Easter Message from Archbishop Leo
Christ is risen! Alleluia! Today we stand at the empty tomb and reflect again on how the Lord Jesus has risen from the dead and how we have a share in it through faith and baptism. We also welcome all those who have become our brothers and sisters as Catholic Christians at the Easter Vigil: your presence among us is a wonderful sign of God’s grace at work. May the Risen Lord fill our hearts with His peace and joy. A very happy Easter to you and yours! +Leo
Happy Easter!
The day of Resurrection has dawned and we rejoice to proclaim Christ, risen from the dead. Alleluia! His is the light that darkness cannot overcome. His is the life that cannot be held down by death. His is the love that has set us free. May the risen Christ lead us to a true and living faith, irrepressible hope and a sweet and generous love that knows no limits; that the world may know that the Lord Jesus lives! A very special thank you to all who have laboured so faithfully to make our celebration of Easter so wonderful: those who have organised, overseen and participated in the liturgy, altar servers, ministers of Communion, passkeepers and welcomers, flower arrangers, musicians and singers, church cleaners and everyone who works or volunteers in our parish throughout the year, may the risen Lord bless you abundantly. And may the blessing of the almighty and living God, be with all his people, now and for ever. - Fr Jeremy
Cathedral Roof Appeal
Our beautiful Cathedral is facing a considerable challenge. Substantial works are urgently required to repair leaking roofs in the short term and to bring the buildings up to good condition over the next five years. If you are able to help with any donation to the roof appeal, large or small, we will be most grateful. Visit bit.ly/RoofAppeal25 do please remember to Gift Aid it if you are a UK taxpayer. With many thanks and every blessing, happy Easter!
From the Holy Father’s Message for the Jubilee Year of Hope
“The death and resurrection of Jesus is the heart of our faith and the basis of our hope. …Christian hope consists precisely in this: that in facing death, which appears to be the end of everything, we have the certainty that, thanks to the grace of Christ imparted to us in Baptism, ‘life is changed, not ended’, forever.” (Bull of Indiction of the Ordinary Jubilee of the Year 2025, Spes Non Confundit, 24)
All are encouraged to visit the Jubilee Cross at the Cathedral, at the National Shrine of St Andrew. Prayer cards are available. The Holy See has granted that the Jubilee Cross carry a plenary indulgence.
Slovenian Choir to Sing at Mass and in Concert Next Sunday 27 April
The Cantate Domino vocal group from Kočevje, Slovenia, will sing at the 12noon Mass on Sunday, 27th April, whilst the Schola Cantorum is on its Easter break. At 1:30pm, the group will offer a short free concert of traditional sacred music and folk songs, sung in Slovenian, Latin and English. This repertoire spans music from Slovenian renaissance composer Jacobus Gallus, to modern compositions by Andrew Lloyd Webber. In honour of the Cathedral’s patron, the group has prepared a special selection of songs dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Divine Mercy Sunday Holy Hour
On Divine Mercy Sunday, 27 April, 3:00pm the Cathedral will have Holy Hour in English and Polish with Adoration and Confessions. Jesus said to Saint Faustina: “I want the first Sunday after Easter to be the Feast of Mercy… to be a refuge and sanctuary for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the depths of My mercy are open; Jesus asked St Faustina that the Feast of the Divine Mercy be preceded by a Novena beginning on Good Friday: https://www.thedivinemercy.org/message/devotions/novena
‘Catholic Conversations’ for Women
Catholic Conversation for Women continues Saturday, 26 April, 3:45pm-4:45pm at St. Andrew’s parish rooms (EH4 3DS). Women ages 18-45 are invited for tea, coffee & biscuits, our short video on the Mass and discussion together about our faith. Holy Hour with Adoration and chanted Vespers in the convent chapel from 5:10pm-6:10pm. Register by emailing the Religious Sisters of Mercy at edinburgh@almamercy.org
Young Adults Group Next Series: ‘Figures of My Faith’
Our Young Adults Group next series of talks begins Tuesday 29th April, ‘Figures of My Faith’ - talks by young adults focusing on influential figures in their faith journeys. Grace Robertson & Alison Fernandes will speak about Pope Saint John Paul’s letter to women. 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.
The Mass: A Window to Heaven
Starting on Wednesday, 30th April and running through the Easter season, the parish will be hosting a weekly series of Bishop Barron’s videos on the Mass. These sessions, which are open to all, are free and a great way to come together to learn more about the celebration central to our faith. The events will be hosted in the St Andrew’s rooms at St Andrew’s, Ravelston following 5:00pm Adoration & Confessions and 6:00pm Mass on a Wednesday evening – so why not make some time to pray with Jesus, before finding out more about the Mass? Watch the trailer at https://bit.ly/TheMass-Trailer Join Fr. Robert for our first video, “A Privileged Encounter,” and discussion. Refreshments will be served. To register, please email the office at cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Schola Cantorum Gala Fundraising Concert on Wednesday, 30 April
As the culmination of their Rome fundraising campaign, the Schola Cantorum will perform a gala fundraising concert in the Cathedral on Wednesday 30 April at 7:30pm. The evening will include excerpts from Handel's Messiah, a preview of the music the choir will sing in Rome, plus other beautiful music from the Schola Cantorum's choral repertoire. The concert will include an interval reception in the octagon with prosecco. Tickets are £10 and are available from Eventbrite or on the door. All proceeds will go towards supporting the choir's singing at diaconate ordinations in Rome in May 2025, where they will represent St Mary's Cathedral and the Archdiocese. Book here: https://bit.ly/ScholaGala25
Youth Group
Youth Group (P3-P7) returns Sunday, 4th May from 2:30pm-4:00pm, St. Andrew’s, Ravelston.. Join us for fun activities and learn about our faith! Register at https://bit.ly/ParishYouthGroup Registration Cost £1.
Celebration of Fr Tommy Greenan
The story of 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 7:30pm. Speakers will share their memories of Fr Tommy Greenan and tell the story of how his acclaimed book The Song of the Poor came to be published following his death. The book will be available for purchase at the event. No registration required. All welcome.
Paella Night at the Cathedral
Join us for a delicious paella dinner on Friday 9th May at 6:30pm in Coffee Saints, to fundraise for the ongoing roof project, not to mention the chance to enjoy a lovely evening with friends and family. Tickets will be on sale (cash/card) after the Cathedral Masses, in person from the 26th/27th April and on the following weekend. Reservations will also be possible by email to cathedralhouse@stmarys.co.uk Prices are £10 per person or £25 for a family of four. Cash bar available. Come along!
Mass for Married & Engaged Couples
The annual Archdiocesan Mass for Married Couples (and those preparing for marriage) takes place at 7:15pm on Tuesday 27 May at St Mary's Cathedral. Archbishop Cushley will be the principal celebrant and will give a blessing to couples.
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). Please email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk to register.
Iona of the East: A Parish Pilgrimage
You don’t have to travel great distances to go on pilgrimage, especially when so many places with great history in the faith exist on your doorstep. Inchcolm island, standing in the Firth of Forth, has historical connections to the faith with St Columba reported to have visited in the 6th century, hence the name. The abbey was established in the 13th century and now it serves as a peaceful place of pilgrimage. The parish pilgrimage will travel to the island on Saturday 30th August on the 1030 sailing from South Queensferry. We will celebrate Mass in the abbey and have time for lunch as well as an exploration of the island, before returning to the mainland in the afternoon. Please plan to make your own way to the pier for the ferry. Book your place by visiting https://bit.ly/InchcolmPilgrimage25 Ticket prices include the return ferry ticket and admission to the island. Family ticket (including up to 3 children) is £65, adults £25, concessions £20 and additional children cost £5. Questions? Email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
St. Pauls Bookshop: First Communion & Confirmation Gifts
Find beautiful cards and a variety of gifts, books, rosaries, medals and crosses for First Communions and Confirmations at the bookshop. Open daily 10am-5:30pm, 0131 510 4260, edinburgh@stpauls.org.uk.
Mass Intentions
“Having a Mass said” for others is an ancient practice in the Church. A Mass can be offered for a specific intention, such as for the death anniversary of a family member or friend, for a wedding anniversary, for someone who is sick or another special intention. The offering of Mass in this way is a beautiful act of prayer that expresses our communion with others, living and dead, asking that the infinite grace of Christ’s redemptive sacrifice be applied to their particular needs. It is also a form of almsgiving in that offerings (donations) for Mass intentions are part of our contribution towards the good of the church and support of our priests. Intentions for the current week are already published in the newsletter, so please remember to make requests for Mass dates with at least 2 weeks’ notice. You may use the Mass Intention envelopes at the back of church (place in the Sunday collection or hand to one of the priests) or online at https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/intentions and bank details will be sent to you.
Tickets on Sale: Steak Pie Night SCIAF Fundraiser
A few tickets remain for Steak Pie Night, a fundraiser for our Parish Project SCIAF, at St Andrew’s Rooms, 7:00pm, Friday, 25 April: £30 per family or £15 single. Bring your own bottle. Dietary options available.
Upcoming St. Andrew's Talks
Join us next Monday 28th April for our St. Andrew’s Talk 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.
Bacon Roll Morning on 4 May
We will have a bacon roll morning in aid of SCIAF on Sunday 4th May. Save the date!
Save the Date: Afternoon Tea for VE Day 80th Anniversary
Join us on Saturday, 10 May, 2pm-4pm for Afternoon Tea in celebration of the 80th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe Day), in the parish rooms at Ravelston. Save the date! Watch the newsletter for details.
Assisted Suicide
UK Parliament will soon vote on assisted suicide. Please visit carenotkilling.uk/petition to sign the petition.
Beyond Consent: Rethinking Assisted Suicide Through a Family's Eyes
In a Zoom webinar on Thursday 24 April at 6:00pm hosted by Care Not Killing, Alicia Duncan will talk about her mother Donna, who died by assisted suicide in Canada in 2023. Her experience shows how safeguards that seem robust can fail in practice. Her mother’s death is a cautionary tale of safeguarding gone wrong. Alicia will be in conversation with Dr Gillian Wright, a former palliative care doctor. Register for the webinar at bit.ly/beyondconsent
Children’s Liturgy Leaders Workshop
A Children’s Liturgy (CL) Leader Workshop will be held Saturday 26 April, 9:30am – 12:00pm at The Gillis Centre 100 Strathearn Rd EH9 1BB. The morning will begin with Mass and include a presentation on ‘Music and Art in Children's Liturgy’ and a time of discussion. Register at https://bit.ly/childrensliturgy2
Annual Pro-Life Chain, Edinburgh
SPUC's Pro-Life Chain takes place on Saturday 26 April at 11:00am on Lothian Road. There will be a pro-life Rosary at 10:00am in Sacred Heart Church on Lauriston Street. Register at: bit.ly/proliferosary25