Catholic conference for clergy and laity

Abbot Gregory Polan OSB, a monk of Conception Abbey, Missouri, comes to our Archdicoese next week for a special day conference.

The Benedictine led the translation project which produced the Revised Grail Psalms (or Abbey Psalter), used in the new translation of the Lectionary.

He hosts The Psalms and a Life of Prayer at Stirling University on Tuesday 28 October.

On Wednesday 29 October he hosts another day conference in Christ the King Church Hall, Glasgow, from 10:30am – 4:00pm each day.

The content includes:

The conference is open to the clergy and the laity.

To register, please contact liturgycommission@bcos.org.uk. Cost for the day conference is £25 and includes lunch, payable on the day, and this may be a parish expense.

On Wednesday 29 October at 7:00pm, in Christ the King church, Glasgow, there will be a workshop aimed at parish musicians, on singing the Abbey Psalms in the liturgy.  Resources for singing the Psalms in the new translation will be presented.  There is no charge for this event.

GALLERY: Dana & Friends at St Mary's Cathedral

The Dana & Friends event at St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh, took place on Friday and featured stirring music and testimony.

It featured the legendary Irish Eurovision singer who talked about her faith in the midst of a million selling pop music career.

Former BBC correspondent Martina Purdy, and former barrister Elaine Kelly spoke movingly about their journeys from top flight careers into the religious life, and about how their deep trust in God has helped them to navigate the unexpected events that have followed.

Dana was accompanied by the Cathedral’s Schola Cantorum, with Director of Music Michael Ferguson at the piano.

He said: "It was a truly Spirit-filled evening, and one that will be remembered at St Mary’s Cathedral and beyond for a long time to come!"

 

 

 

SOLD OUT: National Family Conference

Internationally acclaimed speaker Chris Stefanick features at the fully booked Inaugural National Family Conference in October.

Known for his dynamic talks and inspiring presentations, Chris brings a wealth of experience in helping families and individuals deepen their faith and embrace the joy of Catholic family life.

His keynote, broadcast live from the USA, promises to be a highlight of this landmark event that takes place on Saturday 25 October 2025, from 10:00am to 5:00pm at St Bride’s Hall, Muir Street, Motherwell, ML1 1PP.

The conference will also feature engaging talks, prayer, and opportunities for community, celebrating the gift of marriage and family life.

Participants will be encouraged to reflect, share, and connect with other families in a welcoming and faith-filled environment.

The event is organised by the National Commission for Marriage, Family and Life of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland.

Timetable

10.00am
Registration

10.30am
Opening Prayer & Welcome

11.00am
Keynote Speakers 1: John & Angela Deighan – addressing worries, pressures and challenges faced by families

11.45am
Comfort Break

12.00pm
Keynote Speaker 2 – Chris Stefanick (live link from USA) – vision of how ‘Home Church’ could be a source of evangelisation

1.00pm
Lunch – families to bring own (tea/coffee/juice/water made available). There is a Wetherspoon's and several cafes within a five minute walk of the venue.

2.00pm
Workshop/Group Discussions

3.15pm
Comfort Break

3.30pm
Families gather before Mass

4.00pm
Mass in Our Lady of Good Aid Cathedral (next to conference venue)

Location of Venue
St Bride’s Hall, 31 Coursington Rd, Motherwell ML1 1PP (across street from Our Lady of Good Aid Cathedral, Motherwell

Travelling by Train
The nearest train station to St Bride’s Hall is Motherwell Station, approximately a 10 minute walk to St Bride’s Hall.

Travelling by Car
There is a large free car park across from St Bride’s Hall as well as free parking on the street itself.

Travelling by Bus
Bus routes 201, 240, 240X, 242, 266.

Children
Throughout the morning (11am-1pm) and afternoon (2-3.15pm) sessions, there will be supervised age-appropriate activities provided for children aged 3 years and over in another room within the hall complex – one group for 3 – 9 year olds and one group for those aged 10 years and over.

For those children aged below 3 years, there will be an allocated space set aside for them to play with their toys within the conference hall, in sight of their parents.

Parish bulletin update for Sunday

Here is our round-up of forthcoming events for parish bulletins.

Vacancy
The Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh is seeking to appoint an Administrator. The position is for a period of one year for maternity cover. Full job description at bit.ly/archadmin1. To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter detailing how your skills and experience make you suitable for this role to recruitment@staned.org.uk by Friday 24 October 2025.  

Dana and Friends: ‘Stories of Faith, Hope, and Love’ 
Join acclaimed Irish singer Dana for an evening of music and testimony at St Mary's Catholic Cathedral in Edinburgh. She will be joined by two other women whose Catholic faith has shaped their lives: former BBC journalist Martina Purdy, and former barrister Elaine Kelly. The evening is free and will begin at 6:30pm with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Rosary, followed by music from Dana and testimony at 7:30pm. Reserve your tickets here: https://bit.ly/Dana-and-Friends-17Oct25

Special collection
There is a special collection for World Day of Prayer for the Missions (Mission Sunday). The theme this year is Missionaries of Hope Among All Peoples, and Bolivia is the focus country for projects being supported by Missio Scotland. Archbishop Cushley, Bishop President for Missio Scotland, asks us to pray for the missions and to give what you can, saying: "We should support Missio because it is doing what the Lord asks us to do - the Lord sends out his apostles and disciples and that means you and me by extension. There is part of all of us that ought to have a missionary spirit, that ought to have a missionary heart." Donations an be made online at missioscotland.com/donate

WhatsApp
The Archdiocese has launched a WhatsApp channel — a new and convenient way to stay informed and connected with the life of our Archdiocese. Join the channel at bit.ly/archwhatsapp

All Souls’ Day
Archbishop Cushley will offer Holy Mass for the repose of all the faithful departed who have died in the Archdiocese in the last year, especially those buried at Mount Vernon Cemetery in Edinburgh. This will take place on All Souls’ Day, Monday 3 November at 10:00am in Mount Vernon Cemetery Chapel, 49 Mount Vernon Rd, Edinburgh, EH16 6JG.

The Calix Society
The Calix Society is an association of Catholic alcoholics who meet to grow in their relationship with God through prayer and meditation (Alcoholics Anonymous' 11th Step). It welcomes anyone who wishes to join in prayer and fellowship. Meetings are on Tuesdays, 7:00-8:00pm, starting 21 October at St Patrick's Church, The Cowgate, Edinburgh, EH1 1TQ. For more information visit www.calixsociety.org

St Pier Giorgio Frassati book tour
A book tour to celebrate the recent canonisation and the publication of 15 Days of Prayer with St Pier Giorgio Frassati (New City Press, 2025), visits St Albert’s Chaplaincy, 24 George Square, Edinburgh. EH8 9LD, on Friday 17 October, 5:15pm. Free event, all welcome.

Catholic Conversations for Women  
Women who are recent converts, those considering Catholicism, and those who are desirous of faith-focused discussion are welcome to this event on Saturday, 25 October, 3:45pm-4:45pm in the St Andrew’s Parish rooms (77 Belford Rd, EH4 3DS). All welcome to join for Holy Hour with Adoration and chanted Vespers from 5:10pm in the convent with the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma. To register, email edinburgh@almamercy.org or call 0131 343 3380.

Venerable Margaret Sinclair event
Commemorate the centenary of the death of Venerable Margaret Sinclair on Saturday 22 November 2025 by meeting at her former grave in Mount Vernon Cemetery, Edinburgh, at 9:00am to pray the Rosary. This will be followed by a walk to her tomb at St Patrick's in The Cowgate. Benediction at 12:15pm followed by Holy Mass at 12:30pm. A Centenary Mass will be offered at the Sacred Heart Altar, in St Patrick's on Monday 24 November at 5:45pm.

Concert
The University of Santo Tomas Singers, from Manila in the Philippines, perform at St Teresa of Lisieux Church, Craigmillar, Edinburgh, at 4:00pm on Sunday 2 November 2025. Free entry (donations welcome).

Newman Association talk
A talk titled May spirituality help in mental ill-health? with Anthony Kramers, drawing on experiences of spiritual care in L’Arche communities and in healthcare. Monday 10 November, 7:15pm-8:30pm at Mayfield Salisbury Church, 18 West Mayfield, Edinburgh, EH9 1TQ. All welcome. Suggested donation £5.    

Archbishop Leo: take part in Mission Sunday

World Day of Prayer for the Missions (Mission Sunday) is this weekend (19 October) and the theme is Missionaries of Hope Among All Peoples.

Archbishop Cushley asks us to keep the missionary church in our prayers and do what we can to support the work of Missio Scotland.

He previously said: "Supporting Missio is doing what the Lord asks us to do.

"We see it at the end of the synoptic gospels where the Lord sends out his apostles and disciples - and that means you and me by extension.

"There is a part of all of us that ought to have a missionary spirit, and we ought to have, somewhere deep down, a missionary heart."

Bolivia is the focus country for projects being supported by Missio Scotland this year.

Missio established links with the country thanks to Fr Dominic Quinn, who spent a few years on mission there and helped the charity establish links.

A special collection will take place at Mass for the work of the propagation of the faith on the weekend of 18/19 October, with all money going directly to Missio Scotland. Donate online here. Archbishop Cushley is Bishop President of Missio Scotland.You can read Pope Francis' message for World Mission Sunday here.

Vacancy: Administrator (maternity cover)

The Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh is seeking to appoint an Administrator for a period of one year for maternity cover to provide administrative support to the Chancery and Catechetics departments within the Archdiocesan offices.

The role involves working in a busy team of administrators, reporting to the Office Manager, primarily supporting The Chancellor with official documents relating to Church governance and the Director of Catechetics with an online Diploma programme.

The role holder should have administrative experience and strong communication skills, good attention to detail, efficient IT skills and an ability to prioritise and organise their work, while supporting other team members as required.

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter detailing how your skills and experience make you suitable for this role to recruitment@staned.org.uk by Friday 24 October 2025.  

Interviews are scheduled to take place on Wednesday 5 November 2025 at The Gills Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB.

Job Details

Vacancy: Administrator (Chancery & Catechetics) – Maternity Cover for one year
Location: 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB
Hours: 35 hours per week (Mon-Fri)
Salary: £23,000 - £25,000 per annum

Reports to
The Office Manager.

Purpose and Scope
To support the function of the Curia by providing administrative assistance, particularly to the Chancery and Catechetics Departments. The role is for one year to cover maternity leave.

Key Relationships

Key Accountabilities – Chancery

Key Accountabilities – Catechetics

To lead the administration for an online annual Diploma programme, including:

Other Duties

Experience and Skills:

Join the Archdiocese on WhatsApp

The Archdiocese has launched an official WhatsApp Channel — a new and convenient way to stay informed and connected with the life of our Archdiocese.

Through this channel, you’ll receive updates on news and events directly to your mobile. It’s a simple, reliable, and secure way to keep in touch with what’s happening in the Archdiocese.

Join the channel here.

We invite all clergy, religious, parishioners, and friends of the Archdiocese to subscribe and stay connected with us as we continue to share the Good News.

Three awarded for lifetime of service

Three devoted parishioners from Christ the King Church, part of Sacred Heart Parish, Grangemouth, have received the Archdiocesan Medal.

Joan McGuire, Eddie McAuley and Maurice McMonagle were recognised for their lifelong commitment, faith, and service to the Church and local community.

Archbishop Cushley presented the medals during Mass on Sunday at the Church, as parishioners celebrate the church's 50th anniversary.

Joan McGuire

Joan McGuire (91) has been a cornerstone of Christ the King Parish since its opening nearly 50 years ago.

For more than two decades, she has been the caretaker of the church building, opening it daily for Mass and parish events. She takes great care of the altar and sanctuary, ensuring everything is prepared for worship. Joan also serves as a reader and Eucharistic Minister, and for many years she was a dedicated RCIA teacher, helping others grow in the Catholic faith.

A former member of the Legion of Mary, Joan’s service has often been behind the scenes — unseen but essential. Known for her quiet devotion and tireless work, she continues to serve her parish community with remarkable dedication.

Eddie McAuley

Eddie McAuley (80) has been a lifelong member of both Christ the King and Sacred Heart Churches in Grangemouth, serving faithfully since Christ the King first opened its doors.

A former pupil of Sacred Heart RC Primary School, Eddie went on to teach at St Mungo’s High School in Falkirk, where he was regarded as an outstanding educator and mentor. His example of faith and integrity left a lasting impression on generations of pupils, reflecting the Catholic ethos at the heart of the school.

In the parish, Eddie has been a driving force behind support for the Jericho Brothers, raising funds for men experiencing homelessness — a mission he continues today. He also tends to the gardens and grounds of Christ the King and serves regularly as a reader at Mass.

Eddie’s humility, faith, and commitment to others have earned him deep respect in the community. The medal recognises a lifetime spent quietly serving God and neighbour.

Maurice McMonagle

Maurice McMonagle (80) has been a faithful member of Christ the King Church for more than five decades, serving the parish with quiet dedication since before the church first opened.

A long-standing member of the St Vincent de Paul Society, Maurice has played a vital role in supporting those in need within the local community. He also serves on the altar at both Christ the King and Sacred Heart Churches, assisting at Mass and other liturgical celebrations.

Maurice is known for his generosity of spirit and readiness to help, often volunteering as a driver to transport elderly or less mobile parishioners to church and parish events.

His humility and consistent service are widely admired, and his actions exemplify Gospel charity lived out through simple, faithful deeds.

The Archdiocesan Medal for Outstanding Service to the Church was established in 1975 by Cardinal Gordon Joseph Gray. It is awarded for outstanding voluntary service to the Church at a local level.

WATCH: Dana & Friends at Cathedral preview

The Archdiocese is set to welcome three women whose faith in Christ has transformed their lives.

Martina Purdy was a BBC TV political correspondent and Elaine Kelly was a leading Belfast barrister who both made headlines in 2014 when they gave everything up to enter a convent as Sisters of Adoration.

Joining with the Irish singer Dana, whose life has also been shaped by her Catholic faith, the three women are on a mission to light the flame of faith, hope, and love, inspired by St Patrick.

Ahead of their event at St Mary's Cathedral on Friday 17 October, Martina and Elaine tell us more about their fascinating story and Friday's concert.

 

Join Martina, Elaine, and Dana on Friday 17 October for Dana and Friends: Stories of Faith, Hope, and Love. Doors 7:00pm. Register here. This article (abridged) first appeared in Crux, the magazine of the Friends of St Mary's Cathedral.

Safeguarding Statement 2025

Here is the annual safeguarding statement which Archbishop Cushley has asked to be read out in all parishes in the Archdiocese this weekend (4/5 October)

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This annual statement is read out in all parishes in the Archdiocese around the time of the feast of the Holy Guardian Angels which falls on the 2 of October.

In echoing this spirit of guardianship, we would like to remind you of our obligation to ensure that our parish communities are safe and welcoming places, where children and vulnerable adults are protected.

Our procedures are designed to create a safe culture.

Safe recruitment practices ensure that volunteers only start their ministry once a series of suitability checks have been completed, including a Protection of Vulnerable Groups, or PVG, check if appropriate.

We have reporting measures so that concerns can be passed on.

Our Mandatory Reporting Policy is designed to ensure that any allegations of abuse are reported to the police.

Safeguarding training ensures that volunteers, group leaders and Parish Safeguarding Coordinators know what to do if a safeguarding situation arises.

Whilst statutory procedures such as PVG checks are an essential and mandatory part of our protocols, adopting a culture of care is equally important – being vigilant, looking out for each other, and passing on any concerns.

Archbishop Leo Cushley wishes to express his sincere thanks to our clergy, parish safeguarding coordinator(s), group leaders, and volunteers; as we work together to ensure that our people, places and activities are safe.

Full details of safeguarding staff for the Archdiocese can be found on the safeguarding page on this website.

There is a poster at the back of all churches with the name and contact details of the Parish Safeguarding Coordinator.