Advent begins on Sunday 30 November and here are events taking place in the Archdiocese as we prepare to commemorate the Nativity of the Lord

Victory: A day to explore the gift of confession
Advent is a time to get to Confession in preparation for the Nativity. If you'd like to deepen your understanding of this limitless gift join the Archdiocese on Saturday 23 November, 10:00am-3:45pm at St Patrick's, 30 Low Craigends, Kilsyth, G65 0PF, for a day hosted by the Catechetics Commission. Includes talks, testimony, and an opportunity for Confession. Mass at 9:30am. Register on Eventbrite at bit.ly/return2025. 

Nativity Blessing & Carol Concert
Archbishop Cushley joins religious leaders from across the city of Edinburgh for this annual event at Assembly Hall Courtyard on Mound Place, Edinburgh, before a Blessing of the Nativity Scene on The Mound backed by music from the Salvation Army Band. Sunday 30 November, 3:00pm to 5:00pm

Advent Rosary
Every Monday in Advent at 7:45pm to pray for unborn children, their mothers, and all pro-life intentions. Each session is on Zoom and lasts about 30 minutes. Following the Rosary there is a short reflection from a guest speaker: Deacon David Harper (1 Dec, Diocese of Motherwell), Isabel Vaughan-Spruce (8 Dec, March for Life UK), Fr Jamie McMorrin (15 Dec, St Margaret’s, Edinburgh), and Archbishop Leo Cushley (22 Dec). Register at bit.ly/rosary25

Masses for the Solemnity of St Andrew
St Mary's Cathedral on Monday 1 December, to celebrate the Solemnity of St Andrew, our National Patron, whose feast day this year is transferred from 30 November (Sunday). The Apostle’s relics are preserved in the National Shrine of St Andrew at the Cathedral. Mass will be at 10:00am, and with Archbishop Cushley, at 12:45pm. Public veneration of the relics following both Masses.  At 7:00pm there is a  Holy Hour with sung Vespers and Eucharistic Adoration. St Andrew the Apostle, pray for us!

Advent Retreat - 6/7 Dec
Saturday 6 December, 10:00am-7:00pm & Sunday 7 December, 3:00pm-5:30pm, St Margaret Mary's Church, Boswall Parkway, Granton, Edinburgh, EH5 2JQ. Led by Fr Bart Parys SVD Registration is essential. Visit retreat.light-lifescotland.org.uk

Christmas Carol Service
Organised by the Archdicocesan Lourdes Committee. St Margaret's Church, Davidson's Mains, Edinburgh, EH4 5AD on Sunday 7 December at 3:00pm.

Stella Maris Carol Service
Join Archbishop Cushley for an evening of carols, readings and celebration, followed by refreshments. Wednesday 17 December: 7pm Carol Service, 8pm Reception. St Mary’s Star of the Sea, 108 Constitution Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6AW. Please RSVP by Friday 5 December to info@stellamarismail.org or call 020 7901 1931

Rorate Masses at St Mary's Cathedral
The beautiful Rorate Masses begin the first week of Advent. The Mass is only lit by candles, representing Mary's role in bringing the Light of the World into the darkness of the world. 7:00pm on Thursday 4th December (Celebrated by Archbishop Cushley); 7:00pm on Thursday 11 and 18 December; 7:00pm on Monday 22 December.

Advent Walking Retreat
This takes place on Saturday 6 December offering the chance to walk, talk, and meditate on the coming of Christmas. The walk will start in Culross in Fife (birthplace of St Mungo) and finish at the National Shrine of St Margaret in Dunfermline. There will be an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Adoration with Benediction followed by 5.30pm Mass. To register for this free event and for times please email Deacon Pat Carrigan at obl.columba@gmail.com