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 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)

Second Sunday Of Advent – Year B

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

It was great to see such a great number tune in online for the first instalment of Fr Patrick’s Advent talks on prayer. But there is always room for a few more. Just email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

You can listen to last week’s first talk on the Cathedral podcast page or watch on the website

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

Our beautiful, candlelit Rorate Masses booked out last week in record time! If you’d like to come along this coming week, don’t forget to register online here beginning 8:00am on the Monday of each week. Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped to light all the candles (no small task!) and clear them all away at the end of the night, much appreciated!

‘Be Still’: Zoom Talk From Sister Anna-Marie McGuan RSM

How can we cut through the cacophony of consumerism to ensure prayer is the priority in your preparations to celebrate the birth of Christ? Sister Anna-Marie can help. This Zoom event takes place at 7:30pm on Monday 14 December. No registration required - join using this link: bit.ly/BeStillWebinar

IMPORTANT – PLEASE SIGN UP FOR WEEKEND MASSES

As you know, the government’s requirement of churches keeping a temporary register of all who attend Mass is still in effect at this time, for which reason it is very important that you register for one of the Masses before you arrive. Please use the online booking system on our website or call the parish office. Thank you!

Stewarding Volunteers needed for Christmas Masses and beyond

The Cathedral is in need of more stewarding volunteers, not only for the Christmas Masses, but also to help cover the various shifts throughout the days and weeks going forward. Stewards are on duty to ensure that visitors to the Cathedral are following the Government’s COVID-19 regulations relating to face coverings, hand sanitising, social distancing and cleaning of surfaces as required. If you would like to assist, please sign up on sheets with the volunteers at the back of the church. Alternatively, you can contact Elizabeth directly.

St Andrew’s, Ravelston, also needs more volunteers. Sign up at the back of the church to help.

Join Archdiocesan Pro-Life Office Against DIY Home Abortions - Tuesday, 8th December, 7:30pm

Join Paul Atkin on Tuesday, 8th December, 7:30pm in a Zoom session to learn how to make to make the best response to the Scottish Government’s questionnaire to stop DIY home abortions. Register here. The government’s consultation ends on 5th January 2021.

Annual Mass Attendance Census

The Archdiocese’s Annual Mass Attendance Census will be taken this weekend Sat., 5th Dec. and Sun., 6th Dec.

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 here

Anne will have available hats, headbands, tea cozies, and babywear of various colours and sizes. All the profits from all sales are very generously donated by Joanna and Anne to the Cathedral. Please support the Cathedral by buying some of these beautiful Christmas gifts!

Hand on the Faith to Others! Archdiocesan Diploma in Catechetics

One-Year Online Course in 2021 – Begins January 14, 2021

Grab your laptop, put the kettle on and join people across the Archdiocese on Zoom each week to learn about our Catholic faith and earn an Archdiocesan Diploma in Catechetics to prepare you to hand on our Catholic faith to others! The Archdiocese is offering a new one-year course via Zoom taught in weekly 45-minute lectures (Thursday evenings at 7:30pm) beginning January 14, 2021.

Topics will include ‘The Lay Vocation in the Church’, `What is Revelation? How does Scripture fit into Revelation? How do I read and pray with Scripture?’, `The Existence of God’, `The Nature of Man’, `The Dignity of the Human Person, Subsidiarity and Solidarity: The 3 Principles of Catholic Social Doctrine’ and much more!

For more info email: sranna.marie@staned.org.uk. Please take a brochure in the back of church with all the Course Module dates and details.

Wednesday Evening Mass in St Andrew’s Ravelston

During Advent the regular Wednesday evening Mass will be celebrated at 7pm (rather than 6pm) and you must register in advance for it as a candlelit, Rorate Mass. The Thursday evening Masses will be cancelled during Advent.

Catechism Classes for Children

In January 2021, Catechism classes in St Andrew’s, Ravelston, will begin for those children (P4 and above) who have registered for First Holy Communion in 2021, and those children (P7 and above) who have registered for Confirmation in 2021. It’s not too late to register! Please contact the parish office.

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. Contact Sr Miriam Fidelis, RSM at the Cathedral office for more information.

Conductor Sir James MacMillan: Catholicism and Music, Wed., 9th Dec 2020 6:00pm-7:15pm

Scottish composer and conductor Sir James MacMillan will discuss the relation between Catholicism and music in an online lecture Wed., 9th Dec 2020 6:00pm-7:15pm co-hosted by the Centre for Catholic Studies at Durham University and The Institute for Theology, Imagination and the Arts at the University of St Andrews. He will discuss his own music, music from previous centuries which has been employed in liturgy, and the religious traditions and heritage of Catholicism. To register, please visit here.

“From The Holy Land: Faith and Art” – Online Course Wednesdays in Advent

A new online course sponsored by Pilgrimage People will be held on Wednesdays in Advent, 3pm-4pm. The course will look at the history, architecture and art of churches in the Holy Land. All the talks will be recorded. Cost is £60 and all profits go to support Christians in the Holy Land. The course dates are 2nd December: The Basilica of the Annunciation; 9th December: The Church of the Visitation; 16th December: The Shepherds Fields; 23rd December: Church of the Nativity. To register, please email info@pilgrimagepeople.org or call 0800 612 3423.

Mary’s Meals, Double the Love

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

Read the newsletter for 6th December here (pdf)

Read the newsletter for 6th December here (doc)

First Sunday Of Advent – Year B

ADVENT 2020

After such a strange and perplexing year, it will be good for us to use the beautiful and peaceful season of Advent to ponder on the last nine months and on our faith as we move into an uncertain future. In order to help us reflect and enter into the spirit of Advent, we have organised a number of special events:

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

This year, more than ever, I have felt that God is calling all of us into a deeper and more real life of prayer. In order to help you – I am offering a short series of 10-minute talks on prayer. Each one will be at 7:00pm every Monday in Advent: Nov. 30th, Dec. 7th, 14th, 21st. E-mail cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk to register.

Advent Candlelit Masses

As in previous years, during Advent we will have our special Candlelit Masses at both the Cathedral and at Ravelston. The Masses will be at 7pm on Wednesday in Ravelston and on Thursday at the Cathedral. Seats will be available for online reservation here beginning 8:00am on the Monday of each week. Or phone the Parish Office at 0131 556 1798.

Advent with the Archbishop – Sunday, 29th November at 7pm

Archbishop Leo will give a talk entitled ‘Unwrapping Christmas’ on Zoom on Sunday 29 November at 7pm. The event is open to all. Please register at bit.ly/UnwrappingAdvent

IMPORTANT – PLEASE SIGN UP FOR WEEKEND MASSES

As you know, the government’s limit of 50 people per Mass is still in effect at this time for which reason it is very important that you register for one of the Masses before you arrive. Please use the online booking system on our website (on the homepage, scroll down to ‘Reserve a place for Sunday Mass’ or click on the button below) or call the parish office. Thank you!

St. Andrew’s Day

His Grace the Archbishop will celebrate the 12.45pm Mass on Monday in honour of our National Patron.

Stewarding Volunteers needed for Christmas Masses and beyond

The Cathedral is in need of more stewarding volunteers, not only for the Christmas Masses, but also to help cover the various shifts throughout the days and weeks going forward. Stewards are on duty to ensure that visitors to the Cathedral are following the Government’s COVID-19 regulations relating to face coverings, hand sanitising, social distancing and cleaning of surfaces as required. If you would like to assist, please sign up on sheets with the volunteers at the back of the church. Alternatively, you can contact Elizabeth or sign up on the sheet at the back of the church to help out at St Andrew’s, Ravelston.

First Saturday Devotions – Next Saturday

Devotions to Our Lady of Fatima will be held in the Cathedral on Sat 5th December at 9:30am. All welcome.

Advent Rosary for Life – Monday, 30 November, 7:00pm

Join with the unborn Christ and His Mother on the journey to Bethlehem through praying the rosary with others during the weeks of Advent. Each rosary will last about 30 minutes, starting at 7pm. Register here.

Annual Mass Attendance Census

The Archdiocese’s Annual Mass Attendance Census will be taken next weekend Sat., 5th Dec. and Sun., 6th Dec.

Many Thanks for Donated Gifts to Prisoners’ Children!

We received a large quantity of beautifully wrapped Christmas gifts both at the Cathedral and St. Andrew’s for distribution to for the children of prisoners in Edinburgh (Saughton) Prison. Thank you very much to everyone who donated gifts! Your continued kindness and generosity are very much appreciated!

Music for the 12 noon Mass

Hills of the North Rejoice
Creator of the Stars of Night
Organ Voluntary: Jean Langlais Incantation pour un jour saint

Black Sunday – Christmas CD Sale!

This Christmas why not give the gift of Sacred Music? Our own wonderful Cathedral Choir will be selling their beautiful CD after all Masses this weekend. Inspired by 800 years of sacred music it is the perfect Christmas Gift. The CD costs a very reasonable £12.99 but as a special Black (Purple!) Sunday Offer we are selling 2 CD’s for only £20. All proceeds from the CD will go directly towards ensuring the future of our Cathedral music! Purchase at: https://www.stmaryscathedral.co.uk/store/withangels

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 www.kathedralknits.etsy.com. Anne will have available hats, headbands, tea cozies, and babywear of various colours and sizes. All the profits from all sales are very generously donated by Joanna and Anne to the Cathedral. Please support the Cathedral by buying some of these beautiful Christmas gifts!

Hand on the Faith to Others! Archdiocesan Diploma in Catechetics

One-Year Online Course in 2021 – Begins January 14, 2021

Join people across the Archdiocese on Zoom each week to learn about our Catholic faith and earn an Archdiocesan Diploma in Catechetics to prepare you to hand on our Catholic faith to others! The Archdiocese is offering a new one-year course via Zoom taught in weekly 45-minute lectures (Thursday evenings at 7:30pm) beginning January 14, 2021. Lectures will be given on the Role of the Laity in the Church, Sacraments, Scripture, Christology, Systematic Theology and Moral Theology. For more info email: sranna.marie@staned.org.uk Please take a brochure in the back of church with all the Course Module dates and details.

“From The Holy Land: Faith and Art” – Online Course Wednesdays in Advent

A new online course sponsored by Pilgrimage People will be held on Wednesdays in Advent, 3pm-4pm. The course will look at the history, architecture and art of churches in the Holy Land. All the talks will be recorded. Cost is £60 and all profits go to support Christians in the Holy Land. The course dates are 2nd December: The Basilica of the Annunciation; 9th December: The Church of the Visitation; 16th December: The Shepherds Fields; 23rd December: Church of the Nativity. To register, please email info@pilgrimagepeople.org or call 0800 612 3423.

Pilgrimage Opportunities

Need a Day Out? Explore Scotland on our many great pilgrimage trails! Routes include Rosslyn Chapel Way; Saint Margaret’s Loop, St. Andrew’s Circuit and many more! To learn more, visit here..

Read the newsletter for 29th November (pdf)

Read the newsletter for 29th November (doc)

Solemnity Of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King Of The Universe – Year A

Hand on the Faith to Others!

Archdiocesan Diploma in Catechetics One-Year Online Course in 2021

Join people across the Archdiocese on Zoom each week to learn about our Catholic faith and earn an Archdiocesan Diploma in Catechetics to prepare you to hand on our Catholic faith to others! The Archdiocese is offering a new one-year course via Zoom taught in weekly 45-minute lectures (Thursday evenings at 7:30pm) beginning January 14, 2021. Lectures will be given on the Role of the Laity in the Church, Sacraments, Scripture, Christology, Systematic Theology and Moral Theology, find out more here. An online introductory session is planned on Zoom on Tuesday, 24th November at 7:30 p.m. for anyone who would like to learn more! This is a great opportunity to increase your knowledge of our Catholic Faith. For more info email: sranna.marie@staned.org.uk

Please take a brochure in the back of church with all the Course Module dates and details.

‘Life of Faith: Where does Prayer fit in?’

45-minute Talk on Prayer with Sr. Anna Marie, RSM, Monday, 23rd November, 2pm and 7pm

Learn more about how to deepen your prayer life, draw closer to God and ask questions during the Archdiocese’s exciting new Zoom catechesis led by Sister Anna Marie McGuan, RSM, a Religious Sister of Mercy who holds a licentiate in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome. The 45-minute talk ‘Life of Faith: Where does Prayer fit in?’ will be held for the Edinburgh Deanery on Monday, 23rd November at 2pm and 7pm. To register please email SrAnna.Marie@staned.org.uk

Advent Talks with Fr. Patrick

During Advent Fr. Patrick will give four short talks on Prayer as a way of preparing for Christmas. The talks will be at 7:00pm every Monday in Advent on Zoom, beginning on the Solemnity of St. Andrew, Monday, 30th November. Please put the dates in your diaries and consider making these talks an Advent commitment for all the family.

Mass with Archbishop Cushley on the Solemnity of St. Andrew, 30th November

His Grace the Archbishop will celebrate Mass in the Cathedral at 12:45pm to celebrate our National Patron, St. Andrew the Apostle. St. Andrew, pray for us!

A Huge Thank You…

To all who purchased our 2021 Cathedral Diaries—in just one week the entire stock of 250 diaries sold out! All proceeds go to support St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral. The next thing we will be “promoting” is our wonderful CD – another perfect Christmas present…!

Advent with the Archbishop – Sunday, 29th November at 7pm

Archbishop Leo will give a talk entitled ‘Unwrapping Christmas’ on Zoom on Sunday 29 November at 7pm. The event is open to all. Please register at bit.ly/UnwrappingAdvent

Series of Talks with Fr. Patrick Beginning Monday, 30th November, 7pm

As we await Christ’s coming at Christmas, we can deepen our prayer life! Fr. Patrick will give four short talks about Prayer at 7:00pm every Monday in Advent on Zoom: Nov. 30th, Dec. 7th, Dec. 14th and Dec. 21st. If you would like to attend, please e-mail cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk or call the parish office.

Advent Candlelit Masses

As in previous years, during Advent we will have our special Candlelit Masses at both the Cathedral and at Ravelston. The Masses will be at 7pm on Wednesday in Ravelston and on Thursday at the Cathedral. Seats will be available for online reservation here beginning 8:00am on the Monday of each week. Or phone the Parish Office at 0131 556 1798. During the four weeks of Advent, we enter into this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, holding in our hands the candles which remind us of the coming of Christ, the Light of the World!

Times of Christmas Masses 2020

St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral

Christmas Eve:

3pm; 4pm; 5pm; 6pm; 7pm;

8pm; 9pm (Polish); 10pm; 11pm; Midnight

Christmas Day: Friday 25th December

8am; 9am; 10am (Polish);

11am; 12noon; 6pm (Polish);

St Andrew’s Church, Ravelston

Christmas Eve:

5pm; 6pm; 7pm

Midnight (Extraordinary Form)

Christmas Day: Friday 25th December

9am, 10am, 11am,

12noon (Extraordinary Form)

Seats will be available for reservation online beginning 8:00am on Monday, 14th December here or phone the Parish Office.

Stewarding Volunteers needed for Christmas Masses and beyond

In order to keep the Cathedral open, it is a requirement that stewards are on duty throughout the day to ensure that visitors to the Cathedral are following the Government’s COVID-19 regulations relating to face coverings, hand sanitising, social distancing and cleaning of surfaces as required. The Cathedral is in need of more stewarding volunteers, not only for the Christmas Masses, but also to help cover the various shifts throughout the days and weeks going forward. If you would like to assist as a steward, please sign up on sheets with the volunteers at the back of the for you to leave your name and contact details and these will be passed to Elizabeth Andrews, the volunteer co-ordinator, who will contact you with further information. Alternatively, you can contact Elizabeth for the Cathedral Masses or sign-up to help with Masses at St Andrew’s, Ravelston, at the back of the church.

Music for the 12 noon Mass

J.S. Bach 'Quia respexit' from Magnificat

Handel 'How beautiful are the feet' from Messiah

Organ voluntary: Paean - Kenneth Leighton

Buy Christmas Gifts from Kathedral Knits to Support the Cathedral

Knitted goods for Christmas made by our own wonderful parishioner Joanna Kopystynska will be available for sale in the Octagon after Masses on Sunday morning, before the 8am Mass until after 12noon Mass. They are also available at https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/KathedralKnits. All the profits from this sale are very generously donated by Joanna to the Cathedral. Please consider supporting Joanna and the Cathedral and buying a doll for a Christmas gift this year!

Remembering Persecuted Christians: National Red Wednesday Event on 25th November 7:30pm

Aid to the Church in Need’s Red Wednesday Event will raise the profile of what is happening to Christians persecuted for their faith and all those persecuted for their beliefs around the world. The report ‘Set Your Captives Free’ will spotlight four high-profile cases of unfair imprisonment: Maira Shahbaz, Patriarch Abune Antonios, Leah Sharibu and Bishop James Su Zhumin. Visit here to view the event and click save my spot.

“From The Holy Land: Faith and Art” – Online Course Wednesdays in Advent

A new online course Wednesday in Advent, 3pm-4pm will look at the history, architecture and art of churches in the Holy Land. All the talks will be recorded. Cost: £60. All profits go to support Christians in the Holy Land. To register, please email info@pilgrimagepeople.org or call 0800 612 3423.

Pilgrimage Opportunities

Take a “Day Out” on one of Scotland’s great pilgrimage trails, to Rosslyn Chapel a few miles south of Edinburgh or north along St Margaret’s Way to St Andrews. Find a variety of routes at http://www.thewayofstandrews.com/.

Read the newsletter for 22nd November (pdf)

Read the newsletter for 22nd November (doc)

Thirty-Third Sunday Of The Year – Year A

Hand on the Faith to Others!

Archdiocesan Diploma in Catechetics One-Year Online Course in 2021

Join people across the Archdiocese on Zoom each week to learn about our Catholic faith and earn an Archdiocesan Diploma in Catechetics to prepare you to hand on our Catholic faith to others! The Archdiocese is offering a new one-year course via Zoom taught in weekly 45-minute lectures (Thursday evenings at 7:30pm) beginning January 14, 2021. Lectures will be given on the Role of the Laity in the Church, Sacraments, Scripture, Christology, Systematic Theology and Moral Theology, find out more here. An online introductory session is planned on Zoom on Tuesday, 24th November at 7:30 p.m. for anyone who would like to learn more! This is a great opportunity to increase your knowledge of our Catholic Faith. For more info email: sranna.marie@staned.org.uk

Please take a brochure in the back of church with all the Course Module dates and details.

‘Life of Faith: Where does Prayer fit in?’

45-minute Talk on Prayer with Sr. Anna Marie, RSM, Monday, 23rd November, 2pm and 7pm

Learn more about how to deepen your prayer life, draw closer to God and ask questions during the Archdiocese’s exciting new Zoom catechesis led by Sister Anna Marie McGuan, RSM, a Religious Sister of Mercy who holds a licentiate in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome. The 45-minute talk ‘Life of Faith: Where does Prayer fit in?’ will be held for the Edinburgh Deanery on Monday, 23rd November at 2pm and 7pm. To register please email SrAnna.Marie@staned.org.uk

Advent Talks with Fr. Patrick

During Advent Fr. Patrick will give four short talks on Prayer as a way of preparing for Christmas. The talks will be at 7:00pm every Monday in Advent on Zoom, beginning on the Solemnity of St. Andrew, Monday, 30th November. Please put the dates in your diaries and consider making these talks an Advent commitment for all the family.

Mass with Archbishop Cushley on the Solemnity of St. Andrew, 30th November

His Grace the Archbishop will celebrate Mass in the Cathedral at 12:45pm to celebrate our National Patron, St. Andrew the Apostle. St. Andrew, pray for us!

Parish Bible Study – Thursdays at 7:00pm on Zoom

Join us for our Parish Bible Study on Zoom on Thursdays at 7:00pm, it’s a great way to come to know Jesus better through the Gospels, as we ask questions, share our reflections and pray together. If you would like to join, please email frjamie@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

When you sign up you will receive a short and accessible commentary for the coming Sunday’s Gospel in preparation for our meeting. We look forward to seeing you!

Sincere Thanks…

To the small group of benefactors who donated the two exquisite new carpets for the sanctuary of the Cathedral, many thanks to those who donated them and many thanks to all of you for your generous support of our beautiful Cathedral.

Remember to Reserve Places for Sunday Mass -- Online or by Phone

Due to the Government’s restrictions no more than 50 people may attend any one Mass and we need to keep a record of contact details of all who attend. Please reserve a seat for either the Saturday Vigil or Sunday Mass in the Cathedral or Ravelston:

Simply choose the Mass you would like to attend and reserve seats Monday, 8am – Saturday, 5pm. If you have any problems, or do not have access to the internet, please phone the Parish Office at 0131 556 1798 and we will be happy to help you. Please note: after 3pm on Friday, the parish office is not able to make any changes to Mass reservations for the weekend.

Music for the 12 noon Mass

O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion (Messiah) - Handel

Just as I am, without one plea - Brown

Organ voluntary: Toccata – Dubois

Christmas Gift Collection for Prisoners’ Children – This weekend and next weekend

We are collecting Christmas gifts for children of prisoners in Edinburgh Prison. We ask that the gifts are new, wrapped in Christmas Gift wrap, and with a label attached stating whether the gift is suitable for a boy or a girl and the age of the child. Gifts for older children from 11 years onwards would be most appreciated. There will be a collection box in the back of the church both next weekend and 21st-22nd November.

Buy Christmas Gifts from Kathedral Knits to Support the Cathedral

Our wonderful parishioner Joanna Kopystynska has been busy knitting all sorts of original knitted goods for Christmas. Unfortunately, this year, she is not really able to sell them in the Octagon and so she has gone online. All her wonderful knitted works are now on sale at her website.

As ever all the profits from this sale are very generously donated by Joanna to the Cathedral. Please consider supporting Joanna and the Cathedral by visiting her website and buying a doll for a Christmas gift this year!

Catechism Classes for Children at St Andrew’s, Ravelston

In January 2021, Catechism classes will begin for those children (P4 and above) who have registered for First Holy Communion in 2021, and those children (P7 and above) who have registered for Confirmation in 2021. It’s not too late to register! Please contact the parish office to register.

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

The Religious Sisters of Mercy have begun praying 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. For details, contact Sr Miriam Fidelis, RSM at the Cathedral office.

Support for Rosmini Seminary, Bangalore -- Parish Project Top-up Opportunity

Please be generous, in these few remaining weeks, before our Parish Project collection is transferred in December to the Rosmini Seminary in Bangalore, where Fr Binu is the Superior. You may make electronic transfers to the St Andrews account with a payment reference of 'Parish Project' or contact Caroline via finance@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

“Therese of Lisieux: A Doctor of the Church for Our Times”, Cardinal Winning Lecture 2020

Dr. Rebekah Lamb will present “Therese of Lisieux: A Doctor of the Church for Our Times” in this year’s Cardinal Winning Lecture via Zoom on Saturday, 28th November, 11am-12:15pm. Dr. Lamb is a Lecturer in Theology and the Arts in the School of Divinity at University of St. Andrew’s. The Cardinal Winning Lecture is presented by the Saint Andrew’s Foundation for Catholic Teacher Education, University of Glasgow.

Special Collection for Catholic Education in Scotland Next Sunday

There will be a second collection in aid of Catholic Education Scotland. Please be generous in support of our Catholic schools!

Read the newsletter for 15th November (pdf)

Read the newsletter for 15th November (doc)

Thirty Second Sunday of the Year - Year A

Hand on the Faith to Others! - Archdiocesan Diploma in Catechetics

One-Year Online Course in 2021

From the comfort of your couch, join people across the Archdiocese on Zoom each week to learn about our Catholic faith and earn an Archdiocesan Diploma in Catechetics to prepare you to hand on our Catholic faith to others! The Archdiocese is offering a new one-year course via Zoom taught in weekly 45-minute lectures (Thursday evenings at 7:30pm) beginning January 2021.

Lectures will be given by a variety of religious and diocesan priests, lay people and religious sisters. The Diploma in Catechetics is especially for anyone involved in the catechetical work of the Church (children’s liturgists, RCIA team members, teachers, youth group leaders etc.), but is open to anyone who wants to learn more about our faith! Find out more here

The perfect Christmas Present…2021 Cathedral Diary

This year we have solved all your Christmas present problems. The Parish Council have produced a gorgeous Cathedral Desk Diary for 2021. The Diary is beautifully produced with prints and meditations for throughout the year. Attractively priced at only £10 per copy it is the perfect gift for Christmas. By giving this lovely gift you will not only bring joy to your relatives and friends but will also be supporting the Cathedral. On sale at the end of Mass and on-line through the Cathedral website – please have a look and get your copies while stocks last!

Parish Bible Study – Thursdays at 7:00pm on Zoom

Many of you have already joined our new Parish Bible Study on Zoom on Thursdays at 7:00pm, but there is still room for more! If you would like to join, please email frjamie@stmaryscathedral.co.uk. This is a great way to come to know Jesus better through the Gospels, as we ask questions, share our reflections and pray together, so why not give it a try? When you sign up to join you will receive a short and accessible commentary for the coming Sunday’s Gospel in preparation for our meeting. Do join us!

Advent Talks on Prayer

Advance notice that during Advent Fr. Patrick will give four short talks on Prayer as a way of preparing for Christmas. The talks will be at 7pm every Monday in Advent on zoom. Please put the dates in your diaries and think about making this an Advent commitment for all the family.

Many Thanks…

To all 87 of you who managed to attend our online meeting last Monday. It was wonderful to see so many of you at the meeting and it was a great parish experience. Special thanks go to Darlene for managing us so perfectly technologically. The feedback from our discussions will be processed and published as soon as we can do it.

Remember to Reserve Places for Sunday Mass -- Online or by Phone

Due to the Government’s restrictions no more than 50 people may attend any one Mass and we need to keep a record of contact details of all who attend. Please reserve a seat for either the Saturday Vigil or Sunday Mass in the Cathedral or Ravelston. Simply choose the Mass you would like to attend and reserve seats Monday, 8am – Saturday, 5pm.

If you have any problems, or do not have access to the internet, please phone the Parish Office at 0131 556 1798 and we will be happy to help you. Please note: After 3pm on Friday, the parish office is not able to make any changes to Mass reservations for the weekend.

Christmas Gift Collection for Prisoners’ Children - Nov. 14-15 and Nov. 21-22

Beginning next weekend, Nov. 14-15, we will be collecting Christmas gifts for children of prisoners in Edinburgh Prison. We ask that the gifts are new, wrapped in Christmas Gift wrap, and with a label attached stating whether the gift is suitable for a boy or a girl and the age of the child. Gifts for older children from 11 years onwards would be most appreciated. There will be a collection box in the back of the church both next weekend and 21st-22nd November.

Music for the 12 noon Mass

Let all mortal flesh keep silence

Noctis recolitur cena novisima (Remember we the last supper)

Organ voluntary: Allegro maestoso (from Sonata 3) - Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy

St Andrew’s Ravelston Fabric Report

There have been essential changes made to the lighting of footpaths around the Church and House for the health and safety of all on site, especially with our beautiful evening Masses. Quotes are now being gathered for the most urgent items on the Property Health check –

• Replacement of the inefficient 30+ year old gas boiler in the House

• Permanent fix to the regular leaks in the roof of the rear extension in the House

• Unblocking the neglected drains and downpipes around the church

• Addressing the area of aged roof tiles over the sacristy

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

The Religious Sisters of Mercy have begun praying 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. For details, contact Sr Miriam Fidelis, RSM at the Cathedral office.

Support for Rosmini Seminary, Bangalore -- Parish Project Top-up Opportunity

In December, all Parish Project monies will be transferred to the Rosmini Seminary in Bangalore, where Fr Binu is the Superior. In these few remaining weeks, please be generous! You may make electronic transfers to the St Andrews account with a payment reference of 'Parish Project' or contact Caroline via finance@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

"Reading Scripture with Benedict and Francis: An Adventure with Two Popes’

Online Lecture Tuesday, November 10th, 6:30pm

The Thomistic Institute at the University of Edinburgh will present an online lecture by Prof. Lewis Ayres of Durham University titled "Reading Scripture with Benedict and Francis: An Adventure with Two Popes." The lecture begins on Zoom at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, November 10th. Register online at https://thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events

‘Ask Me Anything’ Shows Premier During Scottish Interfaith Week -- November 9-13, 2020

In ‘Ask Me Anything’ shows, young people from eight different faiths answer questions about their faith sent in from across Scotland. The shows will be premiered during Scottish Interfaith Week. The shows will be available to view from 9am on each of the days below and will remain on the channel to watch any time:

9th November - Jewish and Sikh, 10th November - Buddhist and Hindu, 11th November - Baha'i and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 12th November – Muslim, 13th November - Catholic and Protestant

St Mary’s Monastery, Kinnoull, Redemptorist Centre for Christian Spirituality

St. Mary’s Monastery, Kinnoull is open for retreat bookings! Visit https://www.kinnoullmonastery.co.uk/ for a full listing of upcoming retreats or call 01738 624075 for more information.

Read the newsletter for 8th November (pdf)