Day of Prayer for victims of abuse

The Day of Prayer for those who have suffered abuse is marked each year on the Friday following Ash Wednesday (this year 16 February).

Material for parishes has been prepared with the generous support of some survivors of abuse, along the Scottish National Liturgical Commission and the Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency.

Archbishop Cushley has sent the material to parishes for use that day and has encouraged clergy to recite the Prayer for Survivors with parishioners at Mass.

Heal their wounds, their strength renew: A Prayer for Survivors

Bestow healing, Lord God,
upon your beloved children,
wounded by the pain and fear
inflicted on them by others.
Cast light on the darkness of their hearts
and draw near to them
to restore what is lost.
Shelter them safely in your love
and make them confident in the knowledge
that they have been powerfully redeemed.
Through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

***

Grief to Grace Retreat

Grief to Grace is hosting a Scottish Retreat at St Mary's Monastery & Retreat Centre in Kinnoull, Perthshire, on Monday 15 - Saturday 20 April, 2024.

It is a five-day programme of spiritual and psychological healing for anyone who has suffered any form of abuse, including clerical and religious abuse.

It takes place in a safe, protected environment and the process is grounded in the Scriptures, the Sacraments and prayer, enabling you to open your deepest wounds to the  healing power of Christ the Divine Physician.

However, this retreat programme has also been expertly and lovingly designed to make a path for that healing using therapeutic tools from the most up-to-date psychology and treatment of trauma.

The human science of psychology is integrated into a Christian view of the person whose meaning and dignity is deeper than the psyche. Body, mind and spirit are all engaged and cared for.

Find out more about Grief to Grace retreats at https://www.grieftograceuk.org/about

Buffer Zone Bill will take ‘sledgehammer to civil liberties’

Earlier this week the Daily Record covered the debate set to take place among MSPs on whether to have 'Buffer Zones' around abortion clinics, writes Peter Kearney, of the Scottish Catholic Media Office.

A Bill proposed by Green MSP Gillian MacKay would criminalise any action aimed at persuading someone not to access abortion or to consider an alternative, within 200 metres of premises carrying out abortions.

It would become illegal, to:

The Bill takes a sledgehammer to free speech and demolishes many other civil liberties, including freedom of expression, assembly, thought, conscience and religion.

It could create for the first time in Scottish legal history, a thought crime. You would just need to think negatively about the actions of others to fall foul of the law.

With so much at stake, it’s probably worth asking: what exactly is the problem this terrible Bill is trying to solve?

Well, you might be surprised to learn that no one has ever been arrested outside an abortion facility in Scotland, for breach of the peace, harassment or intimidation.

Police Scotland have stated explicitly that “existing powers and offences are sufficient to address any unlawful behaviour which may arise in the vicinity of a health care premises as a result of such protest.”

They add: “Our engagement with participants...has not resulted in any criminality being identified.”

As the Record’s powerful pictures showed this week, a group of pensioners saying prayers on the pavement isn’t exactly threatening.

Sledgehammer

Since the cops are clear; no crimes are being committed and no new laws are needed, the Bill looks a lot like a sledgehammer being wielded against an invisible nut.

Peaceful protest used to be a cornerstone of our democracy.

Silent vigils have always been seen as harmless and unthreatening.

If we crush that concept now, where will it end?

Silent Peace vigils outside the Trident nuclear base at Faslane have been a fixture for decades, they explicitly attempt to influence those who witness them, but no Scots politician has ever said we should ban them.

That’s because for generations we’ve respected freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and freedom of thought conscience and religion as the hard-won human rights they are and wouldn’t dream of erasing them.

Threat to freedoms

The proposed “Buffer Zone” law would at a stroke undo almost a century of settled international human rights law, leaving our courts to determine whether an individual’s thoughts were permissible or not.

Such a threat to universal and fundamental rights is genuinely frightening.

A growing number of people in Scotland are waking up to this real threat to our freedoms and are calling on the Scottish Government to disassociate itself from this damaging and unnecessary proposal.

Our MSPs should steer well clear of unravelling our Human Rights by allowing the Police to protect the peace, the prayerful to pray and the concept of freedom of expression to survive.

Peter Kearney is Director of the Scottish Catholic Media Office. The Daily Record, having commissioned the above article, refused to publish it.

Parishes invited to screen Against the Tide

Parishes are being offered the chance to screen an award-winning documentary that challenges contemporary atheism.

Against the Tide is a travelogue, a science documentary, an excursion into history, an autobiography and more.

But at heart, it is the story of one man’s daring stand against the tide of contemporary atheism and its drive to add belief in God to society’s catalogue of dead ideas. Watch the trailer below or on the official website.

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Against the Tide features actor Kevin Sorbo and Professor John Lennox as they explore the case for Christianity against an atheistic worldview while examining the evidence for Jesus raised from the dead.

John Lennox is Professor of Mathematics at Oxford University and an internationally renowned speaker and author of several books on the interface of science, philosophy and religion.

He says: "I have taken a stand against atheism because I am convinced that it is perilously built on false premises and misinterpretations of evidence.

"Some of it is from science and some of it is from history. Properly understood, the evidence inexorably points to the existence of a creator God.”

Archbishop Cushley said: "It is an inspiring watch that challenges head-on the prevailing secular narrative about our existence and the origins of the universe. All Christians should see this film. Sceptics and those seeking the Truth should see it more so.”

Against the Tide can be screened via DVD, Blu-Ray or webstream in church halls at a low cost and Kharis Productions in Hamilton will help ensure it runs smoothly. To find out more contact info@kharisproductions.com.

David Hunter awarded Archdiocesan medal

Congratulations to David Hunter who received a special honour at Ss John & Columba in Rosyth at the weekend.

He was presented with the Archdiocesan Medal (St Andrews & Edinburgh) from Archbishop Cushley on Saturday morning for his outstanding service to the Society of St Vincent de Paul's Fife Furniture Project.

Archbishop Cushley presents the Archdiocesan Medal to David Hunter during Mass at Ss John & Columba in Rosyth.

Archbishop Cushley said: "Congratulations to David. We thank him and all who volunteer for the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SSVP) and charities in the Archdiocese who help the those in need."

David leads the Fife Furniture Project with Moira McCrae, who will receive the Archdiocesan Medal shortly.

They were both nominated for the award by Canon Brian Gowans, the Vicar Episcopal for Caritas, Justice & Peace, and Archdiocesan Spiritual Director for the SSVP.

He said: "David and Moira have helped so many families and I have called upon them to help families in need pver the years.

"David genuinely loves his work and seeing how people can move on with their lives after receiving furniture or white goods.

"I am delighted that my nominations were accepted as David and Moira richly deserved the Archdiocesan Medal."

Fr Andrew Kingham, parish priest, said: "David is a humble and modest man who devotes so much of his time to the Church. Today we recognise his work for the SSVP of which he has been a stalwart for so many years.

Haydn Carr, President of the SSVP for the Archdiocese, said: "This is a richly deserved award for such a humble and hard-working man. David epitomises everything that is good about the SSVP."

The Fife Furniture Project supports people who have been homeless or are in need. Volunteers collect and deliver furniture and white goods to those in need across Fife at no cost.

The Archdiocesan Medal for Outstanding Service to the Church was established in 1975 by Cardinal Gordon Joseph Gray, Archbishop of St Andrews & Edinburgh. Only 100 or so medals have been awarded for “outstanding voluntary service” to the Church at a local level.

Celebrating World Day for Consecrated Life

Religious brothers and sisters from across the Archdiocese joined together with Archbishop Cushley in Edinburgh today to mark World Day for Consecrated Life.

The Day was a chance for religious in our Archdiocese to attend Mass, enjoy lunch and listen to a reflection from Fr Adrian Porter SJ, below, on Pope Francis seen through the eyes of St Ignatius.

Pope St John Paul II instituted the day in 1997 on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord.

Each year the Church has thanked God for the gift of the different forms of consecrated life and pray that our Church will continue to be enriched by the life and witness of consecrated men and women.

If you are interested in exploring the Religious Life contact our Director of Religious Vocations Sr Mirjam Hugens FSO at religiousvocations@staned.org.uk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pope appoints new Bishop of Dunkeld

Pope Francis has nominated Fr Martin Chambers as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Dunkeld.

He will succeed Bishop Stephen Robson who was Bishop of Dunkeld from 2013 to 2022.

Fr Martin (59) is a priest of the Diocese of Galloway, based at Our Lady of the Assumption & St Meddan’s, Troon.

He said:  “As I set out on this new Mission as Bishop of Dunkeld, I pledge to sit in prayer as a Disciple at the feet of Jesus, listening to his voice calling me forward in faith.

"Together, with Christ’s strength and inspiration, we will all be able to continue to build the Kingdom in the Diocese of Dunkeld."

A screenshot of Fr Martin giving a reflection for Palm Sundayin 2020.

He added: "One of the catchphrases of Pope Francis is that, as Christians, we are called to be ‘Missionary Disciples’. The Pope reminds us that, yes, we are all called to take our part in the mission of spreading the Good News in our families and within our local community.

"However, the Pope reminds us that, first of all, we must sit as disciples at the feet of Jesus, listening to Him and letting Him guide our steps.”

Bishop Robson, who was bishop from 2013-2022 before retiring on health grounds, said: “I have known Fr Martin for many years since he was in the Sixth Form of Blairs College in 1981.

Since then, I have followed with great admiration his journey in the priesthood thus far. He was educated in the Royal Scots College in Spain, and he has had great experience in Ecuador as a missionary priest.

Various appointments as pastor, school chaplain and diocesan responsibilities in Galloway diocese then followed. All this previous experience will stand him in great stead going forward as bishop here in Dunkeld."

Fr. Martin added said: “I am conscious that many years ago, I was accepted into seminary by Bishop Joseph McGee.

"He was the Bishop of Galloway who had started off as a priest of Dunkeld Diocese.

"In a strange way, I am returning a compliment in faith for, having started as a priest of Galloway, I am now becoming Bishop of Dunkeld.”

Fr Martin Chambers

Pope Francis has nominated Fr Martin Chambers as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Dunkeld.

Fr Martin was ordained Priest for the Diocese of Galloway in 1989.

He first served as an Assistant Priest St John’s, Stevenston (1989-1993) before being appointed Parish Priest St Thomas’, Muirkirk (1993-1996).

Since then he has served at the following parishes in the Diocese of Galloway:

He studied for the priesthood at the Royal Scots College, Spain – both at Valladolid (1982-1998) and then Salamanca (1988-1989), where he graduated with a Bachelor of Sacred Theology.

Fr Martin (59) was baptised at St Paul’s in Shettleston, Glasgow

He attended two primary schools - St Mary’s Primary in Irvine  and then Guardian Angels Primary in Bury.

He then attended St Vincent’s College in Langbank and then St Mary’s College, Blairs, the then junior seminary for Scotland.

From 2004 - 2009 he served with the Missionary Society of St James in Guayaquil, Ecuador .

The date of his Episcopal ordination is expected to be announced shortly.

SATURDAY: Valentine's retreat for married couples

The Archdiocese invites married couples (and those preparing for marriage) to a free Valentine's retreat this Saturday (10 February).

The free event takes place at St Kentigern's Church, Parkgrove Avenue, Barnton, Edinburgh, EH4 7QR from 2pm to 5pm.

It is hosted by Stephen and Martha Milne, who have long experience in running retreats, catechesis and marriage/family events.

There will be a crèche available for children of primary school age and older. Registration closes Thursday 8 Feb at 2pm.

The event is hosted by Stephen and Martha Milne who live in Dalmally, and are part of the Craig Lodge Family House of Prayer Community. 

Stephen said, "The Valentine's Retreat is an ideal way for couples to spend time together in quiet reflection and prayer, in thanksgiving to God for each other and all the positive things that spring from your relationship.

"We’ll provide some inspiring stories and practical advice from our own background and what we’ve learned over the years through delivering catechesis about and for the family and from working with families.

"We hope it will help you look afresh in appreciation of each other ahead of Valentine’s Day in the relaxed and friendly environment of St Kentigern’s Parish in Edinburgh. We look forward to welcoming you."

Register for this free event here.

About Stephen and Martha Milne

Stephen and Martha were married in 1989 in Baltimore, USA.

They have six grown up children, four grandchildren and another on the way.

They currently reside in Dalmally, Argyll and Bute, recently joining the Craig Lodge Family House of Prayer Community.

Stephen is a retired English teacher and taught in schools in Kent, London and Lincolnshire.

He taught at the Maryvale Institute in Birmingham for several years as an Associate Lecturer on the MA for Catholic Pastoral Studies programme, running a course on Marriage and Family in the teaching of the Church.

He has a BA (Hons) in Developmental Psychology University of Sussex, an MA in English Literature and Language from King’s College London, and a PhD from the University of Nottingham.

Martha spent nine years as a primary school teacher at The Lamb of God Community School in Baltimore, Maryland.

She is the Director of the Machine Quilter Company Ltd and currently runs social media for the Juki Sewing Machine Corporation Europe.

The couple have been involved in helping organise and run family retreats at Craig Lodge Family House of Prayer Community in the last year.

She has a B.S. in Speech and Language Pathology M.Ed Literacy (Dyslexia), Catechesis Certificate from Maryvale Institute

The Valentine's Retreat is a free event organised by the Marriage & Families Commission of the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh. The registration address is bit.ly/valretreat. The event includes talks, time for coples to talk, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Guided prayer with readings and prayers relevant to the vocation of marriage. There will be a crèche available for children of primary school age and older. Doors open from 1:30pm. Questions? Contact matthew.meade@staned.org.uk

Join the Lourdes Pilgrimage in July!

The dates for the Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes have been confirmed.

It will take place from 5-12 July 2024 and you can find out more at edinburgh-lourdes.com.

Bernadette Barry, Chief Lady Helper, said: "We would love you to join our team of Lady Helpers who support our Assisted Pilgrims in all aspects of their pilgrimage in the Accueil Marie Saint Frai Lourdes.

"You do need any specific qualifications, just a willingness to share your time, commitment and faith journey."

Kris Thomas, who leads the Youth for Lourdes group, said: "Youth for Lourdes is a group of young people from all across the archdiocese.  Join us and be part of the team of helpers who support our Assisted Pilgrims. You'll have the time of your life!"

Claire Banks, Chief Nurse for the pilgrimage, said: "We invite nurses to join our helper team in Lourdes this July. It's an amazing opportunity to use your skills in a different environment supporting our assisted pilgrims.

"It's so rewarding and a chance to make lifelong friendships and memories."

The February Mass in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes takes place on Sunday 4th February at 3pm in St John the Baptist Church in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.  Why not come along and find out more about Lourdes.

Brother Michael ordained a Deacon at Nunraw

Congratulations to Brother Michael Downie OSCO* who was ordained a deacon by Archbishop Cushley at Sancta Maria Abbey, Nunraw (near Haddington) on Friday.

He is a fully professed Cistercian monk and is due to be ordained a priest later this year. He is originally from Holytown in Motherwell Diocese.

From left: Brother Michael is pictured with Archbishop Cushley, Fr Mark Caira, the Abott of Nunraw and members of the Cistercian community.

*OSCO: Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance. They live a contemplative monastic life with a focus of celebration of the liturgy throughout the day (and night). Find out more at https://nunraw-abbey.com/

The Year of Prayer 2024 and The Jubilee Year 2025

On Sunday, Pope Francis inaugurated a Year of Prayer ahead of the 2025 Jubilee.

He called on the faithful “to pray more fervently to prepare ourselves to live properly this grace-filled event".

The Holy Father said that The Year of Prayer 2024 is dedicated “to rediscovering the great value and absolute need for prayer, prayer in personal life, in the life of the Church, prayer in the world”.

The Dicastery for Evangelization will release materials to help the faithful celebrate the Year.

Follow the Holy Year Scotland 2025 page on Facebook to find out about national events in Scotland.

Find out more about the Jubilee Year 2025 at the official website: www.iubilaeum2025.va

What is a Jubilee?

A Jubilee is a special year of grace, in which the Catholic Church offers the faithful the possibility of asking for a plenary indulgence – a remission of sins for themselves or deceased loved ones.

It takes place every 25 years and is a tradition that is recognised as being a significant part of the history of our faith.

The Jubilee year begins with the well-known custom of the opening of the Holy Door at St Peter’s Basilica, following the other three papal basilicas in Rome.

The Pope grants permission for Holy Doors to be situated throughout the world for Catholics everywhere to take part in this most special rite.