Advent service for teachers
Take some time out of your busy schedule for our Advent Service.
The theme is 'Imagining Peace' and we will reflect on the wonderful words of the prophet Isaiah with our guest speaker Fr John Deighan.
This event is on Teams and is for school staff in the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh. Register Kay for the link: kay.leslie@staned.org.uk
We hope to see you there!
NEXT Tuesday (5 Dec) at 4:00pm we host an Advent service for school staff titled ‘’Imagining Peace’.
Feast of St Andrew - Scotland's Patron Saint
Archbishop Leo Cushley will celebrate Mass for the Feast of St Andrew at St Mary's Cathedral at 12.45pm on Thursday 30 November.
Make time in your diary this year to celebrate the feast day of our National Patron at the Cathedral which has the National Shrine of St Andrew and his relics.
It was Andrew who, famously, brought Peter to Jesus – this feast day is your opportunity in a special way – to go to Jesus, through Andrew.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on the Vigil of St Andrew on Wednesday 29 November from 7.30pm, which will conclude with sung Evening Prayer of the Vigil at 8.15pm and then Benediction.
Diploma in Catechetics - Mass and Graduation
Holy Mass at St Margaret’s Chapel, with Archbishop Leo Cushley, followed by presentation of Diploma Certificates. Free parking onsite.
Carol Concert & Nativity Blessing
Archbishop Cushley will bless the Nativity scene which is located on The Mound, in Edinburgh, between 3:30pm and 4:00pm. Event is at Mound Place, EH1 1 YZ.
There will be a carol service at the Ross Bandstand in nearby Princess Street Gardens from 3:00pm. This year's nativity scene has been designed by sculptor Thomas Hildenbrand from Germany .
Tota pulchra es: Advent and Christmas choral music by candlelight
Join the Schola Cantorum of St Mary's Catholic Cathedral for an Advent concert by candlelight on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
A special Collection for the World Day for the Poor will take place in parishes on Sunday 19 November. Monies received will go to the Fife Furniture Project, which is run by the Society of St Vincent de Paul.
It has helped hundreds of people across the Archdiocese, many in desperate situations, by providing basic furniture and white goods for tenants.
In his message for World Day for the Poor 2023, Pope Francis said:
..whenever we encounter a poor person, we cannot look away, for that would prevent us from encountering the face of the Lord Jesus.”
Diploma in Catechetics 2024
The Diploma in Catechetics is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the Catholic faith in 2024.
And if you register before the beginning of Advent (3 December) we're offering a 20% discount on the cost! Click here.
Get ready to explore the richness and depth of the Catholic spiritual tradition with course leader Sr Miriam Ruth Ryan RSM.
- The year-long course begins on Thursday 25 January 2024.
- Sessions are on a Zoom webinar and take place each Thursday at 7:30pm (1hr max).
- Sessions delivered by a range of expert speakers from across the Archdiocese.
- Regular one-to-one sessions with Sr Miriam Ruth.
What students say
Here is feedback from some of our current 2023 students:
Incredibly informative. I have developed a much greater understanding of sacred scripture and liturgy, which has enhanced my faith and prayer life. Thank you! - Jimmy Adamson
This course has been a joyous learning experience about my Catholic Faith. - Hazel Kay
The Diploma has deepened my knowledge and has made His Holy presence alive and real. I wish this course was mandatory for all Catholics. - Gretta Bourke, Ireland
Read further testimonies from former students here.
Course leader
Sr Miriam Ruth Ryan is a Religious Sister of Mercy, of Alma, Michigan. She is based at St Margaret's Convent in Ravelston, Edinburgh. She is the Catechetics Advisor for the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh. She is joined by a selection of clergy and lay people who will deliver the course each week
FAQs
How much does the course cost? The cost is £200. However, register now for a 20% discount (pay £160). If cost is preventing you from registering, don't worry! Contact Sr Miriam Ruth for a confidential chat - we want everyone to have access to the course. Bursaries available. srmiriam.ruth@staned.org.uk
Do I have to sit an exam? No. Each module concludes with a one-to-one session with one of the course leaders. In the meeting, you’ll have a chance to talk about what you’ve learnt and ask any questions that weren’t answered in the lecture.
Do I need to buy course material? No. We do recommend you have a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which is available free online.
Do I need to be Catholic to take part? No, all are welcome to explore the Catholic faith in this course.
Is the course difficult? Like any course, some elements will be challenging. That's why we have gathered a range of speakers who are experienced in simplifying difficult concepts in an engaging way. Plus, each session has a Q&A section where you can ask the speaker to clarify any concepts.
Can I take part if I'm not in the Archdiocese? Everyone is welcome to take part regardless of where you are based.
What if I miss a session? No problem, each session is recorded and available online the following day allowing you to catch up.
How do I log in to sessions? The course leader Sr Miriam Ruth will send you a link by email each week that you simply click to enter the session.
I've never used Zoom! Don't worry, we can help set you up. It's a simple process.
How do I register? Register on Eventbrite here.
I have more questions! Please get in touch for a chat. Email srmiriam.ruth@staned.org.uk
Day of Fasting Prayer & Penance for Peace
Appealing for peace in the Holy Land, Pope Francis asks us to pray, fast and do penance on Friday 27 October.
He will lead an hour of prayer at 6pm (5pm UK) in St Peter's Square, to invoke peace for the world.