Pathways to Pentecost - A Retreat in Daily Life

Explore the profound presence of God in every aspect of your life.

From the bustling city streets in the quiet moments of solitude.

Through prayer, meditation and reflection, uncover the sacredness within the ordinary and deepen your connection to the Divine.

Pray daily, meet weekly. Register here. To find out more please email Fr David Stewart SJ at ejcretreats@jesuit.org.uk

Opening Session
Sunday 4 May, 5.15pm at Edinburgh Jesuit Church, Lauriston Street, Edinburgh.

Closing Session
Sunday 1 June, 5.15pm, Edinburgh Jesuit Church, Lauriston Street, Edinburgh.

Hosted by the Edinburgh Jesuit Centre. FAQs below.

What is a retreat in daily life?
A retreat in daily life is time set aside over a number of weeks for prayer and reflection which is designed to fit alongside you usual work and home routine.

Who is a retreat for?
A retreat is for any Christian who wishes to deepen their prayer and know better Jesus Christ and the action of God in their lives. All you need is an openness to the experience and method of the retreat and generosity in setting aside the time needed each day for prayer for the duration of the retreat.

How long does the retreat last?
We offer retreats in daily life of different lengths - from three weeks to six weeks or more.

What do I have to do?
The commitment for the retreat in daily life is . . .

Prayer
You do not have to be an expert in prayer, or very confident about prayer, or already know how to meditate to do a retreat. Your prayer guide will help you understand how to pray better and will suggest material to pray with. What they suggest will be tailored to you, your own experience and circumstances.

Prayer Guides
It is important to have someone who is trained and experienced accompany you through your retreat. Your prayer guide will provide material for your prayer and meditation. What you discuss with them remains confidential.

Workshops
We offer workshops alongside the retreat. These focus on different methods of prayer and may be especially helpful if you are not particularly sure about how to pray or meditate in the Christian tradition or want to try new ways of praying. The workshops are optional and not necessary to do the retreat in daily life well.

How much does it cost?
We do not charge for the retreat in daily life. However, we do incur costs and so welcome a donation if you are able to make one.

Chrism Mass

The Chrism Mass is when the holy oils are blessed and the sacred chrism is consecrated. It is traditionally celebrated on Tuesday of Holy Week at St Mary's Cathedral, with Archbishop Cushley. Priest of the Archdicoese join him to renew their priestly vows

What is the Chrism Mass?

The Chrism Mass is a significant event in the Catholic Church, where the bishop consecrates the sacred chrism (a mixture of olive oil and balsam) and blesses the other holy oils (oil of catechumens and oil of the sick). 

Why is it important?

The Chrism Mass is a sign of the close bond between the bishop and the priests of the diocese, and it is a time for priests to renew their commitment to their ministry. 

When is it celebrated?
Traditionally, the Chrism Mass is celebrated during Holy Week, on the morning of Holy Thursday, but it can be celebrated on another day of the week, or during the Lenten season, as close to Holy Week as possible.

What happens at the Chrism Mass?

The bishop consecrates the sacred chrism and blesses the other holy oils. Priests renew their commitment to their ministry. 

What are the holy oils used for?
  • Holy Chrism: Used in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders. 
  • Oil of Catechumens: Used in Baptism. 
  • Oil of the Sick: Used for anointing people who are ill or infirm. 

Young Adults Talk Series - St Mary's Cathedral

The Lenten talk series for St Mary's Cathedral's Young Adults Group.
We take a look at some of St Paul's writings and the teachings contained within them. This final talk is led by Archbishop Leo Cushley who will discuss Phillipians 2: 6-11.
Doors open at 63 York Place at 7:00pm. Talk begins at 7:30pm and is followed by some time for private prayer and confessions then Night Prayer, finishing for 9:00pm.
No registration required. Further info: frrobert.taylor@staned.org.uk

Young Adults Talk Series - St Mary's Cathedral

The Lenten talk series for St Mary's Cathedral's Young Adults Group.
We take a look at some of St Paul's writings and the teachings contained within them. Talk led by Fr Jamie McMorrin, of St Margaret's Parish in Edinburgh, who will discuss Ephesian 6: 10-20.
Doors open at 63 York Place at 7:00pm. Talk begins at 7:30pm and is followed by some time for private prayer and confessions then Night Prayer, finishing for 9:00pm.
No registration required. Further inf0: frrobert.taylor@staned.org.uk

Young Adults Talk Series - St Mary's Cathedral

The Lenten talk series for St Mary's Cathedral's Young Adults Group. We take a look at some of St Paul's writings and the teachings contained within them. Talk led by Fr Joshua Moir of St Patrick's in Kilsyth, who will discuss St Paul's epistle to Philemon. Doors open at 63 York Place at 7:00pm. Talk begins at 7:30pm and is followed by some time for private prayer and confessions then Night Prayer, finishing for 9:00pm. No registration required. Further info: frrobert.taylor@staned.org.uk

Edinburgh Seven Hills Pilgrimage

Join us this Lent for the Edinburgh Seven Hills Pilgrimage on Saturday 5 April.
Taking in the summits of Arthur's Seat, Blackford Hill, the Braids, Easter Craiglockhart Hill, Corstorphine Hill, Castle Rock and Calton Hill, the whole route is around 27km starting and finishing at St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral.
Whether you want to join us for the whole event or meet the group along the way, this is a perfect opportunity to offer Lenten penance, pray for the city of Edinburgh and conclude with worship together at the 6:00pm Vigil Mass and prayers at the Jubilee Cross at the Cathedral.
More details to be confirmed soon, but register your interest now at bit.ly/sevenhillsapril
Event organised by St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh.

Workshop for Children's Liturgy Leaders

If you are involved with Children's Liturgy in your parish, the Archdiocesan Catechetics Commission invites you to The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB, for a workshop on Children's Liturgy of the Word.

The day takes place on Saturday 22 February from 9:30am-12:00pm and will include Mass, discussion groups, a presentation on resources, and a presentation on the Liturgy of the Word within Mass.

Registration and full event schedule at https://forms.office.com/e/yRxbbsJ5kL.

Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes

Our annual summer Pilgrimage to Lourdes takes place from Friday 11 July to Friday 18 July 2025.​​​​​​​ The theme is With Mary, Pilgrims of Hope and everyone is welcome.

The pilgrimage flight is now fully booked. A waiting list has been set up. The pilgrimage committee is liaising with Tangney Tours about the option of arranging alternative provision so that anyone who wishes to participate in the pilgrimage this year is able to do so.

For all details about the pilgrimage visit edinburgh-lourdes.com/lourdes25

Conversations in the Spirit

Fr Matthew Nunes from the Archdiocese of Liverpool will speak on the theme Conversations in the Spirit: How to Lead & Participate.

Fr Nunes runs a School of Synodality in the Liverpool Archdiocese and has a wealth of experience and insights to share.

We will discuss the practical steps of being synodal in your parish with speaker input and workshops and a chance to have your say.

We invite you to join us for Holy Mass at 10:00am (optional), followed by tea and coffee in the Islay Hall  where the event begins officially at 11:00am

Who is this event for?

"We welcome all parishioners in the Archdiocese, along with clergy to this event. We especially invite members of parish councils to attend." - Fr John Deighan, Archdiocesan Synod Team.

Register

Click here to register

Schedule

10:00am: Holy Mass in St Margaret's Chapel (optional).

10:30am: Tea/Coffee.

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11:00am: Session 1: How to do Conversations in the Spirit.

11:30am: First Conversation and Feedback.

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12:30pm: Lunch (please bring a packed lunch. Local cafes/shops available).

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1:15pm: Session 2: conversation in the spirit and the theology of synodality.

1:45pm: Second conversation and Feedback.

2:45pm: Evaluation, future plans, close.

Transport

Free parking onsite. Come early to secure your place and follow the directions of the stewards. Postcode for Sat-Nav EH9 1BB.

Bus: Edinburgh's Number 5 bus stops directly outside the The Gillis Centre.

Train: The closest station is Haymarket, which is a 15-20 minute walk to The Gillis Centre.

Conversations in the Spirit  takes place at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB.  It is organised by the Synod team of the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh, led  by Fr John Deighan of Ss John Cantius & Nicholas in Broxburn. Register here.

Edinburgh: A City of Faith (walking tour)

This year marks the start of celebrations to mark the 900th birthday of Edinburgh.

King St David – son of St Margaret – issued the charter to create the royal burgh in 1124. The foundation of the city was closely linked to David’s establishment of monasteries, one of which was in this city at Holyrood.

This walking tour will journey around some of the key sites in the centre of Scotland’s capital, that have been centres of the worship of God. Includes Holyrood Abbey, St Patrick's and St Cuthbert's

The tour is free, simply turn up on the day. Bring something for lunch, plenty of water and good walking shoes. Please check the weather forecast and bring a waterproof if required.

Event organised by St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh. Tour contact: frrobert.taylor@staned.org.uk