Youth Group Honours Our Lady
Youth Group (P3-P7) returns on Sunday, 4 May from 2:30pm-4:00pm, St. Andrew’s, Ravelston. Join us for a crowning of the statue of Our Lady in the garden to honour her in this beautiful Marian month of May, along with a time of fun activities and learning about our faith! Register at https://bit.ly/ParishYouthGroup-Registration Cost £1.
Young Adults Group Next Series: ‘Figures of My Faith’
Our Young Adults Group meets on Tuesday 6 May for our next talk in the series, ‘Figures of My Faith’ - talks by young adults focusing on influential figures in their faith journeys. Tommy Blink will speak about St. Kateri Tekakwitha. 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
Join us Wednesday 7 May at Ravelston for our next meeting in our weekly series of viewing Bishop Barron’s videos on the Mass followed by discussion. This week’s video is “Called Out of the World.” The Religious Sisters of Mercy will lead this week’s session, which is open to all and a great way to learn more about the celebration central to our faith. We will meet in the rooms at St Andrew’s, Ravelston following 5:00pm Adoration & Confessions and 6:00pm Mass – why not make some time to pray with Jesus in Adoration, before finding out more about the Mass? Watch the trailer at https://bit.ly/TheMass-Trailer Refreshments will be served. To register, please email the office at cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
First Wednesday: Prayers for Priests
This week on First Wednesday, 7 May, we will have our Prayers for Priests 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 or Priests each First Wednesday of the month.
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, please remember to Gift Aid it if you are a UK taxpayer. With many thanks and every blessing.
Celebration of Fr Tommy Greenan – 7:30pm Thursday, 8 May
The story of the Edinburgh priest who served the poor in war-torn El Salvador will be shared at St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh, this 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!
Tickets on Sale for Friday Paella Night at the Cathedral
Join us for a delicious paella dinner - classic paella or a vegetarian option - 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. Reservations also 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!
Children's Summer Course for Sacramental Preparation
If you have children of school age in need of sacramental preparation who have either not been baptised or are not in Catholic schools and have therefore missed preparation to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation or Holy Communion/ Confirmation, please contact the parish office at cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Depending on the level of interest, we may be able to offer a summer course on Saturday afternoons for children in need of sacramental preparation. If you have questions, please let us know.
Donations Needed! Snacks & Drinks for Playground Builder Volunteers
Volunteers will be working outdoors at St. Mary’s Catholic School from today, Sunday, 4 May to Tuesday, 6 May (9:30-5:30) building a playground castle in the small playground. Not an easy task — some will be working all weekend. A welcome boost would be some donations of snacks or drinks for their hard work, or if you would like to bring along something baked (savoury or sweet) that would be a great support, too!! Please bring your donations of drinks and snacks to the playground at St. Mary’s School, 63 East London Street, EH7 4BW to– your gifts will be appreciated! Volunteers may finish early on Tuesday if the work is done.
‘Catholic Conversations’ for Women Continues
Come along Saturday, 17 May, 3:45pm-4:45pm to the St. Andrew’s parish rooms (77 Belford Rd, EH4 3DS) for refreshments, a short input, and more conversation on the Mass. Recent converts, those considering Catholicism, and those desirous of faith-focused discussion all warmly welcome! Participants are also welcome to the convent Holy Hour with Adoration and chanted Vespers from 5:10pm. To register, email the Religious Sisters of Mercy at edinburgh@almamercy.org or call 0131 343 3380.
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
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!
St. Pauls Bookshop: First Communion & Confirmation Gifts and Cards
The season of First Communions and Confirmations is coming up in the weeks ahead and you’ll find a wide variety of lovely gifts, books and cards for those you love who are receiving these sacraments. Contact 0131 510 4260, edinburgh@stpauls.org.uk Shop is open daily 10am-5pm.
Legion of Mary – Students & Professionals Group
The Legion of Mary is a lay association of Catholics which seeks to help its members grow in holiness through devotion to Our Lady and by carrying out works of mercy. All are welcome to join. Our presidium name is Our Lady Cause of our Joy. We meet every Monday at 7:00 pm at 63 York Place, Edinburgh EH1 3JD. We are a group of mixed male and female members, students and professionals and from different countries, cultures. For more information contact: Monika – 07751213612, Emmy – 07879074240.
World Day of Prayer for Vocations Next Sunday
World Day of Prayer for Vocations is on Sunday 11 May. We pray especially for Gerard Holden and Matthew McCafferty who are seminarians of the Archdiocese. We also keep in our prayers Fr. Robert, Fr. Jeremy, Fr. John Peter, Fr. Jose, Sr. Miriam Fidelis, Sr. Miriam Ruth and all priests and religious in the Archdiocese who dedicate their lives to serving God and His people
Special Collection Next Weekend: Ecclesiastical Students
A second collection will take place for Ecclesiastical Students at all Masses on Sunday 11 May which helps cover tuition fees and living costs for our seminarians. You can also donate at bit.ly/eccstudents25
Bacon Roll Morning Today
Join us in the parish rooms for our bacon roll morning today in aid of SCIAF. Dietary option available.
Ravelston Holy Rosary in May
To celebrate May devotions to the Blessed Virgin Mary, there will be a Holy Rosary prayed immediately after each 6pm weekday Mass in St Andrews church – everyone is invited to join this powerful family prayer. In this Jubilee Year of Hope, those who do not know the Rosary or have not prayed the Rosary for a long time are especially welcome. Rosary beads will be provided if needed.
Tickets on Sale: Afternoon Tea for VE Day 80th Anniversary
Join us next Saturday, 10 May, 2pm-4pm for Afternoon Tea and children’s activities in celebration of the 80th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe Day), in the Ravelston rooms. Tickets on sale today, £10 adult, £5 child.
Ask MSPs to Say ‘No’ to Assisted Suicide
The Scottish Parliament is expected to vote on assisted suicide in the coming weeks. Please visit https://carenotkilling.scot/ to email your MSPs in a few easy clicks!
Mass and Rosary for Life with Bishop Keenan
Join Bishop Keenan at St. Augustine’s Church, 12 Dundyvan Rd, Coatbridge ML5 1DQ today for 5:00pm Holy Mass and 6:00pm Rosary for Life on this Day of Prayer for Life. To watch the event live on Being Catholic TV visit beingcatholic.org/watch-live/
Webinar: Nature's Best Kept Secret: Spacing, Delaying, Achieving Pregnancy
A webinar to help you discover a simple approach to spacing, delaying or achieving pregnancy - without drugs or devices. It takes place at 7:45pm on Monday 12 May and is organised by Fertility Care Scotland. This free webinar introduces the Billings Method, trusted by couples and health professionals worldwide, and reveals how understanding fertility can deepen connection and transform family life. Register at bit.ly/naturesbestsecret
Children's Liturgy Workshop (New date)
Join the Catechetics Commission for the second Children’s Liturgy (CL) Catechist Workshop. The morning will begin with Mass and include a presentation on music & art and a time of discussion. It takes place on Saturday 17 May 2025 9:30am – 12:00pm at The Gillis Centre 100 Strathearn Rd EH9 1BB. Register at bit.ly/childrensliturgy2. Contact srmiriam.ruth@staned.org.uk with any questions.
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 Christ and the Church. Spaces are available in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd atrium at The Gillis Centre in Edinburgh. Sessions are Fridays 1:30-3:00pm for 3-6 year-olds & Tuesdays 4:00-5:30pm for 6-9 year-olds. Contact brodie.douglas-young@staned.org.uk for registration. A group for 2-3 year olds, 1:45-2:45pm Fridays is also available.
Marriage, Family and Life
Support for engaged couples, married couples and families, and information on marriage counselling are available at https://marriagefamilyandlife.org.uk/ as well as the online Catholic Families for Life Newsletter. For Marriage Counselling, please contact Robyn at 07511 928621, marriage.counsellor@staned.org.uk
The Way of St. Andrews Scottish Pilgrimage
Enjoy being a pilgrim in Scotland! Try one of the eight great pilgrim ways wending their way quietly through Scotland’s diverse and scenic landscape to St Andrews. Great trails, great scenery and a great opportunity for reflection. To plan your pilgrimage route and get more information please visit http://www.thewayofstandrews.com/