Edinburgh Seven Hills Pilgrimage

Join us for the Edinburgh Seven Hills Pilgrimage on Saturday 5th April. Taking in the summits of Arthur's Seat, Blackford Hill, the Braids, Easter Craiglockhart Hill, Corstorphine Hill, Castle Rock and Carlton Hill, the whole route is around 27km starting and finishing at St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral. Whether you want to join us for the whole event or meet the group along the way, this is a perfect opportunity to offer Lenten penance, pray for the city of Edinburgh and conclude with worship together at the 6pm Vigil Mass and prayers at the Jubilee Cross at the Cathedral. More details to be confirmed soon, but register your interest now at bit.ly/sevenhillsapril

Join the Parish Group for the ‘Courage to Be Catholic Conference’

Thank you to all who have signed up to fill our first parish group of 10 to attend the ‘Courage to Be Catholic Conference’ in Glasgow! We are forming a 2nd parish group now – so please do come along with Fr. Jeremy and our parish to this first-of-its-kind event here in Scotland on Saturday, 29th March, with 25 Catholic charities, plus international speakers, laity, clergy and bishops from across Scotland eager to build the Faith. Discounted group rate: £22.50 per person. Tea, coffee and lunch included. For parish group registration contact 0131 556 1798, cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

The event will be held at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 9:30am - 4:00pm and is sponsored by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).

Speakers include:

• Bishop William Shomali from the Holy Land and Bishop Wilfred Anagbe from Makurdi, Nigeria who will speak about how our persecuted Christian brothers and sisters bravely live out their faith.

• Dr Hannah Vaughan-Spruce, Executive Director of Global Mission for Divine Renovation UK and co-author of Why Catholics Leave, What They Miss and How They Might Return, will discuss evangelisation in the modern Church and how we in Scotland can spread the Gospel.

• Reverend Father Remigius Ihyula, Head of the Foundation for Justice, Development, and Peace in the Diocese of Makurdi, Nigeria

• Caroline Hull, National Director of ACN UK

• William More, Aid to the Church in Need Manager of Operations in Scotland

• John Pontifex, Head of Press and Public Affairs for ACN UK

Visit exhibitor stalls from all over Scotland, trading stalls, time for socialising and sharing. Mass at 5:00pm at St Aloysius to follow. If you do not want to join the parish group but want individual tickets please register at https://www.trybooking.com/uk/EHSR

Registration Open: Children’s First Holy Communion & Confirmation

Registration is open for First Holy Communion classes and Confirmation classes. Please register online at

First Communion registration (P4): www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/first-communion

Confirmation registration (P7): www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/confirmation

If you have already registered, you do not need to re-register. All classes held at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston (EH4 3DS). First Holy Communion classes from today, Sunday, 9 March, 9:30am; Confirmation classes from Sunday, Sunday, 16 March, 4:30pm-5:30pm. Questions? Fr. Robert at frrobert@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Catenians Meeting This Week

The Catenian Association invites all Catholic men to their regular meeting on Wednesday, 19 March, at 7.00 p.m. in 63 York Place. The Catenians are an international body of Catholic laymen who meet once a month and offer friendship and support to Catholic men and their families at all stages of their lives. For information 01555 728032 or membership@thecatenians.com

From the Holy Father’s Message for the Jubilee Year of Hope

“Pilgrimage is of course a fundamental element of every Jubilee event. Setting out on a journey is traditionally associated with our human quest for meaning in life. A pilgrimage on foot is a great aid for rediscovering the value of silence, effort and simplicity of life..” (Bull of Indiction of the Ordinary Jubilee of the Year 2025, Spes Non Confundit, 3)

The Jubilee Cross is at the National Shrine of St Andrew here at the Cathedral. The Holy See has granted permission for the Jubilee Cross to carry a plenary indulgence. All are encouraged to visit the cross in this Jubilee Year. Prayer cards are available at the cross, as well as a QR code for ‘Click to Pray’ for the Prayer Intentions of the Holy Father, also available at https://clicktopray.org/

Monthly ‘Catholic Conversations’ for Women

Women ages 18-45 are invited to join Sr. Miriam Ruth, RSM and Sr. Miriam Fidelis, RSM for our ‘Catholic Conversations,’ on Saturday, 22 March, 3:45pm-4:45pm, in the parish rooms at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston EH4 3DS. Join us for teas and coffees, with a short video on a Catholic topic, followed by conversation along with a look at the Catechism of the Catholic Church. We plan to meet once a month, with a break during the summer months. Our first video will be an introduction by Bishop Robert Barron to the great mysteries we encounter in the Mass. All are invited to join the Sisters for Holy Hour with Adoration and Vespers at 5:10pm. To register, please email edinburgh@almamercy.org.

Wednesday Adoration, Confession and Stations of the Cross

Draw closer to Christ in Lent! At St. Andrew’s on Wednesdays during Lent, we will have Eucharistic Adoration and Confessions 5:00pm-6:00pm, followed by 6:00pm Mass. After Mass, we will pray the Stations of the Cross. Come and join us, or walk and pray the outdoor Stations of the Cross.

St Andrew’s Fundraising Run/Walk for Parish Project Today!

Today, Sunday, 9th March, we begin our Fundraising Run/Walk for the Parish Project, Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund. Join us after the 10:30 am Mass. The walk/run is 5 kilometres to the Cathedral and back. Please support this event as we fundraise for SCIAF, or be a sponsor for our runners and walkers! See Fergus Christie for details or email ferguschristie7@gmail.com

St. Andrew's Talks: Lenten Devotions

What are some good Lenten Devotions to do in this holy season? Come along and find out at our next St. Andrew's Talk on Monday, 31st March with our own Deacon Peter Traynor. Whilst we will already be well into Lent, it is a chance, as we approach Passiontide, to renew these devotions before Easter. The talk will begin after 6:00pm Mass, with a time for discussion and refreshments following the talk.

Online Pro-Life Stations of the Cross Begin Tomorrow

Join Catholics from across Scotland online each Monday evening in Lent for the national Stations of the Cross. Begins at 7:45pm tomorrow, Monday 10 March. Register at bit.ly/Stations25

Next Saturday: ‘Rise in Faith, Live in Hope’ Event for High School Pupils

Rise in Faith, Live in Hope' is an event for high school pupils to encourage and inspire our growth in faith. Come along to St Francis Xavier's Church, Falkirk, (a short walk from the Grahamstown train station), 11am-3pm next Saturday 15 March. Includes Mass with Archbishop Cushley. Register at bit.ly/archyouth

Caritas, Justice & Peace Annual Mass

The annual Caritas, Justice & Peace Mass takes place at 7:00pm on Wednesday 2 April at St Margaret’s, East Port, Dunfermline, KY12 7JB. Fr Tom Magill of Motherwell Diocese will preach. All welcome.

Pilgrim Journeys with Ecumenical Organisation

Journeying, an ecumenical Christian organisation, has a 2025 programme of inspiring pilgrim-journeys now available in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. Visit https://www.journeying.co.uk for full details

St Moluag’s Coracle Online Scottish Catholic Magazine

St Moluag's Coracle is an online Scottish Catholic magazine that publishes articles on living our faith, philosophy and Scottish Catholic history. We are focused solely on Scotland and what's happening here as well as promoting our local Saints. Free to subscribe, £4.99 a month if you wish to contribute to the running of the magazine. Sign up today for our fortnightly email at https://stmoluagscoracle.substack.com/

Edinburgh Macular Society Group

A support group for those with macular conditions will meet Friday, 28 March, 11:30am-1:30pm at St. Ninian’s Church, 40 Comely Bank, EH4 1AG. Guest speaker Lydia Watson, Patient Support Worker from Visibility Scotland, will share about local support services. We aim to create a space with a balance between sight loss-focused topics and social occasions. Questions? Email iona.mclean@macularsociety.org Addtional support information is available https://www.macularsociety.org

Coffee Saints: www.coffeesaints.co.uk, 0771 970 5809, hello@coffeesaints.co.uk
8.30am to 4.00pm, 7 days a week
St. Pauls Bookshop www.stpauls.org.uk 0131 510 4260 edinburgh@stpauls.org.uk
10:00am to 5:30pm, 7 days a week

Read the newsletter for 9 March (pdf)

Eighth Sunday of the Year – Year C

Ash Wednesday Mass Times

This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the 40-day season of Lent. Ash Wednesday is a day of fast and abstinence, which means that all of us are obliged to abstain from meat on Wednesday and all ages 16-65 who are able are obliged to fast. Mass times at the Cathedral are 8am, 10am (school Mass), 12:45pm, 6:00pm (Polish), and 7:30pm; and at Ravelston 6:00pm.

Confession in Lent

Archbishop Leo Cushley encourages us to make a good confession in Lent as we prepare for Easter. For those of us who have not been in a while he highlights a forthcoming Archdiocesan event called RETURN. He said: "Lent is a special time when we're reflecting upon our sins and doing penances and getting ready for Easter, purifying ourselves. If it's been a while since you've been to confession an event called RETURN will help you reflect upon the importance of confession and you can take up the opportunity to get back to this very important, very beautiful sacrament which reconciles us with God and with his mercy and love. I hope that as many of you as possible will take this great opportunity." RETURN takes place at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, on Saturday 8 March. Register at bit.ly/return2025

Confession at the Cathedral is Monday-Friday, 1:15pm-2:00pm and Saturday, 10.30am-12noon, 5:00-5.45pm.

Lenten Eucharistic Adoration and Stations of the Cross

Every Friday during Lent, Eucharistic Adoration will be held in the Cathedral from 10:30am-12:30pm, followed by the 12:45pm daily Mass and afterwards we will pray the Stations of the Cross.

Daily Rosary for Holy Father

During this time of illness of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, we will have a daily Rosary for the Pope after the 12:45pm Mass. Please join us in prayer at the Lady Altar.

Buy Bouquets of Flowers to Support Cathedral

Anne McAulay and our volunteer flower arrangers are selling beautiful flower bouquets after Masses this weekend to support the Cathedral Roof Appeal. Why not surprise someone who you love with a gift of flowers today?! Suggested donation £10.

SCIAF Lenten Wee Boxes for Colombia

SCIAF’s Wee Box appeal this Lent is for communities in Columbia to help provide shelter, food and water for those caught up in violence, provide safe havens for children affected by the war, and help communities rebuild their lives. Pick up a Wee Box today at the back of church. Use your Wee Box to make a big change! £18 can provide a simple warm blanket, which can be the difference between life and death for the most vunerable, £40 can provide a safe and warm shelter for a family at risk during times of crisis. Learn more at https://www.sciaf.org.uk/get-involved/appeals

Edinburgh Seven Hills Pilgrimage

Join us for the Edinburgh Seven Hills Pilgrimage on Saturday 5th April. Taking in the summits of Arthur's Seat, Blackford Hill, the Braids, Easter Craiglockhart Hill, Corstorphine Hill, Castle Rock and Carlton Hill, the whole route is around 27km starting and finishing at St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral. Whether you want to join us for the whole event or meet the group along the way, this is a perfect opportunity to offer Lenten penance, pray for the city of Edinburgh and conclude with worship together at the 6pm Vigil Mass and prayers at the Jubilee Cross at the Cathedral. More details to be confirmed soon, but register your interest now at bit.ly/sevenhillsapril

Lenten Book Club: Faith, Hope & Charity

Now available in St. Pauls Bookshop is Faith, Hope, & Charity by Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, Preacher to the Papal Household, which we will read in our Lenten Book Club —a great opportunity to enrich our understanding of the theological virtues of faith, hope and charity received in our Baptism. We will be offering five sessions each week both online and in person lead by one of the Pastoral team at the Cathedral commencing the week of 10th March. To register for an in-person or on-line meeting for the book club, register: https://bit.ly/LentBook2025 Questions? Please email archivist@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

New Recordings of the Schola Cantorum

Thank you to everyone who came along to the Schola Cantorum's "Hope Eternal" concert in Musselburgh on 17 February. There was a great turnout on the evening, and it was lovely to see so many familiar faces from the Cathedral parish. As part of the ongoing fundraising efforts, the Schola Cantorum has recorded some new audio tracks — the first professional recordings of the ensemble since 2020. The new recordings will be available to listen to online for free shortly. For those who wish, there will also be an opportunity to make an optional donation towards helping the choir to sing at the Scots College Ordinations in Rome on 10 May, when the singers will represent St Mary's Cathedral and the Archdiocese. Look out for details soon about how you can access the recordings and lend your support!

Main Sacristy Works and 10am Mass Cancellation

In anticipation of the roof repairs to the Sacristy this summer, we need to remove the asbestos found in several places within the Cathedral complex. Work in the Sacristy will commence on the Monday, 10 March and is scheduled to be completed on Wednesday, 19 March. From Monday, 10 March to Wednesday, 19 March, the 10:00am Mass will be cancelled. The Main Sacristy and the Sacristy behind the St. Andrew’s Altar will be off-limits to parishioners and volunteers due to the health and safety protocols of the works being done. Mass will still be offered weekdays at 12.45pm with Confessions to follow. Once the St. Andrew's Shrine work begins on the Monday, 17 March through Wednesday, 19 March, Confessions will be held in the Main Sacristy, just as they were during Covid. There is no change to the weekend Mass schedule. Thank you for your cooperation and patience.

Parish Group Attending 29th March ‘Courage to Be Catholic’ Conference in Glasgow

Come along with Fr. Jeremy and our parish group to the Courage to Be Catholic Conference in Glasgow. This is an exciting, first-of-its-kind event here in Scotland. Discounted group rate: £22.50 per person. Tea, coffee and lunch included. For parish group registration contact 0131 556 1798, cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

The event will be held on Saturday, 29 March at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 9:30am - 4:00pm and is sponsored by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).

Speakers include:

• Bishop William Shomali from the Holy Land and Bishop Wilfred Anagbe from Makurdi, Nigeria who will speak about how our persecuted Christian brothers and sisters bravely live out their faith.

• Dr Hannah Vaughan-Spruce, Executive Director of Global Mission for Divine Renovation UK and co-author of Why Catholics Leave, What They Miss and How They Might Return, will discuss evangelisation in the modern Church and how we in Scotland can spread the Gospel.

• Reverend Father Remigius Ihyula, Head of the Foundation for Justice, Development, and Peace in the Diocese of Makurdi, Nigeria

• Caroline Hull, National Director of ACN UK

• William More, Aid to the Church in Need Manager of Operations in Scotland

• John Pontifex, Head of Press and Public Affairs for ACN UK

Visit exhibitor stalls from all over Scotland, trading stalls, time for socialising and sharing. Mass at 5:00pm at St Aloysius to follow. If you do not want to join the parish group but want individual tickets please register at https://www.trybooking.com/uk/EHSR

Registration Open: Children’s First Holy Communion & Confirmation

Registration is open for First Holy Communion classes and Confirmation classes. Please register online at

First Communion registration (P4): www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/first-communion

Confirmation registration (P7): www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/confirmation

If you have already registered, you do not need to re-register. All classes held at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston (EH4 3DS). First Holy Communion classes from Sunday, 9 March, 9:30am; Confirmation classes from Sunday, Sunday, 16 March, 4:30pm-5:30pm. Questions? Fr. Robert at frrobert@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Young Adults Group Meets Next Week

The Young Adults Group is on break this week, but will meet up again next week on Tuesday, 11th March for a new series of talks on St. Paul the Apostle and his writings, beginning with Sr. Miriam Ruth Ryan, RSM who will speak about “Who was Paul?” Come along for 7:00pm teas/coffees and the talk at 7:30pm.

From the Holy Father’s Message for the Jubilee Year of Hope

“Patience, one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit, sustains our hope and strengthens it as a virtue and a way of life. May we learn to pray frequently for the grace of patience, which is both the daughter of hope and at the same time its firm foundation.” (Bull of Indiction of the Ordinary Jubilee of the Year 2025, Spes Non Confundit, 3) The Jubilee Cross is at the National Shrine of St Andrew here at the Cathedral. The Holy See has granted permission for the Jubilee Cross to carry a plenary indulgence. All are encouraged to visit the cross in this Jubilee Year. Prayer cards are available at the cross, as well as a QR code for ‘Click to Pray’ for the Prayer Intentions of the Holy Father, also available at https://clicktopray.org/

‘Little Ireland’ Book

Now on sale in St Pauls Bookshop is Pat Dishon’s second book – ‘Little Ireland’ by Patricia Delaney Dishon and Michael Delaney. It tells the factual story of their Delaney family and the lives of the Irish diaspora in St. Patrick’s, Cowgate in the 19th century. The book includes accounts of Canon Edward Hannan and the founding of Hibernian Football Club, Little Ireland born James Connolly and Charles Stewart Parnell’s visit to the parish. Pick up your copy today!

Online Ignatian Retreat for Lent - Free Books Available

Pick up your free Lenten Retreat book at the back of church to accompany the online Lenten Retreat run by the Ignatian Spirituality Centre in Glasgow, Ash Wednesday, 5th March to Easter Sunday, 20th April, 2025. Visit https://www.onlineprayer.net/fruits-of-the-spirit/ and to join an online Lent group visit https://www.iscglasgow.co.uk/lent-groups

Next Sunday: Rite of Election at Noon Mass

His Grace, the Archbishop, will celebrate the Noon Mass on Sunday, 9 March with the Rite of Election in which he will accept those preparing to be received into the Church at Easter. Please pray for them.

Wednesday Adoration, Confession and Stations of the Cross

Draw closer to Christ in Lent! At St. Andrew’s on Wednesdays during Lent, beginning on 5 March, we will have Eucharistic Adoration and Confessions 5:00pm-6:00pm, followed by 6:00pm Mass. Immediately after Mass, we will pray the Stations of the Cross. Come and join us! You are also welcome to walk and pray the outdoor Stations of the Cross around the lovely garden path at Ravelston anytime.

Youth Group Today for P3-P7

The Youth Group returns today Sunday, 2nd March from 2:30pm-4:00pm here St. Andrew’s, Ravelston, and thereafter on the 6th April and 4th May. All P3-P7’s are welcome! Parents please register children at https://bit.ly/ParishYouthGroup Registration. Fee: £1.00.

St Andrew’s Fundraising Run/Walk for Parish Project

We are going to be “ running” this event again this year every Sunday during Lent – commencing on the 1st Sunday of Lent, 9th March after Mass. The walk/run is 5 kilometres to the Cathedral and back. Please support this event as we fundraise for our Parish Project, Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund.

Today: Remembering Service for Those who Have Lost a Child

A prayer service will be held today Sunday 2 March 2025 at 5.00pm in St John the Baptist RC Church, Corstorphine, 37, St Ninian’s Road, Edinburgh, EH12 8AL for those who have suffered the loss of a child.

High School Pupils: Rise in Faith, Live in Hope

The Archdiocese invites high school pupils to 'Rise in Faith, Live in Hope' at St Francis Xavier's Church, Falkirk, (a short walk from the Grahamstown train station), 11am-3pm on Saturday 15 March. The event will provide encouragement and inspiration to help our young people grow in their faith amidst the challenges they face. Includes Mass with with Archbishop Cushley. Register at bit.ly/archyouth

Coffee Saints: www.coffeesaints.co.uk, 0771 970 5809, hello@coffeesaints.co.uk
8.30am to 4.00pm, 7 days a week

St. Pauls Bookshop www.stpauls.org.uk 0131 510 4260 edinburgh@stpauls.org.uk
10:00am to 5:30pm, 7 days a week

Read the newsletter for 2 March (pdf0

Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time

Rite of Enrolment for Confirmation

Today at 9:00am Mass at the Cathedral and 10:30am Mass at Ravelston, we welcome the children who are preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation as they are formally enrolled for the sacrament. Please keep them along with their families and teachers in your prayers.

Aid to the Church in Need Appeal

At all Cathedral Masses this weekend, we will have an Appeal from Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), a Pontifical Foundation of the Catholic Church, whose mission is to bring aid to the Church in areas where Christians are suffering discrimination or persecution for the faith. A representative will speak at all Masses and special collection will be held to support of the work of ACN. Learn more at www.acnuk.org

Young Adults Group – Testimony of Hope

The Young Adults Group meets this week on Tuesday, 25 February for the final talk in the series of hope. Fr James Cadman will speak about Cardinal Van Thuan, a Vietnamese Cardinal who, at the invitation of Pope St John Paul II, gave the Spiritual Exercises for the Holy Father and the Vatican Curia in the last Jubilee Year. His lessons from that retreat, later compiled in the book, Testimony of Hope, is formed upon his own experience as a prisoner in his homeland for 13 years, nine of which were spent in solitary confinement. Through his incarceration he discovered our hope is Christ, the Hope of the World. The meeting begins with tea and coffee at 7:00pm, the talk from 7:30pm, Confessions, Night Prayer and then a visit to the pub.

Quiz Night Fundraiser with Indian Chicken Curry – Friday, 28th February

Tickets are on sale after all Masses this weekend for our “Raise the Roof” fundraising Quiz Night, 7:00pm-10:00pm, on Friday 28th February 2025 in Coffee Saints. Alternatively, you can email the office at cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk to reserve your seat. You may pay by Bacs transfer (details will be provided). The Quiz Night will follow the same format as our last event — a fun-filled quiz with a fine Indian chicken curry during the intermission. Fr JP and his helpers will provide a tasty supper which will set you up for the 2nd half of the quiz. The bar will be open throughout. The price is £15.00 per person which will include entry, food and prizes for quiz winners! Don’t delay, do it today!

Thank You from Susan Lonie

I’d like to express my heartfelt thanks to the Archbishop, Fr. Jeremy, Fr. Robert, my family and friends and all the parishioners of our Cathedral for the beautiful Mass celebrating my hundredth birthday. Your presence and support made this milestone truly unforgettable. I was so surprised and delighted to receive the Archdiocesan medal and Papal blessing. What an honour! Finally, I'd like to thank you all for your lovely cards, flowers and gifts. I was overwhelmed by your kind words and prayers and offer my own prayers in return

Susan

Adult Confirmation Classes Begin in March

This Lent, the Cathedral will run a six-week course for adults to prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation at the Easter Vigil on Saturday 19th April. Classes start with an in-person meeting on Wednesday 12th March at 7pm at Cathedral House, 61 York Place. We will then have four on-line meetings before concluding with an in-person meeting again at Cathedral House on Wednesday 16th April at 7pm. If you are interested and would like to register, contact cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk.

Catholic Men's Formation Circle of Studies

A formation circle of studies for Catholic professional men will be held in the Ravelston rooms Wednesday, 26 February, from 6:30 pm to 7:15 pm. The group is inspired by the spirit of Opus Dei, and it will focus on the teachings of the Catholic Church on the universal call to holiness and the Christian virtues applicable to the ordinary activities of lay faithful. If you would like to attend please email Juan Pablo at juanpablo.andrader@gmail.com.

Registration Open: Children’s First Holy Communion & Confirmation

Registration is open for First Holy Communion classes and Confirmation classes. Please register online at

First Communion registration (P4): www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/first-communion

Confirmation registration (P7): www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/confirmation

If you have already registered, you do not need to re-register. All classes held at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston (EH4 3DS). First Holy Communion classes from Sunday, 9 March, 9:30am; Confirmation classes from Sunday, Sunday, 16 March, 4:30pm-5:30pm. Questions? Fr. Robert at frrobert@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Lenten Book Read: Faith, Hope & Charity

Join us reading Faith, Hope, & Charity by Cardinal Rainero Cantalamessa, Preacher to the Papal Household, during Lent. Cardinal Cantalamessa uses a liturgical framework to lead us deeper into the practice of the theological virtues. Developing a series of sermons delivered in the presence of Pope John Paul II in 1992 and Pope Francis in 2022, Cardinal Cantalamessa opens up a spiritual journey to Bethlehem in short daily stretches in the footsteps of the Magi. This book will be available shortly in St. Paul’s Bookshop for purchase or you can order it online. We will be offering five sessions each week both online and in person lead by one of the Pastoral team at the Cathedral. Please use the link to register: https://bit.ly/LentBook2025

If you have any questions, please email archivist@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Friendship Group: Coffee Afternoon

The Friendship Group Coffee Afternoon is on Tuesday 25 February at 2:00pm-3:30pm in Coffee Saints. Open to all over 60; enjoy a 20% discount during the Friendship Group meet up. Please note that the discount is valid during the session time only, and other discounts are not applied during the session. Please come along and join us, we’d love to see you.

From the Holy Father’s Message for the Jubilee Year of Hope

“In our fast-paced world, we are used to wanting everything now. We no longer have time simply to be with others; even families find it hard to get together and enjoy one another’s company. Patience has been put to flight by frenetic haste, and this has proved detrimental, since it leads to impatience, anxiety and even gratuitous violence, resulting in more unhappiness and self-centredness. …. Saint Paul often speaks of patience in the context of our need for perseverance and confident trust in God’s promises. Yet, before all else, he testifies to God’s own patience, as ‘the God of all patience and encouragement’
( Rom 15:5). (Bull of Indiction of the Ordinary Jubilee of the Year 2025, Spes Non Confundit, 3)

The Jubilee Cross is at the National Shrine of St Andrew here at the Cathedral. The Holy See has granted permission for the Jubilee Cross to carry a plenary indulgence: a remission of the temporal punishment for sins already forgiven and can be gained by visiting the Jubilee Cross through this Holy Year with the following conditions: a detachment from sin, going to Confession, receiving Holy Communion and praying for the intentions of the Holy Father. All are encouraged to visit the cross in this Jubilee Year. Prayer cards are available at the cross, as well as a QR code for ‘Click to Pray’ for the Prayer Intentions of the Holy Father, also available at https://clicktopray.org/

Marriage Preparation Courses

The next parish Marriage Preparation Courses are Saturday 1st March and Saturday 31st May, both at St Andrew’s, Ravelston (EH4 3DS), with presentations by married couples. Please email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk to register.

St. Andrew’s Talk Tomorrow: Aid to the Church in Need

The St Andrew’s Talks will resume tomorrow, Monday 24th February, after 6:00pm Mass, in the parish rooms with Peter Diamond on the work of Aid to the Church in Need as it supports the Catholic faithful and other Christians facing oppression, persecution or pastoral need. Peter is the Community Fundraiser for Scotland for ACN and will speak about persecuted and forgotten Christians in the world. He will provide an update on some of the most troubling countries and how the faithful in Scotland can help. He will also discuss the charity's upcoming conference, ‘Courage to be Catholic’ to be held in Glasgow on 29th March — a unique event in the Scottish Catholic calendar not to be missed!

Parish Youth Group – Sunday 2nd March

The Youth Group will return on Sunday, 2nd March from 2:30pm-4:00pm at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston, and thereafter on 6th April and 4th May. All P3-P7’s are welcome! Grow in faith, have fun, make new friends!

Final Chance Today! Young Adults Holy Year Pilgrimage to Rome

Archbishop Cushley leads our Holy Year Pilgrimage to Rome for young adults (18+) which takes place 28 July to 4 August 2025. Cost £1,175 includes return flights from Edinburgh to Rome, coach transfers, bed and breakfast at Casa Santa Lucia and an opportunity to take part in the Jubilee for Young People programme, including attending Mass with the Holy Father. Limited single rooms available. The final deadline is today, Sunday, 23 February -- email frrobert.taylor@staned.org.uk today to book your place!

Today: Scottish Catholic Medical Association Networking Meeting

All Catholic healthcare workers and students are invited to a networking meeting of the Scottish Catholic Medical Association in Glasgow, titled ‘Pilgrims of Hope in Healthcare – Jubilee Year 2025’, today Sunday, 23rd February from 3:00pm with afternoon tea followed by a 3:30pm presentation on hope and working in the health service in the Jubilee Year, with reflections from three clinicians. Location is Turnbull Hall, Catholic Chaplaincy, Glasgow University, 13-15 Southpark Terrace, Glasgow, G12 8LG. For further information, or to learn more, email scottishcma@gmail.com

RETURN: A Day to Help You Get Back to Confession

If you have not been to Confession for a while, this event is for you! Learn about Confession, sin and forgiveness; gain insights through a how-to session and have an opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation with several priests available to hear Confessions. The event is 10am-4pm, Saturday 8 March at The Gillis Centre, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB. Register on Eventbrite at bit.ly/return2025

Ecumenical Event: Interreligious Dialogue and Catholic Peacebuilding

A special ecumenical event on interreligious dialogue and Catholic peacebuilding takes place at the Conforti Centre in Coatbridge on 7/8 March. The event is the annual Symposium of the Bishops' Committee for Interreligious Dialogue and features keynote speaker Martha Inés Romero, Secretary General of Pax Christi International. All welcome. There are 22 residential places available and 22 non-residential places available. Details and registration: https://www.interreligiousdialogue.org.uk/symposium-2025/

High School Pupils: Rise in Faith, Live in Hope

The Archdiocese invites high school pupils to 'Rise in Faith, Live in Hope' at St Francis Xavier's Church, Falkirk, (a short walk from the Grahamstown train station), 11am-3pm on Saturday 15 March. The event will provide encouragement and inspiration to help our young people grow in their faith amidst the challenges they face. Includes Mass with Archbishop Cushley. Register at bit.ly/archyouth

Remembering Service for Those who Have Lost a Child

A prayer service for those who have suffered the loss of a child, from the beginning of pregnancy onwards, will be held on Sunday 2 March 2025 at 5.00pm in St John the Baptist RC Church, Corstorphine, 37, St Ninian’s Road, Edinburgh, EH12 8AL. Ecumenical and open to all.

‘Courage to Be Catholic’ Conference in Glasgow

Seven fantastic speakers from home and abroad are coming to discuss the theme 'Courage to be Catholic' at the upcoming ‘Courage to Be Catholic’ Conference sponsored by Aid to the Church in Need on Saturday, 29th March, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 9:30am - 4:00pm:

• William More, Manager of Operations in Scotland

• Reverend Father Remigius Ihyula, Head of the Foundation for Justice, Development and Peace in the Diocese of Makurdi, Nigeria

• Dr Hannah Vaughan-Spruce, Executive Director of Global Mission for Divine Renovation UK

• Bishop William Shomali, Patriarchal Vicar for Jerusalem and Palestine

• Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, Diocese of Makurdi, Nigeria

• John Pontifex, Head of Press and Public Affairs for ACN UK

• Caroline Hull, National Director of ACN UK

Visit exhibitor stalls from all over Scotland, trading stalls, time for socialising and sharing. Mass at 5:00pm at St Aloysius to follow. Tickets: £25 Concession and £30 Adult; tea, coffee and lunch included. Register https://www.trybooking.com/uk/EHSR. Come along with Fr. Jeremy and our parish group. Discounted rate: £22.50 per person. Parish group registration: 0131 556 1798, cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Beginning Experience After Separation, Divorce or Widowhood

The loss of a loved one through separation, divorce or death is one of life’s most traumatic experiences and can result in unbearable feelings of grief or loneliness. The Beginning Experience, Scotland Team offers at weekend to experience God’s love and an opportunity to begin again, coming to terms with loss and grief. The next weekend will be Friday, 4th April-Sunday, 6th April at Conforti Centre, Coatbridge ML5 4JS. For details, phone Louise on 07926571004 or email louise398@gmail.com

Read the newsletter for 23 February (pdf)

Sixth Sunday of the Year – Year C

Schola Cantorum concert, Musselburgh, Monday 17 February

Hope Eternal: A Concert of Beautiful Choral Music by the Schola Cantorum in Musselburgh

On Monday 17 February at 7:30pm the Cathedral's Schola Cantorum will perform a hope-filled concert of choral music at Our Lady of Loretto and St Michael Church, Musselburgh (17 Newbigging, EH21 7AJ). Proceeds will go towards helping the choir to sing at Scots College Ordinations in Rome in May 2025. Why not come along to lend your support to the Schola Cantorum as it goes out on the road! Tickets are £10 / £8 concession, available from Eventbrite, on the door: https://tinyurl.com/hopeschola

Young Adults Group

The Young Adults Group will meet again on Tuesday, 18 February. Join us as our own Fr. Robert speaks about ‘Hope saves: The thought of Benedict XVI.’ All those aged 18+ are welcome to the weekly meetings. As usual, we meet at 63 York Place at 7:00pm for teas/coffees and for the talk at 7.30pm, followed by a short group discussion. Each session concludes with Night Prayer and the chance to meet up at a local pub.

Friends of the Cathedral Event with Gordon Macdonald, CEO of Care Not Killing

Thank you to everyone who attended the Friends of the Cathedral event on Tuesday evening on opposition to the assisted suicide private members’ bills being drafted in Westminster and Holyrood. We are very grateful to Gordon Macdonald for giving us his expert knowledge and insight into this matter and for setting out lessons learnt from other jurisdictions that have adopted the legislation only to find out that initial safeguards and restrictions are watered down over time, leaving the weak and vulnerable particularly threatened. Please write to your MP and MSPs to urge them to oppose these bills: https://www.writetothem.com. To support the work of Care Not Killing please go to https://carenotkilling.org.uk/donate/

Catenians Meeting for Catholic Men

The Catenian Association invites all Catholic men to their regular meeting on Wednesday, 19 February, at 7.00 p.m. in 63 York Place. The Catenians are an international body of Catholic laymen who meet once a month and offer friendship and support to Catholic men and their families at all stages of their lives. For information 01555 728032 or look on https://thecatenians.com/become-a-member/

Friendship Group: Coffee Afternoon

The Friendship Group Coffee Afternoon is on Tuesday 18 February at 2:00pm-3:30pm in Coffee Saints. Open to all over 60; enjoy a 20% discount during the Friendship Group meet up. Please note that the discount is valid during the session time only, and other discounts are not applied during the session. Please come along and join us, we’d love to see you.

Registration Open: Children’s First Holy Communion & Confirmation

Registration is open for First Holy Communion classes and Confirmation classes. Please register online:

First Communion registration (P4): www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/first-communion

Confirmation registration (P7): www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/confirmation

If you have already registered, you do not need to re-register. All classes held at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston (EH4 3DS). First Holy Communion Classes will begin on Sunday, 9 March, 9:30am and Confirmation classes on Sunday, Sunday, 16 March, 4:30pm-5:30pm. For more details, please contact Fr. Robert at frrobert@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

From the Holy Father’s Message for the Jubilee Year of Hope

“….Saint Paul is a realist. He knows that life has its joys and sorrows, that love is tested amid trials, and that hope can falter in the face of suffering. Even so, he can write: ‘We boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope’

(Rom 5:3-4). (Bull of Indiction of the Ordinary Jubilee of the Year 2025, Spes Non Confundit, 3)

The Jubilee Cross is at the National Shrine of St Andrew here at the Cathedral. The Holy See has granted permission for the Jubilee Cross to carry a plenary indulgence: a remission of the temporal punishment for sins already forgiven and can be gained by visiting the Jubilee Cross through this Holy Year with the following conditions: a detachment from sin, going to Confession, receiving Holy Communion and praying for the intentions of the Holy Father. All are encouraged to visit the cross in this Jubilee Year. Prayer cards are available at the cross, as well as a QR code for ‘Click to Pray’ for the Prayer Intentions of the Holy Father, also available at https://clicktopray.org/

Quiz Night Fundraiser with Indian Chicken Curry – Friday, 28th February

With work commencing soon on the roof of Sacristy 1, we will kick off our 2025 “Raise the Roof” fundraising with a Quiz Night, 7:00pm-10:00pm, Friday 28th February 2025 in Coffee Saints. This will follow the same format as our last event — a fun-filled quiz with a fine Indian chicken curry during the intermission. The food will be more substantial than at our last event, and Fr JP and his merry band of helpers are promising to bring you an authentic and very tasty treat which will set you up for the 2nd half of the quiz, and, of course, the bar will be open throughout! As this is obviously an adult-only all-seated event, tickets will be in high demand! The price (all in a good cause) will be £15.00 per person which will include entry, a fine Indian repast during the intermission, and prizes for quiz winners! We advise that to avoid the crushing disappointment of missing out on this stunning event you obtain your tickets without delay. Please email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk to reserve your seat and you will be put on the list. You may pay by Bacs transfer (details will be provided), however there will be the opportunity to buy a ticket in person from our wonderful Raise the Roof volunteers at the Masses from the 6pm Vigil Mass on 22nd February or the 9am and Noon Masses on 23rd February. Don’t delay, do it today!

Fabric Matters

Just because it is the month of February and the weather is dreary, doesn't mean things are dreary in the Cathedral. We are pleased to announce some Fabric projects that will bring some colour to our days. You may have noticed that the statue of Our Lady was not in situ last weekend. We removed her to get a bit of a sprucing up which included a deep clean, a repair to her damaged hand, and a fresh coat of paint. Her vibrant blue mantle is back and looking better than ever. Thank you to an anonymous benefactor for the funding to take care of our statue. Secondly, the stained-glass windows in the Sanctuary that were damaged in August have been painstakingly repaired. It will be put back in place the week commencing the 24 February in time for Lent. Finally, in preparation for the Sacristy 1 roof works, we have removed the very large painting of the Annunciation to be cleaned and repaired. Many of you may not have seen this painting, but it used to be hung over the High Altar prior to its move into the Sacristy. Over the years, the painting has accumulated a layer of dust from the incense and then suffered from the damp and leaks in Sacristy 1. The painting is being cleaned by a restorationist, and the framing will also be repaired and repainted. This project will take many months and so the painting will not be returned until after all the roof works have been completed later this year. I hope to be able to provide you with an update regarding the status of all the roofing works in the next few weeks, so keep an eye on this space for more details. Darlene

Marriage Preparation Courses

The next parish Marriage Preparation Courses are Saturday 1st March and Saturday 31st May, both at St Andrew’s, Ravelston (EH4 3DS), with presentations by married couples. Please email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk to register.

Catholic Men's Formation Circle of Studies

A formation circle of studies for Catholic professional men will be held in the Ravelston rooms Wednesday, 26 February, from 6:30 pm to 7:15 pm. The group is inspired by the spirit of Opus Dei, and it will focus on the teachings of the Catholic Church on the universal call to holiness and the Christian virtues applicable to the ordinary activities of lay faithful. If you would like to attend please email Juan Pablo at juanpablo.andrader@gmail.com

Aid to the Church in Need Appeal Next Weekend

At all Cathedral Masses next weekend, 22/23 February we will have an Appeal from Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), a Pontifical Foundation of the Catholic Church, whose mission is to bring aid to the Church in areas where Christians are suffering discrimination or persecution for the faith. A representative will speak at all Masses and special collection will be held to support the work of ACN.

St. Andrew’s Talks: Aid to the Church in Need

The St Andrew’s Talks will resume on Monday 24th February, after 6:00pm Mass, in the parish rooms with Peter Diamond on the work of Aid to the Church in Need as it supports the Catholic faithful and other Christians facing oppression, persecution or pastoral need. Peter is the Community Fundraiser for Scotland for ACN and will speak about persecuted and forgotten Christians in the world. He will provide an update on some of the most troubling countries and how the faithful in Scotland can help their brothers and sisters, who face all kinds of terrible hardships, just for believing in Jesus Christ. He will also discuss the charity's upcoming conference, ‘Courage to be Catholic’ to be held in Glasgow on 29th March — a unique event in the Scottish Catholic calendar not to be missed!

Young Adults Holy Year Pilgrimage to Rome

Archbishop Cushley leads our Holy Year Pilgrimage to Rome for young adults (18+) which takes place 28 July to 4 August 2025. Cost £1,175 includes return flights from Edinburgh to Rome, coach transfers, bed and breakfast at Casa Santa Lucia and an opportunity to take part in the Jubilee for Young People programme, including attending Mass with the Holy Father. Limited single rooms available. Email frrobert.taylor@staned.org.uk by Tuesday, 18 February.

RETURN: A Day to Help You Get Back to Confession

If you have not been to confession for a while, want to learn more and go to confession, come to this event. The day includes talks, a how-to session, Q&A, prayer, and a chance to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The event is 10am-4pm, Saturday 8 March at The Gillis Centre, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB. Register on Eventbrite at bit.ly/return2025

Ecumenical Event: Interreligious Dialogue and Catholic Peacebuilding

A special ecumenical event on interreligious dialogue and Catholic peacebuilding takes place at the Conforti Centre in Coatbridge on 7/8 March. The event is the annual Symposium of the Bishops' Committee for Interreligious Dialogue and features keynote speaker Martha Inés Romero, Secretary General of Pax Christi International. All welcome. There are 22 residential places available and 22 non-residential places available. Details and registration: https://www.interreligiousdialogue.org.uk/symposium-2025/

High School Pupils: Rise in Faith, Live in Hope

The Archdiocese invites high school pupils to 'Rise in Faith, Live in Hope' at St Francis Xavier's Church, Falkirk, (a short walk from the Grahamstown train station), 11am-3pm on Saturday 15 March. The event will provide encouragement and inspiration to help our young people grow in their faith amidst the challenges they face. Includes Mass with Archbishop Cushley. Register at bit.ly/archyouth

‘Courage to Be Catholic’ Conference in Glasgow

Seven fantastic speakers from home and abroad are coming to discuss the theme 'Courage to be Catholic' at the upcoming ‘Courage to Be Catholic’ Conference sponsored by Aid to the Church in Need on Saturday, 29th March, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 9:30am - 4:00pm:

• William More, Manager of Operations in Scotland

• Reverend Father Remigius Ihyula, Head of the Foundation for Justice, Development,

• and Peace in the Diocese of Makurdi, Nigeria

• Dr Hannah Vaughan-Spruce, Executive Director of Global Mission for Divine Renovation UK

• Bishop William Shomali, Patriarchal Vicar for Jerusalem and Palestine

• Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, Diocese of Makurdi, Nigeria

• John Pontifex, Head of Press and Public Affairs for ACN UK

• Caroline Hull, National Director of ACN UK

Visit exhibitor stalls from all over Scotland, trading stalls, and enjoy time for socialising and sharing. Mass at 5:00pm at St Aloysius to follow. Tickets are £30 Concession and £35 Adult, with tea, coffee and lunch included. Register https://www.trybooking.com/uk/EHSR. All are welcome to come along with Fr. Jeremy and a group from our parish with a discounted group-rate of £22.50 per person. To sign up, please contact the parish office at 0131 556 1798, cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Read the newsletter for 16 February (pdf)

Fifth Sunday of the Year – Year C

Archdiocesan Medal for Susan Lonie

Today at the Noon Mass His Grace, Archbishop Cushley will award parishioner Susan Lonie with the Archdiocesan Medal. Susan recently celebrated 100 years of living and much of that time has been spent giving dedicated service to the Cathedral parish in various ways, including with the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults and as a reader. On behalf of all of us, a very happy birthday Susan and thank you for your generous service to our parish!

World Day for Marriage

World Day for Marriage is today Sunday, 9 February and we pray particularly for all married couples, that God may daily give them the strength and energy to support one another and their families. We especially pray that those who are experiencing difficulties in their relationship may seek help, either from the diocesan marriage counsellor (marriage.counsellor@staned.org.uk) or from organisations such as Retrouvaille http://www.retrouvaille.org.uk

Friends of the Cathedral Event, Gordon MacDonald of Care Not Killing, Tuesday, 11th February

Friends of the Cathedral start their 2025 programme with a talk from Gordon Macdonald, CEO of Care Not Killing, on the campaign against the assisted suicide private members’ bills that are proposed in the UK and Scottish parliaments. Gordon will talk about the work to oppose the bills and how we can help. We are encouraging all parishioners to attend this event on Tuesday, 11 February at 7:30pm in Coffee Saints. Please contact cathedralnews@stmaryscathedral.co.uk if you would like to come along and find out more.

Young Adults Group

The Young Adults Group will meet again on Tuesday, 11 February. Join us as Fr. Jonathan Whitworth speaks about ‘Hope: The Saintly Gift.’ All those aged 18+ are welcome to the weekly meetings. As usual, we meet at 63 York Place at 7:00pm for teas/coffees and for the talk at 7.30pm, followed by a short group discussion. Each session concludes with Night Prayer and the chance to meet up at a local pub. Come along!

Friendship Group: Coffee Afternoon

The Friendship Group Coffee Afternoon is on Tuesday 11 February at 2:00pm-3:30pm in Coffee Saints. Open to all over 60; enjoy a 20% discount during the Friendship Group meet up.

Adult Confirmation Classes Begin in March

This Lent, the Cathedral will run a six-week course for adults to prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation at the Easter Vigil on Saturday 19th April. Classes start with an in-person meeting on Wednesday 12th March at 7pm at Cathedral House, 61 York Place. We will then have four on-line meetings before concluding with an in-person meeting again at Cathedral House on Wednesday 16th April at 7pm. If you are interested and would like to register, contact cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

February Book Club: ‘Unshakable Hope in the Midst of the Storm’

In the Jubilee Year of Hope why not join our special February Book Club as we read and discuss "Unshakeable Hope in the Midst of the Storm" by Fr John Riccardo. From the book publicity - Do you feel as though you’re in the midst of a storm? Your life, your children’s lives, and your country―they may cause you to feel like a storm is raging. In this powerful new book, Fr. John Riccardo breaks open the Scriptures to give us tangible hope for our lives. Discover how you can live with unshakeable hope today! To participate, please register by Friday 14th February, by e-mailing archivist@stmaryscathedral.co.uk, or online at https://bit.ly/Register-20Feb-BookClub or use the QR code. The book club will meet on Thursday 20th February with various times available during the day (10.30am, 3.00pm, 7.00pm), both in person and online. Order the book on Amazon at https://bit.ly/Unshakable-Hope-book.

Catenians Meeting for Catholic Men

The Catenian Association invites all Catholic men to their regular meeting on Wednesday, 19 February, at 7.00 p.m. in 63 York Place The Catenians are an international body of Catholic laymen who meet once a month and offer friendship and support to Catholic men and their families at all stages of their lives. For information 01555 728032 or look on https://thecatenians.com/become-a-member/

Registration Open: Children’s First Holy Communion & Confirmation

First Communion registration (P4): www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/first-communio

Confirmation registration (P7): www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/confirmation

If you have already registered, you do not need to re-register. All classes held at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston (EH4 3DS). First Holy Communion Classes will begin on Sunday, 9 March, 9:30am and Confirmation classes on Sunday, Sunday, 16 March, 4:30pm-5:30pm. For more details, please contact Fr. Robert at frrobert@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

From Pope Francis’ Message for the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025

“By his perennial presence in the life of the pilgrim Church, the Holy Spirit illumines all believers with the light of hope. He keeps that light burning, like an ever-burning lamp, to sustain and invigorate our lives. Christian hope does not deceive or disappoint because it is grounded in the certainty that nothing and no one may ever separate us from God’s love: ‘Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril or the sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord’ ( Rom 8:35.37-39). Here we see the reason why this hope perseveres in the midst of trials: founded on faith and nurtured by charity, it enables us to press forward in life. As Saint Augustine observes: ‘Whatever our state of life, we cannot live without these three dispositions of the soul, namely, to believe, to hope and to love.’

Bull of Indiction of the Ordinary Jubilee of the Year 2025, Spes Non Confundit, 3

Jubilee Cross and Plenary Indulgence

The Jubilee Cross at the National Shrine of St Andrew here at the Cathedral is a destination and a focus for pilgrims in the Archdiocese and beyond during this Jubilee Year of Hope. The Holy See has granted permission for the Jubilee Cross to carry a plenary indulgence, which is a remission of the temporal punishment for sins already forgiven and can be gained by visiting the Jubilee Cross through this Holy Year with the following conditions: a detachment from sin, going to Confession, receiving Holy Communion and praying for the intentions of the Holy Father. All are encouraged to visit the cross in this Jubilee Year. Prayer cards are available at the cross.

Parish Photo Book - Thank You to Fr. Patrick

As a thank you to Fr. Patrick, a parish photo book featuring parishioners, events and pilgrimages has been prepared by one of our parishioners. Thank you to all who contributed! A copy of the book is at Ravelston and at the Cathedral. If you wish to see the book, contact the parish office at 0131 556 1798 or cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk, or visit the rooms at Ravelston after 10:30am Sunday Mass.

Wednesday Adoration, Confession and Mass

“Stay with us.” (Luke 24:29) Our faith teaches us that Jesus Christ remains fully present to us in the Holy Eucharist. Come for silent prayer before our living Lord at Eucharistic Adoration every Wednesday at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston 5:00pm-5:45pm, with the Sacrament of Confession available during this time. The weekday Mass at 6:00pm follows Adoration

St. Andrew’s Talks: Aid to the Church in Need

The St Andrew’s Talks will resume on Monday 24th February with Peter Diamond on the work of Aid to the Church in Need as it supports the Catholic faithful and other Christians facing oppression, persecution or pastoral need. All St Andrew’s Talks begin after the 6pm Mass in the Ravelston rooms.

Next Saturday: Afternoon Retreat for Married and Engaged Couples

Married and engaged couples are invited to a retreat 2:00pm-5:00pm, Saturday, 15 February at St Kentigern’s Church, 26 Parkgrove Avenue, Edinburgh, EH4 7QR, with time for reflection and prayer as a couple, before the Lord, and also to meet other couples over a cup of coffee. Speaker: Fr Andrew Garden (St David’s, Dalkeith). Register at bit.ly/valretreat25 or use the QR code. Crèche available for children of primary school age and older. If you are bringing a child please let us know. Contact Anna domesticchurchscotland@gmail.com

RETURN: A Day to Help You Get Back to Confession

If you have not been to confession for a while, want to learn more and go to confession, come to this event. The day includes talks, a how-to session, Q&A, prayer, and a chance to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It takes place from 10am-4pm on Saturday 8 March at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB. Register on Eventbrite at bit.ly/return2025 or use the QR code.

High School Pupils: Rise in Faith, Live in Hope

The Archdiocese invites high school pupils to 'Rise in Faith, Live in Hope' at St Francis Xavier's Church, Falkirk, (a short walk from the Grahamstown train station), 11am-3pm on Saturday 15 March. The event will provide encouragement and inspiration to help our young people grow in their faith amidst the challenges they face. Includes Mass with Archbishop Cushley. Register at bit.ly/archyouth

Job Vacancy: Parish Secretary, St. John the Baptist and St. Kentigern

The parish of St. John the Baptist and St. Kentigern in Edinburgh needs a Parish Secretary one or two days a week to help with administration of both churches. For details about this paid position, please contact Fr. Binu Palakapally, IC at office.ssjohnbandkentigern@staned.org.uk or phone 0131 334 1693 / 07451246228.

Young Adults Holy Year Pilgrimage to Rome

Archbishop Cushley leads our Holy Year Pilgrimage to Rome for young adults (18+) which takes place 28 July to 4 August 2025. Cost £1,175 includes return flights from Edinburgh to Rome, coach transfers, bed and breakfast at Casa Santa Lucia and an opportunity to take part in the Jubilee for Young People programme, including attending Mass with the Holy Father. Limited single rooms available. Email frrobert.taylor@staned.org.uk by Tuesday, 18 February.

Request for Photos/Memories of Donegal People Who Worked in Scotland

Donegal County Council is seeking photographs of Donegal people at work in Scotland between 1940 and 1990 for an upcoming exhibition. Participants are encouraged to share images, stories, documents or objects that reflect the working lives of Donegal people in Scotland. For more information contact: donegalscotland@donegalcoco.ie or +353 74 916 3824. The exhibition will be launched in spring 2025.

The Newsletter for 9th February (pdf)

3rd Sunday of the Year - Year C

Young Adults Group Meets on 28th January

The Young Adults Group will meet again on Tuesday, 28th January for our series of talks ‘A Year of Hope.’ Join us as Mrs. Mary Keenan Ross and Deacon Michael Killoran Ross speaks about ‘Hope and Mental Health.’ All those aged 18+ are welcome to the weekly meetings. As usual, we meet at 63 York Place at 7:00pm for teas/coffees and for the talk at 7.30pm, followed by a short group discussion. Each session concludes with Night Prayer and the chance to meet up at a local pub. Come along!

Thank You!!

A very heartfelt thank you from myself and Deacon Peter to all of the almost 30 volunteers who came out last weekend to participate in The Big Clean! We were able to tackle some long overdue cleaning and polishing in the Cathedral, including all the floors and chairs, statues, the entire wall of the Stations of the Cross, both the Lady Altar and the St. Andrew's Shrine, the entirety of nave and choral stalls. We also managed to clean underneath the altar rail kneelers and brush down the kneelers themselves. Glass was cleaned and the octagon was given a spruce up as well. I also think we hit every piece of brass in the Sacristy. I hope you have noticed the difference as much as I have. If you are interested in helping out our regular cleaning crew so we don't have to wait for a big clean to keep our church looking beautiful, please contact Elizabeth Andrews at elizabeth@rhandrews.plus.com to volunteer. - Darlene

World Day for Consecrated Life: Noon Mass Next Sunday with Archbishop

His Grace, Archbishop Cushley, will celebrate the Noon Mass next Sunday, 2 February for the World Day for Consecrated Life. Members of religious communities throughout the Archdiocese will attend the Mass on this day of prayer to thank God for the gift of religious life and to pray for those discerning a religious vocation.

New congregational Mass setting: 'Mass of the Resurrection'

A message from Michael Ferguson, Director of Music

In the next few weeks we will begin learning a new congregational Mass setting, Mass of the Resurrection. We'll aim to add this setting to our current congregational repertoire: Mass of Christ the Saviour (at the 9am Mass), and Mass of Padre Pio (at the 7:30pm Mass). We've sung these existing settings for many years, and we have a wonderful opportunity now to begin to expand our repertoire of congregational music. Melody sheets will be available to help you learn the new setting in the next weeks and months. Thank you in advance for your efforts to get Mass of the Resurrection off the ground. Learning a new setting inevitably takes time and requires perseverance, but I have no doubt that the rewards will be great in the long term!

Registration Open: Children’s First Holy Communion & Confirmation

Registration is open for First Holy Communion classes and Confirmation classes. Please register online at

First Communion registration (P4): www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/first-communion

Confirmation registration (P7): www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/confirmation

If you have already registered, you do not need to re-register. All classes held at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston (EH4 3DS). First Holy Communion Classes will begin on Sunday, 9 March, 9:30am and Confirmation classes on Sunday, Sunday, 16 March, 4:30pm-5:30pm. For more details, please contact Fr. Robert at frrobert@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Adult Confirmation Classes Begin in March

This Lent, the Cathedral will run a six-week course for adults to prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation at the Easter Vigil on Saturday 19th April. Classes start with an in-person meeting on Wednesday 12th March at 7pm at Cathedral House, 61 York Place. We will then have four on-line meetings before concluding with an in-person meeting again at Cathedral House on Wednesday 16th April at 7pm. If you are interested and would like to register, contact cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Friendship Group: Coffee Afternoon

The Friendship Group Coffee Afternoon is on Tuesday 28 January at 2:00pm-3:30pm in Coffee Saints. Open to all over 60; enjoy a 20% discount during the session time. Please come along and join us!

First Wednesdays — Prayers for Priests

The first Wednesday of each month, after the 12:45pm Mass, please join in prayers near the Lady Altar, including a Rosary and Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to ask Our Lady’s intercession for our priests. All are welcome to participate in the prayers on Wednesday 5 February following 12:45pm Mass.

Catenians Meeting

The Catenian Association invites all Catholic men to their regular meeting on Wednesday, 19 February, at 7.00 p.m. in 63 York Place. The Catenians are an international body of Catholic laymen who meet once a month and offer friendship and support to Catholic men and their families at all stages of their lives. For information 01555 728032 or membership@thecatenians.com

Happy 100th Birthday!

As many of you may know, parishioner Susan Lonie celebrates her 100th birthday this week on Friday, 31 January. We wish you a very Happy Birthday, Susan. God bless you!

Jubilee Cross and Plenary Indulgence

The Jubilee Cross at the National Shrine of St Andrew here at the Cathedral is a destination and a focus for pilgrims in the Archdiocese and beyond during this Jubilee Year of Hope. The Holy See has granted permission for the Jubilee Cross to carry a plenary indulgence, which is a remission of the temporal punishment for sins already forgiven and can be gained by visiting the Jubilee Cross through this Holy Year with the following conditions: a detachment from sin, going to Confession, receiving Holy Communion and praying for the intentions of the Holy Father. All are encouraged to visit the cross in this Jubilee Year. Prayer cards are available at the cross.

From Pope Francis’ Message for the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025

“… let us return to the message that the Apostle Paul wished to communicate to the Christians of Rome. ‘Since we are justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing in the glory of God… Hope does not disappoint, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us’ (Rom 5:1-2.5). In this passage, Saint Paul gives us much to reflect upon. We know that the Letter to the Romans marked a decisive turning point in his work of evangelization. Until then, he had carried out his activity in the eastern part of the Empire, but now he turns to Rome and all that Rome meant in the eyes of the world. Before him lay a great challenge, which he took up for the sake of preaching the Gospel, which knows no barriers or confines. The Church of Rome was not founded by Paul, yet he felt impelled to hasten there in order to bring to everyone the Gospel of Jesus Christ, crucified and risen from the dead, a message of hope that fulfils the ancient promises, leads to glory and, grounded in love, does not disappoint….”

(Bull of Indiction of the Ordinary Jubilee of the Year 2025, Spes Non Confuduit, 1-2)

Marriage Preparation Courses

The next parish Marriage Preparation Courses are Saturday 1st March and Saturday 31st May, both at St Andrew’s, Ravelston (EH4 3DS), with presentations by married couples. Please email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Youth Group Next Sunday

The Youth Group will return next Sunday, 2nd February from 2:30pm-4:00pm at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston, and thereafter on the 2nd March, 6th April and 4th May. All P3-P7’s are welcome! Parents please register children at https://bit.ly/ParishYouthGroup-Registration or use the QR code. Fee: £1.00. The afternoon has lots of fun activities, time to learn more of our faith and to make new friends, too. Don’t forget the spending money for the tuckshop! Questions? Contact Fr. Robert at frrobert@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Wednesday Adoration, Confession and Mass

Especially in this Jubilee Year of Hope, all are encouraged to come for Wednesday Eucharistic Adoration as we seek to grow in faith, hope and love of Christ, and to begin a regular practice of coming to Confession, as we ask God’s forgiveness, receive His pardon and healing grace. Every Wednesday at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston we have Eucharistic Adoration with Confessions 5:00pm-5:45pm, followed by 6:00pm Mass. “We are able to give the assent of faith because the will – the heart – has been touched by God.” – Pope Benedict XVI

New Card Readers

As many people nowadays prefer to use cards rather than carry cash, there are now two card readers near the main door to the church, beside St Joseph's statue and beside the war memorial. Parishioners and visitors are invited to use these to make donations to church funds. The card readers are set for £5, £10 and £20 but other smaller/larger amounts can be specified and Gift Aid can be subscribed to as well.

St. Andrew’s Talks: Aid to the Church in Need

The St Andrew’s Talks will resume on Monday 24th February with Peter Diamond on the work of Aid to the Church in Need as it supports the Catholic faithful and other Christians facing oppression, persecution or pastoral need. All St Andrew’s Talks begin after the 6pm Mass in the Ravelston rooms.

Women's Religious Life Discussion Today 4:00pm - 7:00pm

Thinking about a vocation to the religious life? Join other young Catholic women to chat and explore God's will for your vocation in the Church. Come along today, Sunday, 26 January, from 4:00pm-7:00pm at St Columba's, 9 Upper Gray Street, Edinburgh, EH9 1SN. Other dates are 23 Feb, 30 Mar and 25 May. Retreat from Friday, 4 April – Monday, 7 April. Email religiousvocations@staned.org.uk to register.

Wednesday, 29 January: Teens Group for P7-S4

All young people P7-S4 are invited to join the Teens Group at St. Columba's, 9 Upper Gray Street, EH9 1SN which meets on the last Wednesday of every month, 7:00pm-8:30pm, in St. Columba's halls. Join us for fun, games, activities, prayer and pilgrimages. Don't miss this opportunity to grow in your faith and meet new friends! Next meeting is Wednesday 29th January. Cost £25 (per year). Questions? Email Clare at teens.stcolumbaedinburgh@staned.org.uk

Next Saturday: Synodal Event ‘Conversations in the Spirit’

All parishioners are welcome to attend a free Archdiocesan event with Fr Matthew Nunes from the Archdiocese of Liverpool titled Conversations in the Spirit, to help guide us on how to lead and participate in parish Synodality. It takes place on Saturday 1 February, (optional Mass at 10am) 11:00am-3:00pm at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh EH9 1BB. Details and registration at bit.ly/inthespirit25 Please bring a packed lunch. Local cafes/shops available.

Next Sunday: Mass in Honour of Our Lady of Lourdes

The February Mass in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes will take place at 4:00pm next Sunday, 2 February, in St Cuthbert’s Church, 104 Slateford Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1PT. Archbishop Cushley will be the principal celebrant. The Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes for the Holy Year 2025 takes place from 11-18 July. For more details please visit www.edinburgh-lourdes.com/lourdes25

Valentine’s Retreat for Couples

The Archdiocese has organised a Valentine’s mini-retreat for married and engaged couples from 2-5pm on Saturday 15 February at St Kentigern’s Church, 26 Parkgrove Avenue, Edinburgh, EH4 7QR. The speaker is Fr Andrew Garden (St David’s, Dalkeith) and the event is free. Register at bit.ly/valretreat25

Workshop for Children's Liturgy Leaders

If you are involved with Children's Liturgy in your parish, the Archdiocesan Catechetics Commission invites you to The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB, for a workshop on Children's Liturgy of the Word. The day takes place on Saturday 22 February from 9:30am-12:00pm and will include Mass, discussion groups, a presentation on resources, and a presentation on the Liturgy of the Word within Mass. Registration and full event schedule at https://forms.office.com/e/yRxbbsJ5kL

Young Adults Holy Year Pilgrimage to Rome

Archbishop Cushley leads our Holy Year Pilgrimage to Rome for young adults (18+) which takes place 28 July to 4 August 2025. Cost £1,175 includes return flights from Edinburgh to Rome, coach transfers, bed and breakfast at Casa Santa Lucia and an opportunity to take part in the Jubilee for Young People programme, including attending Mass with the Holy Father. Limited single rooms available. Email frrobert.taylor@staned.org.uk by Sunday 2 February.

Read the newsletter for 26 January (pdf)