GALLERY: Our Summer Pilgrimage in Carfin

Thanks to everyone who came to the Rosary Procession and Mass at Carfin Grotto for the annual Archdiocesan summer pilgrimage yesterday (Sunday 18 August).

In his homily at Mass, Archbishop Leo Cushley said: "We draw life from Jesus Christ here in the Eucharist which nourishes our lives."

Highlighting the second reading from Mass (Ephesians 5:15-20) he said: "St Paul says that this may be a wicked age but your lives should redeem it.

"It's a lovely thought: you have the opportunity to redeem what you see around you by living your lives faithfully as disciples of Jesus of Nazareth. You can make a difference.

"We gather here to remember friends and family who have passed to God, to pray for those who need healing and want to be closer to the Lord, and also to pray for ourselves as well so that we too can be the people who draw life from the Lord and help redeem our age by our own lives."

*Parishioners from St Agatha's in Methil, Fife.*

*Archbishop Cushley and fellow clergy after Mass on the steps of St Francis Xavier's Church.*

*A group from Edinburgh, many of whom are parishioners of St Joseph's in Sighthill.*

List of Archdiocesan events for 2024-25

Here are planned events and significant days for the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh in 2024-25.

Event details will be published closer to their dates on this website and on our social media. Dates, times and locations may be subject to change.

A4 poster: A printer-friendly A4 poster can be downloaded here.
A3 poster: A printer-friendly A3 poster can be downloaded here.
Social Media: A version of the poster for sharing on social media is here.

***

August 2024

11 | Festival Mass, Midday, St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh.

18 | Archdiocesan Pilgrimage, Carfin Grotto, 2:00pm Procession, 3:00pm Mass.

21 | SPRED Commissioning Mass, 7:00pm, St Kentigern's, Parkgrove Avenue, Edinburgh.

31 | Altar Servers' Day, 11:00am, Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh.

September 2024

01 | World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. (International event.)

02 | Annual Caritas, Justice & Peace Mass, St Columba's, Upper Gray Street, Edinburgh.

07 | Season of Creation Conference, 10:00am, St Margaret’s, Drip Road, Stirling. (National event.)

21 | Reflection Day for Diploma in Catechetics Students, Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh.

22 | Venerable Margaret Sinclair Pilgrimage, St Patrick's, Cowgate, Edinburgh.

27 | Marriage Preparation Course. And 28th. Online. All dates here.

October 2024

05 | Scripture Reflection Day (new Lectionary), 10:00am, Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh. Register here.

12 | Knights of St Columba Pro-Life Mass, midday, St Margaret’s, East Port, Dunfermline.

25 | Marriage Preparation Course. And 26th. Online & Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh. All dates here.

November 2024

02 | Mass for Deceased, Mount Vernon Cemetery, Edinburgh.

09 | Annual Society of St Vincent de Paul Mass, St Michael's, Linlithgow.

09 | Pilgrimage of Hope - Holy Year 2025, 11:00am Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh. Register here.

16 | Youth Event (for p4-p7), Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh.

16 | Young Adult Cèilidh Ball, Central Hall, West Tollcross, Edinburgh.

17 | World Day of the Poor. (International event.)

December 2024

01 | Blessing of the Nativity scene, Edinburgh city centre.

02 | Pro-Life Advent Rosary, And 9th, 16th, 23rd. Zoom event series.

28 | Holy Innocents Mass, Midday, Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh.

January 2025

01 | World Day of Peace, International event. Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God.

18 | Diploma in Catechetics Graduation Ceremony, Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh.

18 | Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Until 25th. (International event.)

27 | Holocaust Memorial Day. (International event.)

February 2025

08 | World Day of Prayer Against Human Trafficking, International event.

15 | Valentine's Retreat for Married/Engaged couples, St Kentigern's, 26-28 Parkgrove Avenue, Edinburgh.

21 | Marriage Preparation Course, And 22nd. Online. All dates here.

22 | Day for Catechists, Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh.

March 2025

01 | Youth Day(S5-6), Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh.

08 | Holy Year Reconciliation Day, Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh.

09 | Rite of Election, Midday, St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh.

10 | Pro-Life Stations of the Cross, 7:45pm. And 17th, 24th, 31st; 7th, 14th April. Zoom event series.

21 | Marriage Preparation Course. And 22nd. Online & Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh.

29 | Diploma in Catechetics Social Day, Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh.

April 2025

12 | Palm Sunday Youth Day (s1-s4), Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh.

18 | Friday of the Passion of the Lord (Good Friday), Day of Fasting and Abstinence.

20 |Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord

26 | National Pro-Life Chain. 10:00am Rosary, Sacred Heart, Lauriston. 11:00am Lothian Road, Edinburgh.

May 2025

02 | Marriage Preparation Course. And 3rd. Online & Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh.

19 | Laudato Si' Week. (International Event.)

23 | Marriage Preparation Course. And 24th. Online & Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh.

27 | Mass for Married & Engaged Couples. St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh.

31 | Day for Catechists. Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh.

June 2025

08 | St Margaret's Pilgrimage, St Margaret's Church, Dunfermline.

22 | Corpus Christi Procession, St Patrick’s, 30 Low Craigends, Kilsyth.

July 2025

11 | Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. To 18th. See www.edinburgh-lourdes.com for details.

21 | Youth Retreat. To Ampleforth, until 25 July.

Contact us

Many events are organised by various commissions of the Archdiocese:

- - Commission for Caritas, Justice & Peace: VEcaritas@staned.org.uk
  - Commission for Catechetics: VEcatechetics@staned.org.uk
  - Commission for Ecumenism & Interreligious Dialogue: VEecumifd@staned.org.uk
  - Commission for Marriage & Family: VEmarriage@staned.org.uk
  - Pro-Life Office: prolife@staned.org.uk
  - Youth Initiative: yi@staned.org.uk

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Visit our YouTube channel.

Archdiocesan events for 2023-24

Here are planned events and significant days for the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh in 2023-24.

Event details will be published closer to their dates on this website and on social media. Dates, times and locations may be subject to change.

Trifold leaflet: A printable trifold A4 leaflet is available here.
A4 poster: A printer-friendly A4 poster can be downloaded here.
A3 poster: A printer-friendly A3 poster can be downloaded here.
Social Media: A version of the poster that is suitable for social media and websites is here.

August 2023

13 | Festival Mass. Midday, St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh.

30 | SPRED Commissioning Mass (25th anniversary). St Kentigern's, Parkgrove Avenue, Edinburgh.

September 2023

01 | World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. International event. Beginning of Season of Creation.

03 | Carfin Pilgrimage. Carfin Grotto, Carfin.

04 | Annual Caritas, Justice & Peace Mass. St Columba's, Upper Gray Street, Edinburgh.

16 | Altar Servers' Day. Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh.

17 | Venerable Margaret Sinclair Pilgrimage. St Patrick's, Cowgate, Edinburgh.

29 | Marriage Preparation Course. And 30th. Online. All dates here.

30 | Reflection Day for Diploma in Catechetics Students. Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh.

October 2023

07 | A View from Within: Justice and the Prison Service. Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh.

20 | Marriage Preparation Course. And 21st. Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh. All dates here.

23 | Searching for Jesus in the Gospel of Mark. Mini-course. Until 27th. St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh. Register at bit.ly/Jesus_inGospelofMark

28 | Scripture Reflection Day. Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh.

November 2023

02 | Mass for Deceased. Mount Vernon Cemetery, Edinburgh.

04 | Annual Society of St Vincent de Paul Mass. St Michael's, Linlithgow.

11 | Discovering Andrew & Margaret - Our Patron Saints. Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh.

12 | Remembrance Sunday. Ecumenical services across Scotland.

12 | Scottish Interfaith Week. Until 18th. Events across Scotland.

19 | World Day of the Poor. International event.

19 | Prisoners' Week. Until 26th. National event.

25 | Youth Gathering (p4-7). Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh.

29 | Advent Talk Series. And 6th, 13th, 20th. Zoom event series.

December 2023

03 | Blessing of the Nativity scene. Edinburgh city centre.

04 | Pro-Life Advent Rosary. And 11th, 18th. Zoom event series.

08 | Final Diploma in Catechetics Class. Zoom event.

28 | Holy Innocents Mass. Midday, Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh.

January 2024

01 | World Day of Peace. International event.

20 | Diploma in Catechetics - Graduation Ceremony. Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh.

21 | Week of Christian Unity. Until 28th. International event.

26 | Holocaust Memorial Day. International event.

27 | Music Day - Preparing for Lent & Easter. Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh.

February 2024

08 | Day of Prayer Against Human Trafficking. International event.

10 | Valentine's Retreat for Married/Engaged couples. St Kentigern's, 26-28 Parkgrove Avenue, Edinburgh.

14 | Lent Talks. And 21st, 28th Feb; 6th, 13th, 20th Mar. Zoom.

17 | Forming Intentional Disciples Workshop. Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh.

18 | Rite of Election. St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh.

19 | Pro-Life Stations of the Cross. 7:45pm. And 26th; 4th , 11th, 18th, 25th Mar. Zoom.

23 | Marriage Preparation Course. And 24th. Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh. All dates here.

March 2024

01 | World Day of Prayer. International event.

09 | Parish Catechists' Event. Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh.

22 | Marriage Preparation Course. And 23rd. Online. All dates here.

23 | Youth Gathering (S1-6). Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh.

29 | Good Friday Ecumenical Services. Events across Scotland.

April 2024

19 | Marriage Preparation Course. And 20th. Online. All dates here.

27 | Devotional Life in the Church Workshop. Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh.

27 | National Pro-Life Chain. 11am Lothian Road, Edinburgh. Rosary at 10am in Sacred Heart Church, Lauriston Street.

May 2024

TBC | Laudato Si' Week. International Event.

11 | Youth Gathering (P4-7). Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh.

17 | Marriage Preparation Course. And 18th. Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh. All dates here.

19 | Interfaith Peace Walk. St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh.

25 | Called & Gifted Workshop. Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh.

26 | Pentecost Sunday Ecumenical Services. Throughout Scotland.

29 | Mass for Married & Engaged Couples. 7:15pm, St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh.

June 2024

01 | Day for Sacristans and Welcomers. Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh.

02 | Corpus Christi Procession. High Street, Falkirk, to St Francis Xavier's Church.

08 | Alpha Training Day. Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh.

16 | St Margaret's Pilgrimage. St Margaret's Church, Dunfermline. Date to be confirmed.

Contact us

Many events are organised by various commissions of the Archdiocese:

Commission for Caritas, Justice & Peace: VEcaritas@staned.org.uk
Commission for Catechetics: VEcatechetics@staned.org.uk
Commission for Ecumenism & Interreligious Dialogue: VEecumifd@staned.org.uk
Commission for Education: VEeducation@staned.org.uk
Commission for Marriage & Family: VEmarriage@staned.org.uk
Pro-Life Office: prolife@staned.org.uk
Youth Initiative: yi@staned.org.uk

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

VACANCY: Director of Property (full-time)

The Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh is seeking to appoint a Director of Property to provide management and oversight of all church properties within the Archdiocese and also of Mount Vernon Cemetery.

The role holder should have significant property-related experience with relevant qualifications and training in a related discipline such as surveying, architecture or engineering.

The role is multi-faceted and will be both strategic and hands on. Strong communication skills, organisational skills and initiative will be key to success in the role, as will experience of managing a small team.

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 Thursday 29 June 2023. Interviews are scheduled to take place on Thursday 6 July 2023.

Job details

Location: 100 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB.
Hours: Full time, 35 hours a week, Mon- Fri .
Salary: £45-£48k, dependent on qualifications/experience.

Main purpose and scope of role

To oversee and manage the fabric of church properties throughout the Archdiocese.
To oversee management of Mount Vernon Cemetery, Edinburgh.

Line management

Manager of Mount Vernon Cemetery.
Gardener/handyman.
Property Team Administrator.

Key relationships

Members of the Archdiocesan Curia, especially the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the Health & Safety Coordinator, and the Director of Finance.
Parish Priests and parish fabric committees.
Architects, engineers, contractors, and utilities.
Trustees.
Government officials (councils, Historic Environment Scotland).

Key responsibilities

Parishes

Oversee all properties and prepare plan for vacant buildings, either to sell or utilise, working with COO and Trustees.
Promote, encourage, and assist parishes with carrying out regular maintenance of all properties.
Ensure that parish buildings meet insurance, compliance and other legal requirements, through conducting annual reports on compliance, arranging for training, and related tasks, together with Health & Safety Coordinator.
Inform/consult Trustees about major developments regarding properties.
Assist Parish Priests in submitting major property projects to the Finance Committee and to the Trustees for approval.
Serve as resource person for Parish Priests and parish fabric committees.
Organise deanery meetings to assist parishes and inform them of property issues.
Organise quinquennial surveys for all property and prepare priority forward plan for expenditure.
Oversee updating of database and files on all properties.
Send reminders and provide assistance with parish inventories when priests are moved.

Leased Properties

Oversee property agents for Archdiocesan residential and commercial leased properties.
Inform Trustees of major developments regarding leased properties.
Approve maintenance under £1,000 for Archdiocesan properties.
Present larger maintenance and upgrading needs to COO and Director of Finance for Archdiocesan properties.
Serve as liaison between managing agencies and Parish Priests for leased properties belonging to parishes.
Engage with solicitors as needed on commercial leases, especially on new leases and variations on existing leases.

Sales

Oversee process of selling properties as approved by trustees.
Work with estate agents, solicitors, trustees, and parishes to carry out sales.

Gillis Centre, Edinburgh

Arrange periodic inspection of the Gillis Centre building for maintenance issues.
Arrange for architects and contractors as needed.
Prepare project list for major maintenance for review and approval by Property Review Committee and Trustees for projects over £20,000.
Approve minor maintenance after consulting with Chief Operating Officer and Director of Finance.
Propose creative uses for unused parts of the property.

Mount Vernon Cemetery, Edinburgh

Line Manager for the Manager of the cemetery.
Approve expenses over £3,000.
Approve Cemetery budget.

Other property work or projects

Annual insurance renewal updates on buildings and other property.
Annual response to auditors’ requests for property-related information.
Annual preparation of budget for Gillis Centre property and for leased properties.
Organise and prepare agenda and materials for Property Review Committee meetings.
Prepare updates and project applications from parishes for Trustee meetings.
Oversee care for heritage assets, including loan agreements with museums, libraries, etc.
Registration of properties with the Registers of Scotland (one off project).
Oversee property archives and respond to requests.
Attend bi-annual insurance conferences and Scottish Inter-diocesan Property Group meetings.

Qualifications/Knowledge:

Degree or relevant qualification in building surveying, engineering, architecture or property/construction-related field.

Experience:

Experience in property management, repairs and improvement works.
Experience with complex historic and listed buildings and an interest in church buildings would be desirable.
Experience in project management and administration.
Experience in construction.
Experience in line management.

Skills & Ability:

Excellent communication skills, both spoken and written.
Good organisational skills with the ability to organise complex tasks.
Able to use Microsoft tools, including Outlook, Word and Excel.
Ability to work on own initiative and to take responsibility.
Trustworthy and discrete with experience of handling confidential information.
An empathy for the work of the Catholic Church.
Valid driving license and access to own vehicle.

OSCR Response to Trustees on Aged & Infirm Clergy Fund

In recent months, issues were raised with the Office of the Scottish Charities Regulator (OSCR) regarding the Aged & Infirm Clergy Fund (AICF) of the Archdiocese.

The Trustees have repeatedly confirmed their willingness to cooperate in addressing any such concerns and have done so.

As a result, OSCR has now formally confirmed that the Trustees have acted appropriately and have commended the Trustees for their work in seeking to "dispel various misunderstandings" about the AICF.

In the course of its letter of 11 May 2023, closing the case, OSCR stated: "We recognise that the charity trustees have gone to significant effort to communicate both the need for the AICF and to dispel various misunderstandings about the fund itself and the charity’s finances in general."

They added: "It is our view that the charity trustees have acted in line with the charity trustee duties as set out in the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005."

The AICF was established in 1933 to ensure adequate financial provision was made for retired and infirm clergy. Following extensive review, involving external professional advice, the Trustees concluded it was necessary to supplement those arrangements.

A spokesman for the Archdiocese said: "The Trustees are pleased to receive the assurance and endorsement of the Regulator. The Archdiocese has specific obligations to retired clergy and the Trustees recognised that, regrettably, the historical funding arrangements were insufficient to meet those obligations.

“The Trustees have exercised necessary and prudent financial management to address that deficiency. They have acted equitably, transparently and in line with Scots charity law and the Code of Canon Law.

“They have, moreover, gone to exceptional lengths to listen to concerns and to respond to questions in detail. We are pleased that these efforts have been acknowledged by OSCR."

The Archdiocese held meetings for each deanery in March 2023 to update them on the AICF fund. You can read the Q&A pack here.

Erroll Bursary gives boost to theology students in Edinburgh!

A generous donation has led to the launch of a new bursary that will support students of a Catholic theology course in Edinburgh.

The Erroll Bursary Fund will contribute £500 towards fees on the two-year Master’s Degree in Theology at St Mary's University's Gillis Centre Campus.

The University itself will match each successful bursary application with a further £500.

It comes following a donation of £8,000 from the Honourable Peregrine Moncreiffe to the university's Gillis Campus.

Investment banker Peregrine Hay (main image, inset) became chief of Clan Moncreiffe in 1998.

A practicing Catholic, he is known as Moncreiffe of that Ilk after his clan link was recognised by the Lord Lyon. He is also the feudal baron of Easter Moncreiffe, the clan seat, in Perthshire.

Angus Hay (main image, right) representing his kinsman, made the donation this week at St Bennet's, the home of Archbishop Leo Cushley.

Mr Hay said: "This theology course is a wonderful way for people to advance in their knowledge and love of the Catholic faith.

“Peregrine became aware of it and wanted to make a donation so that the Erroll Bursary could be set up to give a helping hand to prospective students.”

I am very grateful to the Honourable Peregrine Moncreiffe for this kind and timely donation.

The fund is so-called due to the Hay family’s links with the Earl of Erroll title which goes back many centuries (Peregrine’s brother is the present 24^th Earl of Erroll).

Archbishop Leo Cushley (main image, left) said: "The cost of fees for the Master's course can be a challenge for some students, so the Erroll Bursary Fund will allow us to offer them a contribution to the cost.

“That means greater accessibility to a qualification that provides an invaluable way for Catholics to hone and widen their understanding of the Catholic Faith at our Gillis Campus.

"I am very grateful to the Honourable Peregrine Moncreiffe for this kind and timely donation."

A spokesperson for St Mary's University said: “We are delighted and honoured by the generosity of the Hon. Peregrine Moncreiffe.

"Enabling people to study on the MA in Applied Catholic Theology will greatly aid the shared endeavour of St Mary’s University with the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh, to equip the faithful to be of service to the Church and the world – an exciting opportunity we want to be open to as many people as possible.”

The MA in Applied Catholic Theology is a partnership between St Mary's University, Twickenham, and the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh.

It provides a thorough grounding in key aspects of Catholic theology, whilst developing the key skills to apply Catholic theology to the challenges and opportunities of the contemporary world. Teaching is flexible and the course is suitable for graduates of most academic disciplines.

To apply for the course and to find out more about the Errol Bursary Fund, visit stmarys.ac.uk/Edinburgh

Committed Kathleen receives Archdiocesan Medal

A parishioner in Broxburn has received a special award for her generous contribution to parish life.

Kathleen Steyn received the Archdiocesan Medal from Archbishop Cushley of St Andrews & Edinburgh following Mass at Ss John Cantius & Nicholas, Broxburn, on Sunday evening.

For many years Kathleen, 80, has worked to raise funds for various projects including Mary’s Meals for which she organised thousands of backpacks to support its annual appeal.

Very pleased to award Kathleen Steyn the Archdiocesan Medal for her outstanding service at Ss John Cantius & Nicholas in Broxburn. pic.twitter.com/pUPx4z0QHv

— Archbishop Leo Cushley (@leocushley) October 8, 2019

Parish priest Father Jeremy Bath said: “Kathleen has been a committed member of the parish community for many years. She attends Mass daily and has raised thousands of pounds for charity, including Mary’s Meals. She also visits the sick and housebound on a regular basis.”

Archbishop Leo Cushley added: “It is always encouraging to meet parishioners who are so committed to Christ through the work they do in the parish and wider community.

“Kathleen is a worthy recipient of this medal and I’d like to thank her on behalf of the Archdiocese for her positive contribution in helping others over so many years.”

Frank Nelson, Head of Fundraising at Mary’s Meals, said: “Warmest congratulations to Kathleen on being awarded the Archdiocesan medal. Mary’s Meals feeds more than 1.5 million hungry children in 18 countries across the world every school day.

"Thanks to dedicated supporters such as Kathleen, those children - who might otherwise be begging, working or scavenging for their next meal - are sitting in classrooms with full stomachs, learning how to read and write.”

The Archdiocesan Medal for Outstanding Service to the Church was established in 1975 by Cardinal Gordon Joseph Gray, Archbishop of St Andrews & Edinburgh.