First Sunday Of Lent – Year B

Lenten Packs to Be Delivered This Week

A team of (incredible) parish volunteers will this week be delivering to you (or sending by post) a packet of Lenten materials including a prayer book (St. Joseph’s Family Prayer Book) prepared by the Archdiocese, and one of the 2021 SCIAF Wee Boxes to collect your contributions to help children with disabilities in South Sudan access the education and support they need. This year £1 = £2 for Wee Box contributions because from 12 February to 11 May, all donations to the Wee Box Appeal will be doubled by the UK government. Please be generous!

Lenten Preparation
Schedule a Time for the Sacrament of Confession

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

12noon Fridays – Online Stations of the Cross

Fr. Jamie has done an incredible job over the last week preparing an online version of the Stations of the Cross from St. Mary’s Cathedral that will be available on our website and Facebook page and in this week’s newsletter.

The video recording features voices of readers and singers from the parish, together with images from the Cathedral’s Stations of the Cross. These are posted on the website https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/filming and on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/edinburghcathedral/ as well as on the Cathedral podcast page. This beautiful Lenten tradition is to follow the footsteps of the Lord on the way to Calvary, meditating on his suffering and death for our salvation. Please consider praying the Stations of the Cross with us!

Final Talk in the Series “Faith in the Time of Covid” – Sunday, 21st February, 5pm

Archbishop Cushley invites you the 4th and final talk in the “Faith in the Time of Covid” series of online 30-minute talks.

Sunday, 21st February, 5:00pm-5:30pm — Rt Hon Gordon Brown, United Nations Special Envoy for Global Education and former Prime Minister. Register at bit.ly/FaithCovid-Brown

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

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

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

Songs of the Redemption: The Benedictine Liturgy of the Hours

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

Prayer as a Relationship Reflected in St Teresa of Avila

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

Praying the Passion According to St Mark

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

Daily Mass Livestreamed from Cathedral House

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

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

Cathedral Chandeliers!!

A huge thank you to those very generous parishioners who have already contributed to the effort to repair the winching system which raises and lowers the Cathedral chandeliers. We have made quite a lot of progress collecting tenders for this remarkably niche problem – and it looks very much like we will be moving to a mechanical (non-electrical) system which is both cheaper and less likely to break down. I will keep you informed of progress. If you would like to Donate: https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/donate

World Day of Prayer

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

Marriage Preparation Courses

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

March - Friday/Saturday 26/27

April - Friday/Saturday 23/24

May - Friday/Saturday 21/22

Spaces are filling up fast, so please register now in consultation with the parish priest. Download an application. Alternatively, email irene.furlong@staned.org.uk Tel: 0131 623 8900

Thomistic Institute at the University of Edinburgh Events

Monday 22nd Feb, 7:30pm

Aquinas Reading Group – The Thomistic Institute is starting up an Aquinas Reading Group starting on and led by Fr. Samuel Burke, OP. We'll be reading three articles of the Summa Theologiae (“Summary of Theology”) by St. Thomas Aquinas each fortnight on the theme of the theological virtues (Faith, Hope and Charity). The reading group is open to people who are under 35. The first meeting will be an introductory session about the format of the group. To register, visit http://tiny.cc/aquinasgroup

Tuesday, 2nd March, 7:30pm

Lecture “Christian Politics in the Public Sphere - The View from St Augustine" by Fr. Robert Dodaro, OSA: To register, visit www.tinyurl.com/25j8b8co

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

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

An outdoors Stations of the Cross has been newly installed along the walking path at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston (77 Belford Road). In this holy season of Lent, please take the opportunity to come and walk with our Lord along the Stations of the Cross, viewing the 14 images of Jesus on the day of His crucifixion and death. “For it was not a mere man who died for us,…but the Son of God, God made man.” (Catechism of St. Cyril of Jerusalem)

Clinic for Application Assistance for EU Settlement Scheme: Saturday, 27 February, 11am - 6pm

For EU, EEA or Swiss citizens, there are less than 5 months left to apply under the EU Settlement Scheme to legally reside in the UK after 30 June 2021. Feniks, Citizens Rights Project and the Scottish Precariat Office have joined forces to deliver application assistance in English, Romanian, Spanish and Polish: Saturday, 27 February, 11am - 6pm: Edinburgh, St Margaret's House, 151 London Road EH7 6AE. Register in advance on this link: Register for Appointment for Applying for EU Settlement Scheme. For questions, contact euss@feniks.org.uk

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

LifeCare’s Meals on Wheels service is delivering fresh, nutritious meals, hot and ready to eat to over 65s in North Edinburgh, twice a week. If you know of anyone who would benefit from the service please do get in touch 0131 343 0940, www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk/services/meals-on-wheels

Free of charge, this project is currently fully funded thanks to Barclays 100x100 UK Covid-19 Community Relief Programme.

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

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

Pray for Persecuted Christians in China

While the Uyghur Muslim community endures persecution in China, the Chinese Communist Party is also targeting Christians in a number of ways. If you want to know why the regime in China is repressing Christianity you might be interested in the following article: Why China is terrified of Christianity.

Open Doors, a non-denominational mission supporting persecuted Christians, has noted that in 2021, for the first time in a decade, China re-entered the World Watch List Top 20 due to systemic persecution of Christians.

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

Mary’s Meals has launched an emergency appeal for aid for Ethiopia where millions of people have been displaced as a result of civil. A video message on the crisis from Magnus MacFarlane-Burrow, founder of Mary's Meals, is available at https://youtu.be/Vk03Mi4m32M

He says, “The city of Mekelle is being overwhelmed by displaced people arriving with nothing at all. Many of them are unaccompanied children who have lost their parents.” Please donate at https://www.marysmeals.org.uk/crisis-in-ethiopia

Fairtrade Fortnight from 22 February to 7 March 2021

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

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

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


Read the newsletter for 21st February (pdf)

Read the newsletter for 21st February (doc)

Sixth Sunday In Ordinary Time – Year B

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

Dear Friends,

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

Fr Pat

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

Ash Wednesday

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

Friday Noon Stations of the Cross During Lent

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

Lenten Preparation  Schedule a Time for the Sacrament of Confession

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

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

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

Sunday Talks — 5:00pm-5:30pm

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

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

Daily Mass Livestreamed from Cathedral House

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

Donations Needed for Major Fabric Expense to Repair Cathedral Chandeliers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

March - Friday/Saturday 26/27.

April - Friday/Saturday 23/24

May - Friday/Saturday 21/22.

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

World Day of Prayer

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

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

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

Becoming Saints Today: Unlocking the Present Moment

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

Songs of the Redemption: The Benedictine Liturgy of the Hours

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

Prayer as a Relationship Reflected in St Teresa of Avila

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

Praying the Passion According to St Mark

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Clinics for Application Assistance for EU Settlement Scheme

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fairtrade Fortnight from 22 February to 7 March 2021

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

Read the newsletter for 14th February (pdf)

Read the newsletter for 14th February (doc)

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year B

Cathedral Chandeliers Jammed!

chandelier.jpg

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

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

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

Faith in the Time of Covid

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

Sunday Talks — 5:00pm-5:30pm

7th February — Dr Mary Rice Hasson

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

Register — bit.ly/FaithCovid-Hasson

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

Register bit.ly/FaithCovid-Haldane

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

Register bit.ly/FaithCovid-Brown

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

Lenten Preparation - Schedule a Time for the Sacrament of Confession

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

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

Daily Mass Livestreamed from Cathedral House

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

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

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

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

Becoming Saints Today: Unlocking the Present Moment

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

Songs of the Redemption: The Benedictine Liturgy of the Hours

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

Prayer as a Relationship Reflected in St Teresa of Avila

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

Praying the Passion According to St Mark

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1:45pm Clean up and stretch

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Read the newsletter for 7th February (pdf)

Read the newsletter for 7th February (doc)

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Schedule a Time for Confession, View Livestream Masses

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

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

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

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

A Big Thank You…

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday Talks — 5:00pm-5:30pm

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

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

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

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

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

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

Register bit.ly/FaithCovid-Haldane

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

Register bit.ly/FaithCovid-Brown

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

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

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

Marriage Preparation Courses in the Archdiocese

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1:45pm Clean up and stretch

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

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

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

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

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

Free Online Courses: Job Seeking and Budgeting Skills

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

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

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

Read the newsletter for 31st January (pdf)

Read the newsletter for 31st January (doc)

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

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

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

That is how important the gift collection is.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kindest Regards

Colin O’Flaherty, Scottish Prison Service

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year B

Bishop Vincent Logan RIP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take Action and Ask your MSP to Oppose Introducing Assisted Suicide

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

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

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

Stations of the Cross – Monday Evenings Online During Lent

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

New Address for Catholic Parliamentary Office

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

Free Online Courses: Job Seeking and Budgeting Skills

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

Online Talks in January and February

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read the newsletter for 24th January (pdf)

Read the newsletter for 24th January (doc)

Second Sunday In Ordinary Time – Year B

Archbishop Tartaglia RIP

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

Church Closures

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

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

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

Daily Mass in the Cathedral

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have You Received the Sacrament of Confirmation?

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

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

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

Read the newsletter for 17th January (pdf)

Read the newsletter for 17th January (doc)

The Baptism of The Lord - Year B

Here we go again….

My Dear Friends,

As you will be fully aware by now, the Scottish Government ordered the closure of all Churches on Wednesday and forbade communal public worship in Scotland except in the case of funerals and weddings. The Scottish Government also took the step of illegalising baptisms. These are strange and difficult times and many of us are deeply disturbed by these measures which appear inequitable and unjustified by evidence. However, we have no choice but to comply and so, until the Government decides otherwise, the Cathedral and St. Andrews will be closed. There will be Mass live streamed daily from Cathedral House at 10am. And we will record Sunday Mass in the Cathedral every week. In addition, anyone wishing to go to confession should contact the Cathedral Office and we will be available every day to hear confessions. Finally, anyone who is ill and in need of the Sacrament of the Sick should call the Cathedral. We will respond to all requests for the Last Rites.

I am printing the Statement of the Bishops Conference of Scotland in response to these Government measures for your information.

Fr. Patrick

Statement of the Bishop’s Conference of Scotland on 5th January 2021

“Recognising the dangers posed by the new faster-spreading variant of COVID-19, we note the Scottish Government’s decision to close all places of worship from Friday 8 January 2021.

The Scottish Government believes that such measures are necessary to curtail the spread of this new strain during the roll-out of the vaccine. We appreciate the difficult choices facing the Scottish Government at this time and we have shown ourselves ready both to cooperate with and to support its efforts in protecting the common good. This has included curtailing public worship in extreme circumstances and for a limited period.

However, we are also perplexed by the decision, given that the stringent measures taken since last March to ensure public safety in our churches have been effective. No evidence has been forthcoming to justify the inclusion of places of worship as sources of infection. Without such scientific evidence these restrictions will appear to Catholics to be arbitrary and unfair. Moreover, a significant number of other sectors similarly restricted last March alongside public worship – such as construction, manufacturing and elite sports - have now been left free to continue in operation.

We also note that, in England, the essential contribution of public worship to the spiritual welfare of all citizens during this crisis has now been endorsed by the decision not to close places of worship while the Scottish Government has apparently retreated from this view, causing dismay and confusion.

We are very aware of the disappointment these closures will cause not only to our own Catholic community, but to many of our fellow-Christians and those of other faiths in Scotland. We wish to emphasise again the spiritual, social and psychological benefits provided by continuing public worship, and we ask for these to be taken into full account in future decisions. Public worship is a human right and is a duty humanity owes to God. More concretely, Catholics need the Eucharist and the Sacramental encounter with the LORD as necessary to their spiritual wellbeing and their ultimate salvation.

While we unequivocally share the common goal of protecting public health, we urge the Scottish Government, when the present measures are reviewed later in January, to reconsider these restrictions in the light of the above concerns.”

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

Thank you to all who have registered so far for the online seminar for anyone who is interested in learning more about deep inner prayer! There is still room for more! If you would like to participate, please send an email to cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk with the title “Online Seminar on Prayer”. We will send you a link with days and times for which you can sign up to participate.

When I say “online seminar” I mean that I will set up groups of about 10 people who will meet with me on Zoom at a time and on a day that suits them. These small groups will meet once a week for a short (20 mins) seminar on prayer. I will give suggestions for reading and some pointers (gleaned from the saints – not from me!) on how to approach prayer. Having it in the format of small seminars will mean that people will be able to ask questions and that it will be easier to have meaningful discussion. Prayer is not a “technique”, and no one can give you a formula for how to gain sanctity! However, there is a great spiritual tradition in the Church and there are many things that we can profitably learn from that tradition.

Think about it! I look forward to meeting with you if you think you are being called to a deeper relationship with God.

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

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

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

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

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

Have You Received the Sacrament of Confirmation?

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

Telephone Apostolate Update

Our telephone apostolate volunteers have continued to reach out to the lonely and the vulnerable throughout the pandemic. Please contact the Cathedral Parish Office at cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk if during this time of increasing isolation and fear you know of anyone who would benefit from a call from one of our volunteers.

Online Support for Those Suffering with Addiction

Rehab 4 Addiction is a free drug and alcohol addiction helpline to help those affected by addiction. To find out more visit, https://www.rehab4addiction.co.uk/country-wide/drug-alcohol-rehab-edinburgh or to make an enquiry call 0800 140 4690. Alcoholics Anonymous members are coping with the Covid-19 pandemic by taking their meetings online. You can reach AA on their national telephone helpline as well as an online 'chat now' service. For help contact https://aa-edinburgh.org.uk/ or call their 24-hour helpline on 0800 9177 650.

CTS Sunday Missal

To support you during the pandemic, the CTS New Sunday Missal 2021 is now £1.99

https://www.ctsbooks.org/product/cts-sunday-missal-2021/ This liturgical companion for Catholics is beautifully designed for every churchgoer and runs from the First Sunday of Advent 2020 to Christ the King 2021.

Read the newsletter for 10th January (pdf)

Read the newsletter for 10th January (doc)

The Epiphany Of The Lord – Year B

New Booking System for Sunday Mass

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

Daily Mass at 10am

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

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

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

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

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

Have You Received the Sacrament of Confirmation?

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

Take Action and Ask your MP to Oppose Introducing Assisted Suicide

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

Telephone Apostolate Update

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

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

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

360 Degree Virtual Tour of the Cathedral

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

Cathedral and Archdiocesan Updates by E-mail

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

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

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

Many Options Available to Support St. Mary’s Cathedral

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

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

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

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

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

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

Catechism Classes for First Confession, First Holy Communion and Confirmation

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

Thanks from Fr. Binu!

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

Dear Mgr. P Burke,

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

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

St Andrew’s Online

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


Read the newsletter for 3 January (pdf)

Read the newsletter for 3 January (doc)

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Happy Christmas!

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

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

Fr. Patrick

Read the newsletter for 20th December (pdf)

Read the newletter for 20th December (doc)

Third Sunday Of Advent – Year B

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

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

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

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

Prepare for Christmas with Sacrament of Reconciliation

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

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

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

Christmas Masses in the Cathedral

St Andrew’s Church, Ravelston

Christmas Eve: 5pm; 6pm; 7pm

Midnight (Extraordinary Form)

Christmas Day: Friday 25th December

9am, 10am, 11am,

12noon (Extraordinary Form)

St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral

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

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

Christmas Day: Friday 25th December

8am; 9am; 10am in Polish;

11am; 12noon; 6pm in Polish

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

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

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

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

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

Christmas CD Sale!

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

Warm Christmas Gifts – Knitted Goods to Support the Cathedral

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

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

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

Thank You for Donations for Fr Binu and Rosmini Seminary!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read the newsletter for 13th December (pdf)

Read the newsletter for 13th December (doc)